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Annual Soirée at Playmore
Written By: Winter Gary-Highlands Biological Foundation | Issue: July 2024
Highlands Biological Foundation’s Summer Soirée, set for the grounds of the exclusive Playmore estate on July 29, is a celebration of the Plateau’s precious natural heritage. For tickets or more information, visit highlandsbiological.org or call (828) 526-2221.
Summertime in Highlands is synonymous with elegant social gatherings, and the Highlands Biological Foundation’s Summer Soirée is a highlight of the season.
Join HBF for their largest annual fundraiser on Monday, July 29, from 6:00 P.M. until dark to help support their mission of fostering biological research and education in the southern Appalachians. This year’s soirée will take place on the enchanting grounds of the historic “Playmore” property, graciously hosted by John Mitchener and Heath Massey.
Playmore, originally known as “Wantoot,” boasts a rich history dating back to 1879 when Samuel Prioleau Ravenel and his wife Margaretta commissioned its construction. This remarkable estate, built by Francis Poindexter, a master furniture maker and woodcarver, stands as Highlands’ first summer home.
In 1914, the Ravenel family sold Wantoot to Jules Blanc Monroe from New Orleans, who expanded the estate and renamed it Playmore. The property remained in his family for nearly a century, preserving its legacy. In 2020, John Mitchener and Heath Massey purchased Playmore and have since undertaken a meticulous restoration, ensuring that both the home and its surrounding structures retain their historical integrity.
The 136-acre Playmore estate, recognized by the National Park Service and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a testament to the region’s rich ecological and historical tapestry. The property features a variety of ecological zones, from lush cove forests to striking rock outcrops and serene open meadows, reflecting the biological diversity of the southern Appalachians.
This year’s soirée promises to be an unforgettable evening. Guests will have the unique opportunity to visit the beautifully restored grounds of Playmore while supporting a worthy cause. Every dollar raised at the event will go towards advancing the Highlands Biological Foundation’s mission.
Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at $325 per person and can be purchased online at highlandsbiological.org or by calling (828) 526-2221. Spaces are limited.
The Highlands Biological Foundation invites everyone to join them for an evening of history, nature, and philanthropy at one of Highlands’ most storied estates. Your participation will help foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our region’s unique biological diversity, ensuring HBF’s programs continue to thrive for years to come.
