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Blackberry Farm to open new retreat near Great Smoky Mountains

01 Sep 2017 For the first time in 40 years, US wellness resort Blackberry Farm is launching a new property, Blackberry Mountain, set to open in late 2018 in 5,200 acres near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Views of diverse terrain, paired with a mountain-inspired wellness program will be the focal points of the experience at Blackberry Mountain, which invites guests outside to seek adventure and explore the property from base to peak.

“Breaking ground on Blackberry Mountain is the culmination of many dreams,” said proprietor Mary Celeste Beall. “The ultimate goal has always been to protect the land for our community and future generations, but Sam and I also dreamed about taking all that we learned from Blackberry Farm and creating something from scratch.”

To protect the natural landscape of the East Tennessee property, 2,800 acres of the property have been committed to remain undisturbed in conservation, creating a private national park experience.

“With Blackberry Mountain, we are excited to provide new jobs in the community, protect the viewscape in Blount County, and increase the positive economic impact we have on our community,” said Matt Alexander, executive vice president of Blackberry Farm. “This endeavor is the result of true teamwork and a shared dedication to protecting our natural environment and providing world-class service.”

Accommodations at Blackberry Mountain will combine the peace and tradition of mountain life with the modern-day comforts. The property will open with six traditional style cabins, 13 cottages and multi-bedroom homes. Every accommodation will feature mountain views and style layered with modern elements and collected antiques.

A full wellness programme will focus on encouraging an active and adventurous lifestyle supported by a menu of outdoor adventures, fitness classes and an eight-treatment-room modern spa. The spa will feature a holistic approach to skin and body care with treatments and products inspired by the land. An infinity edge pool outside will overlook the mountain scenery.

On-site and off-site activity opportunities will include hiking, treeclimbing, mountain biking, foraging, camping, rock climbing, fly fishing, paddle sports, sporting clays and horseback riding.

A yoga studio, spin studio, fitness room, gym and basketball court will create spaces for a wide variety of physical activity.

Blackberry Mountain will have two restaurants on property. The Firetower is constructed around the base of the historic Millstone Gap Lookout Tower at the peak of the mountain and will provide a casual atmosphere with 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains and East Tennessee. The restaurant in the Lodge, Three Sisters, will offer wild, foraged ingredients in a fine-dining experience.

“It is wonderful to see this vision come to life,” said Beall. “Iam so excited to share the mountain and a lifestyle that our family enjoys with our guests. We want guests to go outside, explore and connect with each other while they discover what this beautiful mountain has to offer.”

Blackberry Mountain will be located in Walland, Tennessee, 20 minutes from the Blackberry Farm property and 30 minutes from Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport.