In what is a sad turn for an iconic venue in Highlands, locals and visitors planning to attend events there are learning more details about last week’s fire at The Farm at Old Edwards.
According to a Highlands Fire and Rescue (HF&R) social media post, fire trucks dispatched at approximately 9:58 p.m. on August 17 for a commercial structure fire on Arnold Rd.
Upon arrival, Fire and Rescue found half of the building on fire. The firefighters “worked throughout the night to bring the incident under control.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Farm sustained significant fire damage, and Orchard Sessions and Chef Dinners scheduled at The Farm were canceled until further notice. Old Edwards said in a statement that it is contacting all couples and event hosts. Additionally, the Inn said Old Edwards Inn and Spa itself and the other Highlands properties remain open and are operating normally.
No one was on site at The Farm and no injuries were reported by Old Edwards.
In its post, HF&R thanked Cashiers-Glenville Volunteer Fire Department, Cullasaja Gorge Fire and Rescue, Sky Valley-Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Rabun county station 8, Franklin Fire – Rescue, Otto Fire & Rescue, Macon County Emergency Medical Services, and Macon County North Carolina 911 for the assistance.
Complete Old Edwards Statement
During the overnight hours a devastating fire caused extensive damage to the Pavillion at The Farm at Old Edwards, located on Arnold Road. The events venue was unoccupied at the time, and no guests or team members were injured.
“Above all, we are grateful that no one was at The Farm and that no lives were lost,” said Richard Delany, president and acting director. “We will never forget the first responders who came from across our region to stand with us. Their swift response and tireless work throughout the night demonstrated determination, skill, and devotion to the communities they serve.”
For Old Edwards and the Highlands community, The Farm has always represented far more than a physical place. It has been the setting for weddings, family milestones and other gatherings that have been part of both guests’ and members’ lives for generations. Its meaning is found not only in its landscape and architecture, but in the promises made, traditions honored and memories created there.
The full resources of Old Edwards Hospitality Group have been brought together to support every affected client. Teams across sales, events, culinary, operations and hospitality are personally contacting couples and event hosts, evaluating alternative venues across the Old Edwards collection and throughout the community, and developing individualized plans for each celebration.
Every affected couple and event host will have a dedicated Old Edwards contact to provide continuity, guidance and personal support. The group’s immediate commitment is to preserve the spirit and significance of each occasion and make every celebration as beautiful and memorable as originally envisioned.
The fire was isolated to The Farm’s Pavilion on Arnold Road. Old Edwards Inn and Spa itself and the group’s other Highlands properties remain open and are operating normally.
Old Edwards Hospitality Group continues to work closely with local authorities, emergency personnel and its insurance team as the full extent of the damage is assessed.
“True hospitality is revealed not only in moments of celebration, but in how we care for people when circumstances change without warning,” said Brian Crook, senior vice president of operations. “The Farm is a beloved part of Old Edwards, but its enduring spirit has always come from the people who brought it to life. That spirit remains with us. It will guide how we support our employees, care for our couples and move forward together with the community we are so fortunate to call home.”
