The clubhouse at Trillium Links & Lake Club
Words by Emily Davis | Photography and Videography by Courtney Snyder | Renderings courtesy of Trillium Links & Lake Club
Carved into the picturesque mountaintops above Lake Glenville in Cullowhee, North Carolina, Trillium Links & Lake Club beckons amateur and seasoned players to relish a serene but challenging golf course. Simultaneously, as one of the select clubs with access to the lake, it offers tranquil views of the water along with unique waterfront provisions. Together, the exclusive combination of golf, amenities, and direct lake access embodies the essence of mountain living at its finest.
Director of Membership Stetson Taylor describes Trillium as “One big happy family. We’re a close-knit bunch, but we love welcoming new people into the fold. I often joke that my kids have 350 grandparents.” With an average member age in the early 50s and many with school-aged children, one can easily imagine that joining the Trillium family will lead to decades of cherished memories. Even the staff members return year after year, with some retaining employment at Trillium for decades.
At the heart of Trillium lies its crown jewel: the Trillium Links championship golf course. Designed by renowned architect Morris Hatalsky, this 18-hole masterpiece winds its way through lush forests and rolling hills, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Golf enthusiasts of all skill levels are drawn to the challenging yet scenic layout, where they are treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the mountains surrounding Lake Glenville. Whether teeing off against the backdrop of a blazing sunrise or sinking a putt beneath a canopy of autumn foliage, every round at Trillium is a memorable journey through nature’s grandeur.
Beyond the fairways, Trillium offers an array of lakefront amenities designed to indulge the senses and soothe the soul. The shimmering waters of Lake Glenville beckon guests to unwind and explore, whether by paddleboard, canoe, kayak, or boat. The club maintains 24 private slips for members to dock their boats on a first-come, first-served basis in the spring. Four rental boats — three pontoon and one wake — are also available. Trillium is one of the few clubs on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, offering both an acclaimed golf course and Lake Glenville access.
With this spring’s exciting announcement, Trillium is set to expand its reputation as the area’s premier lake destination. The Landings, a lakefront restaurant and gathering place once beloved by members, was tragically lost to a fire in 2023. But in a testament to the club’s spirit of survival and renewal, a newly designed facility is proposed for construction, with completion anticipated by May of 2026.
“This is huge news,” Taylor shares. “There’s nothing else like it on the Plateau and this rare community amenity will be a unique offering for the foreseeable future.”
Lakeside amenities at Trillium Links & Lake Club
The proposed lake clubhouse at Trillium Links & Lake Club
Recently proposed for a member vote, the new three-level waterside building would feature a restaurant on the top floor, looking out over the lake and the rolling mountains beyond. On the second floor, a multi-use space and a secondary kitchen would host member events, and on the bottom floor, a kids’ club would keep children and grandchildren entertained with an arcade and other activities.
The plans include yet another exciting addition to Trillium’s expansive grounds: Members would soon enjoy Lake Glenville’s first-ever swimming pool on the shore. Complete with a hot tub and spacious deck, the outdoor recreation area promises to become a memorable gathering place for many years to come.
Beyond its physical offerings, Trillium fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among its residents. The club hosts events catering to a variety of interests, with a full schedule of activities every day throughout the summer. Regular social events, such as wine tastings, whiskey dinners, holiday gatherings, and outdoor concerts, provide opportunities for neighbors to forge lasting friendships and create cherished memories together. Wine and Wickets provides a venue for friendly competition on the croquet lawn twice per week, while those who prefer indoor recreation can join in on bingo, trivia, or Mexican Train dominoes at the Clubhouse.
Speaking on the club’s extensive social calendar, Taylor exudes enthusiasm. “There is something going on every single night in the summer. One of my favorite events is Unwind & Dine every Friday, where we gather at the Clubhouse to enjoy beer, wine, a dinner buffet, and a live band. Sometimes I can’t believe this is my job!”
The season kicks off Memorial Day weekend, and this year, a thrilling tournament takes center stage. To celebrate the overhaul of their croquet lawn, transforming the former space into a full-sized tournament lawn, Trillium will host an impressive roster of players. US and World Champion Matthew Essick will attend, along with under-21 World Champion Edmund Fordyce, local croquet pro Darin Guffey, and Trillium member Jim Jamison.
The dining room at Trillium Links & Lake Club
From outdoor adventures to intimate gatherings, life at Trillium is defined by moments of joy, relaxation, and connection. In addition to the club’s offerings, members frequently organize their own group events. From bridge and Mahjong gatherings to book clubs and Bible studies, the opportunities are practically unlimited. For the more adventurous souls, outings to nearby hiking and mountain biking trails take advantage of the natural splendor that surrounds the club. Fishing enthusiasts delight in the abundance of bass, trout, and other freshwater species that inhabit Lake Glenville’s depths.
With membership extending throughout four generations of each member’s family — to their parents, children, and grandchildren — the club’s dedication to youth programming ensures fun for youngsters and a bit of downtime for their parents. Each week during the summer, Trillium staff host movie and dinner nights for the kids, and parents welcome the respite to enjoy their own activities or a night out in the nearby towns of Cashiers and Highlands. Daytime events include color wars and foam parties for kids to expend their abundant energy.
For children ages three to ten, Camp Trillium provides a jam-packed schedule of activities. Teens can join Mountain Quest, an excursion camp offering excitement ranging from nighttime zip lining to paintball competitions to wake surfing on the lake. Day trips introduce teens to activities like whitewater rafting in Clayton, Georgia, and rock climbing in nearby Brevard.
“In the winter, those of us who are here will go sledding on the golf course,” laughs Taylor. While a feeling of luxury pervades the property, the focus is on family and fun. In fact, members voted on a casual dress code in the dining room so that the focus remains on personal connection.
That sense of connection can be felt throughout every inch of the sprawling 750-acre property, from the shores of Lake Glenville to the ridgetop trees. Ensconced within a beautiful natural setting, with a wide variety of amenities and activities geared toward every interest, the club provides a one-of-a-kind experience that captivates the senses and nourishes the soul. Whether a summer vacationer, weekend homeowner, or full-time resident, every member, from infants to grandparents, will find their heart’s home at Trillium Links & Lake Club.
For additional information about the club as well as the homes and lots available, contact Silver Creek Real Estate Group today.