Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Before it was Christmount, Rhododendron Farms

 1890's Rafael Gustavino purchased 1000 acres of Black Mountain.  He moved here with his wife Fransesca.


 He and his son and grandson used a unique technique of ceramic bricks or tiles to create free standing domes and vaulted ceilings in these buildings across America.

 These are some of the ruins of his farm at the entrance to Christmount Retreat.



The signs neglect to mention that the home burned.

There is a lot more information about Gustavino.  So much that I'll make it a separate post tomorrow.
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3 comments:

  1. William KendallFebruary 5, 2019 at 4:35 PM

    Quite a life story behind the remnants of the place! The panels say a lot about the couple.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Vicki LaneFebruary 5, 2019 at 7:48 PM

    You have piqued my curiosity to the point I'm going to have to pay this place a visit.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Barbara RogersFebruary 5, 2019 at 8:14 PM

    I would also recommend the tour of the Basilica of St. Lawrence...if you like architecture and art of the Catholic kind. I've not been around much of it, so only know it through my art education.

    ReplyDelete

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