Our History
The Lodge At Smoky Cove
Nestled on a mountaintop in western North Carolina you will find the Lodge at Smoky Cove. Conveniently located just off Hwy 74 up a paved road is this true hidden gem.
The Lodge was originally built in 1940 by Samuel H. Kress, the owner and founder of the Kress five and dime stores. Mr. Kress built the home to host his family and later as a training center for his staff.
Kress was and still is known for his admiration of European and Art Deco style of architecture. The massive beams and the lumber were milled right here on the mountain. Mr. Kress then transported some of his sought-after lumber to New York City where he traded it for Italian cut stone. This is the beautiful stonework that we enjoy today on the patio and the front of the building. This place was built to last! All of the floors and the tongue and groove walls are original construction as is the 1940’s vintage tile in all of the bathrooms.
Prior to starting construction on the home, he constructed a mill a little further down the mountain in order to process the timber to build the home. Today that mill operates as The Parker Mill, a beautiful wedding and event venue that has maintained the history and the integrity of the original construction.
Later in the 1970’s the entire mountain was purchased by Smoky Mountain Mental Health and it operated as offices and the Mill operated as a training center.
Learn More About
The Lodge At Smoky Cove
Located in Whittier, NC. The Lodge At Smoky Cove specializes in specialty lodging and retreats. Immediate booking options. Free, no-obligation consultations. Staff available 24/7. Call today.
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