Henry Bacon introduced an architectural design that transformed a town that investors like Donald MacRae envisioned as a mining and timber hub. Courtesy of bark shingled buildings, that Smith notes defines the town, Linville became a resort and retreat mecca. Evidence of the style’s enduring appeal can be seen in All Saints Episcopal Church and Eseeola Lodge.
In the mid-1960s, a man named Julian Morton created a mountain resort that looked like something straight out of Scotland. Originally named Invershiel but now called Tynecastle, the resort now hosts tourists passing through Linville.
Opened in 1891,the Eseeola Lodge of Linville was razed by fire in 1936, and the Chestnut Lodge was converted to the new Eseeola. The Lodge can accommodate up to one hundred guests at a time and operates only during the summer months.