Lookout Cottages
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Your Hosts,
John and Julie Van Woy
800-738-9545
Email: lookout@ipa.net
The History of Lookout Cottages
The original owner, Julius Labsap, was afflicted by a nervous disorder and came to this area from St. Louis. He first erected a cottage, now known as the Gatehouse, for temporary use which still stands outside the gates to the Manor House. The same sweeping gates now welcome guests to the lodging quarters that are carefully appointed with antiques and memories of past residents.
Judge and Mrs. Slusser purchased the house about 1925. Judge died within two years followed by Mrs. Slusser in 1930. After two other owners occupied the property, Marge Lyon and Jedge, her husband, resided at the Manor for a number of years beginning in the nineteen forties. Marge Lyon wrote articles for the Chicago Tribune and later accepted a position with the School of the Ozarks at Branson, Missouri. As a writer, she penned the name "Sunrise Mountain Farm" to depict the Manor's rolling estate.
During the twenty some years the Lyons owned the home it was fashionable, if not a health requirement, to take advantage of the spa treatment available locally. Rejuvenating baths and massage were available at the Basin Spring Bath House where Alice Coleman, a young nurse, developed a clientele. During her long span as a health worker, Alice endeared herself to many residents including Irene Castle, a famous dancer thought to be the "Ginger Rogers" of her day. Marge Lyon also took to Alice's healing treatment.
After the Lyons sold the property, a new owner would ascribe yet another title to this home with its lovely verandas on Lookout Circle. The namesake for D'Long Manor came in 1966 when Delores H. Long purchased the residence for $16,000 in 1965. A businesswoman and artist, she used the assumed name of D'Long. From her home in Dallas, Delores wrote, “My heart is still in the Ozarks and I think I shall never get it out… I am a different person when I get there than here in Dallas.”
Joe and Sue D’Anna acquired the house in 1970 through an auction, completely remodeling and furnishing it with beautiful antiques. In addition, Joe and Sue are responsible for the stone fountain in the front yard along with the majestic black wrought iron gates that adorn the entrance to Lookout Cottages which they brought from a plantation near Memphis, Tennessee.
The next owners were James A. and Dixie Bowen. James, a music producer, operated out of the Manor house for some time. He promoted many successful musicians including Glen Campbell and Frank Sinatra. Jimmy moved to Nashville where he continued his involvement in music production. Dixie, a Eureka Springs business owner, now resides in Tulsa.
In 1981, Grace and King Gladden, and their two small children introduced the classic French Blue colors to the entire estate, greatly expanded the kitchen in the Manor house, and opened the original caregiver’s cottage, “Lookout Cottage”, as a guest accommodation. The Gatehouse followed in 1985 after Alice Coleman’s death. The Gladdens sold the estate in 1991, remained in the Eureka Springs area and are an integral part of the community.
Ray and Sara Johnson continued the restoration and preservation of the manor house and guest accommodations for another decade. Sara, an avid gardener, transformed the grounds with splendid colors and elegance. Ray and Sara retired to Holiday Island in August 2000 after John and Julie Van Woy, the current owners, purchased the property.
This is the Manor House today.