High Hampton Inn & Country Club - Now & Then

<b>Boathouse</b> - Hampton Lake prior to the construction of the present-day boathouse. A small cement pond, known as the Frog Pond, provided a safe place for young swimmers until the swimming area was constructed in the early 1960’s.<br /><br />(Photo inset circa 1948)

<b>Golf</b> has been an integral part of High Hampton since the 1920’s. Until the introduction of golf carts in 1960, caddies were used extensively. All of the greens on the eleven hole course were made of sand until seven additional holes were added in 1960 and the greens were converted to grass.<br /><br />(Photo inset circa 1929)

For 90 years, the flagstone walkway up to the Inn has served as a well-known path to guests. The flora has changed over the decades, and a fence has been added alongside the path but the views of the Inn have stayed the same. Caroline Hampton Halsted’s mounting stone, which still stands today, can be clearly seen in the historic photo.<br/><br/>(Photo inset circa 1938)

<b>High Hampton Inn lobby</b> - The spacious lobby of the Inn has served as the heart of the resort since it was constructed in 1933. For decades, guests have enjoyed the warmth of the four-sided fireplace and the fellowship found within these chestnut walls. A favorite pastime of many guests is gathering in the lobby to enjoy tea and cookies every afternoon.<br/><br/>(Photo inset circa 1938)

<b>The side porch at High Hampton Inn</b> - The original two-story inn with this gracious and spacious porch (inset) was constructed in 1922 and was destroyed by fire in 1932. The new, larger Inn, completed in 1933, stayed true to the rustic style of the original building and was covered in large chestnut bark shingles that came from fallen trees on the property.

The main lawn of the Inn has been a popular place to play and relax for more than 90 years. It is lined by champion heirloom trees planted by Dr. William Halsted in the late 1800s. The lush green grass that is shaded by the tree garden is the perfect place for weddings, special events, donkey cart rides, and games.<br/><br/>(Photo inset circa 1948)

Built by Wade Hampton in the late 1850s, the <b>Schoolhouse Cottage</b> provided a place for local children to learn. It was also used by the neighboring Church of the Good Shepherd after the church burned in 1892. In the 1930s, it was converted into a cottage for Inn guests. The Schoolhouse Cottage is located on the golf course, overlooking the 12th hole.<br/><br/>(Photo inset circa 1927)

<b>The High Hampton Inn Dining Room</b> - The Inn’s dining room has been a popular spot since it was constructed in 1933. Until 1965, meals were served family-style, except on Sunday evenings when there was a special buffet. Today, guests can enjoy three sumptuous buffets each day featuring local ingredients and homemade dishes. True to Southern tradition, guests still dress for dinner when enjoying their evening meals here.<br/><br/>(Photo inset circa 1950s)

<b>Hampton Lake & Rock Mountain</b> - Thirty-five-acre Hampton Lake has always been a favorite spot for children and grownups alike. Whether for swimming, boating or fishing on summer days, guests prefer to spend hours at the refreshing mountain lake. Before the present dam was built, swimmers had to walk beyond the number eight golf hole to take a dip, or they could swim in Jewel Lake, the original lake built by the Hamptons.<br/><br/>(Photo inset circa 1950)

<b>The Smokehouse</b> is one of the original buildings built by Wade Hampton and one of the only buildings that didn’t burn during the fire of 1932. Though not in use today, the Smokehouse was where meats were cured for the Hamptons and Halsteds. Later, until the 1960s, guests would look forward to the purchase of a "High Hampton Ham" more than 500 hams were cured here every winter.<br/><br/>(Photo inset circa 1959)

<b>The view from Rock Mountain Cottage</b> - Rock Mountain Cottage, nestled between the Inn’s side lawn and Hampton Lake, has been a popular cabin since it was constructed in 1933. Its stunning views of Rock Mountain and the lake make it one of the most requested cottages. The combination of screened and covered porches and fireplaces add to its charm.<br/><br/>(Photo inset circa 1955)

<b>Lodge Cottage</b>, built in the 1890s, originally served as the carriage house for Dr. and Mrs. Halsted. It housed an extensive collection of surreys and carriages used by the Halsteds for joy rides around their estate as well as for general transportation. In the 1930s, the carriage house was converted into a cottage with nine rooms for Inn guests. Today it is a favorite cottage for extended families and groups of friends.<br/><br/>(Photo inset circa 1938)

<b>The Halsted Cottage</b> was built in 1933 and named after the original Halsted home that stood nearby. This cottage, located directly behind the Inn, offers multiple floors, stunning patios, and a living room with a fireplace. A family favorite, Halsted Cottage has welcomed members of one family every summer since it was constructed.<br/><br/>(Photo inset circa 1933)

<b>Champion Fraser Fir</b> - The world’s largest Fraser Fir was planted on the property by Dr. Halsted in the early 1900s. It has been gracing the Inn’s lawn for more than 100 years. Dr. Halsted planted many of the champion trees that adorn the Inn’s lawn, including a Ginkgo tree, Bottlebrush Buckeye, Bald Cyprus, and a Black Locust.<br/><br/>(Photo inset circa 1938)

The <b>donkey cart</b> ride has been a much-beloved summer activity for young guests since it began in the early 1960’s. Held on the side lawn, countless children have enjoyed this High Hampton tradition.

Photography by Dave Graves