Penland is all of the above!
Penland is a small region of Western North Carolina that is known as the home to Penland School of Crafts, America’s oldest and largest crafts school.
Both Conley House and Dougs Way are just minutes away from Penland School. The cabins are also tucked into a region rich with minerals, gems, and several natural wonders including Roan Mountain, Mount Mitchell, and many waterfalls. Like a rainforest, these hills are lush and have a scent that is quite unique which is one of the things that makes taking a class at Penland so memorable.
Penland School’s effect on the area is profound! Hundreds of crafts people now call it home, selling their art through their studios to the public. Craft and artwork made by local artists is featured in both cabins.
All of our guests get our 22+ page guide to the region to help plan a truly exceptional local getaway!
A NATURE LOVERS PARADISE
From rockhounding and star gazing to hiking the waterfalls and state parks of the region there is a lot to do if you love the outdoors. The region is rich and green with lots of things to do outside: Crabtree Falls, Mt. Mitchell State Park, Roan Mountain Lookout, National Mineral and Gem Museum, Bare Dark Sky Observatory, biking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, biking… you name it! All of our guests get our 22+ page guide to the region so you can plan a truly exceptional local getaway!
A REGION FOR FOODIES
The area is also excellent for foodies! In this region you will find mostly locally owned restaurants making food from scratch using local ingredients. The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP for short) does a tremendous job supporting local farmers helping them thrive and celebrate product diversity. You will find everything from beekeepers, cheesemakers, grain mills, traditional farmers to specialists in poultry, pork, fermented foods, and breads at the many local farmers markets. ASAP has an awe-inspiring farm tour every year that spans several countries and dozens upon dozens of farms of all sorts. Agri-tourism like this makes the area truly special.
SHOP LOCAL GALLERIES & STUDIOS
The Toe River Arts Council (TRAC) does a tremendous job planning a twice-annual Studio Tour, typically in June and December. Their outstanding guides show examples of the artists’ work, give details about what to expect and indicate which studios are available year round, as well as those who prefer an appointment outside of the tour. These guides are stocked in the cabin so guests can collect works large and small directly from the artist.
Because there are so many talented artists in the area it’s no wonder the region has some fantastic galleries, too!
Check out Penland Gallery, Mica, In Tandem, and the TRAC galleries.
TAKE A CLASS IN CRAFT
Penland School has a beautiful campus that is inspirational with its blend of historic and modern architecture and deep roots in fine craft. It is a must see when you visit! Penland School was founded in 1929 by Lucy Morgan. It was a craft-based economic development project that taught weaving to the women in the region to help them earn money to support themselves and their families.
Lucy Morgan retired in 1962, when she was succeeded by Bill Brown. Brown was director for twenty-one years. In that time he updated and expanded the school's offerings, added longer fall and spring sessions, and created resident artist programs at the school - essentially creating the school as we know it today. Penland encompasses about 400 acres, 51 buildings, and more than 1,200 people come each year seeking instruction.
Classes are taught in books and paper, clay, drawing and painting, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking, textiles, wood, and other media.
Conley House
Bill Brown, director of Penland School after the founder retired, chose the site for Conley House because of its proximity to Penland School and for its amazing view. Woodworker and designer Doug Sigler helped Brown change Conley House from two cabins connected by a courtyard into a home. Perched above a Christmas tree farm, Conley House is private and wonderfully cozy.
Dougs Way
Built by Doug Sigler, a well known woodworker, designer, and instructor at Penland School, Dougs Way is full of handcrafted details, rich cherry wood, and is a light filled cabin that is private and tucked away, but still close to shopping and exploring.