Dr. Jake Michel, owner of the former Richmond Hill Inn, purchased the historic property in 1986 and held ownership until 2005. Under his and his wife, Marge Michel's ownership, the property expanded to 40 additional acres and transformed into a Four Star, Four Diamond hotel and restaurant in Asheville.

In 2011, the property was purchased by OM Sanctuary, a non-profit holistic education retreat center. The Serenity Garden and Grounds will be open starting at 10 AM for those who would like to pay tribute to Jake. At 11:30 AM, OM Sanctuary will host a fifteen minute silent meditation to honor Jake Michel's life and contributions with closing words by OM Sanctuary President, Shelli Stanback, at 11:45 AM. OM Sanctuary will provide a book for guests to write their stories and memories of Jake and the Richmond Hill Inn that will then be given to the Michel family as a token of community gratitude. A history table will be set up with Richmond Hill Items for guests to peruse.

For more information write to [email protected] or visit the website at www.omsanctuary.org

OM Sanctuary is located off Riverside Drive, across the Pearson Bridge. Follow Richmond Hill Inn signs to 87 Richmond Hill Inn, Asheville, NC.

(Image provided by Dignity Memorial.)

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