[3] The springs bearing the name of the property's first owner, John Bladon, were opened as a spa by James Conner in 1838.

Travelers from near and far were drawn by the mineral content of the spring water, which was thought to possess healing qualities.

After building cottages that could accommodate one hundred guests, Conner improved his spa in 1846 with a grand Greek Revival–style hotel that could house 200 more people.

[2] The structure featured a full-length, two-story veranda across its front, ballroom, bowling alley, billiard room, hotel bar, and skating rink.

The cottages were eventually demolished or moved, leaving the pavilion over the main spring as the only remaining original structure.