Windy Hill Farm Preserve is more than just a luxury resort—we’re a place with a rich history of land stewardship, hospitality, and family tradition. Our story begins in the early 1800s, when the Blair family cultivated the land for agricultural purposes. Today, the descendants of the Blair family are still our neighbors, keeping the legacy of this land alive in their own way.
George W. Sampson and a Dream Realized
In 2001, George W. Sampson and his family purchased over 650 acres of this land with the vision of creating a peaceful retreat, a cattle farm, and a place to enjoy the stunning beauty of East Tennessee. George, originally from the small coal mining town of Wilder, Virginia, had always dreamed of owning his own land. Growing up in a family that valued hard work and community, he spent his youth helping his immigrant father run Sampson Grocery, a popular store that became a hub for the diverse residents of Wilder.
When George left Virginia for Tennessee, he carried with him the dream of owning his own piece of land. After purchasing Thunder Hollow Farm in Sweetwater (now part of the Sweetwater Valley Farm), George eventually discovered the rolling pastures, waterfront views, and natural beauty of what is now Windy Hill Farm.
A Name and a Mission
In 2001, he moved his cattle operation to Loudon, where his granddaughter Lauren aptly named the farm “Windy Hill,” inspired by the breezy, open landscape. It was his grandson, Steven Brewington, who added the word “Preserve” to reflect the family’s commitment to conservation and natural habitat restoration.
A Shift Towards Conservation
In May 2014, Steven Brewington took over operations at Windy Hill, and it was at this point that the focus began to shift from traditional agriculture to land and wildlife preservation. As part of the transition, former pastures and crop fields were restored with native warm-season grasses and food plots, aimed at improving the sustainability of wildlife populations and preserving the rich river soil that had been eroded by decades of farming. This shift was part of a larger vision to ensure that Windy Hill Farm would remain a place of natural beauty and ecological health for generations to come.
By the fall of 2018, Windy Hill began offering guided quail hunts, and what started as a small, intimate experience soon grew into something larger. Guests were originally housed in the farmhouse, but as demand increased, the property expanded. The construction of the Watchhouse, Wilder (aptly named after Wilder Virginia), Watertower Cabins, and the Guest Lodge marked the next chapter in our resort’s evolution.
Windy Hill Farm: A Year-Round Retreat
On July 1st, 2022, Windy Hill officially opened our doors as a year-round resort, offering guests a luxurious, all-inclusive experience in one of East Tennessee’s most beautiful settings. Today, we offer not only hunting and outdoor recreation but also world-class dining at our farm-to-table restaurant, Wilder, along with a wide array of activities designed to help guests connect with nature while indulging in comfort.
Honoring the Legacy of “Big George”
But at the heart of it all is the legacy of George W. Sampson, affectionately known as “Big George.” Larger than life, both in stature and heart, George was a visionary who believed in the beauty of East Tennessee. He loved people, he loved adventure, and he was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. His motto was simple: “Nowhere is as beautiful as East Tennessee.” And, we couldn’t agree more.
At Windy Hill Farm, we continue George’s dream by offering a place where guests can slow down, enjoy nature, and experience the same sense of wonder that he did when he first laid eyes on this property. With stunning views, an abundance of activities, and a dedication to preserving the land, we invite you to join us and experience the legacy of Windy Hill Farm for yourself.
Continuing the Tradition
We’re honored to share this extraordinary place with you and carry forward the vision of a man who believed that nature, family, and hospitality are what make a place truly special.