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Blake House
Asheville, NC

Staying in a home, that had provided many happy moments during actress Andie MacDowell's childhood, made me look at the 1847 Italianate/Gothic style mansion in a different light. Andie also chose this setting to do her Lifetime photo shoot. After a few minutes at the inn, I could appreciate why.

Terry Rice met me outside where I was taking pictures of the new rock patio that had just been remodeled. He was very knowledgeable about the property and wehad about concluded the tour, when Nancy joined us. She finished up the tour and told me all the inn's secrets

Each of the six guest rooms were very different. I was given the Dogwood Room. It had everything. A 31" TV with remote, king size poster bed, large private bath, phone, huge mirrors, beautiful walnut dressers (I counted 17 drawers), couch with end tables, gas fireplace with remote control settings. And all the books and magazines would have taken (even Cindy!) months to read.

Left to enjoy the inn, I went from room to room taking as many photos as possible. One room had used a huge piece of cloth to form a neat pleated effect on the ceiling. One you had to go up a stairway to go down into the room. Every one of the rooms, except one, had trap doors to lead the way to safety (installed during the Civil War) if needed.

There were board games to play, antique and books to enjoy, seven fireplaces, 22 inch thick granite walls, detailed moldings and plasterwork. There was a large Norman Rockwell book that I spent at least an hour with. I love his work.

I went out for the evening. Eveything I could need was only a short drive away. I ate and then headed back to Royal Pines Drive and "HOME". The house looked even more regal with the meticulous nightime lighting. Such a private house; I could only imagine how it might have been originally, with 400 acres of private property surrounding it. I headed off to my huge bed, grabbing the Rockwell book along the way, and drifted off looking at it.

Breakfast started with fruit: grapes, pineapple and strawberries. Tea and orange juice were the beverages of choice. For the main dish were crepes, with sun-dried tomato sauce, topped with sour cream and pansies and a croissant. Inside the crepes were: Cheure Goat Cheese, herbs, asparagus, grated carrots, sun-dried tomato, canadian bacon, ham and/or smoked salmon. It was as pretty as it was good.

Nancy, Terry and I visited in a sitting area for a while and I learned that Terry was a large reason I love McDonald's biscuits. He helped originate the company that now produces that product. As I headed towards the car, I knew I'd seen the American Dream realized: A nice family, home and choice of retirement... you gotta see it and book a stay.






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