The Garrett House at 84 Oakland Road was one of 15 houses in the affluent little town of Victoria. Victoria was incorporated as a town in response to George W. Vanderbilt's attempt to buy the property called Fernihurst on Vernon Hill, about 8 blocks from the Lodge. As we all know, Vanderbilt ended up buying property across the river instead, where he built the famous Biltmore Estate - the largest home in America. Many believe Fernihurst provides the better view!

However, Vanderbilt did eventually acquire some land here in Victoria. He built several large villas as rental "cottages" on Vernon Hill. It was in these houses where the visiting elite stayed. The cottages were "completely furnished, except for silver, linen and blankets" and rented for $200-$350 a month in 1900. Only one survives today, Sunnicrest, located about 8 blocks from the Lodge, on the A-B Tech campus.

The Garrett family owned a hotel, the Victoria Inn, about 6 blocks from here. The Inn hosted Vanderbilt's guests and was quite the place to be in the early 1900s.

The North Lodge started its life as a shingle style cottage with porches on both the first and second floors. The Asheville Citizen reported on two classes held here for "outdoor study." Certainly, Adeline maintained her position as a social leader for the town of Victoria, despite the move they made from the Smith-McDowell House. Because they eventually moved from the area, little is known about the Garrett's remaining years.

Then in 1918 G. P. Terrill occupied the home which was now in the City of Asheville (annexed in 1905) and the little lane of Oakland Road became a city street. Five years later, M. J. Corcoran purchased it and turned it into a tuberculosis rest home, a common practice in the 1920's. Many B&Bs in Asheville were once tuberculosis rest homes. All the porches were enclosed to provide bed space.

In 1936 Wallace B. Kelly, a Southern Railroad Pullman porter, purchased the home and lived here until his death in 1979. During the Kelly years many changes took place. A rock exterior covered the original clapboard lower siding in 1949. A stone porte-cochere followed the next year. After Mr. Kelly's death the house was used as rental property by members of his family, but by 1987 the house had deteriorated to the point where it was condemned by the city. The house stood empty and derelict until purchased by Herb and Lois Marsh in 1990.

For five years they undertook a major refurbishing of the property, restoring it back to the glamour it once had but with modern comfort and convenience. In 1998 another expansion created additional guest rooms and innkeepers' quarters, along with the gazebo and fountain in the garden.

The name North Lodge on Oakland is based upon North Lodge in Woods which was their home in England. We honor Herb & Lois's tremendous effort and inspired work, by naming the third floor room The Marsh Retreat.

This Inn was purchased in March, 2008 by Greg Adkins. Greg relocated from the Florida panhandle because of his love for the Western North Carolina mountains and atmosphere and the uniqueness of Asheville itself. With the purchase he has been able to live out his dream as an Inn Owner by providing exceptional accommodations in an exceptional location in an Inn of charm and elegance. He would like nothing more than to share the adventure with all of his guests.

We all warmly welcome you to North Lodge and hope you find everything you need to have a relaxing, fun and enjoyable visit to Asheville, North Carolina.

For Room Rates, visit Room Descriptions and Rates

We accept Visa and Mastercard

We have Biltmore Estate Tickets available for purchase.

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