Around Robeson is Scott Bigelow’s monthly feature about regional destinations and hidden gems. Suggestions for future entries can be emailed to [email protected].
North Carolina’s newest state park is a gem in progress and worth putting on anyone’s travel list.
Situated on 4,000 acres of sand and pine trees just north of Spring Lake, Carvers Creek State Park was created in 2010 from the country home and estate of James Stallman Rockefeller, former president of Citibank. The Rockefeller family became fabulously wealthy after John D. Rockefeller founded Standard Oil Company in the early 20th century.
James was a fitness buff who won an Olympic Gold Medal for rowing in 1924 with his classmates at Yale. He was 102 years old when he died in 2004.
His property was willed to the Nature Conservancy and later deeded to the state. The 6,000 square-foot house dates back to 1930. It overlooks a scenic 100-acre mill pond that was constructed in 1850 to saw longleaf pine logs.
The pond was later used to power a grist mill and a generator to make electricity for the estate. Once part of a much larger timber holding, the property was named Long Valley Farm by a previous owner.
Carvers Creek will benefit from the $5.7 million bond referendum approved in March. The restored house could soon host weddings, conferences and environmental education programs. Bond-funded amenities like trails and camping sites will make the park blossom.
I was among the 14 guests who received a tour of the property on March 29 from Colleen Bowers, a ranger at Carvers Creek State Park. From the outside, the house looks like it could be located in any affluent community in America. Step inside, and it’s another story.
The wooden floors, walls and ceilings invoke a hunting lodge. A breezeway runs the entire length of the house, which was built before air conditioning. Sleeping porches are located at the front and back of the second floor.
With enthusiasm, Bowers shared the great stories surrounding the Rockefellers and the land. She has been at the park since it opened and loves working there.
“There is quite a bit of history here,” she said. “There is a lot of work to be done before the house can be opened to the public.”
Carvers Creek shouldn’t be confused with Overhills, the nearby hideaway built by James’s uncle. The military owns Overhills and the site is closed to the public.
It should also be noted that Carvers Creek Falls is miles downstream from the park.
Carvers Creek is the state’s 36th park. A surprising number of guests could be seen picnicking, hiking, biking and fishing on the beautiful day that I visited.
If you go, remember to bring a pair of walking shoes and pick a day when the house is open for guided tours.
