Homes in the Sky

Written By: Tracy Foor, Highlands Historical Society | Issue: April 2025

On June 21, the Highlands Historical Society will celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the founding of Highlands by hosting a tour of three of its most historical homes tucked high in the clouds above.

Shuttle vans will transport guests to each home where a “ghost” of the first homeowner will greet them and provide unique insights into the home and their own past. Docents will also be available to guide the guests through the home and to answer any additional questions.

The first home on the tour will be the Sloan House, also known as “Cheeonondah,” which was built by J. Walter Reese for Henry Worrell Sloan and his wife, Katherine, in 1901.

Built in an ornate Italian style with a stucco exterior unique in Highlands, a feature of this home will be the Sloan Gardens, which have been lovingly cared for by current owners, Chuck and Pam Auster.

Having lived in England and Italy for a period, Sloan was exposed to a variety of architectural styles which influenced the design of the house and gardens. The terraced gardens were begun prior to the beginning of the home’s construction. As a home on the National Register of Historic Places, the house has been described as being “both Mediterranean and Italian in feeling but with Victorian influence in the interior.” This makes it unique on the Highlands Plateau.

The second home on the tour is the Lapham House, dubbed “Faraway,” which was built by master carpenter Marion Wright in 1898 for Dr. Mary Lapham, who lived in the home with her friends, Edith Bloomer Dougall and Carolyn Barker. Known for its exceptional views of the mountains to the West, the home is now owned by Bill and Julia Grumbles who have helped to return the home to its past glory.

Though there is some dispute as to whether the home is a result of a renovated farmhouse that was preexisting on the property, or that it was completely built by Wright, there is no doubting the beauty of the finished product and the views that it commands. Dr. Lapham maintained a general practice at the home which resulted in a two-story addition which was used as an office and dispensary for her patients. All of the space is now incorporated into the existing home, which still features leaded glass windows and an expansive front porch.

The final home on the tour is the Ravenel House, called “Wolf Ridge,” which was built in 1915 by Thomas Parker for his half-sisters, Marguerite and Claire Ravenel. This wonderful home is now co-owned by Ray and Diane McPhail and Will and Karen Stolz. The home was recently painstakingly restored after a fire burned in the attic and water damaged much of the home. The views from the home are unforgettable.

Built in an Arts and Crafts style with chestnut wood that was harvested on the property, and foundation stones hauled to the site by ox cart, the home was built with room for family and friends to gather. Despite the extensive damage from the fire, key features of the home were able to be preserved, right down to the hardwood floors which were saved by a little TLC from the owners and their contractor. One thing that was never altered is the panoramic views of Horse Cove Valley, Whiteside Mountain, Fodderstack and beyond.

Tickets for the fundraiser benefiting the Highlands Historical Society are $100 each. All ticket holders must be able to board and depart a van. Reservation times begin at 10:00 A.M. and continue until 1:30 on June 21. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes. If you are interested in participating, please visit highlandshistory.com for more information and to reserve your space. Only 112 tickets will be sold.

The Highlands Historical Society would like to thank Chuck and Pam Auster, Bill and Julia Grumbles, Ray and Diane McPhail, and Will and Karen Stolz for their graciousness in allowing the Society to use their beloved homes for this event.

As partners in our mission, we all seek to “preserve and promote the rich heritage of Highlands for present and future generations.”