Campaign to restore past elegance of historic IntheOaks estate
Montreat College to host fundraising soiree and tours of Black Mountain mansion
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
June 3, 2025
Montreat College is launching a the first phase of a campaign to restore and preserve the IntheOaks estate in Black Mountain. A fundraising event and open house, June 6 - 8, will open the Tudor-style mansion to the public. Photo by Montreat College
Throughout the Roaring Twenties, as the nation endured an arduous recovery from an unprecedented world war and pandemic, Prohibition, which banned the manufacturing, sale and transportation of alcohol, was the law of the land. Tucked away on a quiet, immaculately maintained 80-acre estate on what was then the outskirts of Black Mountain, spirits poured freely as high society mingled inside a massive Tudor-style mansion.
While the heyday of luxurious parties was a brief moment in the century-long history of the IntheOaks estate, constructed by Franklin Silas Terry and his wife, Lillian Estelle Slocomb Emerson, a new initiative by Montreat College seeks to restore the historic property to its former elegance. The campaign launches at 6 p.m., Friday, June 6, when the estate hosts A Night to Support the Future of IntheOaks, followed by a weekend open-house offering behind the scenes and self-guided tours, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, June 7, and from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday, June 8.
The Town of Black Mountain was only 20 years old when Terry, who established the National Electric Lamp Association just after the turn of the century before later being named the first vice president of General Electric, began purchasing land near present-day Vance Avenue.
Terry began planning the construction of the estate through written correspondence with Emerson, his first cousin, whom he married in 1923, three years after divorcing his first wife, Grace. The couple named their new home IntheOaks, an homage to the Slocomb family crest, which included an oak leaf.
They commissioned Franklin E. Wallis, an early contributing architect for the Biltmore Estate, to create plans for the manor house and later hired Asheville firm Smith & Carrier, formed by Richard Sharp Smith and Albert Heath Carrier, to construct an entertainment wing. Upon its completion, the 80-acre estate featured an indoor swimming pool, three-hole golf course and putting green.
IntheOaks, through the use of false panels and hidden doors concealing large quantities of liquor, became known for hosting parties in its Dutch Room. Late-night poker games were also a popular attraction before Terry died of a stroke in 1926. Emerson lived in the 24,000-square-foot home until her death in 1954, when she left the estate to her daughter, Lillian Boscowitz, who donated the property to the Episcopal Diocese of Western N.C.
Constructed in 1923, IntheOaks was first owned by Franklin Silas Terry and his wife Lillian Estelle Slocomb Emerson. The couple hosted elaborate parties in the 24,000-square-foot mansion before Terry passed away in 1926. Photo by Montreat College
The site, later renamed Camp Henry, operated as a retreat center, hosting civic and religious leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rev. Billy Graham. Montreat College acquired the property in 2001. The manor was available to be rented for events until around 2015, according to Montreat College President Dr. Paul Maurer.
“Since then, the estate has served a variety of purposes, including academic classes, ensemble rehearsals, wrestling and cheer and dance team practices and employee offices,” he said. “Several athletic staff members currently have workstations at IntheOaks, having been displaced from McAlister Hall due to Hurricane Helene.”
The space is also used for student activities, formal events and Christmas celebrations.
The college replaced the roof of the home in 2018, in an effort to mitigate water intrusion and preserve the building, according to Maurer, while making minor improvements and planning for a comprehensive renovation in the subsequent years.
As the college invites the public to return to the historic estate with the launch of its upcoming fundraising campaign, the event marks the kickoff of Phase 1 of the renovation plan, which focuses on key preservation and enhancement measures, including painting the exterior and primary interior rooms, adding ADA-compliant restrooms and modernizing existing ones, improving the kitchen for eventer catering and enhancing the landscaping in the courtyard and gardens around the estate.
Montreat College estimates the first phase of the project will cost between $2 -$2.5 million.
Tickets for the fundraising event, which offers an “elegant evening featuring local wines and charcuterie, live jazz music and the opportunity to contribute to preserving history," are $150 per person, Guided tours the following days are $50 per person, while self-guided walks are $25. Tickets can be purchased at intheoaks.com
“While IntheOaks has been a fixture in this community for more than 100 years, many locals have yet to experience a tour of the estate. It’s difficult to see the space and not feel a connection to the property,” Maurer said. “We hope more people will have the chance to explore the estate, learn about our vision, and support the restoration in whatever way they can. This will also allow individuals to envision how the space can serve as a vibrant event venue in the future.”
Montreat College is launching a fundraising campaign to restore and preserve the IntheOaks estate. The plan includes opening the Tudor-style mansion as an event venue by the summer of 2027. Photo by Montreat College
The goal is to restore the house and grounds by the summer of 2027, when the college plans to offer a “premier venue for weddings, corporate events and private celebrations.” Completing the project would allow the unique structure to serve its intended purpose.
“IntheOaks is the second largest private estate in N.C., surpassed only by the Biltmore estate,” Maurer said. “Rich in history and charm, it is located in one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Historical accounts describe the estate as a place designed to entertain guests in a setting that was both comfortable and refined. That’s exactly what we hope to achieve through this restoration.”
The mansion hosted a gala, May 31, for the Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County, reigniting the discussion about the requirements to restore the estate to a suitable event venue, according to the Montreat College president.
“Over the years, we’ve considered various possibilities for the estate,” Maurer said. “This vision enables us to restore a property in need of care while creating an incredible asset for the region and attracting people to the area for events, celebrations, and special moments. We also believe this plan honors the rich history of the property while breathing new life into IntheOaks.”
For more information on how to support the restoration and preservation of the IntheOaks estate, visit intheoaks.com.