The large two story house built of short leaf forest pine that sits on the 56 acres of Parsons’ land is the same house Benny Parsons grew up in with his “Mama Julia,” who was actually his great-grandmother. The house is in remarkable condition to this day. Originally roofed with old fashioned wooden shingles, it now has a sheet metal roof that was put there in the late 1940’s when Benny was in grade school. Take a close look at the “foundation” of stones piled under the corners of the front porch and it seems amazing that the house has stood firm for so many years. Delve deeper into the history of the house and you might understand a little more.
On a Friday afternoon in April of 1904 Benny’s great-grandfather, William G. Parsons, stopped by the steam powered sawmill close to his home to lend a hand to some buddies. Gaither, as he was known, tragically was caught up in the machinery. As he lay dying his friends asked what they could do for him. His answer? “Build a better house for my family.” The owner of the sawmill? Isaac Broyhill, the father of James Edgar “Ed” Broyhill who founded Broyhill Furniture Industries.
The house was built as promised and was big and stout but had no running water and no electricity. Still, it housed members of the Parsons’ family for many years. Gaither Parsons had been gone quite a while when little Benny became the apple of Mama Julia’s eye. Julia B. Parsons was in her seventies and very attached to Benny when lack of available work sent his parent’s to Detroit to search for a better life. Benny lived in the house for five years until age 10 before Silas Parsons, a relative, piped water into the house by a system using gravity. When electricity finally became available in the secluded mountain region, the Parsons’ house was the last on the list to have it offered to them and even then Mama Julia had to tell them she couldn’t afford it. Benny woke often to freezing cold temps as a child but you just made do.
Originally planned for use as a tasting room for Rendezvous Ridge wines, this beloved family treasure is being left as is. It holds deep meaning for the Parsons’ family and has been deeded as a family cemetery where Benny has been laid to rest. It has been decided that the Wine Tasting Room and Racing Museum honoring Benny’s life, his accomplishments and his wine will be located on Rendezvous Ridge in the home built for Benny and his wife Terri. Benny passed away before the house was completed but it was part of his dream and it seems only fitting that the dream come to fruition completely by opening his home to all his fans. The lower portions of the house will be open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 7pm and by private appointment only on Sundays. The house is amazing, the views of the Blue Ridge stunning and the spirit of all that Benny stood for touching. Please come and share with us.
*Please be courteous and understand that the personal living quarters of the Parsons house is a home and will not be available to the general public. We appreciate your cooperation and courtesy. Thanks!
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