In Garadna valley at the confluence of Szinva and Garadna streams a smaller natural lake was formed, which was artificially dammed in 1813 to supply the iron furnace with the necessary amount of water.

Count András Bethlen decided in the 1890s to build a state resort near Lake Hámori. The place was named after his niece, Erzsébet (nicknamed: "Lilla") Vay.