Our Story
About Osceola Lake Inn
A historic lakeside retreat where heritage meets hospitality on the shores of Osceola Lake.
Est. 1908–1909
A Historic Lakeside Legacy
Osceola Lake Inn stands on more than a century of history as one of Hendersonville's most iconic lakeside retreats. In January 1909, contractor Henry Jordan began construction on a grand $25,000 hotel for John L. Orr at Osceola Lake—then called the Lake View Hotel. The ambitious project called for 60 rooms total, with 30 rooms completed by the first season. By April 1909, the exterior was complete with "125-feet of 12-foot porch on both sides and every modern convenience." The lake itself had been formed just months earlier in March 1909 when water was turned on, flooding the valley prepared for it.
The Victorian-era resort opened with wraparound porches offering unobstructed panoramic views of Osceola Lake and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The lake—named for Seminole Indian chief Osceola—quickly became a destination, with over a thousand visitors arriving by foot, carriage, and automobile on opening weekend. Motor boats, sailboats, and row boats arrived in May 1909, and by 1915, a Southern Railway guidebook noted that "Osceola Lake affords excellent boating and fishing."
In 1940, Joe Rubin of Florida purchased the property, beginning a family stewardship that would span more than six decades. Starting in 1941, the Rubins operated a full-service resort "similar to a Catskill Mountain operation," with three daily meals, nightly entertainment, a full-time social director, and activities ranging from square dancing to live music. The family expanded the property extensively, adding 60 courtyard rooms, tennis and shuffleboard courts, a putting green, and a new pool. The inn became a beloved summer retreat, particularly for Florida families escaping the heat—approximately 75% of guests returned year after year.
The Rubin family's tenure lasted until 2003, when Ed Hernando took over and renamed it the Copper Crest Inn, restoring original wooden floors, knotty pine walls, and 10 working fireplaces. After serving as Heartwood Refuge & Retreat Center, the property is now being revitalized as Osceola Lake Inn—honoring its original name and 115+ year heritage while blending Victorian-era elegance with contemporary hospitality. Learn more about the inn's history.
Our Journey
Heritage Timeline
More than a century of lakeside hospitality and mountain memories
The Lake is Born
Developers began building Osceola Lake, named for Seminole Indian chief Osceola. By September 1908, the dam across Mud Creek was nearly complete. In March 1909, water was turned on, rapidly flooding the prepared valley land. The picturesque lake quickly became a focal point, with over a thousand people visiting on the first Sunday.
Construction Begins
Contractor Henry Jordan, "one of the best known builders in this part of the state," secures a $25,000 contract to build John L. Orr's Lake View Hotel at Osceola Lake. Plans call for a 60-room hotel with "125-feet of 12-foot porch on both sides and every modern convenience"—30 rooms to be completed by the first season.
The Inn Opens
The Lake View Hotel opens to great fanfare. Three 18-foot motor boats, a sailboat, and row boats arrive for guest recreation. The hotel features expansive wraparound porches with unobstructed panoramic views of Osceola Lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The road from Main Street to the lake becomes "the best in the county."
Summer Resort Era
The inn flourishes as a premier summer vacation destination. By 1914, the lake covers about 12 acres with a maximum depth of 20 feet. A 1915 Southern Railway guidebook notes that "Osceola Lake affords excellent boating and fishing." Though the 1916 flood washes away the dam, it is restored in the early 1920s. A summer camp moves to the property in the 1920s.
The Rubin Family Takes Over
Joe Rubin of Florida purchases the hotel and property. He begins operating it in summer 1941 as a full-service resort "similar to a Catskill Mountain operation." The inn serves three meals daily with a full-time entertainment/social director planning activities and nightly entertainment—clogging teams, square dancing, singers, magicians, and live bands seven nights a week.
Golden Age & Major Expansion
The Rubin family expands dramatically, adding 60 courtyard rooms, tennis and shuffleboard courts, a putting green, and a new pool. The inn becomes a beloved retreat for Florida families escaping summer heat—approximately 75% of guests are repeat visitors. Dignitaries including mayors of Miami and Miami Beach stay at the property. Arthur Rubin operates McFarlan Bake Shop on Main Street and handles all baking for the inn's restaurant. The family's 60+ year stewardship ends in 2003 when Stuart Rubin passes operations to new ownership.
Copper Crest Inn Era Begins
Ed Hernando from Miami takes over operations and renames the Victorian-era hotel the Copper Crest Inn. Major restoration reveals original wooden floors beneath faded carpet, restores knotty pine walls and ceilings, and brings 10 fireplaces back to working order. The hand-carved mantels and expert craftsmanship of early Henderson County builders are preserved. The historic four-story inn maintains its 30 original rooms plus 60 courtyard rooms.
Heartwood Refuge & Retreat
The property was reimagined as Heartwood Refuge & Retreat Center, taking on a new capacity while the historic building awaited its next chapter.
Historic Preservation Begins
Under new stewardship and owner Fiona McColley, comprehensive restoration plans are launched to revitalize Osceola Lake Inn as a 20-room boutique heritage hotel.
The Revival Continues
Thoughtful renovations blend Victorian-era elegance with modern comfort. Plans include guest rooms and suites, event spaces, and an on-site café featuring local ingredients, celebrating the inn's storied past while creating new traditions.
Your Chapter Begins
Osceola Lake Inn welcomes a new generation of guests to experience over 115 years of lakeside hospitality, historic charm, and genuine Western North Carolina welcome. Every stay honors our heritage while supporting local culture.
What Drives Us
Our Values
Historic Heritage
Honoring 115+ years of lakeside hospitality
Natural Beauty
Scenic lakeside setting and lush gardens
Modern Comfort
Contemporary amenities in historic charm
Local Connections
Discover Hendersonville & Western NC
We believe in sharing the best of Hendersonville with our guests. From locally sourced ingredients at our café to partnerships with local artisans and makers, every aspect of your stay celebrates our region's heritage and vibrant culture.
Explore nearby outdoor adventures, seasonal festivals, historic downtown Hendersonville, and the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains — all just minutes from Osceola Lake Inn.
