The gentle swaying of a hammock, rocking chairs on the front porch, the smells of rhododendron and mountain laurel wafting through the air, hiking up a tall mountain slope, cool evening breezes and low humidity fill the air--some of the sights and sounds of life at the Rand Cottage. First Baptist Church of Durham is privileged to own this retreat in the mountains of North Carolina. The Rand Cottage is located in the town of Ridgecrest, 15 miles east of Asheville on Interstate 40, about 3 ½ hours west of Durham. Purchased in the 1940’s, this facility has enabled our members to attend conferences at the Ridgecrest Conference Center for many years.
This 7-bedroom, 3 ½ bath home accommodates 24+ guests and is reserved for use by church members and their visitors only. The cottage has been a favorite place of retreat for Sunday School classes, Youth Groups, and families for many generations.
A committee of church members spends several weekends yearly making the cottage a comfortable place of retreat, as well as overseeing the maintenance, fee schedules and usage policies in accordance with the Rand Cottage Policies document.
Due to the unpredictable harshness of North Carolina winters, the cottage season runs from mid-March through October. Reservations are made on a first-come basis through the church office.
For your stay at Rand Cottage, you will need to bring your own bedding (pillow & sheets or sleeping bag), towels, and toiletries. There is no phone at the cottage, but there is ample wireless coverage in the area.
To make reservations email or call the church office at 688-7308, ext. 33.
