Old Edwards Inn changes ownership : Highlands officials expect ‘business as usual’
Old Edwards Inn is the oldest building in Highlands. Garret K. Woodward photo
Old Edwards Inn — the historic Highlands landmark and premier worldwide travel destination — has been sold, but little is expected to change at the level that residents, visitors or even employees will notice.
According to a press release, the Old Edwards Inn Hospitality Group, the company under which the property had been owned, was purchased by James and Jessica Whitley of Athens, Georgia. The sale was finalized on June 14, and includes all the hospitality group’s assets — Old Edwards Inn and Spa, 200 Main, Half- Mile Farm, Four65, Highlands Burrito, Old Edwards Club, GlenCove, and Norton Ridge.
The sale price was not disclosed.
The previous owners, Art and Angela Williams, purchased Old Edwards Inn more than 20 years ago after visiting and falling in love with the town of Highlands in their younger years. Over the last two decades, they renovated the original inn and spa, added rooms, restaurants, shops, wedding and event venues, and two golf clubs. A full hospitality group began to grow and Old Edwards Inn and Spa, as well as the Old Edwards Club, has become a beloved destination for families across America.
“As Angela and I entered our eighties (we both turned 82 in April), we began to realize we didn’t have the energy or stamina to continue owning and overseeing this amazing company. But we weren’t willing to hand it off to anyone we didn’t think we could trust to treat it like we did,” said Art Williams. “Only when the Whitleys came to us did we believe we could hand it off with full confidence our friends and guests and members would continue to experience Old Edwards hospitality at the same level of excellence.”
According to the release, the Williamses have always been heavily active in Highlands, “helping to develop and grow” it from an intimate mountain vacation town into one of the most sought after areas in the South for full-time residents and those looking for an elevated, serene escape from busy lives. The couple still plans on spending time at the various Old Edwards properties with a team and membership base that has become like family over the years.
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“Art and Angela have created something truly special. Anyone that has ever stepped foot in one of their properties has surely felt this,” said James Whitley. “They’ve spent the last 20 years pouring themselves into this incredible place — ensuring that every guest and member feels truly taken care of — and setting a bar for hospitality that is studied by hotels, restaurants, and private clubs all over the country.”
James Whitley is the co-founder and COO of Athens-based Landmark Properties, and he has been involved in the orchestration, design, development, construction, and management of over $4 billion worth of student housing projects across the United States. Jessica Whitley is the Creative Director of Jessica Whitley Studio and leads the design across all the family’s projects, including their recently opened boutique hotel in Athens, Rivet House. The couple also owns The Reserve at Lake Keowee, a private, mountain and lake club in Sunset, South Carolina.
“We had an immediate connection with Art and Angela,” said Jessica Whitley. “The conversation of us taking over their properties has been a long and thoughtful one on both sides. Our intention is to let this unbelievable team keep doing the same great work they’ve always done and honor the Williams family by being great stewards of the legacy they’ve spent decades building.”
Old Edwards’ President and Managing Director Richard Delany noted that while the transaction is a large change for the company itself, not a lot of change will be seen on the surface.
“Old Edwards Hospitality Group has simply changed ownership,” he said. “All staffing, operations, events, memberships, partnerships, policies, vendors, and contracts remain the same. We are all very excited about James and Jessica Whitley taking ownership and the positive momentum this represents for the future of the company.”
Likewise, in an email to The Smoky Mountain News, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands Executive Director Kay McHan said there will be no noticeable affect on that organization’s operations or the local economy, stating it will be “business as usual.” McHan, however, did take some time to thank the Williamses for their contributions to the town, its economy and its culture.
“Art and Angela Williams were pivotal in elevating Highlands from a seasonal mountain town to a much sought-after year-round destination,” she said. “We support their decision to pass the torch of Old Edwards Hospitality to James and Jessica Whitley of Athens, Georgia. While ownership has changed, the commitment to exceptional service standards and deep community involvement will remain steadfast, ensuring Highlands continues to thrive.”
