Skyuka Mountain Lodge
Historic Camp Lodge in Tryon NC
Originally built in 1954 as part of the Spartanburg YMCA Summer Camp and later becoming the Skyuka Mountain Lodge, this historic structure is sited on the southern face of Skyuka Mountain in Polk County, NC. When Camp Skyuka first opened its doors, it was touted as an “Outdoor Paradise in the Clouds.” The camp structures were built of blue granite by local rock mason, J.C. Williams, with the help of a local crew which included three Cherokee Indians. All of the stone came directly from the mountain or from a quarry in Green River Cove. This structure served as the Dining/Meeting Hall for the camp. In the late 1980’s, the YMCA board voted to close the beloved summer camp and the 100 plus acres were sold to a developer. The land was divided into building lots and the old stone cabins sold as vacation homes.
This uncommon mountain property has many possibilities, limited only to your imagination! Perfect as a family retreat, bed and breakfast, corporate conference center, counseling retreat or event center. Skyuka Mountain Lodge was deeded as a commercial property and used as a private residence.
The Grand Hall | The lodge boasts a great room that is 30’ X 60’ featuring stone walls and 20’ pine and beamed ceiling. A wood burning fireplace flanks the right wall of the hall formed within the stone. A wide staircase ascends to a 12’ X 12’ balcony that overlooks the grand hall and leads through French doors to the upper level sleeping quarters.
Kitchen | Featuring a long wall of Saltillo tiled counter space and cabinet storage, this kitchen is large enough to accommodate a few or a feast. A wall of windows accent the kitchen to let in light and to observe the awesome mountain views. Stainless steel appliances including refrigerator, dishwasher, stove and grill complete the amenities of this lodge kitchen. Kitchen includes plenty of space for eat-in dining for the family or small dinner party.
Hearth Room |
Adjoining the kitchen is a gathering space large enough to facilitate those intimate family evenings in front of a wood burning fireplace. Distinctive features in this room include the spiral staircase and the original walk-in cooler used for the summer camp – notice the beautiful oak door – can you see wine closet?
Lower Level Master Suite |
The lodge features three bedrooms in the main lodge, two of which could be used as master suites. The lower level master suite is located off the hearth room. Large open space accented with a stone wall.
Lower Level Master Bath | This room boasts a large whirlpool tub, custom designed Mexican tile and stone shower and a double sink vanity. Stone walls with pine ceilings preserve the lodge character in this private bath.
Upper Level Master Suite | The spiral staircase ascends to a large open landing which could serve as sitting room, office or media room. French doors lead from the landing to the sleeping room. Large picture window takes in the fabulous mountain views. This bedroom also features a walk-in closet.
Upper Level Master Bath | Accessed from the landing, this bath offers a shower/tub combo and a
sauna! The rear door exits onto a 16’ X 16’ outdoor deck for sunning or relaxing.
First Floor Bedroom | The third bedroom is located off the entry hall. A full bathroom resides across the hall.
Guest Suite | Behind the outdoor pavilion is a two-bedroom, two-bath guest quarters with kitchenette and living room. This space could serve as guest quarters, apartment or in-law suite.
Pavilion |
The open air pavilion has seen many table tennis games and hot dogs in its day! Can you now say, “Awesome outdoor kitchen and living space!” Enjoy days and nights taking in the clean air and enjoying the stunning views!
The Grounds | A courtyard between the Grand Hall and Pavilion features a beautiful fish pond with wooden bridge. The property sits on 2.88 acres with the lodge as its crowning jewel. The mountain views from inside the Grand Hall or from the rear exterior are spectacular! Skyuka Mountain Lodge sits on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its large windows overlook a vast expanse of lush countryside, merging with 3000-foot mountains. The ever-changing scenery brings a sense of awe to the beholder. On clear days, you can see for 40 miles!
The Community | The spectacular 15-minute drive up the mountain is an adventure in itself as you climb nearly 2000 feet in approximately 4 miles. On the drive up, you pass beautiful Shunkewauken Falls which drops 500 feet down the mountain. Before the road was built through the falls, it was the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The falls are within hiking distance of the Lodge. Stunning views are at almost every turn of the road. The expanses of mountain laurel and rhododendron make the drive extra special in late spring and early summer. Fall color further compliments this property with the fabulous palette of color.
The Location | Tryon, located 7 miles from the property, is a quiet yet progressive community. People from all over the world have moved here for the mild climate, the fresh air and the natural setting within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area boasts many cultural events and offers a variety of community activities. Popular with equestrians, the area boasts many horse farms, FENCE (Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center), and competitive events such as the Block House Steeplechase.
Skyuka Mountain Lodge is conveniently located 20 minutes from Interstate-26 and less than 1 hour from the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). Drive to Charlotte in 2 hours, Atlanta in 3.5 hours, and Charleston in 4 hours. There are many western North Carolina points of interest within an hour’s drive of the Lodge: Saluda and Hendersonville’s quaint antique stores and craft galleries, the Flat Rock Playhouse (the state theater), the Carl Sandburg Home (a National Park Service historic site), Asheville’s Biltmore House (America’s biggest house), Chimney Rock State Park, and beautiful Lake Lure, just to mention a few. Too, there are many world-class golf courses within a half-hour drive.
Summary of Features
The Lodge
- Built 1954 as Dining/Meeting Hall for YMCA camp with updates
- 5000+ square feet of living space
- 3 bedrooms/baths in main lodge
- 2 bedrooms/baths in guest suite or apartment
- 3-car garage
- Large open-air pavilion
- Residential or commercial usage
The Possibilities
- Family/multi-family retreat
- Bed and breakfast
- Corporate retreat or conference center
- Alternative practitioner/fitness retreat
- Counseling retreat
- Event center
The Interiors
- Grand hall with stone walls, many windows and pine ceiling/beams
- Wood burning fireplace in grand hall
- Kitchen with stone walls, Saltillo tile floors and countertops
- Stainless steel appliances
- Family room off kitchen
- Two master suites plus apartment
- Original walk-in cooler
- Spiral staircase
- Sauna
The Property
- 2.88 acre mountain parcel
- Sits on the edge of Skyuka Mountain
- Spectacular views with seasonal color
- Easily maintained flat and cleared lot
The Location
- 8 miles to I-26
- 8 miles to downtown Columbus NC
- 15 miles to Landrum, SC
- 7 miles to Tryon NC
- 40 minutes to Spartanburg SC
- 40 minutes to Hendersonville NC
- 1 hour to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
- One hour to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
- One hour to Asheville NC
MLS | North Carolina Mountains MLS 524758
Price | Offered at $650,000
Contact | To schedule a
private showing, please contact Kim Karaman:
Email Kim
or
call Kim at
Office: 828.694.1558
Cell: 828.817.2965
