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CNBC to spotlight Cottages at Spring House Farms retreat

By Mike Conley | The McDowell News

Published: November 18, 2008

A local weekend getaway and environmentally minded tourist destination will get some national exposure because of its commitment to ecological tourism.
Located in the Montford Cove community, the Cottages at Spring House Farm features secluded log cabins at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains on 92 acres of rolling woodlands. The place has six resort cottages constructed from timber on the property and features handmade queen- and king-size beds built by regional craftsmen. Folks can spend the weekend in one of the secluded log cabins, which come complete with hot tubs. They can also enjoy breakfast in kitchens already stocked with farm fresh eggs and fresh baked bread.
The place is owned by Arthur and Zee Campbell, who also carefully restored the 1826 Albertus Ledbetter house and made it their home. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
"We are pro-ecology caretakers of the land," say the Campbells on their Web site. "We created a wildlife sanctuary on eco-friendly Spring House Farm, and we used timber and stone from our land along with reclaimed antique lumber and materials to construct our log cabins."
Both the Eco Club and The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) have recognized and listed the Cottages at Spring House Farm as an eco-tourism retreat. The recognition is based on ecological and sound conservation practices.
"We are very proud to be the first property in the United States listed by Eco Club International," say the Campbells on their Web site.
Now, they have even more reason to be proud.
The Cottages at Spring House Farms will be featured on CNBC's financial news show called "On the Money." It will be aired in prime time on Friday at 9 p.m.
The show will focus on eco-tourism. It will use a video clip of the Cottages at Spring House Farm that can be seen on the place's Web site.
Arthur Campbell said he got an e-mail from the show's producer on Friday who asked him if the Cottages could be included in the segment. The show just used the video clip from the Web site and didn't come down here to film it.
CNBC selected this McDowell County property because of its successful operation as an eco-tourism business.
"I am interested in what will become of it," said Arthur Campbell. "I am interested in the attention it will bring to McDowell County, besides us."
"Eco-tourism is a growing niche in the travel and tourism industry," said Rod Birdsong, executive director of the McDowell Chamber of Commerce. "Since its inception in 1999, the Cottages at Spring House Farm has been guided by its mission: 'To preserve the integrity of the environment, protect local wildlife and ensure a quiet sanctuary for all.' We extend our congratulations to owners Arthur and Zee Campbell for their achievement."

For more information on The Cottages, visit www.springhousefarm.com.