Touring Flat Top Manor and the Moses Cone Estate
In my opinion, Flat Top Manor is a hidden gem of the Parkway. With only a brown sign reading “Moses Cone Memorial Park”, I never imagined there could be a 3,600-acre estate on the other side of those trees.
As I navigated my car down the narrow road leading to the Manor, I had a feeling it was going to delight my camera lens.
Sure enough, the view was breathtaking and the house looked just remarkable in its surroundings. Immediately, I could see why Moses and Bertha Cone spent every summer relaxing among the rhododendron blossoms and breathing in the mountain air. Runners, hikers, and those who had horses could be seen all throughout the property trails.
On the porch of the manor sat a Ranger who was in charge of organizing the tours. After she passed out a tag to all those who had made prior reservations for the tour, we gathered on the front porch. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of the Manor made the tour worthwhile.
Not only did she tell us interesting information about the home, but she also shared many stories about the family that helped us understand why and how they went about their daily lives. The upstairs contained no furniture but beautifully let sunlight in through every window.
The craft demonstration that I got to observe was a man making wine toppers. As I spoke with him, I found out he was using a small machine called a mini lathe. The colorful wood was cut from a larger chunk of wood and whittled down by the machine into the shape of a wine topper. This woodcraftsmen was from Alabama and had journeyed up the Blue Ridge Parkway to share his abilities.
For more information about Moses H. Cone and his estate visit Virtual Blue Ridge.
Also click here for a virtual tour of the manor, visitor center and craft shop.
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