High Hampton’s Intimate Allure

Since its opening in the early 1920s, High Hampton resort has been one of Cashiers, North Carolina’s most treasured landmarks. Long adored for its rustic charm, the Blue Ridge Mountain destination has hosted countless families for blissful summer getaways, many returning for generations. This year, however, the property underwent a stunning transformation when three passionate groups—the team behind Walland, Tennessee’s Blackberry Farm, Arlington Family Offices, and Daniel Communities—stepped in to revitalize the Inn and Club and modernize the property’s amenities. The final result, which reopened in the spring of 2021, preserves High Hampton’s storied history and original architecture while enhancing its magic with a refreshed design and an elevated hospitality experience. 

Photo: courtesy of high hampton

A room at the Inn.

Along with the renovation came another big change: Thanks to a few thoughtful updates, the resort can now welcome guests year-round for the first time in its history. While summer remains a glorious time at High Hampton, visitors will find that the “off-season” is filled with wonders of its own. During North Carolina’s cooler months, the resort becomes a warm, storybook retreat, and the perfect setting for a restorative escape.  

Upon check-in, guests will be shown to their accommodations—either a room on the historic Inn’s second floor, a cottage room just steps from the main building, or one of High Hampton’s private cottage suites. Each option has its own charming features; Inn rooms, ranging in size and layout, feel cozy and filled with character, and cottage rooms exude both rusticity and elegance, with unique details such as attached sunrooms. One of the most coveted choices, however, may be the Log Cabin. Just beyond the property’s entrance, this special secluded space provides an ideal haven for two, complete with a private porch and a soaking tub. 

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A room in one of the private cottage suites.

While High Hampton certainly has its draws in the warmer months—golf on the Tom Fazio–designed course, pool and lakefront activities, hikes throughout the property’s 1,400 lush acres, and tennis on one of five professional courts, to name a few—fall and winter offer no shortage of things to do. Dotted with fireplaces, firepits, and signature red rocking chairs, the grounds are rife with comfortable places to settle in with a coffee or a glass of wine, drinking in the scenery and the crisp Appalachian air. For guests looking to get moving, the resort’s state-of-the-art fitness studio hosts daily classes such as yoga and Pilates, and encompasses a fully appointed gym with Technogym equipment and Peloton bikes. For a quieter day, the Inn spa at High Hampton beckons with countless ways to relax. Overlooking the mountains from the Inn’s top floor, the peaceful oasis boasts a wide range of facials, massages, and other rejuvenating treatments. 

Dining at High Hampton is also a memorable affair. The resort hosts five inviting restaurants that were completely reimagined during the renovation, each with distinct menus, carefully curated wine and cocktail programs, and breathtaking mountain vistas. While a thread of locally sourced, regionally inspired cuisine runs through all of the establishments, each has a unique feel. With both breakfast and evening services, the Dining Room, for instance, has been a staple of the property for nearly a hundred years. There, the dishes are fresh and inventive yet decidedly Southern, ranging from North Carolina trout to lamb with grits and greens. Meanwhile, the Tavern offers a more relaxed atmosphere and a slate of elevated comfort dishes: Think artisan pizzas, a rainbow of salads, and classic burgers with hand-cut fries.  In addition, High Hampton’s three private Club restaurants—Halsted House, Range House, and Mitch’s Lakeside—welcome Inn guests as well as members, rounding out the diverse array of dining options on-site. 

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Setting up for dinner.

From the resort’s early days to this burgeoning new era, one thing has always been true of High Hampton: It’s a place that guests love to rediscover, returning to its beauty year after year. This season, longtime visitors and first-time travelers alike are invited to see the destination with fresh eyes—perhaps starting a beloved new tradition along the way. To plan your trip, visit highhampton.com.

Photo: courtesy of high hampton

The Inn.