Sometimes things work out for the best when they don’t go according to plan.
It’s hard to believe that mining entrepreneur Hugh MacRae first envisioned Linville as a bustling manufacturing center with hundreds of buildings lining a grid of streets.
A Change in Plans
Fortunately, MacRae came to understand that Linville’s potential was in its existing beauty, not future industry. As people fell in love with Linville for the special place it already was, MacRae’s initial plans for the town fell away and a unique resort community began to form.
Linville Gets Noticed
Harvard professor William James visits Linville and writes, “At last, I have struck it rich here in North Carolina and am in the most peculiar and one of the most poetic places I have ever been in.” MacRae and investors in The Linville Land Manufacturing and Mininig Company begins construction of a new inn.
The Eseeola Inn Welcomes Vacationers
The newly complete Inn hosts lodging, dining, dancing, and picnics. The central building was chimney-topped, shingled, and gabled, surrounded by a wide veranda. “Eseeola” is derived from a Cherokee word meaning “River of Cliffs”.
From Tanglewood to Donald Ross
Linville develops into a resort destination. Known as Tanglewood, the Inn creates a ninehole golf course, adding five more holes in 1900.
The Linville Golf Course
Work begins on a new championship golf course designed by the legendary Donald Ross. Tanglewood is later abandoned but fareways are still apparent beside Hyway 105 in Linville. A bark-clad clubhouse is also constructed.
Fire and Starting Anew
Just at the start of the tourist season, the old Inn burns. The resort strives to accommodate guests in the beautiful Chestnut Annex-named for its signature (and now irreplaceable) American Chestnut bark shingles selected by renowned architect Henry Bacon. A lounge, dining room, and kitchen are later added to the annex, and it is officially renamed The Eseeola Lodge.
What Friendship Can Accomplish
Hard times hit Linville and The Eseeola Lodge is put up for sale. A group of residents, fast friends from many seasons together, purchase the entire resort in an effort to preserve it for future generations.
Fire strikes again
Fire strikes the resort again, claiming the old golf clubhouse. A new, more modest clubhouse is rebuilt in the same location.
Linville Golf Club is established
Cottagers establish the Linville Golf Club. The Eseeola Lodge adds a swimming pool, bathhouse, and pavilion for social functions.
The new Linville Golf Club thrives
The clubhouse is expanded and Linville Golf Club takes it place as the premiere golf club of the mountains.
New faces, new property
John Blackburn is appointed as general manager in 1983, following the retirement of John Pottle. Linville Resorts begins to acquire adjoining property in 1986, which currently amounts to more than 3,000 acres.
The Golf Shop Passes to the Next Generation
Leadership of the golf operation at Linville Golf Club passes from Burl Dale to his son, Tom Dale.
Renovation time
The Eseeola Lodge and Linville Golf Club undergo significant renovations. In 2006 the clubhouse at Linville Golf Club is renovated, featuring a new exterior, golf shop, locker rooms, enlarged dining room, patio seating, and a full-service bar. In 2008, a new 2,500-square-foot tennis facility is constructed, offering four clay courts and a 1,500-square-foot porch.
Expanding programs and services
Linville expands the outdoors program, offering even more ways for guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. A greater emphasis was given to children’s activities with a new dedicated Kids’ Camp facility, and the Club opened a new full-service spa and fitness facility at the Alan Dickson Center.
Changing to meet the times
After 36 years of service, General Manager John Blackburn retires. In 2020, faced with the COVID-19 crisis and the need for social-distancing, Linville expands dining to include dinner at The Fountain and outdoor dining at The Eseeola Lodge. Bill Stines is selected as the new Director of Golf. In 2021, Tom Dale is appointed as the new General Manager.
