The Watkins House, completed in 1890, is an integral part of this region's history. Both of the photographs below (of the home and former residents) were taken in 1911.

Step Back in Time at The Watkins House

This historic old home is a treasured part of Avery County history, and the Altamont area in particular. Sheppard Dugger’s book, Balsam Groves of the Grandfather, published in 1909, states that John Palmer, a Confederate Colonel, lived beside the Linville River on his beautiful estate called Grasslands. During the Civil War, a Union officer named Kirk, burned Col. Palmer’s home as he returned from Camp Vance in Morganton, North Carolina. After the fire, a friend of Colonel Palmer--George R. Watkins, U.S. Navy, Retired--purchased a large portion of the 900 acre Grasslands and built an elegant home on this site. Ever since, this home has been known as the Watkins House.

Records show that George R. Watkins and his wife, Anna K. Watkins, purchased the property on April 18, 1889, and Henry Poteat, builder, completed the house in 1890. Water was “piped” to a springhouse near the back door from half a mile up Bowman Hollow through logs bored with a long, large auger and then laid end to end. Though no one can be sure of the original use of each of the rooms, we do know that the well-stocked library was located on the right as you enter the front door. Mr. Watkins, a dog lover, had a painting of his favorite hunting dog hung in his library. Copies of many of his books could probably still be found in homes in this area. Items of china and other collectibles from the house have also been passed down to successive generations in various Avery County families.

A number of furnishings, including marble-topped dressers and parlor tables, as well as marble inlays for the hearths of some fireplaces, were imported from Europe. Using the narrow gauge railroad known as “Tweetsie” they were brought to nearby Cranberry and from there to the farm by wagon. The Watkins House at Grasslands was reputed to be one of the most elegantly appointed homes in the area.

The beautiful Mrs. Watkins was, unfortunately, crippled by arthritis, and in 1909, because of her failing health, Grasslands was partitioned and portions of the land were bought by M.C. Biggerstaff, Joe Ollis and George Woody. The home area, originally sold to Charles Edward Wood and wife, Marie Antonia Wood, was purchased by A.E. Parsons. Photos taken in the summer of 1911 show Eustace Parsons standing on a footbridge in front of Grasslands with the house fronted by a huge oak tree. Additional photos of his children on the porch confirm that the “gingerbread” trim on the house remains unchanged. Unfortunately, the three stately oak trees that inspired the Wiseman family in 1984 to name the farm “Three Oaks” as they incorporated their nursery business have long since vanished.

The house was known in succession of owners and renters. Owner Will Dale sold the home and a portion of the property to Clarence Wiseman, a well-known Avery County bear hunter. It is said that on more than one occasion, bears could be seen hanging from one of the large oak trees on the property! Prior to the 1976 purchase of the property by Dr. Carter Wiseman, the house had fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect. Beautiful inlaid marble hearths, fluted window moldings, and cared wood workings were either vandalized or stolen.

Linville River Farm has begun documentation to place this house on the National Register of Historic Places. It will remain the focal point of the planned community that brings new life to the farm. In each phase of renovation, restoration and improvement, the intent is to preserve the architectural integrity of the original house wherever possible. We look forward with anticipation to the day when this Altamont treasure will once again assume a central place in the ongoing history of Avery County.