Restoration of the Main Estate at Clover Hill – A Historic Wedding Venue in North Carolina’s Happy Valley
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and framed by 70+ acres of rolling green pasture, Clover Hill is a historic wedding venue nestled in Happy Valley, North Carolina. With grazing heritage livestock, century-old trees, and the iconic Carolina blue sky above, the estate offers a setting where past and present merge effortlessly—inviting you to step into a story over 175 years in the making.
Built in 1846 by Edmund Jones for his bride, Sophia Davenport, the main estate at Clover Hill is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture. From its stately Ionic columns to the intricately carved front door and handcrafted heart pine floors, every detail reflects timeless craftsmanship. Though the estate had fallen into disrepair before its 2024 restoration, its historical charm remained unmistakable.
Now lovingly restored, the 5,000-square-foot mansion stands as a showpiece of North Carolina history and architectural heritage. Working closely with preservation consultants and skilled local artisans, we made every effort to retain original elements—from the soft rose-colored bricks made from local clay near the Yadkin River, to the grand staircase, cherry balustrade, and wide oak window sills. Even the original builders’ and owners’ names, engraved in brick, remain visible for future generations.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973, the estate has been a beacon of Southern elegance through generations. Renovations included subtle upgrades for modern functionality—plumbing, HVAC, and electricity—while preserving authentic materials and design wherever possible. The massive granite steps, believed to have been shipped from England to Charleston and hauled to Happy Valley by oxen, still welcome guests at the main entrance.
Whether you’re planning a luxurious estate wedding in North Carolina, an elegant celebration, or simply seeking a venue rich in history and grandeur, Clover Hill offers an unmatched blend of historical significance and natural beauty.
Legerwood Surrey House at Clover Hill – A Historic Library Turned Elegant Reception Venue
Once home to an extraordinary collection of historical books and photography, Legerwood Surrey House is the latest gem to be restored on the Clover Hill wedding and event venue property in Lenoir, North Carolina. Originally constructed in the mid-1990s by former owners George Rinhart and Frank DiMauro, this two-story, 5,000-square-foot structure was purpose-built to preserve their vast archive of American and European history—from rare books to photographs documenting key events from the 1800s through the 1950s.
Now fully reimagined as a carriage house-style indoor reception venue, Legerwood Surrey House blends historic charm with modern elegance. The renovation included the transformation of a former dark room into guest bathrooms, installation of a full catering kitchen, updated flooring, fresh paint, and the addition of large windows and French doors for enhanced natural light and scenic views. Exterior improvements include board-and-batten siding, a spacious covered front patio, and two architectural cupolas that complete the building’s timeless aesthetic.
The name pays tribute to Samuel Legerwood Patterson, nephew of Edmund and Sophia Patterson of Clover Hill’s founding family. A respected statesman, Samuel Patterson served in both the North Carolina House and Senate during the 1890s, was the first popularly elected Commissioner of Agriculture, and acted as a trustee of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Patterson Hall at NC State University was named in his honor. He later gifted his childhood home, Palmyra, to the Episcopal Church, which became The Patterson School, a boys’ school that served the region for 100 years.
Legerwood Surrey House not only honors this legacy but also introduces a new chapter of celebration and hospitality. Whether used for intimate receptions, cocktail hours, or indoor wedding ceremonies, this restored library venue is rich in character and offers an unforgettable backdrop for elegant events in the heart of North Carolina’s Happy Valley.
Restoration of the Iconic Round Patterson Barn – A Historic Brick Barn in North Carolina
With its striking architecture and century-old charm, the Round Patterson Barn is one of the most memorable landmarks at Clover Hill, second only to the main estate itself. Built around 1916 by Lindsay and Lucy Patterson, this rare brick round barn in North Carolina stands as a testament to agricultural innovation and architectural legacy.
Lindsay Patterson, great-nephew of estate founder Edmund Jones, was a prominent attorney, trustee of the University of North Carolina, and a respected elder in the Presbyterian Church. After purchasing Clover Hill, he brought over 400 sheep and various livestock to the farm, making the barn a centerpiece of rural life and local lore. One particularly cherished story includes the christening of “Miss Jean,” the calf of a prized bull, in the 1940s.
According to local historians, the Patterson Barn is one of only a few round barns in North Carolina—and the only known example constructed from brick. These structures, popular in the Midwest during the late 1800s and early 1900s, were praised for their efficiency and strength. With fewer than 600 round barns remaining in the United States, the Patterson Barn is both historically significant and architecturally rare.
The barn features a mix of brick styles and sizes, some matching those used in the 1846 Greek Revival estate home. When Clover Hill changed ownership in 2024, years of weather damage had compromised the roof and inner brickwork of two large stalls. Restoration required sourcing rare historic brick and enlisting expert masons trained in early 20th-century construction techniques. The team also repaired or replaced original red oak beams, installed a new T-panel metal roof, and restored the windows and exterior masonry with period-accurate detail.
Now revived, the historic Patterson Barn stands ready to serve once again as a working barn and a timeless backdrop for wedding photography and special events. Framed by the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, this architectural treasure continues to connect Clover Hill’s past to its vibrant future.
Restoration of Mollie's Barn
The only structure on the Clover Hill property that pre-dates the Estate is Mollie’s Barn. Dates of construction vary in recorded history from 1810-1830. Mollie’s Barn is an excellent example of a early 19th century “dog trot” style barn. The large hand-hewn timbers and dovetail notching is sure to capture the gaze of any visitor to Clover Hill. The widest timber is 17 inches and the longest is 42 feet!
One may ask, why is she called Mollie’s Barn? Take a look at this excerpt from the Lenoir News Topic (1882).
Mollie’s Barn restoration included tree/brush removal (trees were growing out of the barn), new metal roof, new paint, wood repair, and enough TLC to assure she will still be standing for another 200 years. She is truly a captivating piece of history steeped in nostalgia. We felt “Old Mollie’s” legacy should live on and we are certain you will feel the same!
May Ann's Cottage Restoration
May Ann’s Cottage is a quaint and charming 4-bedroom, 1-bath cottage built likely in the 1940s by Palmer and Leslie Koontz (previous Clover Hill owners) as housing for farm caretakers. This little home offers all the sweetest attributes of a classic 1940s/50s cottage, featuring a small covered back porch and a larger, raised second-story front porch overlooking a stream and the sheep pasture. The living room is complete with an original brick fireplace and built-in cabinets with bookcases. The eat-in kitchen with original wood stove flue is steeped in vintage charm. Perhaps the most noteworthy original attribute is the narrow-planked wood floors throughout in remarkably preserved condition.
The rehabilitation of this cottage was quite extensive. Carron, Alicia’s mother, graciously agreed to accept the challenge and privilege of this restoration project. May Ann’s cottage was close to unsalvageable, as a poor roof, absent gutters, and years of neglect resulted in significant structural issues. In fact, the cottage was so overgrown with vines and brush, we did not even know it existed when we first visited Clover Hill. However, after a jungle-like trek and inspection, we cumulatively decided it should indeed be saved! The original floor plan, most of the original windows and doors, built-ins, framing timbers, brick fireplace and chimney, as well as those magnificent floors, are all still present. The cottage is sure to be charming once more!
May Ann’s cottage bears the name of Edmund and Sophia’s (builders of Clover Hill) only daughter. May Ann was the last born of the Jones’ 6 children. She lost her mother at the tender age of 4 due to a typhoid fever outbreak in the valley, and her father at 18. She met and married James Edward Overhuls in 1888 at the age of 30. James was a rancher, homesteader, buffalo hunter, builder, and served as a Union soldier (Sgt. Co A, 6 Kans, Cav). Together, they had 3 daughters, and May Ann was ultimately remembered as a ”noble daughter, faithful volunteer, a Christian, and a patriot who loved her country and its traditions next to her God and her children”. We are sure you will love this charming little vintage cottage that now carries forward May Ann’s legacy as much as we do!
The History of Clover Hill and North Carolina’s Happy Valley – A Legacy of Beauty, Architecture, and Heritage
Clover Hill, an architectural jewel of Happy Valley, North Carolina, was built in 1846 by Colonel Edmund Jones for his bride, Sophia Davenport—both grandchildren of Revolutionary War hero General William Lenoir. With its soaring Ionic columns, grand porches, and sweeping porticos, Clover Hill is a pristine example of Greek Revival architecture in the South. It was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is featured in prominent publications, including Early Architecture of North Carolina by Thomas Waterman and Greek Revival Architecture in America by Talbot Hamlin.
Set atop a gentle knoll overlooking the Yadkin River, Clover Hill spans more than 70 acres of pastoral land in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The estate is a living museum of American rural history, with structures dating back as early as 1810. The property includes:
- The Greek Revival main house (1846)
- Mollie’s Barn (1810-1830), featuring hand-hewn dovetail timbers
- Two historic cabins—originally the summer kitchen and slave quarters
- Mae Ann’s Cottage, a 1940 caretaker’s house
- An early 1900s blacksmith shop
- The rare Round Patterson Barn (1916-1920), made of brick
- The recently restored Legerwood Surrey House, a two-story library now serving as an event venue
Each structure tells a story, contributing to a rich and complex tapestry of North Carolina history.
A Lineage Rooted in American History
The origins of Clover Hill can be traced to General William Lenoir, who settled in the upper Yadkin Valley around 1784–1785. A veteran of the Revolutionary War, land surveyor, and statesman, Lenoir established his home at Fort Defiance, which remained in his family for nearly 200 years.
General Lenoir’s daughter Ann married General Edmund Jones, who built the nearby estate of Palmyra (later the Patterson School for Boys, now the Patterson School Foundation and Cap Wiese Fly Fishing Center). Another daughter, Mary Lenoir Gordon Davenport, married William Davenport, who built the enduring Walnut Fountain estate. Their daughter, Sophia, married Edmund, and Sophia’s son, Colonel Edmund Jones, was the builder of Clover Hill.
The home remained the residence of Edmund and Sophia Jones until the Colonel died in 1876. They raised six children at Clover Hill, and Colonel Jones played a pivotal role in the development of Caldwell County. He served as a Superior Court judge, supported the development of local schools and railroads, and was widely respected as a kind and generous gentleman. Three of his sons fought in the Civil War—two of whom never returned. Their surviving son, Captain Edmund Jones, went on to serve in the North Carolina General Assembly, the Treasury Department, and the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Legacy of Happy Valley
In the 19th century, the estates of Clover Hill, Palmyra, Walnut Fountain, and Fort Defiance formed the heart of a vibrant, aristocratic planter society in the Yadkin River Basin. The valley, stretching toward Elkin, was known for its fertile land, grand weddings, lively dances, and strong community spirit. One visitor famously described it as the “Happy Valley”—a name still proudly used today.
With each generation, Clover Hill has adapted, endured, and been lovingly preserved. Today, it serves as a luxury wedding and event venue in the Blue Ridge Mountains, continuing its long tradition of Southern hospitality and meaningful celebration.