Back to Asheville

1900 Inn on Montford

From $285/night • Score: 4.9★ (520 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

Asheville, North Carolina, is a city defined by architectural audacity, artistic eccentricity, and a deep-seated reverence for nature. Yet, even in a town brimming with historic charm, the 1900 Inn on Montford stands out as an absolute architectural tour de force. Located within the leafy, tranquil confines of the historic Montford district—a neighborhood listed on the National Register of Historic Places—this stunning Arts and Crafts masterpiece immediately commands attention. Arriving at the property feels less like checking into a commercial lodging and more like being welcomed into the private summer estate of an Edwardian aristocrat.

The inn’s pedigree is nothing short of legendary. Built in 1900, the residence was designed by none other than Richard Sharp Smith, the brilliant supervising architect brought to Asheville by George Vanderbilt to oversee the construction of the monumental Biltmore Estate. Smith’s signature touch is unmistakable throughout the exterior and interior framework. The structure is a masterclass in the American Arts and Crafts movement, seamlessly marrying rustic Appalachian materials with refined European design principles. Low-pitched gables, exposed rafter tails, native river-stone masonry, and deeply weathered wood shingles speak to a philosophy that values hand craftsmanship and harmony with the natural environment.

Approaching the house, guests are greeted by a sprawling wraparound front porch that practically begs you to kick off your shoes, sink into a wicker rocking chair, and watch the world slow down. Towering old-growth trees canopy the property, filtering the gentle mountain breeze and casting dappled shadows across the manicured lawns. Stepping across the threshold is akin to stepping back in time, though without sacrificing a single modern comfort. The foyer envelops you in the warm, rich glow of quarter-sawn oak paneling, intricate woodwork, and period-appropriate lighting fixtures that cast a soft, welcoming amber hue. The air carries a subtle, comforting scent of beeswax and polished timber. There is an immediate sense of stillness here—a sanctuary from the bustling creative energy of downtown Asheville just blocks away. The restoration work is meticulous, preserving original architectural flourishes while ensuring the property meets the exacting standards of the modern luxury traveler. It is a triumphant opening statement for a destination property.

The Room Experience

Accommodations at the 1900 Inn on Montford elevate the traditional bed-and-breakfast formula into the realm of boutique luxury. Across the property's thoughtfully curated guest rooms, no two spaces are alike, each imbued with its own distinct personality, historical nods, and high-end modern amenities. Entering your chamber, you are greeted by an aesthetic that honors the building's turn-of-the-century heritage while fully embracing contemporary notions of comfort and indulgence.

Consider the tactile pleasure of the interiors: plush oriental rugs laid over gleaming hardwood floors, bespoke headboards carved by local artisans, and heavy, light-blocking drapery framing large windows that flood the rooms with natural light. Beds are dressed in high-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, piled high with down pillows and inviting duvets that guarantee a restorative slumber after a day spent exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. Period antiques mingle effortlessly with plush seating areas, creating cozy nooks ideal for losing yourself in a novel or sipping a glass of local North Carolina wine.

However, the true pièce de résistance of the room experience lies within the spa-inspired bathrooms. Eschewing the cramped quarters typical of historic homes, the inn’s creators carved out exceptionally generous bathing sanctuaries. Guests are treated to state-of-the-art steam showers that soothe weary muscles, enveloping you in eucalyptus-scented mist, alongside deep whirlpool soaking tubs designed for two. High-end bath amenities from artisanal makers, plush monogrammed bathrobes, and oversized Turkish cotton towels complete the sensory indulgence. Modern technological touches—such as discreetly integrated USB charging ports, individually controlled climate systems, and high-speed Wi-Fi—are woven seamlessly into the historic fabric of the rooms, ensuring that guests never have to choose between historical charm and absolute convenience.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

What truly sets the 1900 Inn on Montford apart from other high-end lodgings in Western North Carolina is its vibrant, deeply authentic cultural atmosphere. Luxury in the modern era is frequently defined by sterile minimalism and quiet detachment; here, luxury is defined by warmth, community, and soul. The crown jewel of the inn’s weekly programming is its live Appalachian bluegrass music series, hosted right on the sprawling wraparound front porch. As the sun begins to dip behind the mountains, casting a golden hour glow over Montford Avenue, guests gather on the porch or lawn with a beverage in hand to experience the foot-stomping, heart-stirring sounds of authentic local pickers and fiddlers. It is an immersive cultural experience that bridges the gap between upscale hospitality and regional heritage.

Beyond the porch concerts, the inn excels at fostering a sense of relaxed, unpretentious elegance. The interior common areas—including a stately parlor and a cozy library lined with regional literature—serve as natural gathering spaces for travelers to swap stories of their mountain adventures. The innkeepers and staff act as consummate concierges, possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of Asheville's culinary, artistic, and natural landscapes. Whether you need a reservation at a hard-to-crack downtown restaurant, a recommendation for the most scenic stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, or a trail map for DuPont State Forest, their personalized guidance is invaluable.

Additional thoughtful touches elevate the stay from memorable to extraordinary. Afternoon refreshments, featuring freshly baked pastries, local artisan cheeses, and house-made beverages, await guests returning from their daytime excursions. The meticulously maintained gardens offer hidden benches and quiet corners surrounded by native flora, providing private oases for meditation, reading, or simply listening to the chorus of local songbirds. Every square inch of the property radiates a spirit of generous, heartfelt hospitality.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

A great morning in Asheville demands a breakfast to match, and the culinary team at the 1900 Inn on Montford delivers a daily masterclass in gourmet morning dining. Eschewing the generic continental spreads common to lesser properties, the inn serves a decadent, multi-course plated breakfast that is nothing short of a culinary event. Each morning begins with freshly brewed, locally roasted artisan coffee and a vibrant seasonal fruit course, often featuring berries foraged from nearby farms or bright citrus infused with fresh mint.

The main course rotates daily, showcasing the rich agricultural bounty of Western North Carolina through an elevated lens. You might encounter a decadent sweet potato and goat cheese soufflé, savory sausage and gruyère strata utilizing heritage pork from local farmers, or fluffy buttermilk pancakes crowned with warm local berry compote and pure Appalachian maple syrup. Dietary restrictions are met not just with accommodation, but with genuine culinary enthusiasm, ensuring every guest experiences the same level of gourmet delight. Served in the elegant dining room where guests converse across shared tables—or on the porch when weather permits—breakfast acts as the social heartbeat of the inn.

When the sun sets, the local nightlife of walkable downtown Asheville is just a fifteen-minute stroll from your front door. The Montford district sits on the northern fringe of the city center, allowing guests to easily access Asheville’s world-famous culinary scene without the hassle of driving and parking. Highlights within easy reach include:

Who This Stay Is For

The 1900 Inn on Montford is exceptionally well-suited for a specific type of traveler who values character, history, and authentic regional culture over the cookie-cutter anonymity of branded luxury monoliths. This property is an absolute dream for:

Conversely, those traveling with young children, guests seeking hyper-modern minimalist aesthetics, or individuals requiring total commercial anonymity may find the intimate, social bed-and-breakfast format less aligned with their preferences.

Practical Travel Notes

To ensure a seamless stay at the 1900 Inn on Montford, keep these practical considerations in mind: