SIGC | High Hampton

“If the walls could talk, they would probably say ‘Sit a spell, sit down, have a cocktail. Talk to your neighbor.’ One of the things that's really special that hasn't changed about High Hampton is the sense of ‘love your neighbor’. Get to know who's at the inn with you while you're here. Sit out in the lobby and play board games together. Walk the lake trail together. I think there's something really special about the people who are here, who come as strangers and leave as friends, and then continue to come back.”

We’re in great company with Scott & April Franqueza, Executive Chef & Pastry Chef of the iconic High Hampton Estate. A part of the National Registry of Historic Places, this American treasure recently was thoughtfully restored by the Beall family behind Blackberry Farm, and is ready once again to welcome another century of guests.

Before coming to Blue Ridge Mountains to create the culinary focused and craft filled landmark for the High Hampton community that they’ve curated today, Scott and April left accredited culinary careers in New York City in search for a slower way of life - a slower way of sourcing and cooking food. They found themselves in good company working with the Beall family for many years across Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain’s renowned dining destinations before saying “yes” to lead this new adventure.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, Scott and April surprise us with so many sweet stories and savory details in how they are making this celebrated destination and dedicated community their home.

Top Takeaways

[1:50] A glimpse into the fairytale storybook, or shall we say cookbook, that tells the love of a baker and a chef who met at the Culinary Institute of America in New York many moons ago.

[7:05] April & Scott’s early culinary careers were humble and hungry. To steal a line from Frank Sinatra, “If you can make it there, you'll make it anywhere; it's up to you, New York, New York.”

[10:30] At Blackberry Farm, the Beall Family welcomed April & Scott with southern charm to their sprawling farm in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, inviting them to take part in crafting their impeccable service and outstanding cuisine, as one of the most celebrated small luxury resorts in the world.

[19:40] After several years of renovations, High Hampton reopened in 2021 with a sense of familiarity, a feeling of homecoming, a welcoming energy that was complimented with added and elevated amenities.

[22:25] Discover modern luxuries and family traditions abound across the estate, snuggle up next to a roaring fireplace with a board game or lace up your tennis shoes for a round of pickleball, enjoy an afternoon of fresh air on the golf course or sneak into the wine cellar for a wine tasting.

[28:30] Dine In Good Company with Executive Chef Scott & Pastry Chef April across an assortment of restaurants, from fine dining to casual lunches, quick bites that turn into grand gatherings, each featuring classic, regional cuisine, re-imagined for a new era of travelers.

[35:00] How the team at High Hampton is cultivating future hospitality and culinary talent while also building small businesses through the relationships with their local community.

[42:40] There’s always something to celebrate at High Hampton from 4th of July fireworks and summertime family movie nights to apple cider donuts after the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, from warm baked cookies with Mrs. Claus by the fireside to a Champagne and caviar toast at midnight on NYE.