High Hampton Resort is finally open and ready to show off its updated look and feel. The property, which is now owned in partnership with the team behind Blackberry Farm, Arlington Family Offices and Daniel Communities, took on the challenging and sensitive role of updating this vintage historic North Carolina mountain property, giving it a modern refresh while balancing its history and community value. Originally known as High Hampton Inn, the property was first developed in 1860 as a summer retreat for General Wade Hampton. After a fire destroyed the Inn in 1932, the entire building was reconstructed and completed in 1933. For well over a century, High Hampton has been a destination that multi-generational family groups visited annuallya bit like summer camp for entire families.
When the team at Blackberry Farm undertook a complete and total refresh of the Inn they were well-aware of the resorts special place in peoples hearts. Sandy Beall, chairman and co-founder of Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain, himself owned property and spent time at the original resort. Has its essence changed? The short answer is noit remains a charming mountain gem in Western North Carolina but now enjoys the lustre of Blackberry Farms luxe sensibilities. It is not, however, Blackberry Farm 2.0.
There was no shortage of effort that went into making this resort a refined luxury offering without killing off its essential charmsthink sloping floors and weathered American chestnut ceilings meet rainfall showerheads and Frette linens. As one resort chef told me, We took the general blueprint of Blackberry and applied it with North Carolinian ingredients.
The great room still beckons for family game time, but with a better wine list and refined lounge furnishings. Culinary offerings are world-class (no more buffet) and sure to be this resorts calling card. Golf, tennis, pickle ball, some strenuous hiking, and plenty of lake activities are also on offer.
The totally refreshed interiors are the work of the Blackberry Farm Design team. The clever re-use of much of the original furniture, (including antique and vintage pieces) beautifully retains the spirit of High Hamptons historical design. Many of the main house rooms were re-configured to provide more space (and welcome sound-proofing)some rooms are a now a combination of two older rooms, offering spacious closets and completely modern bathrooms. In the process of upgrading things some of the resorts original doors were no longer needed so the design team repurposed them into eye-catching coffee tables (complete with original peephole).
Its important to note too that Blackberry Farm Design worked closely with the North Carolina Historical Preservation Office while updating and enlarging the main building guest rooms as well as the rooms in the surrounding cottages.
The greatest improvement might well be the dining experience. At the original inn all meals were included (that is still true, save for lunch). Dinner was a heaving buffet with predictable dishes. Now, the dining room is completely re-imagined, dinner is seated affair with three courses and meals are true to Blackberry Farm formoutstanding. Service is top-notch, passionate and informed, and the views out over the 35-acre lake showcase classic North Carolina scenery. Breakfast is equally decadent, best to arrive prepared to eat.
Daytime activities are the same but of much greater quality. The stunning new Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole golf course has five sets of tee boxes to accommodate every generation. A massive croquet lawn and a new lakeside pool are nice options for a quiet afternoon, or take to the lake in a kayak or canoe. Spa time or a day of shopping in Cashiers are great options as well.
There are some temporary caveats-the land adjacent to the resort is being developed into a posh residential community which means construction noise during the week (they do not work on weekends per an agreement with the resort). Id suggest booking a main house room facing the tennis courts if you stay mid-week. Hiking trails are challenging to navigate these days because of the ongoing development. The resort has posted updated temporary signs along the trails, but the access points change and there will be some walking on gravel roads to get to the next leg of the hike. Once the work is done, none of this will be relevant.
What hasnt changed is the restorative essence of this vintage mountain resort. There are still no televisions in the bedrooms, a reminder that the best amenity at High Hampton is one you cannot buy anywhere elsethe North Carolina Mountains.
