High Hampton
Nestled at the foot of a breathtaking rock face in the mountains of Cashiers, North Carolina, lies High Hampton—a storied 1,400-acre estate that has served as a sanctuary since 1922.
For nearly a century, this historic landmark was known for its "luxuriously laidback". However, in 2021, the property entered a new golden age. The leadership team behind the legendary Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain took the helm, meticulously restoring the Inn and cottages to their historic glory while infusing them with the timeless luxury and world-class culinary standards for which they are famous.
A Preservation of Spirit
The restoration of High Hampton was not an attempt to recreate the Tennessee "Blackberry" experience; rather, it was a mission to honor a North Carolina treasure. The team preserved the iconic bark-sided exterior, the wide wrap-around porches, and the original wood-paneled interiors.
Stepping into the Inn feels like stepping back in time—creaky floors and locally crafted furniture from decades past remain—but they are now paired with modern refinements like plush bedding, upgraded upholstery, renovated bathrooms, and finally, climate control. Whether you choose a room in the historic Inn or a sprawling multi-bedroom cottage like the lakeside Halsted or Hawthorn, the atmosphere is one of refined, rustic comfort.
The Culinary Heartbeat
While nature provides the backdrop, the culinary program is the resort’s true powerhouse. Led by the husband-and-wife duo of Executive Chef Scott Franqueza and Pastry Chef April Franqueza, the dining experience at High Hampton is one of the best in the country and on par with any Michelin starred and James Beard awarded restaurant I’ve been to.
But it makes sense. Chef Scott’s pedigree includes some of the world’s most elite kitchens, including the three-Michelin-star Per Se and Café Boulud in NYC. His menus are an elevated ode to the Blue Ridge Mountains—think North Carolina trout and Elysian Fields lamb reimagined with local, seasonal ingredients. Meanwhile, April (a veteran of Jacques Torres, Magnolia Bakery, and a 2025 James Beard Finalist) crafts pastries and desserts that are literal perfection.
The Dining Destinations:
The Dining Room: The Dining Room offers an elegant, elevated experience defined by historic American Chestnut paneling and massive windows that overlook a rock faced mountain and tranquil lake set on the property. During the winter months, a roaring fire is kept going in the stone hearth, adding a layer of warmth and coziness that makes the space feel impossibly intimate while you enjoy the three-course prix fixe menu.
The Ultimate Breakfast: You cannot miss a full sit-down breakfast here. Chef April’s biscuits and croissants are legendary, but the Avocado Toast is the best I’ve ever eaten—perfectly seasoned with pickled onions and thinly sliced cucumber. If you want something sweet, the fluffy pancakes with wild blueberry compote are a 10/10. Order the breakfast potatoes on the side. I’m pretty sure they are boiled and then double-fried, resulting in an insane crunch with an interior as fluffy as mashed potatoes.
Seasonal Dinner Highlights: The dinner menu is a progressive multi-course experience, starting with options like the butternut squash with curry pepitas or an onion soup topped with earthy potato hay. Others like the braised pork belly with cornbread crumb, the garden green salad with its complex smoked onion jam vinaigrette, and the textured fall endive salad with apple miso and macadamias set an even higher bar for the evening. The main event features world-class seafood dishes, including Sunburst Farms trout almondine in brown butter and pan-seared scallops with preparations like a bright yuzu jus or Southern-inspired Carolina Gold rice grits and dashi cream. If you aren’t a seafood person, the Simpson Farm’s hanger steak with black garlic or the Joyce Farms guinea hen with sweet potato pavé are deep, umami-forward standouts, while the wild mushroom risotto with brown butter pecans is a wonderful vegetarian option. The menu has been different every night that I’ve dined at the Inn though, so I never know what to expect, beyond simply a delicious meal.
Decadent Desserts: The dessert menu is the ultimate finale, where chef April Franqueza showcases her insane talent with every plate. You might find refreshing, fruit-forward options like the North Carolina apple sorbet with pavlova and ginger granita or a key lime pavlova topped with candied macadamias. For those craving something richer, the banana toffee éclair with roasted banana ice cream and the decadent Southern chocolate cake with salted caramel buttercream are absolute standouts. The kitchen leans into complex flavor pairings with dishes like the peanut chocolate crunch served with concord grape sherbet or a chocolate and pomegranate pavlova with candied pistachios. Whether it’s a tart apple and gingersnap sundae with gooey buttercake or a sophisticated chocolate hazelnut tart with banana caramel, the desserts are as creative as they are comforting, providing a flawless end to the High Hampton dining experience.
The Tavern: The Tavern serves as the more relaxed counterpart to the formal Dining Room. Tucked into the first floor of the Inn, it spills out onto a shaded terrace with stunning views of Hampton Lake. It’s the ultimate spot for a morning of biscuits and gravy, a midday lunch of inventive pizzas, or winding down with evening cocktails. During the fall, they keep the outdoor fire pit roaring, creating the perfect mountain atmosphere to linger over a drink as the air turns crisp.
The Perfect Midday Meal: The Tavern is ideal for a casual lunch or a post-adventure wind-down.
Must-Order Starter: Always start with the Smoked Trout Dip—it’s a fresh, salty, mountain classic.
Casual Favorites: While they offer inventive pizzas and seasonal bowls, you can't go wrong with their Tavern Burger or the Classic Caesar (I always add chicken). Both are expertly executed and hit the spot after a morning on the trails.
Do As Much (Or As Little) As You Like
The beauty of High Hampton lies in its versatility. Whether you are seeking a high-energy mountain adventure or want to master the art of the "signature red rocking chair," the resort’s 1,400 acres offer a rhythmic escape that shifts beautifully with the seasons.
Spring & Summer: The Peak of Adventure
When the mountain air warms, the estate truly comes to life. This is the season for vibrant greenery and sun-drenched afternoons on the water.
Hampton Lake: The heart of summer activity. Paddle the day away with kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, or find a quiet cove to fish for bass and trout.
Championship Golf: Elevate your game on the 18-hole course redesigned by the acclaimed Tom Fazio. It’s a challenging, inspiring landscape that honors the history of high-country golf.
Racquet Sports & Croquet: Step onto competition-caliber courts for a match of tennis or pickleball—a program developed under the direction of former world champion and local resident Andy Roddick. Featuring four Har-Tru clay courts and six dedicated pickleball courts, the facilities offer mountain views in every direction. For a change of pace, you can try your hand at the addictive strategy of Croquet, a time-honored High Hampton tradition perfect for a sunny afternoon on the lawn.
Dahlia Gardens & Kids Club: Stroll through the historic dahlia blooms while the younger guests head to Kids Club for playground games, guided hikes, and adventures tailored just for them.
Autumn: The Golden Reset
As the foliage turns to brilliant oranges and reds, the focus shifts to the crisp outdoors and cozy traditions.
Hiking the High Country: Explore over 15 miles of private trails, that are meticulously maintained for guests. Take a leisurely stroll on the Lakeside Trail or tackle the rewarding Chimney Trail for breathtaking summit views of the Blue Ridge peaks.
Fitness & Wellness: Crisp mornings are perfect for sunrise yoga, Pilates, or a session in the state-of-the-art Fitness Studio, outfitted with Technogym and Peloton equipment.
The Porch Tradition: This is the prime season for leaning into a "nervous system reset." Grab a blanket and a signature red rocker to watch the mist roll off Rock Mountain.
Winter: Fireside Intimacy & Holiday Magic
Winter at High Hampton is split into two distinct, magical halves: a grand holiday celebration and intimate, lodge-style getaways. It is my favorite time of year to be on the property, as it provides a quiet moment to unwind.
A High Hampton Christmas: During December, the property transforms into a storybook winter wonderland. With toy soldiers lining the drive, towering trees in the lobby, and over 6,000 feet of twinkling lights, it is the ultimate setting for family connection. The month is packed with ginger-bread workshops, cookie decorating, holiday cocktail classes, and festive game nights.
Winter Weekend Getaways: From January through March, the resort hosts curated "best of" winter experiences. These intimate weekends feature brisk hikes, followed by blazing fires. A personal favorite is the Wine Cellar dinners—where they bring in world-renowned winegrowers like Christopher Strieter of Senses Wines and Cathy Corison of Corison Winery, featuring exclusive pours paired with a five-course masterpiece from Chef Scott Franqueza. I personally attended the weekend lead by Christopher and it was so lovely.
Wine & Spirit Tastings: Warm up in the Inn with a curated "American Whiskey Tour" or "World of Whiskey" tasting, led by the expert beverage team. If whiskey is not your preference, they also offer wine tastings year round.
The Final Verdict
High Hampton is a place that celebrates the passing of time rather than racing against it. It manages to feel massive in its offerings yet intimate in its hospitality. Whether you are a food enthusiast chasing a multi-course tasting menu, a golfer looking for a thrilling course, or a family continuing a century-long tradition, High Hampton is the premier beacon of mountain luxury in the Carolinas.
