Building Upon a Legacy

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: August 2024

James,Britten, Bronson, and Jessica Whitley

Angela and Art Williams came to Highlands in 1996. He, a financial titan, founder of A. L. Williams & Associates (now Primerica Financial Services) brought his business acumen. She, an interior designer with a keen sensibility, brought her affection for genteel European style.

Together they set in motion a pivotal era in the socio-economic history of Highlands in the 21st century.

It all started when the Williamses purchased what was the 1878 Central House boarding house and the neighboring 1929 Hotel Edwards, inaugurating a $100 million, three-year-long project to transform them into a world class destination.

And it marked the beginning of a series of strategic renovations and expansions: they remodeled the former Kelsey-Hutchinson Lodge into the prestigious Lodge at Old Edwards; revamped The Spa into a renowned wellness center, and established The Farm as a spectacular venue for special events, and added an Executive Conference Center. Madison’s Restaurant was refurbished and reinvigorated with a thoughtful menu of Southern delicacies.

But this was just the beginning. More accommodations for visitors were introduced – Half-Mile Farm, 200 Main, Falls Cottages, along with restaurants (Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar, Highlands Burrito), a retail operation (Acorns), and two golf clubs (Old Edwards Club and GlenCove.)

And as their vision for the town expanded, they developed residential communities – Cottages on 4th, Cottages on 5th, Satulah Cottages, Norton Ridge, and GlenCove. Meanwhile the town of Highlands swelled around it. What had been a sleepy seasonal community was now a year-
round destination.

Today Old Edwards is recognized and lauded worldwide for its resplendent lodgings and gracious hospitality. It is a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection of independent hotels, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the recipient of numerous accolades
and awards.

After 23 years of stewardship, the Williamses have decided to pass the baton to new owners, James and Jessica Whitley of Athens, Georgia.

Art expressed in a letter to the community, “As Angela and I entered into our eighties we began to realize we didn’t have the energy or stamina to continue owning and overseeing this amazing company.”

Angela and Art Williams, with grandchildren

Despite previous reluctance to sell, they found in James and Jessica Whitley the perfect successors who share their passion for Highlands and Old Edwards.

“However, the more we got to know James and Jessica and their team, we became convinced they were exactly the right people to entrust with this company and brand. We couldn’t imagine anyone caring about this special place as much as we do,” Williams said.

The parallels between the two couples are evident. James Whitley is a successful businessman; Co-Founder and COO of Athens-based Landmark Properties, and he has been involved in the orchestration, design, development, construction, and management of over $14 billion worth of top-level student housing projects across the United States.

Jessica, a creative artist and designer and the Creative Director of Jessica Whitley Studio, 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, residential mountain and lake club in Sunset, South Carolina.

The Whitley’s long ago fell in love with Highlands. The multi-strand pearl necklace that Jessica wore on her wedding day in 2012 was purchased at the Old Edwards store, Acorns. They also have two children – 9-year-old daughter Britten and 7-year-old son, Bronson.

Jessica and Angela found mutual interests, and the two “hit it off right out of the gate.”

“When the concept of the sale first came up, I considered it a very high honor they would even consider it.” Jessica said.

James understands that he and Jessica are caretakers of Old Edwards and what it means to honor that history. “I look at this as an opportunity to pick up a tremendous legacy and I concede that those are big shoes to fill. Jessica and I don’t take that lightly and we are excited about engaging with the team at Old Edwards. It is our intent to continue what has been ongoing and to evolve in the direction that Art and Angela started; and to honor them, to be great stewards.”

Old Edwards’ President and Managing Director Richard Delany adds, “We are all very excited about James and Jessica Whitley taking ownership and the positive momentum this represents for the future of the company.  Old Edwards Hospitality Group has changed ownership – but all staffing, operations, events, memberships, partnerships, policies, vendors, and contracts remain the same.”