GENERAL INFO
About Us
Our Story
A Long History
Mercey Hot Springs is located in the northwest corner of Fresno County approximately 13 miles west of I-5 on Little Panoche Rd. (A.k.a. J1). Little Panoche Rd. was originally a stage coach route used by many of the early California pioneers, in particular those people that were doing business with the nearby new Idria (Quicksilver) mine. The Hot Springs was known about by native Indians and was shown to a man “John N. Merci” who acquired the land for the purpose of raising sheep. Merci, who had his name changed to “Mercy” to be more Americanized, sold the property in 1912 to Frederick Bourn, a San Francisco based real estate developer who is responsible for the construction of many of the buildings still existing today and now being renovated by the current owners. The buildings constructed included a hotel, an annex to the hotel and seven cabins – The hotel burned down sometime in the mid 1930’s at which time a building (known as the bath house) was built and the soaking tubs (used in the annex) were moved into the bath house. Later still, the south end of the hotel was modified to have a complete restaurant and a swimming pool was installed as well as an RV Park.
Wanting to capitalize on the medicinal qualities of the water, Bourn changed the spelling of the name to Mercey so that it could be copyrighted in order to be able to bottle the water and sell it through the Owl & Liggett pharmacies. Renovations are nearly complete for the building then used as a bottling plant, (and known as “The Springhouse”) but is now referred to as “The Chapel” since that is what it resembles.
Mission
Our mission at Mercey Hot Springs is to be an ecologically friendly, full-service, Hot Spring Resort & Spa that provides guests with a relaxing and rejuvenating retreat from the stress and chaos of everyday life.
Vision
Today our vision is to be a full-service resort that is peaceful, tranquil, pollution and toxin free while utilizing as many of nature’s own renewable resources as possible. We focus on the natural, geo-thermally heated mineral-rich water that has been used by native visitors for thousands of years.
Updated Facilities
Resort Status
With the first phase of restorations completed along with essential improvements to the facility’s infrastructure, Mercey Hot Springs is a functional, model resort for off-grid sustainable practices.
Water Analysis
Our Water
| Element | Parts per Million (ppm) | Element | Parts per Million (ppm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alumina (Al203) | 0.8 | Ammonia (NH3) | 3.0 |
| Arsenate (As203) | None | Bicarbonates (HCO3) | None |
| Borate (B407) | 37.6 | Bromides (Br) | None |
| Calcium (Ca) | 39.5 | Carbonates (CO3) | 33.0 |
| Chlorides (Cl) | 1,294.3 | Dissolved Oxygen (O2) | 6.8 |
| Iodides (I) | 0.3 | Iron Oxide (Fe203) | 0.1 |
| Lithium (Li) | None | Magnesium (Mg) | 6.8 |
| Manganese (Mn) | None | Nitrates (NO3) | None |
| Phosphates (P205) | 0.36 | Potassium (K) | 6.2 |
| Silica (Si02) | 75.6 | Sodium (Na) | 794.0 |
| Stronium (Sr) | 14.8 | Sulfates (SO4) | 1.6 |
| Vanadium (Va) | 0.1 | TOTAL SOLIDS (RESIDUE) | 2,303.2 |
Environmental Goals
LEED Certification
Mercey has set its sights on obtaining a certification in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) that includes implementation of the best solar power equipment available (much of which is currently in operation) as well as other eco-friendly materials (for renovations) and supplies (for operations) whenever possible.
While intentionally retaining much of the original early 20th century ambiance, the style and décor of many of the structures further add to the tranquil spirit guests experience during their visit(s) with us. A recent renovation of a building, justifyably named the “Phoenix”, derives its name after the well known symbol of re-birth. Phoenix occupies a portion of the land where two original buildings were built in the late 1890’s, but met their demise when they burned down in the mid 1920’s, and now house a common area library as well as two rooms that are dedicated for massage and other therapy services.
Another addition is a 1,500 sq. ft. deck called the “Pavilion” where Yoga classes and other activities, such as a variety of holistic workshops, as well as other activities can be hosted. While restoration is always preferred rather than building new, our vision also includes restoring a 1920’s vintage house that we currently refer to as the “White House”. When completed, the building will be our solution to a much needed restaurant that will serve locally sourced food along with as much organic ingredients as possible, some of which will be produced on-site for guests to enjoy.
As many of our guests realize, our progress is only possible by the continued patronage and support of our guests who visit year after year; for this, we offer our deepest gratitude!
