David and Annie Colquitt are purchasing The Swag, a popular mountain retreat near Waynesville, North Carolina.
The Swag is located on 250 acres abutting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its award-winning accommodations, fine dining and spectacular mountain views at an elevation of 5,000 feet make The Swag a one-of-a-kind getaway, one that is familiar to many residents of this region.
“Annie and I went there on our honeymoon seven years ago,” said David Colquitt, “and we realized what a special place it is. When we recently found out the owners were interested in selling The Swag, we didn’t want to miss the opportunity. We are excited to be part of The Swag’s future.”
The couple were married in 2011 at the Governor’s Residence by the bride’s father, Gov. Bill Haslam.
The Swag consists of 14 rooms in cabins made of hand-hewn logs and decorated with antiques, regional artwork and handmade quilts. Most rooms have a private balcony, wood-burning stone fireplace and steam shower.
Guests also can enjoy hiking trails, lectures, massages, racquetball, badminton, croquet and a treehouse, among other activities.
Dr. Bob Collier, Powell physician and noted birding expert, often lectures at The Swag.
The Colquitts bought The Swag from Dan and Deener Matthews. He is a retired Episcopal priest who once was dean of St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Knoxville. The Matthews bought the property in 1969 and, over time, have added rooms, cottages, outdoor programs and fine dining, turning The Swag into an award-winning retreat. Last year, Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards named it one of the “Top Resorts in the South.”
“Our intention is to preserve what the Matthews have built,” Annie Colquitt said. “The Swag has been a special place for my family for decades.”
Visit The Swag online for additional information about accommodations and amenities. The sale of The Swag is expected to close prior to the start of the 2018 season on April 20.
(Story submitted by Moxley Carmichael Communications)