Since Mary and Roger Wolter opened The Red Horse Inn in 1996, our family has poured our heart and soul into creating an unforgettable mountain retreat for our guests.
In 1995, Mary and Roger Wolters found a sprawling piece of land that would fulfill their dream of building a secluded retreat where guests could rest and recharge their passions for their own creativity, individuality, and relationships. The Wolters purchased roughly 200 acres and cleared 34 of those to construct that very retreat which would become known as The Red Horse Inn. As the Wolters began clearing the land, they discovered just how magnificent the views actually were; providing sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ foothills.
With the help of their two sons, Christian and Ben, the Wolters started their project by first constructing the cottages. They welcomed their first guests in the spring of 1996 with only two cottages open. The Wolters implemented feedback and continued to meticulously design and construct the Inn.
After over two decades, Mary and Roger decided to embark on their next adventure in retirement. They are so pleased that their son, Christian, took over the family’s business. Christian graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in psychology and he received his master's degree in human resources development and management. After college, he worked at South Carolina’s renowned Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, as well as at the world-class Stowe Mountain Lodge in Stowe, VT. He returned to Landrum, SC to work at the family business. In 2018, Christian became the Inn's owner, carrying forward the legacy of warmth and hospitality that had made the inn a treasured part of the community.
In 2020, as the world grappled with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Red Horse Inn remained a sanctuary for those seeking solace from the turmoil outside. During this time, a new chapter in the inn's history began to unfold. Allison, a lover of music, ventured into The Red Horse Inn's Wine Bar one summer evening.
As time unfolded, Christian and Allison found themselves meeting frequently at different wine bar gatherings. Eventually, Christian took the next step and invited Allison on a date, solidifying their connection.
Their first date unfolded under the sun-filled sky, with a blind wine tasting on the inn's terrace, where they could bask in the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the backdrop. The experience was marked by shared laughter and the promise of a meaningful friendship...and more!
Their love story continued to unfold, marked by milestones that deepened their connection. In May of 2021, Christian and Allison joyfully announced their engagement, setting the stage for a beautiful wedding on The Red Horse Inn's terrace on April 16th, 2022. The ceremony was a breathtaking event, with the mountains bearing witness to their commitment to a life together.
Their love story reached a new pinnacle when, on September 13th, 2023, their first child, Griffin, was born. As a new chapter of their life as a family began, The Red Horse Inn remained a constant, a symbol of their enduring love and the place where their journey together had first begun. The inn became not only a part of their history but also an integral part of their family's story.