Natural Bridge, hotel, caverns and related properties to be sold

ROANOKE, Va., May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Bridge -- the world-famous Virginia landmark originally surveyed by a young George Washington and once owned by Thomas Jefferson -- is being offered for sale. Principal owner Angelo Puglisi has retained Roanoke-based Woltz & Associates to market the bridge, the 150-room hotel, Natural Bridge Caverns, and approximately 1,600 acres.

"A lot of people probably don't even realize the Natural Bridge, one of the natural wonders of the world, is privately owned, and it is a great honor to be entrusted with this treasure," said Jim Woltz, president of Woltz & Associates.

In 1774 -- two years before the Declaration of Independence -- Jefferson purchased the Natural Bridge from King George III for 20 shillings, and it attracted visitors from all over the world in the 18th and 19th centuries. The bridge -- 23 stories of solid rock that have attracted visitors from the earliest colonial days -- was named a National Landmark in 1998. Far beneath it are the Natural Bridge caverns, a major attraction in their own right. The Natural Bridge Wax Museum attracts tourists with its scenes including Washington, Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and other historical figures. The Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center offers luxury accommodations and fine dining for visitors.

"Together, these significant attractions and the hotel, coupled with the surrounding 1,600 acres -- all of which are offered for sale -- create a very unique opportunity for investors, hotel/attraction operators, conservation easement buyers and state and national parks," said Woltz.

"Mr. Puglisi, who is in his late 80s, has been a wonderful, caring owner of this property for over a quarter of a century. He has set a goal to find a new, trustworthy steward of the bridge for the generations to come," said Woltz.

"Mr. Puglisi's personal story is remarkable in its own right," said Woltz. "His father immigrated from Italy in 1901 and settled in Washington D.C. When the opportunity to purchase the Natural Bridge presented itself in the 1980s, Angelo could not believe his good fortune in being able to own such a landmark. He purchased this property with reverent respect to Thomas Jefferson and the founding fathers, who helped create the land of opportunity where he himself had his beginning."

Individuals interested in additional information on the properties may visit www.woltz.com or call 800-551-3588.

Woltz & Associates

For more information:
Carl Carter, 205-823-3273

SOURCE Woltz & Associates