A centerpiece suitable for the grandest of settings.

Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. understood the concept of beauty inside and out. Along with the original Mountain Lake grounds, his prodigious design skills also grace the historic Colony House, our recently-refreshed 34-room private inn and the social and recreational hub of the community. Overlooking the golf course and sparkling lakes, this iconic example of Mediterranean Revival architecture has been in continuous service — with an emphasis on service and impeccable hospitality — since its construction in 1916. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

The main floor of the legendary Colony House was renovated in 2019, reemphasizing the magical spaces Olmsted so brilliantly designed in his original plan. These venues, including 1916, the Palm Court and the Raynor Bar and Lounge, have been party to countless unforgettable experiences over the last century and now, reinvigorated and looking smarter than ever, they look forward to hosting the best of times for many years to come.

Inside and out, gathering areas at the Colony House have been lavished with special attention, including the sun-splashed living room and extraordinary exterior spaces — perfect for a cocktail reception, getting lost in a book, or starting a new chapter of friendly conversation with good friends. Moving forward with casual elegance unmistakably intact and exuding the Southern hospitality and charm for which the Colony House is renowned, no one could be more pleased than Olmsted himself.