esdt 2014
Circa 2014
The Lloyd Legacy
Mountain Laurel Farm's story begins in December 1941, when Ernest and Mary Lloyd purchased 300 acres of the old Mauney place. Ernest, born in 1901 to a farming family in Rutledge, Georgia, had already established himself as a successful Atlanta businessman, founding Ernest T. Lloyd Inc., an electrical manufacturing wholesale company, in 1939. Together with his wife Mary, they saw in these North Georgia mountains an opportunity to blend their urban success with Ernest's agricultural roots.
What began as 300 acres grew into a 600-acre working farm, with the Lloyds developing a respected Hereford cattle operation. Though they maintained their primary residence in Atlanta, where Ernest was active in the Atlanta Athletic Club, East Lake Country Club, Kiwanis, and North Atlanta Bible Chapel, Mountain Laurel Farm became their beloved retreat. A dedicated caretaker maintained the property and cattle operation while they were in Atlanta, and the farm became known for its quality Hereford stock, hosting notable cattle auctions that drew buyers from across the region and even internationally.
The Lloyds were known for their warm hospitality and wonderful sense of humor. Though they had no children of their own, their nieces and nephews treasure memories of Uncle Ernest loading them into the cattle truck for adventures to nearby Robertstown (now Helen). The farmhouse itself evolved under their care, with Ernest adding the stately front columns in the 1940s or '50s, and later transforming the screen porch into a sunroom.
Ernest's success in business allowed him to become a generous supporter of higher education, particularly athletics programs at LaGrange, Truett-McConnell, Young Harris colleges, and Emory at Oxford. His contributions were so significant that LaGrange College presented him with a plaque in 1983, and today the Ernest T. Lloyd Trophy is still awarded to their most outstanding girls' basketball player.
The farm remained their cherished retreat until
Ernest's methodical attention to detail, a trait that served him well in business, was evident in every aspect of the farm's operation. He kept meticulous records of everything on the property, carefully documenting details in his notebook. When our family first purchased the adjacent acreage to develop what would become the RV resort, it began a relationship that would eventually lead to us acquiring Mountain Laurel Farm itself. The Lloyds ensured the farm's legacy would continue by giving our family first right of refusal to purchase the property. When that time came, the farm was transferred complete with everything from the original furniture to the 150 head of Polled Hereford cattle – all carefully inventoried in Mr. Lloyd's characteristic detailed style.
Mary's passing in 1979 at age 74, followed by Ernest in 1986 at age 85. When our family purchased Mountain Laurel Farm, we became stewards not just of the land, but of the Lloyd's legacy of warm hospitality and love for these mountains.
History
Mountain Laurel Farm's story is woven into the very fabric of these North Georgia mountains, beginning with its original owners, Mary and Ernest Lloyd. But our family's connection to this land runs even deeper – when we purchased the farm over 50 years ago, it was more than just acquiring property; it was the beginning of a multi-generational legacy of mountain hospitality.
A Childhood of Hospitality
Growing up here in the 1980s, I learned the art of hospitality through lived experience. While Mountain Laurel Farm was our home, next door my father was building his dream – a 700-acre RV resort that became a wonderland of family entertainment. It was there, among the hayrides, waterfalls, swimming pools, and mini-golf courses, that I first understood how to create joy for others. Whether I was running the game room (yes, I was quite the pool shark!) or watching my sister manage horseback riding adventures, our family learned that true hospitality isn't just about providing a service – it's about creating memories.
Our father was a visionary who transformed raw mountain countryside into a place where families could escape, play, and connect. With my mom and extended family by his side, he showed us that the best experiences come from authentic, laid-back fun mixed with genuine care for every guest. Those lessons in hospitality weren't just business principles – they were family values passed down through active participation and lived experience.
Our Roots
In 2013, We chose to honor this legacy while breathing new life into its purpose. Where traditional venues might have pushed for larger events, we embraced intimacy. Where others saw limitations, we saw opportunities to create something different—something authentic. We envisioned a place where couples could escape the wedding industry's pressure to conform, where guests could disconnect from digital noise and reconnect with what matters most.
Our commitment to environmental stewardship grew naturally from the land itself. The sweeping mountain vistas, the gentle creek, and the swaying tall grasses became not just our backdrop, but our teachers. They showed us how to create experiences that respect and celebrate nature's rhythms while providing the comfort and elegance our guests deserve.
2014, when we opened Mountain Laurel Farm to couples seeking their perfect celebration space, it felt like coming full circle. The same joy I felt as a child, surrounded by happy visitors exploring our mountain paradise, now continues as we welcome couples and their loved ones to create their own magical moments.
That Gen X spirit of authenticity and casual elegance influences everything we do – from our approach to intimate celebrations to the homemade breakfasts we serve our guests. We've created a place where, just like in those early days of the resort, people can escape the ordinary and find something real, something memorable.
The Farm's Evolution
Today, Mountain Laurel Farm stands as a testament to both preservation and evolution. The historic Southern farmhouse and classic red barn and the former caretaker house still tell their century-old stories, while our modern approach to intimate celebrations, stays and retreats writes new chapters. We've maintained the same principles of genuine hospitality that my father championed – creating experiences that feel special yet comfortable, exclusive yet welcoming.
Every wedding and romantic getaway we host adds to this legacy. When couples celebrate here, they're not just a head in a bed or booking a venue – they're becoming part of a continuing story of mountain hospitality that spans generations. From the sweeping valley views to the homemade breakfast served on quiet mornings, every detail reflects our family's lifetime of experience in creating meaningful escapes.
Our Legacy Today
As stewards of this special place, we honor both its history and its future. The lessons learned running around that bustling resort as a child, watching my parents create magic for countless families, now inform how we create intimate, authentic celebrations for our couples and guests.
Being part of someone's "best day ever" or providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking to reconnect – this isn't just our business, it's our calling. It's a continuation of the legacy my parents began, transformed for today's couples who seek something more intimate, more genuine, and more connected to the natural beauty of these mountains we call home.
At Mountain Laurel Farm, our roots run deep but our vision reaches forward. Where morning mist meets mountain views, we're cultivating more than just a venue - we're nurturing a sanctuary where celebrations, wellness, and sustainable practices intertwine with the natural rhythm of these mountains.
Our evolution embraces the art of slow celebration, where luxury is measured in present moments and experiences unfold at nature's pace. From intimate weddings to mindful retreats, heritage workshops to farm-to-table gatherings, we're growing thoughtfully, like the mountain laurel itself - with purpose, patience, and deep roots.
As we continue to write Mountain Laurel Farm's story, we remain committed to our founding vision: creating a place where people can slow down, connect deeply, and celebrate authentically. Every couple who exchanges vows beneath our mountains, every guest who finds peace on our porches, adds their own chapter to our narrative.
We're not just preserving a historic property—we're cultivating a living legacy of meaningful celebrations and transformative experiences. In a world that often moves too fast, Mountain Laurel Farm stands as a reminder that some moments are meant to be savored, some places are meant to be remembered, and some stories are meant to be shared.
Welcome to your chapter at Mountain Laurel Farm where our family's legacy of hospitality meets your story's next chapter.
Growing Forward
