Hidden Gem Near Andrews: Glen Choga Lodge Preserves Mountain Heritage Just Minutes Away

Picture this: You’re an astronaut, fresh from conquering space, and you find yourself in a remote mountain lodge armed with nothing but badminton rackets…battling bats.

That’s exactly what happened when John Glenn, America’s space hero, visited Glen Choga Lodge in the North Carolina mountains. According to former owner James Donald (Don) Ezelle, Glenn and his host would position themselves at opposite ends of the lodge’s long hallways, badminton rackets in hand, kindly swatting at flying bats like some surreal game of aerial ping-pong.

Those very same rackets? They’re still there, now part of what current owners Doug and Terri Matern call their “museum corner” – a collection of artifacts that tells the story of this remarkable 1935 Scottish-built lodge.

A Lodge Reborn from Near Ruin

The name “Glen Choga” itself tells a story of dreams fulfilled beyond expectation. The “Glen” – a Scottish word meaning valley – comes from the heritage of its builders. The “Choga” portion comes from Little Choga Creek, a waterway that flows through the Nantahala National Forest near Andrews, eventually feeding into Nantahala Lake. Located just a short drive from Andrews on Little Choga Road in Aquone, the lodge sits perfectly positioned between Cherokee and Macon counties, making it a hidden treasure that’s been quietly preserving Appalachian history in Andrews’ backyard. For decades, many locals have driven past without knowing the remarkable stories contained within its chestnut log walls.

When the Materns purchased Glen Choga Lodge in 2019, they weren’t just buying a property – they were rescuing a piece of Appalachian history from eventual collapse. The 22-acre estate was originally built by Scottish immigrants Alexander Steuart and his wife Margaret in 1934-35. While Margaret had asked for a summer home like the glens of Scotland where friends and family could visit, Alexander had a mind for finances – he built his wife what she wanted but made it considerably larger, with additional rooms so the lodge would be self-supporting as an inn. Strategically positioned along the old Franklin to Murphy road, it welcomed travelers making the treacherous mountain journey. By the time the Materns purchased Glen Choga Lodge in 2019, this once-thriving inn had deteriorated to the point where buckets were strategically placed throughout the building to catch rainwater from the leaking roof.

“The minute Don knew it was going to rain, he would get everyone up – didn’t matter if it was three in the morning – and they’d have to put buckets out and then empty them,” Terri recalls from conversations with several of the caretakers.

The restoration challenges were staggering. Rotted logs held up by nothing more than hope. Floors supported only by tongue-and-groove planking with very little structure left from years of deterioration. A two-story chimney precariously balanced on decaying wooden supports that could have toppled at any moment.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, the Materns found creative solutions that honored the lodge’s history: those gorgeous floor boards guests walk on today in the main common areas are actually older than the lodge itself. The Materns sourced authentic period wood from a Kansas company that specializes in reclaimed materials, ensuring every plank tells a story that predates 1935.

Treasures Hidden in Plain Sight

The restoration revealed more than structural problems. While cleaning out the property, Terri discovered a piece of artwork that stopped her cold – a painting created by her own cousin in the 1970s. The same artist had created a companion piece for Terri’s mother, which she’d grown up seeing every day.

“I walked it in to my housekeeper, and she said, ‘Terri, you look white,'” Terri remembers. “I couldn’t even put it into words. That was the weirdest thing ever.”

The property continues to yield historical artifacts. Staff regularly find Native American spearheads and other relics scattered across the grounds, evidence of the land’s deep indigenous history.

A Living Museum of Mountain Heritage

Today’s Glen Choga Lodge operates as a bed and breakfast home, but it’s really more like staying in a living museum. The “museum corner” houses working looms (one still has a partially completed carpet that Don was weaving), a pedal-powered knife sharpener, collected hornet’s nests, and yes, those famous badminton rackets.

The kitchen showcases an original wood-burning range set against a backdrop of bricks older than the lodge itself – sourced from a Mineral Bluff resident who was selling them and installed to honor the building’s authentic character.

Guests can explore hiking trails that lead to a waterfall about half a mile from the lodge, fish in the property’s trout pond, or simply relax in the U-shaped courtyard that’s perfect for intimate weddings and family reunions.

Preserving the Past for the Future

The Materns didn’t just restore Glen Choga Lodge – they brought it back to its original purpose as an inn, completing the circle that began 90 years ago when Scottish immigrants welcomed travelers that could enjoy bed and board for $21 a week.

The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, both the building and the land itself, ensuring its preservation for future generations. But perhaps more importantly, it’s once again serving its intended purpose: providing authentic mountain hospitality to visitors seeking to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with something timeless.

“I don’t really feel like the owner of this house,” Terri reflects. “I feel more like its steward. Our time here is only a chapter in the lodge’s much longer story, and we’ve simply been entrusted with caring for it. It’s not ours to possess forever; it’s ours to honor and preserve while we’re here.”

For Andrews residents and visitors curious about the rich history surrounding the community, Glen Choga Lodge offers an authentic glimpse into the area’s Scottish and Cherokee heritage. The Materns welcome anyone interested in touring the property, viewing the museum collection, and learning about the restoration process that saved this piece of local history. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most fascinating stories are hiding just down a dirt road, waiting to be discovered by those who take the time to look.