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PrintA Model Village
photo by Rimas Zailskas
While you’d never know it from his other building project—the Biltmore Estate—it turns out that millionaire industrialist George Vanderbilt was something of an early New Urbanist.
His plan for a “model village” beyond the gates of his property had all the qualities that current-day urban planners strive for: mixed-use development that keeps residences close to needed services, a compact walkable street plan, sidewalks, and access to public spaces and transportation. With the greatest talent of his generation (including Frederick Law Olmsted and Richard Morris Hunt) available to help execute his ideas, it’s no wonder that more than 100 years later, Biltmore Village—a National Historic District—still appeals to our modern desire for a place that offers convenience without sacrificing charm and character.
This area of Asheville seems always to have been described in superlatives; before it came to be known as Biltmore Village, it was called Best (Would Vanderbilt have wanted property that was anything less?). It was the first part of town many tourists would see when arriving by train. It’s still the first stop for many out-of-town visitors on the way to visit the estate or explore Asheville.
There’s a little bit of something for everyone here.
There’s history. The Cathedral of All Souls, a perfectly-preserved example of late 19th-century architecture, is the place where in 1924 Cornelia Vanderbilt married Sir John Francis Amherst Cecil, in what was the society wedding of the year.
There’s food. You can stop in for a spot of tea at the Village Tea Room or spend a long, casual brunch at the Corner Kitchen. And then there’s the shopping, which draws browsers and buyers to the quaint, tree-lined streets of the village, which is busy in every season. One of the qualities that sets this shopping district apart is the variety. The offerings run the gamut from women’s clothing to children’s toys and gifts, high-end crafts and handmade wearables to seasonal decorations and ornaments. There are national chain stores and small, independently-owned boutiques, shops that have been around for decades and new kids on the block. And to the delight of all those local and out-of-towner shoppers, there’s also plenty of free parking.
Most Biltmore Village businesses are housed in what were the area’s original clubs, offices, and residences, including 30 pebbledash houses built in late 1890s and early 1900s by Biltmore House architect Richard Sharp Smith. Contrary to popular belief, writes Biltmore Estate historian Bill Alexander, the charming cottages weren’t built for workers constructing the estate, but rather were middle-class rental houses.
Although the Vanderbilts sold the village in 1914, a surprising number of its original buildings remained intact, even as they changed hands and purposes throughout the years, shifting between residential and commercial uses.
The sumptuous Grand Bohemian Hotel, which opened earlier this year, extends from the main part of the Village across Biltmore Avenue. Two new mixed-use buildings recently went up on the north end of the Village as well. But regardless of what’s inside, the outside of these structures conforms (for the most part) to area’s original English Tudor aesthetic, including what may be the world’s only English Tudor McDonald’s.
After more than a century, the “village is continuing to grow,” says Stan Collins, president of the Biltmore Village Merchants Association. It turns out that Vanderbilt’s urban planning ideas were not only ahead of their time, but also timeless.
Accommodations
The Grand Bohemian Hotel (11 Boston Way, 505-2949) is one of the newest additions to Biltmore Village, but was designed to look as though it’s been there for ages, with hand-crafted details and a European hunting-lodge style.
Asheville’s own “pink lady,” the Cedar Crest Victorian Inn (674 Biltmore Avenue, 252-1389) is located on a hilltop just north of Biltmore Village. Stay in the 1891 gingerbread house, the carriage house, or one of the guest cottages.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate (225-1600) is located on the estate rather than in the village, offering views, special packages, and luxury.
The Biltmore Village Inn (119 Dodge Street, 274-8707) is a seven-guest room bed and breakfast in a grand old Victorian just four blocks from the Village.
Dining and Nightlife
Rezaz and Enoteca (28 Hendersonville Road, 277-1510) offer diners two choices in one location. At Rezaz, sophisticated Mediterranean menu options abound. Enoteca is technically a wine bar, but its solid menu of Italian and Italian-inspired dishes will satisfy those hungry for dinner too.
Dining at The Corner Kitchen (3 Boston Way, 274-2439) feels like going to the home of a friend who’s an amazing chef. Housed in a charming two-story cottage, the restaurant offers creative, satisfying fare.
Fig Bistro (18 Brook Street, 277-0889) is known for innovative seasonal specialties that showcase fresh, local organic produce, meat, and fish.
The Red Stag Grill at the Grand Bohemian Hotel offers traditional favorites such as filet mignon and rack of lamb.
La Paz Mexican Restaurant (10 Biltmore Plaza, 277-8779) is known for its traditional Mexican specialties and fun atmosphere. It’s kid-friendly and popular as an after-work gathering spot.
The Village Tea Room (6 Boston Way, 274-0701) at the back of Chelsea’s Country French and English Store, serves lunch as well as a seasonal brunch, afternoon tea, and desserts.
The Wayside Bar and Grill (30 Lodge St, 277-4121) operating in the 1896 train depot, offers casual dining and an extensive beer menu.
The Ice Cream Garden at Legacies Gifts (2 Boston Way, 274-8212) gives shoppers with a sweet tooth a place to stop and sit in the shade for a spell.
Shopping
Bellagio (5 Biltmore Plaza, 277-8100) features one-of-a-kind and handmade wearables, including jewelry, accessories, and clothing by American artists.
Once Upon A Time (7 All Souls Crescent, 274-8788) has unique children’s games, toys, and books, as well as a baby gift boutique.
Yarn Paradise (6 All Souls Crescent, 274-4213) is heaven on earth for knitters and crocheters who can’t resist a new skein of yarn or a set of specialty needles. The shop also offers classes.
Gardener’s Cottage (34 All Souls Crescent, 277-2020) sells gifts for the gardener, antique accents, and other flower and garden-related goods.
2 on Crescent (4 All Souls Crescent, 274-1276) women’s boutique stocks upscale casual and comfortable clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Wink Salon and Boutique (18 Brook Street, 277-4070) bills itself as the place for “heads and threads.” Chic haircuts and hip clothes and accessories converge artistically here.
Monkees of Biltmore (7 All Souls Crescent, 277-6002) carries hard-to-find designer clothes, shoes, and accessories for women.
Just like the name says, The Complete Naturalist (2 Brook Street, 274-5430) covers everything a nature-lover might need, from field guides and binoculars to telescopes and flower presses.
Waechter’s Fine Fabrics (9-D Reed Street, 274-3146), which recently relocated to the Village from North Asheville, is known for its silks and other top-of-the line fabrics as well as its buttons and accessories.
The Biltmore Village Company (1 Kitchin Place, 274-5570) is located in a 1925 drug store with its original marble soda counter. Among its offerings are home accents, furniture, and gifts.
The Spa at Biltmore Village (18 Brook Street, 277-2639) offers a wide range of spa treatments as well as spa products, candles, and relaxing gifts.
Just Ducky (10 All Souls Crescent, 277-7084) features a line of original designer childrens clothing, including baby clothes, and accessories.
Galleries + Antiques
New Morning Gallery (7 Boston Way, 274-2831) is an Asheville institution, featuring high-end functional art objects made by master crafters. New Morning showcases the work of local, national, and international crafts people, including housewares, garden accents, jewelry, fine art, and gifts.
Bella Vista Art (14 Lodge Street, 768-0246) offers fine art from local, national, and international artists.
Fireside Antiques and Interiors (32 All Souls Crescent, 274-7572) focuses on art and antiques for the home and garden, but also sells estate jewelry and lighting.
Antiquities of Biltmore Village (9 B Reed Street, 274-6812) is a 10,000-square-foot antique and collectibles market with over 50 dealers.
Culture
Biltmore House (1 Approach Road, Asheville, 225-1333), the largest privately-owned home in the United States, is ranked eighth on the list of America’s Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects. George Vanderbilt officially opened the home to friends and family on Christmas Eve in 1895. The 8,000-acre estate is host to numerous attractions, including a world-class winery.
The Cathedral of All Souls (9 Swan Street, 274-2681) designed by Richard Morris Hunt was completed in 1896 and has remained a central part of Biltmore Village life ever since.
