More than a Memory

From the folk ballad traditions of Western North Carolina and the soulful lyrics of Doc Watson’s Blue Ridge Mountain Blues to present-day creatives, such as Sheila K. Adams and Ron Rash, storytellers examine the importance of “place” in our culture. Whether it’s the ramshackle farmhouse at the end of a dirt road, the daily chime of church bells ringing, or the resurgence of fresh mountain laurel in spring, each image, sound, or smell connects us to memories worthy of preservation.

The National Register of Historic Places safeguards these memories through its official list of our nation’s historic places.  Beginning in 1884 as the Mount Beluah Hotel, Dillsboro, North Carolina’s Jarrett House appropriately earned this esteemed designation 100 years later in 1984. With the impending railroad boom, founder William Allen Dills sought to offer his hotel as a convenient commercial hub. Acquiring the property in 1894, Frank Jarrett changed the name to the Jarrett Springs Hotel, hoping to capture the interest of the region’s growing tourist population. After Jarrett died in 1949, the hotel changed hands once again and began its story with the simplified title of Jarrett House. Noted for its three-story frame and triple-tiered porch, Jarrett House presides over Dillsboro’s Main Street as a surviving example of a bygone era, but one that, according to its new owner Chris Ellsworth, “tells its own story.”

A self-proclaimed “real estate adventurist,”  Ellsworth purchased Jarrett House at auction in January 2021.  Although his previous real estate ventures included numerous renovations, this is Ellsworth’s first historical preservation project and one that has provided him with a wealth of on-the-job lessons, as well as the rewards of overwhelming community support. Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Todd Vinyard shares that “the buzz about it and the talk about it has been great!  Chris and his team have brought it back with care and intentionality.  It’s more than a building project-it’s about the community and the people here. They have made a tremendous effort to bring it back the right way, not just the quick way.”

Lifelong resident and business owner Shelby Ridley reflects on the growing anticipation as the lengthy restoration project nears its end, “I remember eating there as a child, so it’s special to see it being brought back to life.  It was definitely a huge project to take on, but reviving a historic place is awesome to see.  It’ll also bring back the simplicity of family-style eating and help keep those old traditions alive.”  Ellsworth aims to revive not only the inn’s Victorian charm but also the crave-worthy recipes that drew locals and visitors alike to gather “around the table.”

Originally from the Midwest, but now a permanent WNC resident, Dawn Frerk recalls her family’s discovery of Jarrett House, “It was a place my parents and I loved to eat at back in the 90s.  Being from the Midwest, their traditional southern family-style meals served in such a historical setting kept drawing us back year after year.  Their fried chicken, mountain trout, pot roast, and fresh hot biscuits served with apple butter were some of our favorite menu items.  We never left hungry.  In fact, we always had to save room for a piece of their famous Vinegar pie!” Though the memories vividly remain, she is most enthusiastic about the landmark’s future. “I am beyond excited to hear of the renovations being done and all the services offered at Jarrett House.  I look forward to visiting and sharing a meal with friends in the future.”

After an extensive five-year renovation, Jarrett House now stands ready to welcome guests into the warmth of the past while also positioning itself as a cultural focal point and premier event center in the heart of Dillsboro. According to Lindsi Cauley, Venue Consultant of Pinnacle Events, “That building has a warmth that’s hard to manufacture; it comes from 140 years of history.  Couples feel it the moment they walk through the door.” As the Lead Wedding Planner for the first wedding at Jarrett House’s newly renovated Hartbarger Hall, Cauley confirms that the venue “is absolutely positioned to host the full event weekend” for clients who are seeking a location “designed to welcome all kinds of gatherings.” The Jarrett House team is “invested in creating an experience for everyone who steps into these spaces.  From the first inquiry to the last ‘see you next time,’ every touchpoint has been thoughtfully considered.”

The inn boasts 23 rooms, each decorated with a mix of timeless antiques and modern comforts.  In addition to the full-service dining room, guests will enjoy multiple gathering places, including the on-site Coach’s Bar & Hartbarger Hall, private guest dining patio, outdoor courtyard, Sweets & Treats Bakery, and Gallery 1884, which features a curated collection of Appalachian-inspired masterpieces, some sourced from Jarrett House’s own wood. In fact, guests will find hidden treasures dotted throughout the property, as Ellsworth explains the restoration process uncovered a wealth of artifacts, including a 1933 newspaper with articles featuring Roosevelt and Gandhi.

Transitioning from the past into the present, guests will appreciate Friday night acoustic sessions, weekend wine tastings, and special event celebrations, as Jarrett House invites visitors to slow down and connect in the pages of its Southern hospitality. For as acclaimed author Maya Angelou reminds us, “the storyteller tells the truth, she reminds us that human beings are more alike than unalike... A story is what it's like to be a human being-to be knocked down and to miraculously arise.” Jarrett House’s remarkable revival testifies to the resilient spirit of the Appalachian region, where moments are more than simple memories; they become traditions worth preserving.