What ’ s lit got to do with it ? Deconstructing the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
“ get away ” from the modern world . Appreciation for the area ’ s natural beauty and vistas the trails afforded visitors were also widely appreciated : “ A gorgeous property with stunning views and several hiking trails ”; “ rustic trails ... are beautifully maintained ... and unspoiled by excessive unnatural aids ”; “ very serene ... I enjoy going by myself or with the family ... we go every chance we get .”
Under the same general theme , the overall aesthetic of the pastoral landscape at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site was impactful for visitors . Reviews noted the picturesque way the large white antebellum home was set in a clearing above a large mossy pond . Illustrating this notion , one visitor marveled at the home , describing it as a “ big old Greek Revival-style mansion completed in 1839 ( with outbuildings added in the years following ).” While another noted that “ the setting is lovely ” given the way “ the house , a white one-and-a-half story on a raised basement , with Greek Revival columns on the front porch , built around 1839 as a summer cottage by a South Carolina railroad owner , sits on a knoll above a lake .” Others found the old barn and other rusty red outbuildings aesthetically pleasing aspects of the farm ’ s rural landscape . “ Many out buildings are left as their original purpose , including slave quarters and the milking barn ,” explained one post . Indicative of the property ’ s aesthetic appeal , one visitor posted “ the property is quite large , and the rural mountain views are both peaceful and spectacular .”
Western North Carolina is known for its natural beauty , so visitors ’ appreciation of the natural and aesthetic beauty is no surprise . However , visitors overwhelmingly viewed the property as a place to engage with nature , be outdoors , and find peace . Ultimately , a recent visitor summed up what many had expressed in their reviews :
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