The Bath House now has new owners
by Kate Shunney
After running her Fairfax Street spa and bath shop for nearly 15 years, Maria Spencer has sold The Bath House to a Morgantown couple who fell in love with Berkeley Springs and wanted to relocate here.
Dawn and Jim Forsythe fulfilled their dream of living in Morgan County this past weekend when they took ownership of The Bath House and its building across from Berkeley Springs State Park.
Spencer has been a client at Morgantown's Mackadoo's Hair Design, which Dawn Forsythe has managed for several years. When Spencer told Forsythe that her spa business in Berkeley Springs was for sale, the Forsythe's saw an opportunity to make Morgan County their home.
"It just seemed like an ideal situation," Forsythe said. "We're excited."
The couple had bought a house shell in Cacapon South last year and planned to finish the home as a weekend and summer place. Running The Bath House will bring the Forsythe's to the area on a more full-time basis.
Jim Forsythe, who is involved in the trucking and construction industries, will slowly phase out of his businesses in Morgantown and turn his attention to finishing the couple's house and updating some things at The Bath House, he said.
But other than a few upgrades, no one should notice that the shop has changed hands, he said. The shop's employees and massage therapists will remain under the new management, and the entire bath-related inventory conveyed with the business.
"We want people to feel like Maria is still here," said Mr. Forsythe.
Spencer said she will work with the Forsythe's for a few months to help them make a smooth transition into the business.
"You will see the same familiar faces behind the desk and all the massage therapists you have come to know over the years will still be practicing their healings arts at The Bath House Health Center," said Spencer.
Spencer also wants customers to know that all outstanding gift certificates will be honored as long as they're current, and any certificates that expired in the last 60 days can receive a month's extension.
Spencer and husband Albert intend to spend their new-found time visiting grandchildren and great grandchildren in California and just taking it easy, she said.
The Bath House will continue to be open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Customers can reach the shop at 304-258-9071 or 1-800-431-4698.
