We have had a nice Gap Year, and what a year it has been!
Selling Normandy Farms in Colorado was one of our water shed
moments this past year. With that experience and a partnership nightmare, we
had, come to believe the worst in those we did business with. It was better for
us to be “on strike” rather than deal with the looters who would like moral
permission from their victims. We have discovered lots of takers and few
givers, and so we decided to lay low, resolve our situations and investigate
what in the world to do. We way too young to be on strike forever, but also way
too seasoned to believe in or rely on anyone but ourselves.
We investigated many choices in the past year, traveling as
far as Chile looking for a place that would be conducive to ending our strike.
We had intense interest in Ecuador, the least socialist of our choices besides
the United States. Sometime ones travels
both far and wide lead back to a place closer at hand. And so, as we sought to move
ahead on other projects, we discovered where the heck Tallulah Falls is. We were
drawn to the “Grand Canyon of the East” and the surrounding area in the
mountains of North Georgia, as we progressed on our daughters decision to
attend Tallulah Falls School.
While traveling in the area amongst the many lakes, rivers,
natural beauty and of course the rainiest area east of the Mississippi River we
discovered unique towns, friendly people and fine Georgia wineries. While
exploring and investigating in April we happened upon a new challenge and
lifestyle in a gap in the mountains of Georgia, not far from the North Carolina
and South Carolina borders. We discovered Georgia’s oldest Bed and Breakfast
Inn was in search of new owners and a new direction.
The York House Inn, located in Rabun Gap is nearest Clayton
Georgia and Franklin North Carolina. The York House is Georgia's oldest Inn,
listed on the National Register of Historic places. The farmhouse itself dates
to 1846 and was constructed from Chestnut logs, then covered with pine plank
siding. The logs are unique as American Chestnut trees were killed off in blight
in the 1920s. Chestnut beams and the original dove-tailed log construction can
be viewed in the gifts area and in the former servants quarters, now
refurbished, on the lower level. In this area of Georgia, farming was the
primary goal, with the York farm producing barley, corn and rye. Originally the
Inn was purpose built to house workers for the railroad and then catering to
travelers or boarders on the Tallulah Falls Railroad.
During its early history the Inn was described as “the large
ideal country home with a farm run in connection with the house where all kinds
of fresh vegetables are raised: chicken and fresh meats daily, milk and butter
in plenty”. Amenities included “tennis court, mountain spring water, large
verandas, shade trees, free access to grape, plum and apple orchards and a new
system of hot and cold waterworks and bathrooms on each floor.” The York House Inn was added to the National
Register of Historic Places in 1982. The Inn was accepted to the Register for
its evolution from log cabin to Victorian Inn, landscape architecture making
use of the aesthetic features and natural setting, it’s significant association
with railroad commerce and finally due to the Gibson and York family
significance in local politics.
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| Tallulah Falls |
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| Original York House c 1896 |
The York House design reflects similar hotels of the day,
however most examples of the “Resort Era” were
located in town square areas and
not rural adaptations. Most are long gone. The landscaping and building
orientation and well known two story porch make for excellent views of the
Little Tennessee River Valley. Railroads
have long been a part of Rabun County history, and therefore, that of the York House
as well. The York House and its long gone dance pavilion were a community
gathering place. The Gibson and York family members were active in local
politics The Inn has hosted famous guests, including Walt Disney and Joel
Chandler Harris. Also, scenes from the films Deliverance (1972) and the Great
Locomotive Chase (1956) and The Great Train Robbery (1903) have been filmed
here.
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| York House view |
So leaving what life remained in Colorado, we will be
relocating to The York House Inn at the beginning of August. We will be making excellent use of our
hospitality training in our pre-re opening plans as we look forward to acclimating
to our new surroundings while undertaking a series of upgrades. We will be
adding such wonders of the 21st century as new heating and air
conditioning systems, adding both natural gas and city water to our well
system. We will also develop a complete website, reservations, property
management system and global distribution systems. We are hard at work on new
marketing materials required of a fine Inn. We will complete these nitty gritty
items in short order as we also update each of the thirteen guest rooms, and
enhance the hospitality of the parlor and dining area and porches.
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| York House Inn c 1918 |
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| Tallulah Railroad |
We have a
terrific meeting and social area, both inside and out, so small social or
business groups and certainly weddings will be drawn to the York House Inn.
Kitchen duties include developing our new complete breakfast menu while also
getting very excited about Georgia wines and hor d oeuvres to accompany them
and a monthly food and wine dinner series.
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| Lower Level for meetings |
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| Spring House circa 1890 |
The natural wonders of our own 4.5 acre forest complete with
pre-civil war spring house will certainly only enhance our appreciation for the
mountains of North Georgia. There will be no resting under the Georgia Champion
Norway Spruce trees, the largest tree specimen of their kind in Georgia, at the
front of the Inn, nor playing on our own shuffle board court. Future plans include not only the future bar
area, but also restoring the York House Inn one acre garden. The garden will
allow for tons of tractor fun as it has been grown over for over fifty years.
Renovating the farm will restore one of the significant self-sustaining
elements to the York House and guests. Restoring the orchard and providing
organic foods will return the York House Inn to its original
characteristics.
So as all can see, our year is not just a gap year but also
a leap year as we embark on yet another way of life. We hope you will all keep
in touch with our updates and we look forward to welcoming you on your travels
to our little slice of country in Georgia. We welcome you to visit the York House Inn blog for continuing account of our adventures!
Stan and Christine Penton
The York House Inn
416 York House Road
Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568
Coming soon: (706) 746-2068
Coming soon: www.yorkhouseinn.com
