中央ジェームズ湖に位置しています。 レイクジェームズ州立公園の近く（パディーズ

This home was built in 1957 by Muriel and Earl Crooks, Earl was the caretaker for the old Camp Firestone for several years, the old camp was located on the lake just across the street from this home.

The Crooks' family has lived at Lake James for five generations - since the Lake was built until current day. Our grandfather ran a store and boat landing for many years catering to fisherman and the lake trade. Our grandfather’s old store stood less than a half mile down the road, it was located at the end of the old steel truss Canal Bridge that crossed the lake canal near where the current concrete Canal Bridge is located today.

As children growing up in this home we spent many endless summers swimming, fishing and playing at the old Firestone Camp and on the lake. We also enjoyed meeting different campers as they arrived each week. The summer camp in the movie "Dirty Dancing" reminds us somewhat of the old Firestone Camp as it had cabins, bunk houses, boats, horseshoe pits, meeting hall & etc.

We still enjoy getting on the lake as much as possible and taking advantage of the Lake James State Park just next door for walking, hiking and mountain biking. We also enjoy the close proximity of Pisgah National Forest & the Fonta Flora State Trail for mountain biking and hiking.

Although this home was built as a residence it also served as camp headquarters for Camp Firestone where many of the supplies and records were kept and was the check-in station for visiting campers.

As we began clearing out the attic, basements and garage we found lots of memorabilia from the old Camp Firestone, our grandfather’s store and the lake in general. Everything from old maps to old fishing equipment and boat motors. We decided we would display these hidden "treasures" in the house for all to see as they visit.

An article about old Camp Firestone was published in the July 2017 issue of Our State magazine detailing lake life at the camp in that bygone era.

The old camp is now gone and the property has been sold to private owners.

Lake James is still rather rural and not very commercialized which adds to it's uniqueness and charm. It is also a very clean and clear lake holding cold water fish populations of Smallmouth Bass and Walleye.

This property is situated next door to Lake James State Park (Paddy's Creek Section) which has large swim beach, hiking and mountain biking trails and fishing piers, it is also very close to the Canal Bridge public boat launch within a half mile.

This location allows quick access to Pisgah National Forest for many outdoor activities. Linville Gorge, Linville Falls, Table Rock Mountain, Short off Mountain, Fonta Flora State Trail, Mountain to Sea Trail, Over the Mountain Victory Trail are some of the many great hiking destinations nearby.

Day trips to Black Mountain and the Asheville area are an easy commute via I-40.