An Alabama native, Robert Rankin spent his childhood in nature and enjoyed family trips around the country from Maine to Montana. When he was 18, he developed a lasting love for a historic inn, Snowbird Mountain Lodge, and repeatedly returned with friends and family. He subsequently attended the University of Alabama and earned degrees in finance and history. Soon after, he became a financial officer at a small publishing firm, and during a difficult merger, realized he wasn’t living his dream. He consulted with his father, who encouraged him to pursue his longtime interest in managing an inn. In his early 30s, he became the ninth owner of Snowbird Mountain Lodge in Robbinsville, North Carolina.

Robert Rankin has been managing the retreat for 21 years and remains dedicated to creating an atmosphere of relaxation, reflection, and personal connection. To foster these values, he developed a space with no television, and instead, helps guests engage in adventures like hiking, fishing, and canoeing. He also takes pride in the property’s garden, which produces the fruits and vegetables featured in the inn’s beloved cuisine. As the heart of the retreat, he is constantly interacting with guests, keeping up the 100-acre property, and sharing its history.