High Hampton, in the mountains of Cashiers, North Carolina, is as much about the setting as the hotel itself. The historic inn, cottages, lake, and mountain backdrop give the property a stunning setting, with plenty of reasons to spend your entire stay right there without leaving the property.
High Hampton is a historic mountain resort with nostalgic summer-camp vibe. Originally built in 1933, the property’s 2021 overhaul brought new owners from Blackberry Farm into the picture, adding a new layer of comfort and attention to design while preserving much of what made High Hampton special in the first place. There’s history here, but also a really thoughtful evolution.
We spent a few days here this summer and will definitely be back. It was incredibly peaceful and relaxing and a great place to slow down and recharge I also think it would be a great choice for families, with spacious cottages to accommodate a crowd and plenty of fun, throwback activities for all ages.
Getting There
High Hampton is located in Cashiers, in western North Carolina. For Charlotte readers, it’s about three hours, making it a manageable option for a long weekend.
The Resort
The resort stretches across 1,400 acres, with Hampton Lake and the silhouettes of Rock Mountain and Chimney Top defining the view. The historic inn anchors the property, with bark exterior, wide porches, and lots of red rocking chairs.
There’s a throwback quality to the whole property that’s part of its charm. Electronics take a back seat, with old-school games in the lobby living area inviting you to sit down and spend time together. It has a bit of a Dirty Dancing summer-camp feel—mountain scenery, days by the lake, and getting dressed for dinner.
Design-wise, the renovation is interesting. The Blackberry Farm Design team incorporated original furnishings, antiques, and vintage pieces into the refreshed interiors. Some of the inn’s old doors were even repurposed into coffee tables—a small detail, but an example of how the property’s history was carried forward.
Wood paneling and weathered surfaces are married with more contemporary comforts. The mix gives the spaces a collected quality, with enough variation to keep them interesting. For anyone who appreciates interiors, there’s a lot to appreciate in the approach.
The Amenities
The Lake & Pool
The water is a big part of the experience here. Guests have access to both the freshwater lake and the pool, so an afternoon can be as active or as quiet as you’d like. Canoes, kayaks, and equipment are provided, which makes getting out on the lake easy.
The pool actually overlooks the lake, keeping that mountain-and-water backdrop in view even when your plans are limited to a lounger and a drink.
Hiking & The Grounds
There’s plenty to explore on foot here. There are lots of nature trails, guided hikes, and gardens, offering different ways to enjoy the grounds. But one of the best features has to be the day beds sprinkled everywhere across the property – a great way to spend an afternoon!
Golf, Tennis & Wellness
The Tom Fazio-designed, 18-hole golf course is a major feature of the property. Tennis, pickleball, and croquet round out the outdoor options, while fitness classes and spa treatments offer other ways to spend a morning or afternoon. There’s quite a bit here for a group with different interests.
The Rooms
Accommodations are spread between the historic inn and the surrounding cottages, with cottage suites also available. The interiors continue the property’s mix of traditional mountain character and color, rather than following a uniform hotel-room formula.
We stayed in the historic inn. Our room, below, was large and the renovation added large bathrooms and closets into each space. We were very comfortable there!
Restaurants & Bars
Dining is a substantial part of High Hampton’s offering. The two main restaurants at the inn are The Dining Room and The Tavern, with additional dining options available through the property’s Residential Membership Club. The overall focus is regional cooking, supported by wine and cocktail programs.
The Dining Room
The Dining Room is the more dressed-up option. Wood paneling and a stone fireplace give the space its historic character, while blue chandeliers and modern artwork introduce color. Large windows look out toward the grounds and Rock Mountain. Dinner is a three-course prix fixe menu, with Southern influences and ingredients from the Blue Ridge region.
The Tavern
The Tavern is the more casual option, located on the inn’s first floor with a shaded terrace overlooking the lake. It serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner on select evenings.
We ate there a good bit! Menus include breakfast favorites, pizzas, salads, burgers, and shareable plates. The terrace is gorgeous, overlooking the mountain backdrop. Everything we had here was good.
Halsted House
Halsted House is another option for a nicer dinner, with indoor and outdoor dining overlooking Hampton Lake and Chimney Top Mountain. The setting is a big part of the appeal, with a good bar, too. The menu combines familiar favorites with seasonal dishes and a focus on local ingredients. There’s also an extensive selection of wines by the glass and bottle, alongside classic and more creative cocktails.
Other Dining Options
Other dining options include Range House, a casual spot for burgers, lighter bites, and drinks overlooking the golf practice facility and Whiteside Mountain. And, the seasonal Mitch’s Lakeside is an easy option for lunch, snacks, and poolside drinks when you’re spending the afternoon by the water.
Keep in mind: restaurant schedules vary by season and day of the week. If dinner in The Dining Room is a priority, check its opening nights before choosing your dates.
High Hampton brings together several special things: a charming but high-end historic property, thoughtful interiors, throwback outdoor activities, and dining that gives the evenings their own sense of occasion. There’s enough available to keep a weekend full, with an equally good case for leaving part of it open…
Cheers!
xx—BB
our friends got married there and your description is totally right — we all said we felt like we were at adult summer camp for the weekend! xo