A Glimpse into Historic Flat Rock, NC
If you’ve been wondering what’s it like living in Hendersonville or considering a move to Hendersonville, you’ll quickly find that its neighboring village of Flat Rock offers a captivating layer of history, charm, and character. Tucked in the cool embrace of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Flat Rock has long held a special place in the hearts of those seeking peace, beauty, and community.
Over a century ago, Alicia Middleton Ripley Trenholm crafted an intimate portrait of Flat Rock in her memoir, A Sketch of the Past. This timeless document whisks readers back to the late 1800s—a time of horse-drawn carriages, wildflower-carpeted woodlands, and soirees steeped in Southern elegance. Today, her recollections give us a window into why this tucked-away gem still beckons generations of new residents and visitors alike. If you’re curious about living in Hendersonville or nearby, Alicia’s story may just charm you into falling in love with the area.
The Charleston Connection
Much of Flat Rock’s early identity was shaped by prominent Charleston families who ventured north in search of cooler climes and relief from the Lowcountry’s oppressive summer heat. They found their sanctuary—rolling hills, cool mountain air, and peace among the laurel and rhododendron. It wasn’t long before this mountain refuge grew into what Alicia called a “society—gracious and unhurried.”
Flat Rock’s mansions and estates, such as Mountain Lodge, Rock Hill (now Connemara), and the charming Brooklands, stood as elegant summer homes. Some still stand, echoing the opulence and refinement of their storied pasts. These estates were the backdrop for seasons of leisure, social dances, and afternoon carriage rides.
Every Corner a Story
For those curious about things to do in Hendersonville, NC, a journey through Flat Rock’s storied past is waiting. Many historical homes and landmarks from Alicia’s writings remain accessible today:
- Connemara: Formerly known as Rock Hill and home to Alicia’s Charleston neighbor, this estate became the residence of Carl Sandburg, now preserved as a National Historic Site.
- St. John in the Wilderness: A still-active Episcopal church where Alicia herself is buried—a serene and spiritual link to the past.
- The Old Lodge or Mountain Lodge: Once bustling with summer social life, its remains now whisper tales under the forest canopy.
A Voice From the Past
Alicia’s writing voice feels remarkably conversational, offering recollections painted with emotion and sensory depth. She describes Flat Rock’s early roads as “densely wooded and shady,” where wild violets carpeted the paths and wild roses hung in sprays of delicate beauty. She portrays a time before civilization’s “ploughing” marred nature’s hand.
Even Alicia acknowledged Flat Rock didn’t boast the fame of nearby Asheville. But that was, perhaps, its secret strength. In her words, “Indeed, there are many who would not appreciate the quiet, easy-going life,” she writes, as though reassuring future readers that this mountain village’s magic comes to those who seek something deeper than a tourist’s checklist.
Of Carriages and Moonshine
The journey to Flat Rock in Alicia’s day was no small feat. “Going to the Mountains” meant enduring a “clumsy stage-coach…creaking and groaning,” or traveling by private carriage—accompanied by a retinue of wagons bearing everything from groceries to family servants. But all that effort led to a summer of ease and elegance. Costume balls and dinner parties filled the weeks, while the Little River Road became a stage for riders and carriages alike, weaving a delightful social fabric.
During the Civil War, Flat Rock’s serenity was tested. Alicia recalls the disruption brought by “bushwhackers” and illegal distilleries tucked into mountain crannies where “Moonshine” and “Mountain Dew” were brewed. Her recollections strike a balance between romance and realism—an authentic record of a village shaped by both grandeur and grit.
A Lasting Legacy
And yet, for all the transformation since her era, much of what Alicia cherished endures. Flat Rock remains a village threaded with passion for preservation, community, and natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting, looking to relocate to Hendersonville, or already calling the area home, her words serve not just as a nostalgic lens, but a gentle reminder: these mountains carry stories worth remembering.
In a playful 2025 postscript, Flat Rock Together imagined a conversation with Alicia herself, asking her thoughts on the lasting impact of her memoir. Her imagined reply rings with grace: “Flat Rock is not simply a place—it is a feeling… a kind of sanctuary.”
Why Alicia’s Flat Rock Still Resonates Today
Many newcomers exploring the idea of moving to Hendersonville find themselves drawn to the surrounding villages and their unique characters. Flat Rock, in particular, offers a rare combination of history, tranquility, and artistry. It remains a refuge for creatives, intellectuals, and nature lovers alike. Its gentle rhythms and storied past make it an ideal place to build new roots while feeling part of something much older, steadier, and deeply Southern.
If you’re curious to read Alicia Ripley Trenholm’s full account, her original work, A Sketch of the Past, is freely available online. Brew some tea, settle into your favorite chair, and let her poetic voice transport you to Flat Rock’s golden summers of long ago.
More Than a Memory
Flat Rock is not a museum—it’s a living, breathing village. Even as it honors its past, the community continues to thrive with fresh stories, new families, and creative energy. Whether you’re exploring things to do in Hendersonville or searching for your forever hometown, don’t overlook the timeless charm of Flat Rock. It might just be the place your own story is waiting to be written.