The New-Old Ravenel

Issue: 2020/06 - June | Photograph By: Marjorie Christiansen Photography

The provenance of Diane and Ray McPhail’s Ravenel property, formerly called Wolf Ridge, is filled with magic and myth going all the way back to Native American roots. What was once the bears’ showground became The Fodderstacks, named for stores of cattle food (hay, etc.) which they resembled. 

In 1913 the Ravenel family built a summer house at the site. The Ravenels played a huge role in Highlands history. You may know them for donating Sunset Rock to the town in 1914, a memorial gift from the children of Captain and Margaretta Ravenel.

Right after the McPhails purchased their mill house (see the August 2019 issue of Laurel) the Ravenel property caught Ray’s interest. 

Diane says, “Ray saw the Ravenel property, loved it, and joined with partner Will Stolz to develop the land. Bob Zahner demonstrated to Ray the ecological treasure of the Fodderstacks, and Ray promised Bob he would see to it that they were protected. Those unique Fodderstacks went first to the Land Trust in preservation, then to the National Forest Service.”

When asked how the Ravenel dwelling harmonized with the dramatic surroundings, Diane shared, “It had the distinction of being built in a Northeast Craftsman style, not commonly seen here. In the development of the Ravenel Community, Ray and Will observed strict adherence to Craftsman style architecture.”

The result: a perfect environmental and aesthetic marriage.

Although no one has ever lived full-time in the house, it was a summer home to the Ravenels. 

Diane adds, “For us and for the Stolz family, it has been much the same and more. Our families and extended families and friends gather there with us for wonderful times, creating unforgettable memories, including the many Ray Fest Bluegrass gatherings and our daughter’s wedding on the lawn.” 

The house partially burned a few years back. The culprit was a crack between the stones of the old chimney. The draw through the crack blasted fire across the roof, burning all the third story and part of the second. While the volunteer fire department did an heroic job saving the house, 30,000 gallons of water inundated the remainder. 

John Lupoli gutted and restored the interior. The inside was modernized and updated with the professional assistance of Darren Whatley.  The exterior was restored to its original appearance. Though it was slow and tedious work, the roof corbels and doors of the original house were refurbished.

Diane was particularly pleased about the rescue of the bed her parents bought for $25 when they married. 

She says, “It was then our bed for almost 20 years after we married. It was in an upstairs bedroom and partially burned. The wonderful workmen took the carved floral panels from the head and the foot of the bed and created a frame for them from the moldings of the bed. They are now hanging in the master bath.” 

When asked if it felt like a joy or a trial to renovate, Diane replied, “A grief to lose the old interior with all its great memories, but also a lot of enthusiasm for all the updated design, especially the convenience of the new kitchen now open wide to the magnificent view, and the great flow of an open floor plan. The kids also love the upstairs bedroom ‘nooks,’ as do I. 

“When I have a houseful of friends there now, I stay in the bedroom nook overlooking the mountains. In addition, the rather bleak basement is taken back to the old rock walls, with a beautiful bedroom and bath, and a huge game, TV, and pool table space.

“We adore having gatherings of friends and family up here. And of course, they adore being up here in the mountains. The Ravenel house has room for everyone.” 

One thing for certain, if you’ve ever visited a McPhail dwelling, you feel right at home for it’s a delightful fusion of walls, beams, love, and dreams.