I find myself pondering over the meaning of life as I sit on the porch of Flat Top Manor. As the sun goes done in the autumn sky I am once again reminded just how near the North Carolina Mountains are to heaven. Who could ask for more, for even a shack in Blowing Rock, is almost paradise.
What a gentle time it would have been in 1901 to spend your afternoons here: sipping mint juleps and gazing out across Bass Lake. Then think of the galas and parties that were once hosted here in this 14,000 square foot mansion.
The house is isolated just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, but it is anything but primitive. There are over 3,600 acres of lovely orchards, manicured landscaping and trails for walking and carriage rides.
But, who had the money to build such an estate: Moses Herman Kahn (Cone) the oldest of 13 children. He was born in Tennessee and his parents were German/Jewish Immigrants. As a young man he and his brother Caesar (standing in the photo) worked as traveling salesmen for his father’s dry goods company.
Moses, later owned a textile company which mainly manufactured denim for the Levi Strauss Company and the rest is history.
He married Miss Bertha Lindau Cone on February 15, 1888. The couple had no children, therefore the estate was donated to the National Parks Services in 1950.
Moses died at age 51 of pulmonary edema. Bertha lived 39 more years alone.
She was known for wearing hats with long black veils.
They are both buried in the Cone Cemetery in Blowing Rock, NC.
The house is now open as a gift shop and for special events. Visitors are welcome to hike the trails and enjoy the view.