A New Chapter: Rosa's Bedroom Suite Opens at the Castle
Last Sunday, we gathered at the Berkeley Springs Castle for a moment we have been working toward for months: the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Rosa's Bedroom Suite.
The morning was bright, the brunch was elegant, and the company was extraordinary. We were humbled to be joined by so many who have made this restoration possible—our most dedicated volunteers, our generous donors, and representatives from the Town Council and County Commission. Their presence was a reminder that this Castle belongs to this community.
After gathering in the Great Hall, guests were ushered to the second floor reading room for a champagne brunch. The table was beautiful, but the conversation was even better. I had the privilege of offering a short speech thanking everyone for their trust, their time, and their treasure—the three things that make work like this possible.
Denise Selby, who has been a driving force in this project, took a moment to offer a special thank you to Mindy Dunnigan and Cathie Yard-Hansler for their extraordinary volunteer efforts. Their dedication has been nothing short of heroic.
Then, joined by Denise and fellow board member Justin Spielman, I cut the ribbon. Applause. Smiles. Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for: the doors to Rosa's Bedroom Suite swung open.
A Space Unseen for 30 Years
This wing of the Castle has been closed to the public for more than three decades. Walking into it now, you would never know the work it required.
The suite is light and airy, with soaring ceilings and enormous windows that flood the space with natural light. Unlike the rougher stone walls elsewhere in the Castle, this wing was originally plastered, giving it a softer, more refined feel. Two twelve-foot pocket doors allow the space to be divided into three distinct rooms—or opened into one grand gathering space.
The southernmost room is particularly special. It sits in the middle floor of the tower and features a charming round room that feels like a secret.
The restoration work focused entirely on repairs. Previous roof leaks had damaged large sections of plaster, which have now been carefully repaired. The wing has been painted and thoroughly cleaned, but otherwise left unfurnished—ready to serve as a flexible space for private bookings, meetings, luncheons, or bridal portraits. A lovely antique Eastlake bedroom set provides a quiet nod to the era.
Now Open to the Public
We are thrilled to announce that Rosa's Bedroom Suite is now part of our regularly scheduled historical tours. Visitors can finally see this long‑hidden wing and imagine the Castle as it once was—and as it will be, for generations to come.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible. The Castle is a treasure because of you.
