Our History

The Lake Rabun Hotel is the last surviving mountain lodge on a lake in Georgia.  Because it has stayed true to the look and the feeling of another, perhaps more peaceful time, it’s been called both a regional and national treasure.

The hotel was built in 1922 by a German immigrant, August Andreae, who grew up on Lake Como and in Milan, Italy where he heard tales from a world traveller about Tallulah Falls, an amazing natural wonder in the southern U.S.  As a boy he dreamed about visiting the area one day. Many years later he did…and stayed for the rest of his life, close to Tallulah Falls. He bought land to plant mulberry bushes for silk, and apple trees, acquiring many acres.  Those acres were later purchased in the early 1900s by Georgia Power and converted into man-made lakes, which in turn provided hydropower to Atlanta and North Georgia.

For nearly a century, generations have enjoyed the beauty of the hotel, lake, and mountains.  In 2008 the hotel was carefully restored by preservationists to maintain its ancestral charm, while adding modern amenities, and a full award winning restaurant and bar.  It features gardens of native plants, rock pillars and walkways, locust log decks and balconies. Across the street is Lake Rabun, one of the most beautiful lakes in the mountains of North Georgia.  

The relaxed atmosphere in the hotel rubs off on you.  It doesn’t take long before you’ll feel at home. There’s a baby grand piano for talented guests to play, board games in the parlor, a cozy bar and casual, fine farm- to- table dining in the restaurant.  Most appealing, however, is the opportunity to be immersed in nature without the intrusion of phones and TVs, which you won’t find in the rooms. Both the parlor and bar are available for those who wish to watch TV.  Wireless Internet is available throughout the hotel, and in all of our cottages.