While the monstrous Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa on the outskirts of town may draw the most attention for Asheville spa retreats, the 1889 WhiteGate Inn & Cottage draws the most awards for being a B&B and a spa retreat rolled into one. Those awards include an AAA Four Diamond designation and more than a handful of awards for the property’s luscious gardens, the most prestigious of which is a Better Homes and Gardens “Five Fantastic Gardens in Asheville” inclusion.
More of an urban oasis than a B&B
While 1889 WhiteGate Inn is a B&B, it’s most known for its gardens. Guests and locals keep coming back to relax, meditate, or enjoy a glass of wine amongst the ornately planted landscaping that is home to four varieties of Japanese maples and over 200 types of perennials, hostas, roses, and herbs. A series of paths and water features are found throughout the gardens to further draw in guests. The real prize, however, is what’s growing inside the greenhouse – 350 orchids and tropicals. Even four-legged friends get to enjoy the green space via a designated dog-walking section amongst the greenery.
Guests still have the full benefits of B&B
As 1889 WhiteGate Inn is a designated B&B, all rooms come with a three-course, gourmet breakfast each morning in the dining room. Coffee and tea start at 8:00 am and the first course, fresh fruits and juice, is served at 9:00 am. The first course is followed by a savory course and then a dessert for the third course. While the executive chef prepares the meals, owners Frank and Ralph are often in the dining room helping guests plan their stays.
A diverse choice of guest quarters
From couples to families to elopement parties, there’s a room for almost every need at the 1889 WhiteGate Inn. In the main house, there are five standard B&B rooms. Suites can be found in the guesthouse, the carriage house, and the bungalow. The latter is preferred by families as the two suites can adjoin to accommodate large parties. The suites offer double whirlpools, body jet showers, and stone fireplaces. Some include a full kitchen and patios. All rooms are decorated using a mix of antiques, family heirlooms, and hand-blown glass and original art from local artists. Of course, typical hotel amenities like flat-screen TVs, free wireless Internet access, and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries are also in the mix for each room.
Popular evening social hour
The evening social hour runs from 5-6:00 pm each night and includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. The event is especially popular during the warmer months when its moved from the mansion’s living room to the solarium, which offers views of downtown Asheville and has a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox. If you can’t make the social hour, refreshments are available throughout the day.
A few extras not found at most Asheville B&Bs
Beyond the award-winning landscaping, 1889 WhiteGate Inn also stands out as one of the few B&Bs in western North Carolina to offer full spa treatments from in-room massages to bath treatments and facials. The inn also has a small fitness center and sauna on property.
History
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