ABOUT

      We are launching the Scotia Lodge Swim Club as Humboldt County’s newest community-minded space. The new pool, hot tub and deck will be seamlessly integrated into the existing historic building and grounds the  Scotia Lodge- incorporating our heritage trees, lawn, and architecture. Introducing this new concept to a century-old hotel will breathe new life into a long-cherished community gathering space.

    We envision a Swim Club that hosts swim lessons, fitness classes, meetings, birthday parties, and quiet mornings by the pool. Humboldt County is a rural and remote part of California, with only one community pool. There is absolutely nothing like this in our region, and we believe this crowdfunding campaign will create a space for community health and wellness as well as an innovative venue for social and professional gatherings.

     We have the designs and plans, but we need you to help open the Scotia Lodge Swim Club in 2022. 

Won’t you dive in with us?

THE PLANS

The Swim Club will be located near what was once the World’s Largest Redwood Mill, so it is only fitting that the entire sun deck be constructed of redwood. This local material matches the rest of the Lodge and is naturally mold resistant which makes it ideal to use as a deck that surrounds a pool and hot tub. The pool and hot tub will be from Mod Pools which repurposes shipping containers. Each pool houses it’s own heating system which makes them more efficient than traditional pools.  To see our Phase 2 Plans, click here.

THE HISTORY

      Since its creation,  The Scotia Lodge has hosted locals and travelers from all around the world. Originally built in 1923 as The Mowatoc Hotel, the hotel was likened to a small-scale version of “the grand resort hotels of the national parks” and served as a stagecoach stop between the Bay Area and Eureka. Later, it became the Scotia Inn and was a centerpiece of the region, hosting guests from all over the world, grand weddings, and holiday celebrations. 

      Over the years, the Scotia Inn was neglected. In 2018, it closed its doors. Humboldt Social purchased the hotel from The Town of Scotia in early 2021 and has carefully restored the space while preserving its historic integrity, including the Craftsman-era woodwork and antique clawfoot tubs. We renamed the hotel the Scotia Lodge as a nod to the hotel’s home in the heart of Redwood Country.

The Scotia Lodge features 22 guest rooms, a grand lobby, ballroom, dining lounge, indoor and outdoor event spaces, and the Main + Mill restaurant and bar. Named after the intersection where the Lodge sits, Main + Mill serves classic road food (salads, burgers, and filling entrees) and craft Americana cocktails in its full bar.  It has never had a pool and with the addition of the swimming pool, hot tub, and sundeck (all connected to the outdoor lawn area), we will create the ultimate Humboldt hangout spot.

THE PLACE

 The Scotia Lodge is located in Scotia, California in Humboldt County, nestled among the redwoods that it was built from. We acknowledge and appreciate that the building is situated on the territory of the Sinkyu-ne (Sinkyone) Peoples. We believe that this land was called Tokenewolok by the Wiyot and Kahs-cho ken-tel-te by the Lolahnkok Sinkyone. We are grateful to be able to work on Sinkyu-ne lands and strive to be good guests.

Surrounded by the Avenue of the Giants and tucked into the banks of the Eel River, the town of  Scotia is the perfect spot to view the sunset over the Lost Coast mountain range. Scotia is close to the farms of Southern Humboldt where the climate is ideal for producing cannabis, wine and organic produce. It’s location right off of  Highway 101 makes it a convenient location for those experiencing the endless natural wonders of the Redwoods State and National Parks.

THE TEAM

      At Humboldt Social, we create hospitality spaces that connect travelers with our local community. We see crowdsourcing as an extension of that community building. Humboldt Social is a Humboldt-County based hospitality group. Co-Founders Amy and Jon O’Connor lead the team behind two boutique hotels, waterfront cabins, and three restaurants and bars. Our design aesthetic highlights the history and beauty of the North Coast, with an emphasis on reclaimed materials, vintage furnishings, greenery, and lots of natural light. All of our spaces are designed to be welcoming and low-key retreats from daily life. To learn more, visit www.humboldt-social.com

Sunset at the Humboldt Bay Social Club (photo by Macy Brisben)

QUALIFICATIONS

      Humboldt Social creates unique lodging, dining, and event spaces that welcome visitors like family. We curate authentic, integrated travel experiences that reflect the richness of our region. We are passionate about introducing our guests to Humboldt’s unique resources- our redwoods, beaches, cannabis farms, and creative community. Our team loves living and working in Humboldt County, and has been an integral part of the restoration of each element of the Lodge. Other projects include the restoration of a World War II blimp base on the Samoa peninsula into the Humboldt Bay Social Club, and the creation of the Papa & Barkley Social space in Eureka. The Scotia Lodge and the Scotia Lodge Swim Club is our most exciting project yet.