Grove Park

It's hard to beat the lofty elegance of Grove Park's diverse collection of historic mansions and long-nurtured natural landscapes. This north Asheville neighborhood is anchored by a one-of-a-kind hotel and is brimming with homegrown restaurants, arts attractions and beautiful views. Grove Park's meandering streets resemble estuaries, feeding into each other in continuous routes that wrap around the local resort. Twisted laurel, dense dogwood and rose-hued azaleas hedge this charming neighborhood's winding storybook drives. Gardens of evergreens cascade over landscaped yards and cloak the floor of its verdant woods. Some homes cling to Sunset Mountain's uneven terrain, while others overlook neat, grassy estates.

Omni Grove Park Inn, the neighborhood's most significant historical landmark, is famed for its mountain views and prestigious past. Guests have been staying at the hotel atop Sunset Mountain for over 100 years. The Omni Grove Park Inn has hosted several prominent historical figures, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller and 10 Unites States presidents. The hotel's iconic red clay tile roof, textured stone exterior and Roycroft furnishings finesse a unique aesthetic tone. The original structure's silver-flecked granite stones were excavated from the mountain where the hotel stands today. Crowds visit from all over the country to experience this local treasure.

The Grove Park historic district has been nationally recognized for its boundless architectural diversity. Tudor Revivals with sloping frameworks mingle with rustic cottages, broad Bungalows and sleek Prairie-style homes. Median listing prices here typically land around $2 million and locals report that homes don't stay on the market long. "Homes here have an old charm. The neighborhood is walkable and beautiful with mature trees," says Nikki Freeman, local Realtor at The Redbud Group. Buyers can find angular mid-century modern homes built in the tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright on private wooded lots for $1 million and up to $3 million, with values gradually increasing as you make your way up the mountain. Below, you'll find a more compact layout of homes representing classic Tudor Revival and bungalow-style dwellings ranging from $800,000 to $3 million. Asheville buyers also have the opportunity to invest in a Grove Park lot starting at around $350,000. "There are plenty of new construction opportunities in this area," adds Kelsey Crowder, Redbud Realtor.

Many locals like to head to the inn's golf greens on sunny weekends. Golfweek Magazine has consistently acknowledged the Grove Park Country Club course as one of the Top Resort Golf Courses in North Carolina. Several PGA stars and President Obama have played the 6,000-yard fairways with striking mountain views. Weaver Park's paved pathways, rolling hillsides and views of blue-misted mountain ranges are another great natural pocket where residents like to get some fresh air and walk along its wooded waterside trails. Continue north to Grovewood Village's craft studios, art galleries modern sculpture gardens for a deep dive into the area's history. A walk along narrow Grovewood Road's cottages with stucco exteriors will transport you a century back in time.

For Grove Park students, Ira B. Jones Elementary is nearby, off Kimberly Avenue. The school's lovely stone-clad building holds almost 400 students who have shown notable academic progress in recent years. The school recently sponsored a career fair where kids met with representatives from local businesses. The administration here emphasizes staying connected with the community.

Grove Park residents are convenient to the shopping and dining peppered along Merrimon Avenue, downtown Asheville's connecting corridor. Locals rave about Luella's Bar-B-Que, a Merrimon hotspot serving large helpings of Grandma Lue's classic Southern recipes. You won't miss the casual outpost's glowing red BBQ sign while driving along the main thoroughfare. Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian, a neighborhood staple for almost 15 years, was established by a Brooklyn native who wanted to bring old-school New York Italian eats to Asheville. The cozy trattoria is a popular local haunt for cozy dinners out. Sunset Terrace is among the Omni Grove Park Inn's impressive restaurant collection, a must-visit for its stunning views overlooking the grounds.

Most Grove Park locals shop at the Fresh Market on Merrimon for weekly groceries and stay on the main road for other errands and shopping. Residents are a leisurely 2-mile ride from Asheville's flourishing city center, and Charlotte Street provides a direct route into town. Asheville Rides Transit, ART, buses have stops along Macon Avenue for Grove Park residents who prefer public transportation. You're close enough to downtown to pop over any time, but far enough away to retreat back to peace and quiet," Realtor Freeman adds. It's no wonder so many Asheville buyers are drawn to this secluded respite, minutes from the bustle of downtown with unmatched long-range views of sprawling Blue Ridge Mountain ranges.

Written By

Caeleigh Griffin

Photography Contributed By

Steven Bollman

Video By

Jacob McAllister