Unveiling the Mayes Event Center at Deerwoode Reserve
On April 6, 2024, Deerwoode Reserve hosted a ribbon cutting through the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce and celebrated the opening and dedication of The Mayes Event Center located at on the property
Deerwoode Reserve has a long-standing history in Brevard. It has been around since 1923 and was previously a summer camp called Camp Deerwoode. It was purchased in 1966 by the previous owners, Bill & Elizabeth Mayes, who successfully operated the boys camp for 25 years.
After the camp closed in 1991, Bill opened up a community gym and a pasture golf course on the property. Later, they opened a cabin rental business called Deerwoode Lodge & Cabins. The Mayes closed all business operations in 2018 and listed the property for sale in 2020. Scott & Dionne Hodgson purchased the property in April of 2021, renamed it Deerwoode Reserve and after renovating the cabins, began operating it as a vacation rental business.
The building that housed the summer camp physical fitness program and then
eventually the community gym, has now been transformed into The Mayes Event Center, a beautiful, new event venue. The venue is a 8,400sf facility with a grand timber frame port, indoor climate-controlled reception hall, outdoor covered pavilion, catering kitchen, bridal suite, restrooms and outdoor patio.
With the addition of this new event venue, the property is perfect for weddings, family gatherings, business functions and community events.
The ribbon cutting symbolized the grand opening and name dedication of The Mayes Event Center. Elizabeth Mayes and son, Matthew Mayes, were presentfor this special occasion.
“We fell in love with this property when we saw it,” Owner Scott Hodgson said. “It was Bill who had chosen us to purchase this property.”
It was the Hodgsons’ intention from the beginning to name the building after Bill and Elizabeth Mayes to honor their legacy. Unfortunately, Bill passed away last November. At the Ribbon Cutting event, the Hodgsons were presented with a tree, donated by local band Jupiter Coyote, to be planted in Bill’s honor.
Over the 55 years that the Mayes called Deerwoode home, they protected and enhanced the natural beauty of this land, placing the land into a conservation easement to ensure that it stays in its current state forever. It is also a Certified Nature Preserve and is home to a historic oak tree over 400 years old that is listed in the White Oak Historic Society.
Since purchasing the property, the Hodgsons have updated all 11 existing cabins with modern conveniences, while maintaining their rustic & cozy feel. Each cabin showcases the history of the property with unique touches like cabinetry constructed from the original cabin siding, that was signed & dated by the kids who stayed at the summer camp, and original artwork displaying wildlife and landscape scenes painted by Elizabeth.
About Deerwoode Reserve
Deerwoode Reserve is the ultimate family vacation destination for nature lovers, offering studio, single-family and multi-family rustic cabin accommodations. Situated on 175 acres, with ponds and trails, this peaceful setting and comfortable cabins, will allow families to take a step back in time and enjoy just spending time together. Located just minutes to downtown Brevard, Deerwoode Reserve offers convenience to shops, restaurants, and local points of interest, although you’ll feel like you are completely secluded. With the addition of this new event venue, the property is perfect for destination weddings, family gatherings, business functions and community events.
