Nick’s Notes 2.13.2015 – The House’s Story

The House’s Story

The past few weeks I’ve shared with you Amber’s Story, and Our Story
about purchasing the Inn………….so this week I would like to share
with you the Story of Abbington Green………a beautiful, historic home
in the Montford Historic District of Asheville, North Carolina. 
Montford is part of Downtown Asheville where all the unique shops and
excellent restaurants are located.
 
 
I love sharing the story of this home with guests when they walk into
Abbington Green for the first time.  There is so much history here and
it needs to be shared………….that’s part of living in a century old
home.  The house was built in 1907 and designed by architect Richard
Sharp Smith.  He was one of the architects that worked on the Biltmore
Estate home.  The original blueprints have recently been discovered at
the Historic Archives and are now kept at the Asheville City Hall.  Once
Biltmore was finished, he was commissioned to build this home for Mr.
Jackson and his family.  At that time the Jacksons were known for their
Bakery and Cheese shop in the city.  They lived here about 15 years and
then sold the house to Mr. Wythe Peyton in 1921.

Mr. Peyton was the Post Master of Asheville and the Peytons raised
their four sons in this home. He later went on to begin the North
Carolina Highway system as a highway engineer.  He was a prominent
member of the Men’s Garden Club of Asheville.    He was known for his
prize fruits and vegetables from the extensive gardens that were on the
property at the time.  I can only imagine how proud he is looking at how
the Gardens of Abbington Green are still abundant and beautiful.


 
Mr. Peyton passed away in 1956 and the family held the house until the
1960’s.  The house is known as the Jackson-Peyton Home on the National
Historic Registry.  The home was then purchased by an architect and
eventually was divided up and became a boarding house.  Back in the 60’s you would not want to live in Montford.  It was not safe, and both the house and neighborhood got run down.  Luckily, the neighborhood bounced back and now Montford is a safe and very desirable neighborhood to live in. All the beautiful historic homes have been renovated and it is fun to take a local walking tour of the area.  www.history-at-hand.com

Valerie Larrea purchased this home in February of 1993 with the
intention to turn it into a bed and breakfast.  Work began in May of
1993 and the first guests checked in on October 1st, 1993.  The property
was completely renovated in only 4 1/2 months with all new plumbing,
electrical, and beautiful Guest Rooms and Suites………………..complete with Jacuzzi Tubs and showers in each bathroom.  So, Steve and I are only the second owners of Abbington Green since it has become a bed and breakfast. 

 
 We continue to make it our own home with personal touches and antiques.  We have big plans for the gardens this spring with fountains, flowers and even bringing back some of the fruit trees and vegetable garden Mr. Peyton once had on the property.   Guests will get to enjoy the fresh herbs and produce from the property along with other local North Carolina products.
So that’s the story of how this amazing home became a Bed and Breakfast.
 We love our new home and look forward to new memories in our lives.
All the Best,  Nick

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *