Gilmer Lodge

Original Log and Chink Cottages Turned Single-Family Lodge

Skinned of their bark, and saddle notched, these picture-perfect log and chink cabins nestled beneath an old-growth tree canopy were the generational getaway of the Gilmer family, for whom this thoroughly modernized lodge was named.

With the characteristic charms of originals by Joe Webb (an independent builder who popularized the rustic log cottages in the region and developed a namesake community, Webbmont, there in the 1920s), the updated cottages function as a single home, connected by an external wrap-around porch, and are a part of the original Webbmont community.

The front cabin features a king-sized bedroom and mezzanine sleeping loft set with a “short” full-sized bed for children. A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace anchors the open-plan cabin, and a luxurious bath with a soaking tub and oversized shower (with a wall of windows into the dense woods) punctuates the space. The back house features the original stone fireplace, a new eat-in kitchen with a banquette for six and top-of-line culinary brands including Subzero and Bertazzoni, and a queen bedroom with an ensuite bath and rain shower. An exterior path leads downstairs to a refurbished cellar, where twin beds are tastefully built in under gorgeous wallpaper, and a powder room and laundry closet complete the space.

An outdoor hot tub is tucked under the trees, a fire pit is surrounded by Adirondack chairs and deep woods, and a wrap-around covered porch, open deck and classic Southern screened porch (featuring limb and twig railings) make "sitting a spell" a favored pastime.

Around

Established in 1875 as a resort community on one of the then highest plateaus in the United States, Highlands, North Carolina, soon developed into a fashionable summer community for affluent families from South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana and other southern states, who sought out the cooler mountain climate for summer holidays. The area is famed for its heritage, Rustic style, log and limb cabins, an architectural style that grew intentionally out of the Arts and Crafts tradition, especially in mountain resort areas, and focused on the use of local natural materials such as logs, native stone, branches, bark and twigs.

Highlands is aptly named, located at an elevation of over 4,000 feet in southern Appalachia’s Nantahala National Forest. The lodge is located in the traditional Webbmont Community. Enter the classic woodsy resort past a horse barn, community garden and dozens of Joe Webb original designs, all designated Highlands’ classics. Since its early days, Highlands has been promoted as a wellness resort—a town to visit to let go of the stresses of the rest of the world and focus on healthy outdoor recreation. Once named “America’s Best Mountain Town” by Travel + Leisure, its terrain includes a temperate rainforest, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, and dozens of hiking and walking trails, from easy out-and-backs to more strenuous summit loops. Fly fishing and bird watching are popular activities, and the region boasts a stunning biodiversity of both plant and wildlife. This is bear and bobcat country, though you’re more likely to sight raccoon, otter, snake or fox, and deer are abundant.

Location

Nearest airport: Asheville Regional (1.5 hours); Atlanta International (2.5 hours)

Best time to visit

Spring through fall