Asheville Bed & Breakfast: Cedar Crest Inn
If you’re planning a visit to Biltmore Estate and searching for a place to stay that feels as special as the destination itself, Cedar Crest Inn deserves a spot on your shortlist. This historic Asheville bed and breakfast combines Victorian charm, luxurious accommodations, and warm Southern hospitality just minutes from Biltmore Estate, making it an appealing choice for couples, families, and even travelers with pets.
The History of Cedar Crest Inn
Cedar Crest Inn was built in 1891 at the direction of William E. Breese. Breese was a banker and Confederate Army veteran from Charleston who moved to Asheville in 1895 for the sake of his son’s health. (His son had tuberculosis, and the fresh mountain air was thought to be beneficial.)
The Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion was built by contractor Charles B. Leonard. The house was built with 20 rooms on a hill overlooking the Swannanoa River. The price? $10,000 at the time. (With an average inflation rate of 2.68%, that means that the house would cost approximately $321,204.40 in today’s dollars to build.)
The story doesn’t end so well for Mr. Breese. Around 1897, the tobacco industry was failing and Mr. Breese’s bank closed. Breese was arrested and charged with conspiracy, embezzlement, abstraction, and misapplication. (In 1911, he was acquitted of all charges.)
Meanwhile, the mansion was sold in 1902 for $7,500 to Arthur F. Reese who named it Kenilworth Lodge. Reese was a socialite and was known to enjoy the company of George Vanderbilt. Reese died in 1926 and the house became the property of banks and insurance companies.
The house changed hands a few more times and from 1927 until 1932 was “Sherwood Sanitarium” where it was a place for people seeking healthy mountain air (for their tuberculosis).
In 1936 the mansion was used as a boarding house and the following year it was purchased as a home by John and Minnie Page. When Mr. Page died in 1939, Minnie converted the home back into a boarding house. Minnie preserved the house during the 40 years that it was hers.
Fast forward to 2018 and the house was purchased by GBX Group LLC. The company preserves historic properties around the country. The home is now Cedar Crest Inn and is a popular bed and breakfast in Asheville.
Who Would Love This Inn?
Cedar Crest Inn is particularly well-suited for couples planning a romantic Biltmore getaway, travelers celebrating a special occasion, and visitors who appreciate historic properties with modern comforts.
Cedar Crest Inn at a Glance
- Historic bed and breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina
- Located less than two miles from Biltmore Estate
- Complimentary breakfast included
- Select pet-friendly accommodations available
- Romantic suites and guest rooms
- Convenient access to downtown Asheville
Rooms at Cedar Crest Inn
There are three properties at Cedar Crest Inn with 10 guest rooms in the main house, two options available at their 1915 bungalow, and four rooms/suites in the carriage house. Each room is unique and has its own personality.
The rooms in the main house have been decorated with antique furniture and each room has a private bathroom.
While you won’t find coffee makers in the room, you do have access to coffee throughout the day in the dining room.
Guest Cottages
There are two guest cottages on the property for those who need a little more room. Guest Cottage Room 1 had a queen bed with a private bathroom along with a separate sitting room that has coffee service, a mini-fridge, and a microwave oven. Guest Cottage Room 2 is even bigger with 2 bedrooms that share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. Cottage #2 also has a butler’s kitchen with a sink, full-size refrigerator, coffee service, microwave oven, and a toaster.
Dining at the Inn
A stay at the inn includes a two-course breakfast which is served from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM daily (seating times are 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM), complimentary evening wine, and chocolate chip cookies.
Coffee is available throughout the day in the dining room via a Keurig coffeemaker.
Pet Policy
People traveling with pets in tow will be happy to know that Cedar Crest Inn has pet-friendly cottage rooms. (There is a one-time pet fee of $50 per dog and no more than two pets are allowed.)
Check-In Time
Check-in time at the inn is between 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. (Late check-in is available – be sure to get in touch with the innkeeper.)
More Information
- Children under 12 are generally not permitted at the inn.
- The cancellation policy varies depending on how the room is reserved.
- Cedar Crest Inn is a smoke-free facility.
- Parking is free at the inn.
Location
Cedar Crest Inn is located at 674 Biltmore Avenue, approximately half a mile from the entrance of the Biltmore Estate.
Nearby Attractions
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Cedar Crest Inn is its proximity to Biltmore Estate. Guests can reach America’s largest home in just a few minutes, making it easy to maximize time exploring the mansion, gardens, winery, and seasonal events.
- Biltmore Village – 0.5 miles
- French Broad Chocolate Lounge – 1.7 miles
- Asheville Mall – 2.4 miles
- WNC Farmers Market – 5.2 miles
- The Cove – 7.1 miles
- Asheville Regional Airport – 14.7 miles
Final Call
If you’re looking for a charming place to stay in Asheville that combines historic character, Southern hospitality, and a convenient location, Cedar Crest Inn is worth considering. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ trip, or a relaxing weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this bed and breakfast offers a cozy home base for exploring everything Asheville has to offer.
Have you ever stayed at a bed and breakfast instead of a traditional hotel? I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below, share this post with someone planning an Asheville getaway, and save it to Pinterest for future travel inspiration. And if you have a favorite place to stay in Asheville, let me know – I’m always looking for ideas for my next visit.
