Outpost Inn

Highland's new boutique hotel

By Kathryn Smith

In July, a newly conceived boutique hotel had its grand opening with a little bit of help. On an already bustling weekend of large crowds and special events, Outpost Inn officially debuted on July 4th with hotel guests, friends and family enjoying traditional picnic fare. Later, fireworks lit up the sky. This is Jason Reeve’s second renovation and rebranding in Highlands, offering visitors a unique hospitality experience that harkens back to simpler times on the plateau. Those of us who have been coming here since we were children know the feel of a home that belonged to generations of the same family. Over the years, possessions accumulate and claim their space with a story of acquisition; be it purchase, gift or inheritance. Nothing studied, just cozy and familiar, curious and fun.

Like Reeve’s first offering on Main Street, The Highlander Mountain House, Outpost Inn works within an existing structure with quirky floorplans and outdoor spaces. Where some might demolish and renovate, he has honored the original three structures at Outpost and curated furnishings, fabrics, art, and accessories using an American eclectic style blending mid-century modern with interior artifact choices peculiar to the region.

This madcap approach respects no symmetry or consistency. It allows contributions from across design eras and includes historical pieces that reflect a history of acquisitions you might see in a home owned by one family for generations. This particular iteration references a ’60s hippie vibe, with comfortable spaces inviting interaction with others and privacy for thoughtful reflection. Sun and shade alternate throughout the day in the garden areas. Rooms open directly to the outdoor spaces, which might remind you of summer camp or a European hostile.

Reeves’ businesses are relatively new in Highlands, but like so many, he has been here before. “I first visited the Plateau when I was an undergrad at Sewanee. It wasn’t until many years later, after moving back to Charleston from New York, that I reacquainted myself with the area and saw it through a new lens as a place of incredible natural beauty and one I wanted to share with my family.

With only 14 rooms, this overnight stay or weeklong destination was conceived as a hotel where memories are created. Whether your family books the entire place for a reunion in the mountains or you find yourself meeting fellow guests from just about anywhere, the spaces outside the rooms are where the spirit of community is created.

According to Reeves, “I believe we have tapped into a scale and an intimate contextual experience that resonates with a lot of travelers. There are grander, larger, more commodity-like hotels out there, but as those properties get larger in scale, they seem to lose the connection to the guest and the surrounding community that is at the core of hospitality, in my opinion.”

The goal of the hotel is to be the home base for a visit full of adventure. After a day of exploration, guests are treated to luxury linens and bath accessories. Although hanging around the property is a must, the point is to get out and about in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then, share what you’ve enjoyed with fellow guests before lights out or the next morning over a coffee in the garden or lobby.

Reeves cares most about the experience. While a cozy space to stay in is the first step, he has more in mind. “When you stay at Highlander or Outpost, you will not only have a wonderful night’s rest with incredible amenities and a very warm and friendly staff but you will also be immersed in the history, culture, landscape and inspiration of the surrounding area that ultimately leads to a richer experience and greater appreciation. It allows you to connect with fellow guests on a different level as you’re involved in a shared experience.”

Reeves is based in Charleston, SC, but are there any plans to make this his base of operations someday?

He responded, “I have an eight-year-old daughter named Cricket, the absolute love of my life, and she is in school in Charleston, so it is my home for the foreseeable future. That said, Highlands and Cashiers have this inspiring landscape. Some of the kindest and most incredible people I know call the plateau home. And that ultimately binds me to the plateau—fantastic people.”