Thirty-five years in our family's history, and we feel like we are just getting started.  My parents discovered one of the most beautiful places on earth before we made any improvements.  In the beginning, one of our greatest goals was to simply not interfere with the magic already here.  Our history had evolved from the original family home to turning down beds, hiking Smoky Mountain trails, growing heirloom tomatoes, arranging flowers, chopping wood, milking sheep, horseback riding across creeks, collecting honey, pouring wine, driving Lexus vehicles, decorating for the holidays, cycling down West Millers Cove Road, canning away the Summer, preserving meats and cheeses, cooking up Southern classics, inviting world-famous guest chefs to our property, driving golf carts and welcoming friends, old and new.  The best part?  We arn't tired at all.  In fact, we are more energized than ever to celebrate this landmark year.  Over the years, we have really strived for just one thing: to create an experience that our guests cannot forget.  So whatever additions or changes have come along the way since 1976, we hope that you enjoy our effort to make this special place an even dearer place in your heart. 

Each month we are going to bring you a collection of memories from folks who have known the farm for years!  From chefs, gardeners, front desk team members, guests and more, we plan on telling the lost stories, shared memories, and the treasured moments of the last 35 years.

Brian Lee, Guest Relations Manager
One of my fondest memories of Blackberry is January 5, 1995, my first day here.  That was the day the word “yes” really began to matter to me.  Everyone I came in contact with had a “yes” attitude.  I learned very quickly that anything was possible and that anything our guests wanted became a reality.  It was very easy to say yes.  Hot baked chocolate chip cookies at a moments notice?  Yes was the answer.  A roaring bonfire after dinner?  Yes was the answer.  It was in these first Blackberry moments that I realized the true meaning of service.   I was surrounded by a team of people with one simple priority – the guest.   It instantly became contagious and turned into a life-long passion.  As time has passed that simple philosophy continues today.