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The History of the Otters Den
begins in the late 1700's when three original American chestnut log
structures were built as a Blue Ridge Mountain homestead for the
Vaughan family. Members of the Vaughan family lived in the
homestead until the late 1950's when the last relative died.
The land and structures were neglected for over 30 years and fell
into serious disrepair.
In 1982, Patrick and
Michie Schrock became involved with a partnership which purchased
the property to renovate it for a bed and breakfast facility.
However, in 1986, the partnership was dissolved, and the Schrocks
became sole owners. The first major phase of the renovation
was completed that same year. Landscaping was a major
undertaking as the land was heavily overgrown requiring considerable
clearing and replanting. However, through all the restoration,
the Schrocks preserved the rustic mountain charm of the property and
remained as true to the original structures as possible.
Work is ongoing on the
property with improvements and additions each year. These
include an outdoor hot spa, multiple decks, a hiking trail for
wildflower walks, private baths, screened porches, an enlarged
picnic area., and the clearing of a small stream on the
property.
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