Step Back in Time at This Luxury Cabin-Themed Mountain Resort
Dunton Hot Springs, Relais & Chateaux, the storied 1800s mining town turned luxury mountain resort, proudly announces the completion of a multi-million dollar, phased renovation project that concluded with a refresh of its storied Potter House. Photos by Adrian Gaut.
This thoughtfully sequenced transformation, spanning three years, has breathed new life into Dunton’s most iconic structures while preserving the soulful character that has made the property a cult favorite among discerning travelers.
“This restoration has been about breathing new energy into the bones of Dunton while keeping its soul intact,” said Christina Rossi of Dunton Destinations. “From updating newer cabins to reconfiguring and re-imagining older accommodations, our goal was to offer a more cohesive experience regardless of which historic cabin guests call home.”
The restoration project, which began with enhancements to guest cabins, communal spaces, and the property’s historic Saloon, preserved Dunton’s storied charm while incorporating modern touches that enhance the overall guest experience. Lauded London-based firm Waldo Works oversaw the most significant aspects of Dunton’s reimagining, with Christina Rossi, Director of Interior Design, and the property’s in-house team undertaking strategic updates and creative direction.
Signature upgrades include:
The Saloon and Dance Hall
The redesigned Saloon and Dance Hall at Dunton Hot Springs celebrates the property’s communal spirit with a fresh culinary focus and open, welcoming design. Anchored by a custom-built Molteni range in the heart of the Saloon, the space invites guests to engage with the culinary team in a more immersive and intimate dining experience. Enhancements to the adjoining Dance Hall include a new wine cellar, expanded gathering areas, layered lighting, and thoughtful details that honor the building’s 19th-century roots while supporting contemporary social rituals.
Notably, the original bar, an iconic centerpiece of Dunton’s heritage featuring Butch Cassidy’s carved signature, remains untouched, preserving the soul of the space. Handcrafted materials and thoughtfully curated Western and contemporary art and antiques add texture and authenticity, making the Saloon and Dance Hall the resort’s lively, soulful heart where stories are shared over award-winning cuisine. An upstairs private dining and lounge space was designed in collaboration with Martina Mondadori of Cabana, adding a more intimate layer to the experience.
Chuck’s Cabin
Originally constructed over 130 years ago, Chuck’s Cabin is the first new guest cabin added to Dunton since opening more than 20 years ago (it is one of the original structures in the town), and was meticulously restored by Waldo Works. The design preserves original elements like the hand-hewn log walls while introducing warm, natural textures, custom-built furniture, a wood-burning stove, and a new wide-plank oak floor.
One of the largest accommodations at Dunton, the four-bedroom, multi-level Chuck’s Cabin at 1,620 sq ft is perfect for families or groups of friends and features three floors and a daylight basement. On the main floor, guests enjoy a Queen bedroom accommodation with an en-suite bathroom. On the top floor, a King bedroom features an en-suite bathroom with a luxurious soaking tub, complemented by a spacious rain shower tiled in turquoise blue.
The daylight basement features two bedrooms with bunk beds in each, plus a large bathroom with a separate tub and shower. The cozy living room features a wood-burning stove and large windows with views of the serene mountain surroundings and the babbling Dolores River.
Major Ross
Major Ross Cabin fuses rustic Western heritage with bold contemporary interiors. The design features textured fabrics, and sculptural lighting, alongside custom furniture that nods to both frontier living and global craftsmanship. Playful yet refined, the space creates a warm, layered aesthetic that elevates the historic miner’s cabin into a luxurious and artful mountain retreat. Thoughtful lighting design adds intimacy and drama, while curated decor elements evoke a sense of living history. It’s a distinctive, high-design statement that still feels perfectly in tune with Dunton’s rustic sophistication.
Take a tour of the bedrooms here:
Well House
Featuring an on-demand hot spring & cold plunge, Well House is one of Dunton’s most unique cabins. It offers a truly private setting for guests seeking a bliss-filled hot spring experience. As part of the renovation, Well House cabin’s behind-the-scenes infrastructure was upgraded to provide a more seamless bathing experience. Additionally, its design and decor were refreshed to align with the reimagined accommodations throughout the property.
Potter House
The newly refreshed Potter House, one of Dunton’s most iconic and spacious accommodations, underwent a meticulous redesign of its bathrooms and soft goods to enhance its standing as a family favorite. With five spacious bedrooms, expansive living areas, and sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness, Potter House offers a unique setting ideal for multi-generational groups, creative retreats, or couples seeking immersive privacy. The Potter House renovation was led internally by Dunton Management Company’s Managing Partner, Christina Rossi, marking a more personal and hands-on culmination to the property’s multi-year transformation.
With the completion of the Potter House and the revitalization of key historic structures, Dunton Hot Springs enters a new era, one that honors its storied past while embracing thoughtful evolution. From intimate cabins like Chuck’s to boldly reimagined spaces like the Major Ross Cabin, and from a re-energized hum of the Saloon to each transformation reflects a deep commitment to craftsmanship, comfort, and character. As ever, Dunton remains a rare retreat where luxury is defined not by excess, but by authenticity, serenity, and a true sense of place.
