Overlooking Whiteside Mountain,the rolling hills of Cashiers Valley & the mesmerizing mountains beyond,stands a timeless treasure, steeped in history & familial love. Nestled on 4.18 acres behind old-growth rhododendron & tall trees,a majestic 1938 3BR/2.5BA farmhouse echoes with generations past.Tom &Theresa Cook of Palm Beach, FL,were drawn to Highlands' mild summers & tranquil settings,thus becoming the stewards of this cherished summer residence in 1939, creating warm family memories & traditions. The spectacular flat grounds, flower gardens & majestic mountain views like no other created the idyllic setting where 5 generations wove a tapestry of cherished memories. In the early days,before progress reached Whiteside Mtn Rd,the ridge stood as a testament to nature's untouched beauty. Only 5 houses stood, connected by winding pathways,where residents roamed & mingled freely. The rare flattish landscape was a playground of discovery, where garnets laid scattered waiting to be unearthed & carried by jarfuls to Mr. Gellen at the Gem Shop & the jeep-led tram ferrying hikers to Whiteside Mtn drove by. Over time, the main house evolved w/ the additions of the dining room, kitchen,& carport & two 2BR/1BA guest houses. The wormy chestnut paneling & detailing in the dining room were transported from Moultrie, GA,after a family friend found the wood for the Cooks. It wonderfully coordinated with the existing chestnut walls,paneling & detailing throughout the interior of the home. "Ridgecrest" was a local showpiece, featured in House & Garden magazine w/postcards of it & its view sold locally at Doc Mitchell's drug store & Potts Grocery. Notable guests included a couple, tied to the Manhattan Project,who were seeking solace during World War II. The dining room sideboard,that remains in the home today,was a thank you gift for the engineer's worrisome visit. Today,this homestead remains a sanctuary of love & timeless connection-a testament to the human spirit.
