Come as a client. Leave as family.

Just 35 minutes from Asheville, you’re welcomed by 267 acres of open pasture, forest, and mountain views — not a stage set, but a real working farm that has been in continuous operation since 1844. From the crest of Huntsville Mountain to the waters of Glade Creek nearly a thousand feet below, you’ll find sweeping vistas and elegant portrait locations for your ceremony, first look, and sunset photos. Around you, Oak Hill’s restored historic buildings — the 1916 Farmhouse, Round Top Barn, and Grand Carriage Hall — stand as living landmarks, blending heritage and romance to create a setting that’s as genuine as it is unforgettable.

Your day deserves experience.

Your wedding day unfolds in a place where tradition and expertise meet. Because Oak Hill is a true working farm, every detail feels grounded — in the land, the history, and the rhythm of the day. With over two decades of experience in weddings and events, your celebration here is designed to feel effortless: clear communication, flexible timelines, and professional guidance that allows you to be fully present. You’ll have support when you want it, space when you need it, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing every moment is handled with care.

The Coats family has devoted themselves to thoughtful stewardship — restoring historic structures, improving the land, and sharing Oak Hill with newlyweds, equestrians, photographers, and the local community. Oak Hill has been celebrated in song, print, and legend for nearly two centuries, and today that story continues to unfold with every couple who marries here. You’re invited to become part of the legacy — and we’d be honored to be part of yours.

"I am SO. HAPPY. to have gotten married here!" -Leah W., married at Oak Hill

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• Aug. 13, 1844 Alburto Higgins, a local large landowner, sells 300 acres, which would become Oak Hill Farm, to N. Elliott.
• 1857 Sadly, Mr. Elliott dies after just a few years, and his family is unable to maintain the property. It is repossessed by Higgins.
• March 1, 1858 Oak Hill is resold at auction to John Evans Goforth, grandson of Revolutionary War Hero (Battle of Kings Mtn.) Pvt. Preston Goforth. John Goforth and his descendants would go on to hold Oak Hill for more than 130 years.
• 1858-1883 John Goforth purchases many acres of adjoining land over the years, bringing Oak Hill from 300 acres up to 440.
• Sep. 7, 1883 Now advanced in years, John Goforth deeds the property to his children in four sections. Most of today's farmstead goes to sons Elbert and W. Avery Goforth.
• June 13, 1895 W. Avery acquires 117 acres of Eastern mountainside to add to the Oak Hill farmstead from J. L. English, bringing the Oak Hill total to 273.
• July 30, 1907 The South & Western Railroad Company, which became the legendary Clinchfield Railroad, begins construction on the West side of the property.
• Dec 13, 1913 W. Avery sells a parcel on the northern edge of the farm to the Town of Glenwood, to build a community cemetery. He reserves a 40x40 lot for his own family. Local lore suggests a family feud between W.A. and his brother Elbert (reportedly over a hog trough), as Elbert and his immediate family are ultimately buried in their own private cemetery on the opposite side of the street! The street, at that time, is called Goforth Drive.
• c. 1916 Our current farmhouse is constructed, most probably by son Thomas W. Goforth, the third Goforth generation.
• Christmas, 1920 W. Avery Goforth passes away at the age of 71. His son Thomas W. would eventually acquire Oak Hill from his fellow heirs.
• Aug. 15, 1947 Thomas Goforth purchases back 30 acres of uncle Elbert’s adjoining property, which had been a part of the original 1844 farmstead – bringing the Oak Hill total to 303.
• Dec. 13, 1954 Thomas Goforth passes away. Over the next 5 years, his son James V., fourth Goforth generation, will acquire the farmstead from his fellow heirs -- much like his father did, years before. Over the years, James would continue what his father Thomas started -- reacquiring great-uncle Elbert Goforth's former property next door.
• January 5, 1989 James V. Goforth passes away. The farm is surveyed into 9 separate tracts, to be offered for auction by his heirs.
• October, 1991 All 9 tracts of the farm are purchased at auction by the Holland family of Mooresville, NC, keeping Oak Hill intact. The farm would be a weekend retreat for the Hollands. Much work would be undertaken on the house, buildings, and grounds.
• February, 2002 The Hollands sell to longtime McDowell County residents, the Coats family, who operate Oak Hill today.
• May, 2005 The Coats family hosts their first wedding on the property, for friends Mark and Becky Lytle.
• 2011 With conservation as one of our primary goals, the Coats family begins placing portions of Oak Hill into permanent conservation easements.
• January, 2016 After years of experience in the wedding & event industry via our sister company, Coats Classic Cars, the Coats family makes the committment to begin sharing Oak Hill for more weddings and special events. Longterm restoration and improvement projects begin, in preparation for Oak Hill's venue debut -- beginning with restoration of the Round Top Barn.
• April, 2018 Oak Hill makes its permanent venue debut, hosting the wedding of Leah and Ryan Whiting.
• January, 2023 The Oak Hill property is acquired by a new Coats generation.
• April 16, 2023 Oak Hill hosts the wedding of Kirsten and James Coats, the 9th Generation of Oak Hill Proprietors.
• Today... our restoration continues, and new memories are always being made!

"Just a beautiful, breathtaking piece of history. A must see..." -Joel S., via Facebook

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