We have a large, extended family, and every two years we gather in the Asheville area for a fall family reunion. We had stayed at this property four years prior when it was under different ownership. The new owners, Eva and Michael Greene, also of Asheville, were happy to give us a tour, and it quickly became apparent that they had implemented significant changes by upgrading the facilities/utilities, enhancing the décor and amenities, and providing numerous modern conveniences, all without losing the charm and appeal of the historic farmhouse’s nineteenth-century origins.
The fall weather was beautiful during our five-night, six-day reunion, and the families made full use of the farmhouse and adjoining cottage, the level, open fields, and nearby hiking opportunities. The children especially loved playing on the wide-open grounds, floating home-made boats in the little stream, and climbing the nearby hill to see where the tree house would be built. We did individual family photographs at the footbridge overlooking the brook and shot our biennial reunion photo at the fire pit, which was everyone’s favorite gathering place in the evenings. Nightly campfires, roasting marshmallows, and a full moon over the farmhouse made for an unforgettable family reunion.
Our family enjoys cooking and fully utilized the two well-equipped kitchens and the adjoining laundry/pantry room in the farmhouse. Combined dinner service for 28, cupboards full of quality cookware and utensils in both kitchens, and an outdoor grill at the cottage serviced the needs of our family chefs. Owner-supplied cleaning products, paper goods and Keurig coffee pods were very much appreciated by the families on kitchen duty. The bedrooms were spacious and evidenced a designer’s touch in the use of period furniture and accessories. Each of the seven bedrooms featured its own attractively renovated and well-appointed bathroom. Fine quality bed linens and bath towels were matched by thoughtfully provided bathrobes and complimentary toiletries. The farmhouse and cottage were immaculate when we arrived. As we always do, the entire family gathered before our morning departure to sweep, vacuum, clean up, put away, and return the property to as-close-to-arrival condition as we could.
Thank you, Eva and Michael, for your gracious hospitality and the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of your labor in restoring this Carolina Jewel!