The Origins - The Springs
Long before the lake, cabins, or estate existed, this land was known for something much simpler and much more enduring.
In the early to mid-1800s, settlers discovered a collection of natural springs emerging from the hillside. Over time, thirteen individual springs were identified and carefully piped, creating a steady flow of clear, fresh water. These became known as the Bethesda Springs.
People traveled from miles around to experience what were believed to be restorative waters: a place of renewal, gathering, and quiet significance.
The name Bethesda itself reflects this history. In the Bible, the Pool of Bethesda was known as a place where people gathered in hope of healing and restoration. When early settlers named this land, the connection was natural.
When Bethesda Lake was constructed in 1925, much of that early spring system was submerged. Today, eleven of the original thirteen springs remain beneath the lake, continuing to feed it from below. Two of the original springs still flow just north of the lake, quietly producing water to this day, nearly 200 years later.
The Lake & Early Resort
The lake was constructed in 1925 as part of an early resort vision that included lakeside recreation and a golf course. That vision was halted during the Great Depression.
The Watkins family later operated Lake Bethesda Resort, offering cabins and seasonal recreation until the late 1960s. Over time, the property fell into disuse and became overgrown, its natural beauty largely hidden.
A New Chapter
In 2019, Michael and Jessica Myers purchased the property with a vision to restore and reimagine what it could become.
Working alongside local craftsmen, they began bringing the land back to life, transforming it into a destination designed for connection, gathering, and shared experiences.
Today, Bethesda Lake Resort & Cabins spans more than 300 acres and continues to grow as a place for meaningful time together.
The Setting
Located in the Ouachita Mountains near Mena, Arkansas, the estate is surrounded by forests, mountain views, and open countryside.
Bordering the Ouachita National Forest, the property offers access to miles of wilderness, trails, and scenic views while remaining just minutes from town for convenience.
The Story of Villa Bethesda
In December 2024, Michael and Jessica were drawn to a separate property within the same landscape, one defined by towering hardwood trees, natural elevation, and a sense of quiet, awe-inspiring beauty.
From the moment they walked the land, it was clear this place was different. There was a feeling to it, something that aligned with the deeper story of Bethesda itself.
They were moved to purchase the property with a clear vision: to create a space where families could come together at the very beginning of something meaningful, a wedding union.
In many ways, Villa Bethesda represents a continuation of the name itself: a place of gathering, renewal, and restoration, now expressed through the coming together of two lives and two families.
The estate was designed intentionally, not just as a venue, but as a place where people stay together, share time, and experience something deeper than a single event.
A Place of Gathering, Then and Now
Long before it became a wedding estate or resort destination, this land was already a place people came to for rest, connection, and something they could not quite find anywhere else.
That idea still shapes what Bethesda is today. While the setting has evolved, the purpose has remained the same: to create a place where people come together and experience something that actually feels meaningful.