Trailborn—a new hospitality brand rooted in the great American outdoors—has launched its second destination.
Situated in downtown Highlands, North Carolina, the property follows the December 2023 opening of Trailborn Rocky Mountains (a 2024 HD Awards finalist designed by Los Angeles firm Electric Bowery) in Estes Park, Colorado.
Trailborn Highlands, surrounded by more than four acres of lush woods, features 63 guestrooms, a spacious lobby lounge with a central fireplace, a breakfast nook, a curated retail market, and the Highlands Supper Club—a restaurant and bar serving Southern fare.
The design of Trailborn Highlands
Inspired by the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, New York-based design studio LOVEISENOUGH brought public spaces to life with a palette of earthy hues layered with decorative elements that reference quilting, printmaking, and pottery to highlight local craft.
Trailborn also nods to the region’s abundance of wildflowers, a motif that is woven into the property’s logo and décor.
Guestrooms, meanwhile, were thoughtfully designed as a place to recharge with warm cherry wood elements installed against fresh cream walls.
Highlands Supper Club
In time for fall, the property will debut a Nordic spa—complete with a sauna, cold plunge showers, and fire pit—as well as the property’s crown jewel, the Highlands Supper Club, a destination restaurant located in a historic log cabin.
Constructed as a residence in 1924 by regionally renowned carpenter Joe Webb, the revamped cabin embraces its original architectural details, including three fireplaces, chestnut and pine beams, and wide plank floors. Repurposed log dining chairs are accompanied by wood benches and tables, simple lighting, and drapery. Deep green and butter yellow hues are punctuated by navy blue and burnt orange shades that complement the wood finishes.
The space also is layered with artwork—from local memorabilia and wood prints to custom wallpaper inspired by the rhododendrons that grow throughout the Highlands.
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