Click HERE to book online, or call 1-800-231-9675.
Rate Schedule
• 13 unique guest rooms and suites all with private baths
• All rooms are non-smoking
• Rates start at $89
• Rates include delectable, substantial breakfast
• Suites available with fireplace or private porch
• Each additional person (above 2 per room) $10/night
• Discounts are available for groups, midweek stays, and for stays of 3 days or longer
• Special packages: anniversary, birthdays, weddings, reunions, club meetings, celebrations, are available
• On-site outdoor grilling also available. Full guest kitchen for your use.
Check-in is between 4 and 7 PM. If you plan to arrive earlier or later, please make arrangements in advance with the inn by telephone.
Check-out is 11 AM
See our reviews on tripadvisor and bedanbreakfast
The York House is Georgia's oldest Inn, listed on the National Register of Historic places. The Inn was built in 1896, as an addition to a two-story farmhouse. The farmhouse itself dates to 1840 and was constructed from Chestnut logs, then covered with pine plank siding. The logs are unique as American Chestnut trees were killed off in a blight in the 1920s. Chestnut beams and the original dove-tailed log construction can be viewed in the gift shop and former servants quarters, now refurbished, on the lower level.
The Inn was purpose-built as housing for railway workers for the Tallulah Falls Railroad. Railroads have long been a part of Rabun County history, and therefore, that of the York House. Remnants of what could have been a different future for Rabun County are scattered along the back roads and in U.S. National Forest land as Rabun Gap was to be a link for the much grander Blue Ridge Railroad that would connect Charleston, South Carolina to Knoxville, Tennessee.
John C. Calhoun, former vice president and SC senator, was one of the first to propose building the railroad from the coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Railroad companies were chartered in Georgia, SC, NC and TN to construct the railroad. The Charter for the Georgia Corporation was granted in 1838, but wrangling over the route caused construction delays until the 1850s.
One proposed route was through Asheville, NC along the French Broad River. Calhoun, who lived in Clemson, SC, advocated for the Rabun Gap and Little Tennessee River route as less expensive and difficult. Railroads from Charleston to Anderson SC and from Knoxville to Cincinnati were in place by the time the group selected the Rabun County route. Construction started in 1854.
All of the work on the railroad project was stopped with the outbreak of the Civil War. After the war, efforts to resurrect the Blue Ridge Railroad failed. The railroad that did come to Rabun County was the Tallulah Falls Railroad which ran from Cornelia to Franklin, NC. Construction on the Tallulah Falls project, originally referred to as the Northeastern Railroad, began in 1871. The goal was to build a railroad connecting Athens to the planned Blue Ridge Railroad, using the right-of-way through Clayton.
Tallulah Falls was a popular destination point until about 1913 when the forerunner to Georgia Power constructed a dam, blocking the flow of water in the Tallulah River. The York House had a whistle stop, known as York Siding, on the Tallulah Falls line running to Franklin. At the stop, railway workers, boarders, and vacationers, were welcomed to the Inn, beginning in 1896.
As the railway project ended (lost funding), the Inn became a vacation spot for visitors from Atlanta and the surrounding areas. It has been in continuous operation since 1896. Several innkeepers, Molly York, known as Little Mama, and her daughter, Fannie, were famous local characters. The Inn is also well-known for its two-story veranda which spans the front of the house and provides beautiful views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
The Inn has hosted famous guests, including Walt Disney and Joel Chandler Harris. Also, scenes from the films Deliverance and The Great Locomotive Chase were filmed here. Come visit us and make your own history in the beautiful mountains of northeast Georgia.
The York House sits on 4.5 wooded acres in a valley, which include a hemlock forest, a running creek, and a pre-Civil War Spring House. It is close to Highway 441, so it's easy to find. The Inn has enough land to offer a quiet retreat and is positioned to offer beautiful views. The verdant grounds allow space for lawn games or just the right spot to relax and take in the sweet mountain air. The famous two-story veranda spans the front of the house and provides beautiful views of the mountains in the distance and the farm across the street.
The Inn has undergone substantial structural renovation, refurbishment and repair. The Inn has 13 guest rooms with private baths and entrances, a full kitchen for guest use, a parlor and dining room, and a lower level offering 1,000 square feet of gathering space. The Inn has four working fireplaces, three in public areas and one in a guest room.
Along with general refurbishment, the lower level of the house was recently renovated. A major part of the renovation focused on the former servants' quarters located under the parlor and dining room. This part of the house contained 20 foot and longer hand-hewn Chestnut beams, the original stone walls and a granite fireplace. Of note is that when the Inn first opened, Molly York and her husband themselves lived in the quarters.
This charming, unique area has been converted into a bar/socializing area. A large area for group gatherings, meetings, presentations, or meals adjoins the cozy bar. In addition, French doors on the lower level open onto a small stone patio. A nearby path leads across the creek into the Hemlock grove which has a fire pit and picnic area, and the old Spring House.
To see more pictures, click here.
The area behind the house is wooded and includes a Hemlock Forest with a cleared alcove, which is a great site for weddings, celebrations and quiet reflection. A creek runs along the Hemlock Forest. A kitchen is available for guest use as well as an outdoor patio for grilling or gathering.
The Inn offers over 1,000 square feet of meeting space downstairs. Finally, the restored former servants quarters are a wonderful, intimate gathering point, which fully reflects the history of the period.
The York House is located in Rabun County, a rapidly growing area. Many National Parks and recreation areas, such Tallulah Falls and drop-in points for the Chattooga, are within 15 miles. Black Rock Mountain State Park is less than five miles away. While growing, Rabun County is unique in that over 70% of the county land is protected by the Forest Service. Many great hiking trails, from easy to difficult, are easily accessible. Mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and motor-cycle riding are also popular in the area.
Art enclaves and shopping venues abound. A number of popular Folk art galleries can be found in and around Clayton. Also, Rabun Gap hosts a legendary flea market from May through November. The Inn is 14 miles from Highlands ; 30 miles from Cashiers and approximately 75 miles from Asheville, all North Carolina towns well-known for their art galleries and shopping opportunities.
Rabun County also hosts several new wineries and is part of the North Georgia wine route. Tiger Vineyards which offers tours and tastings is less than 15 miles from the Inn. Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center , less than five minutes away, gives a glimpse of the lifestyle and pioneer culture of the Southern Appachian mountains. Also, a wonderful auction house, Golden Memories , is located half a mile from the Inn which hosts sales throughout the year. The Inn is less than an hours drive to Cherokee, North Carolina, home of Harrahs Casino .
March 2012
8 & 9 Tallulah Gorge Full Moon Hike
16-17 Top of Georgia Bluegrass Jamboree
17 St. Patrick's Day Dinner -Enjoy an Irish dinner York House
style with stories told by Andrew in authentic Irish brogue!
call for details
23-25 Georgia Wine Highway Weekend
April 2012
6 & 7 Tallulah Gorge Full Moon Hike
13-14 Living History Days at the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center
28-29 Celebrate Clayton Music and Art Fest
May 2012
19-20 Warrior Dash !
Month of January
Senior Citizens mid-week Special
Take an additional 10% off our already reduced mid-week rates.
Be sure to check our Events page for the Valentine's Dinner menu.
Romantic Getaway
Heat up this Winter with one night's accomodations complete with chilled sparkling wine, (Champagne available) and hand-dipped chocolate strawberries. Call or email for details.
Now offering fireside, candlelit dinners, by reservation.
Please feel free to contact us for more information about group gatherings, room availability or any event. We would be happy to talk with you and will make every effort to meet the needs of your situation. We can be reached by phone or e-mail. If you call and reach a recording, please note all phone calls and e-mails are returned within twelve hours of receipt.
(800) 231 9675
(706) 982 3023
The York House Inn
416 York House Road
Rabun Gap, GA 30568
info_yorkhouseinn.com
The York house Inn | 416 YorkHouse Road, Rabun Gap, GA 30568 | 1-800-231-9675 | info_yorkhouseinn.com
my business copyright 2000 no animals were harmed in the making
