Blackberry Farm Announces New Proprietor Mary Celeste Beall

The announcement is in keeping with the Bealls' longstanding commitment to family ownership and management.

A familiar face and an influential presence on the Tennessee property, Mary Celeste will take on the broader role held until recently by her late husband, Sam. She will work closely with a range of company veterans, including Executive Vice President Matt Alexander, Vice President of Operations Matt Wilcoxen, Vice President of Finance Nick DiBartolomeo, Director of Food and Beverage Andy Chabot and General Manager Brian Lee.

The Beall family, as well as Blackberry Farm executives, emphasized the significant role Mary Celeste has already played in the destination's growth and success.

“Mary Celeste has directed retail operations on property, led key design projects, hosted wellness and arts events, and was an integral leader in the development of the Wellhouse–all while raising a beautiful family,” said Kreis and Sandy Beall, Sam's parents. “She's just always been a contributor and a true partner to Sam, which makes her the obvious choice as Blackberry Farm's next Proprietor.”

Mary Celeste was educated at Washington & Lee University and the University of Tennessee, and she holds an undergraduate degree in business administration and a graduate degree in accounting. Before returning to Blackberry Farm with Sam in 2001, Mary Celeste worked as an associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers in San Francisco.

Together, the couple took the hotel property, which was founded by Sam's parents 40 years ago in the Foothills of the Smoky Mountains, and shaped it into one of the most awarded and well-regarded destinations in North America. Over the last decade, Blackberry Farm has grown to include thousands of acres and a full working farm, a range of luxurious cottages and accommodations, and amenities like The Barn restaurant and the expansive new spa, called The Wellhouse. During that same period of time, the property and talented team who run it have received the hospitality industry's highest honors: consecutive James Beard Awards for Best Chef–Southeast, Outstanding Wine Program and Outstanding Service.

Often behind the scenes, but never far from daily activities and decisions, Mary Celeste will step to the forefront of the luxury property's operations and community in her new role.

“Sam and I–and of course the entire Beall family–share such a deep love for this special place … and for the future our children and grandchildren will create here,” said Mary Celeste about the announcement. “This new role is the most authentic way I can imagine to honor Sam's legacy, fulfill our shared vision and demonstrate our commitment to our guests, team, partners and the local community.”

Blackberry Farm–often described as “Easy to get to. Hard to leave.”–is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. This 68-room Relais and Chateaux property offers some of the world's finest wines, cuisine, fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, sporting clays and cycling. In addition to an abundance of outdoor activities, Blackberry Farm offers a spa and a series of annual culinary, enrichment, wellness and adventure events. For reservations and information, please call 800.557.8864 or visit www.blackberryfarm.com.