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When Was Crestwood Established?
Crestwood’s story began in 1948, when architect Claus Moberg and his wife, Jean, discovered a 30-acre property with a partial apple orchard near Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
Claus was visiting his in-laws nearby when he became captivated by the land’s sweeping 180-degree mountain views.
The property’s owner, Jack Garland, initially told him, “You can’t afford it.”
Claus persisted and eventually purchased the land for $750, considered a significant price at the time. The Moberg family began transforming the property into a home and creative workspace in 1949.
Who Built the Original Crestwood Home?
The original Crestwood home was created by Claus and Jean Moberg.
Claus was an architect, while Jean worked in interior design. The building reflected both professions.
The downstairs level included:
- Claus’s architecture studio
- Jean’s interior design studio
- Work and creative spaces
- Areas that later became Crestwood’s lobby and wine cellar
Upstairs, the family had its bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, and living spaces.
Many of those rooms have since evolved into the guest areas visitors experience today.
Was Crestwood Originally a Hotel?
No. Crestwood began as the Moberg family’s private home and workplace.
It was also a gathering place deeply connected to the High Country community.
The Moberg children grew up exploring the property’s woods, spending time at nearby Hound Ears, and becoming part of the surrounding mountain community.
That history explains why Crestwood still feels more like a large mountain home than a conventional hotel.
The property began welcoming guests as an inn in 2004.
What Is the Grandfather Suite’s History?
In the late 1970s, Claus and Jean designed an additional upper-level suite.
Their son Steve helped build the space, which included:
- A private living area
- A mountain-facing studio
- Elevated views
- A tree-house-style deck built into the mountainside
Today, guests can still experience this part of the property as the Grandfather Suite.
The suite represents one of Crestwood’s clearest connections between the original family home and the modern inn.
Why Was Crestwood Built Around the Mountain Views?
The views were the reason Claus Moberg wanted the property in the first place.
From its elevated setting, Crestwood looks across a broad stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The landscape influenced how the family positioned rooms, windows, terraces, studios, and gathering spaces.
That design philosophy continues today.
The property’s Main Dining Room, Terrace, outdoor seating, guest rooms, and event spaces are designed to help people experience the mountains rather than simply look at them in passing.
What Has the New Ownership Changed?
Crestwood’s current ownership has invested heavily in restoring the property while preserving its original character.
The owner’s connection to Crestwood began while working at the front desk during college. Over time, that experience expanded into nearly every part of the operation.
That hands-on background created a detailed understanding of what needed to be restored, improved, or reimagined.
Recent investments include:
- A complete renovation of the spa
- An expanded spa menu
- Renovations to guest rooms and suites
- A new fitness center
- Extensive deferred maintenance
- Restoration of historic buildings
- Improvements to The Table
- New and upgraded gathering areas
- A covered outdoor seating area
- Infrastructure improvements behind the scenes
The goal is not to erase Crestwood’s history. It is to help the original property continue serving guests for decades to come.
What Is the New Covered Outdoor Area?
The covered outdoor gathering space allows guests to enjoy Crestwood’s mountain setting in more weather conditions and throughout more of the year.
During summer, the cover and fans create a shaded place to sit, have a drink, and take in the view.
During fall and winter, guests can gather by the fire while enjoying the cool mountain air.
The space reflects the original purpose of Crestwood: bringing people together in a setting shaped by the surrounding landscape.
What Historic Features Remain at Crestwood?
Although Crestwood has been updated, important architectural and emotional connections to the original home remain.
These include:
- The original stone fireplace
- Former family living spaces
- The original studio areas
- Mountain-facing rooms
- The tree-top terrace
- The Grandfather Suite
- The property’s relationship to its woodland setting
- The informal feeling of a family gathering place
The history is not confined to a plaque or framed photograph. Guests encounter it throughout the building.
What Is Crestwood Today?
Today, Crestwood is a historic mountain hotel, restaurant, spa, wedding venue, and gathering place near Blowing Rock.
The property includes:
- 14 renovated rooms and suites
- The Spa at Crestwood
- The Table restaurant
- A fitness center
- Indoor and outdoor event spaces
- Mountain-view terraces
- Wedding ceremony and reception locations
- Corporate retreat spaces
- Family gathering areas
It is located approximately 3.9 miles from downtown Blowing Rock and between Boone and Blowing Rock.
What Is Crestwood’s Vision for the Future?
Crestwood’s vision is to preserve the warmth of the original Moberg home while creating a more complete modern mountain retreat.
That means continuing to provide a place where guests can:
- Slow down
- Reconnect
- Celebrate milestones
- Gather with family
- Share meals
- Rest after exploring the High Country
- Build new memories inside a historic property
Nearly 80 years after the Moberg family arrived, Crestwood remains a place shaped by the mountains, the community, and the people who gather there.
FAQ
When was Crestwood built?
The Crestwood story began in 1949, after Claus and Jean Moberg purchased the property in 1948.
Who originally owned Crestwood?
Architect Claus Moberg and interior designer Jean Moberg created Crestwood as their family home and workspace.
Was Crestwood always a hotel?
No. It began as a private family home and creative studio. Crestwood has welcomed overnight guests since 2004.
How much land did the original property include?
The original property consisted of approximately 30 acres and included part of an apple orchard.
How far is Crestwood from downtown Blowing Rock?
Crestwood is approximately 3.9 miles from downtown Blowing Rock.
What has been renovated at Crestwood?
Recent work includes the spa, guest rooms, fitness center, restaurant experience, outdoor gathering spaces, historic buildings, and property infrastructure.
How many rooms does Crestwood have?
Crestwood currently has 14 renovated rooms and suites.
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