North Lodge on Oakland
Asheville, North Carolina

Herb and Lois Marsh had stayed at enough B&Bs throughout Europe and America to know that they wanted to start their own. After looking in Europe, they spent 5 years in America finding the perfect to locate one. Happily, the found Asheville. They then spent a year before they found what is now North Lodge on Oakland. The home had been neglected, but with tons of love and their insight it became a showpiece. After being greeted and shown to a roaring fire, Lois brought in chocolate chip cookies and lemonade. Herb explained that one of the great advantages of belonging to the Asheville B&B Association was the ability to have co-op advertising and showed me a great ad he has in the Biltmore House brochure that goes out worldwide.

Their sharpness in advertising showed as well as their attention to detail throughout the home and their brochure was one of the most gorgeous I've seen. Each move they have made since purchasing the home and completely renovating it, showed their experience with B&Bs gained through their travels.

My room was the Pine Room, which is one of six at the Lodge. I had a queen size four-poster bed, a desk with chair and lamp, TV, fireplace and lots of green plants in the room. My private bath had a claw foot tub with French shower head.

The decor of the Lodge features a combination of antiques and contemporary furnishings. The common areas such as the enclosed porch, front parlor and library each offer a different opportunity for relaxation, contemplating your day's activities or enjoying conversation with other guests. Herb and Lois take pride in their concierge services by discussing with and recommending local restaurants and attractions to guests. They also suggested that I attend a local theater to see "Crouching Tiger". Another interest of Herb's is gardening. He works directly with the Association to promote B&Bs in the area with their gardens. His is fabulous and has a gazebo in it. He also has books about gardening available throughout the inn.