At the turn of the 20th century, it was known for its natural beauty and therapeutic qualities. It is fitting that in Cherokee, Chetola means "Haven of Rest." Today it spans 78 magnificent acres in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has come to be known as a world-class resort.

Chetola Resort Lakefront

Chetola Resort has a lively past that ranges from historically functional to lavishly entertaining. In 1846, Lot Estes, Chetola's first recorded owner, purchased 100 acres for a mere 5 cents per acre. The only two structures on the property at that time were a horse stable and a way station for freight, passengers and mail. Following the Civil War, Mr. Estes built a family home and later enlarged it. The home eventually was used as a boarding house and was well known as a summer resort called Silverlake. In the winter months, Silverlake served as an "ice house" where 100 pounds of ice could be purchased for 10 cents! In 1892, William Stringfellow from Anniston, Ala., purchased the estate. Stringfellow suffered from tuberculosis and as he grew older his disease became more debilitating. His wife convinced him to purchase the estate as a mountain retreat, believing the cooler weather would improve her husband's health. It was the Stringfellows who actually named the estate Chetola and turned it into one of the most beautiful private dwellings in Blowing Rock. Mr. Stringfellow enlarged the estate by building a spring house, a smoke house, a servant's house, caretaker's home and a large horse stable. William Stringfellow's health improved greatly while at Chetola. In 1919 he sold the property to another family.

The Estate...

In 1926, J. Luther Snyder purchased Chetola Estate. He paid $36,000 for 36 acres. Luther was truly a self-made man. He started his career by traveling the streets of Charlotte in a one-horse wagon selling Coca-Cola to merchants. Eventually, he operated 10 Coca-Cola bottling plants in the Charlotte area and came to be known as the "Coca-Cola King of the Carolinas." Luther expanded the estate, even building a regulation bowling alley for his children. Horseback riding trails intertwined the estate joining those at the bordering Moses Cone Estate, which today is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway. All of Blowing Rock loved the Snyders' parties and celebrations. With six children, the Snyders entertained frequently and often invited the entire community. These were truly memorable times at Chetola and the Estate House provided the perfect backdrop. This glorious bygone era came to an end with Luther's death in 1957 at the age of 83. The estate went to Snyder's heirs and remained in the family until 1972.

In 1982 Chetola Resort was purchased by a group of businessmen who had the vision of making the estate accessible to others seeking a magnificent retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Part of the development during this time period was the construction of an elegant lodge, one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury condominiums, as well as meeting facilities accommodating up to 150 people. Chetola was well on its way to becoming one of the most beautiful and sought after vacation resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains.