I had the pleasure of staying at The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast during a media tour for The ABBA’s cookbook release. My accommodations were complimentary; however I was not asked to write a review and all opinions are mine alone.
Exterior view of the magnificent pink lady, The Lion & The Rose B&B.
This adoring bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Asheville’s Historic Montford District, just a short walk from scenic downtown. I was completely starry-eyed at first sight, as the entire property is story-book gorgeous.
For starters, the house dates back to 1898 and boasts a good bit of old world charm. From the original stained glass windows to the golden tiger oak foyer and staircase, this estate surely pays attention to the little details that matter.
Interior artwork as you enter the foyer.
Prior to checking in, I visited the bed and breakfast’s website to see if there was anything to do nearby. I decided to play tourist and visit Asheville’s quaint downtown. I stumbled upon Chestnut Restaurant and Bar and was immediately pulled inside by it’s charisma. My accommodations were just a 2-minute drive up the road, so I decided to relax and have a glass of wine with lunch. Since I was dining alone (which I hadn’t done since college, wow) I perched myself at the bar. The restaurant reminded me of somewhere Carrie Bradshaw would dine in New York, so perhaps that’s why I ordered an alcoholic beverage mid-day. 😉
A glass of Pinot Gris with a toasted Rueben Sandwich and coleslaw – everything was super delicious.
Check-in was at 3pm, so I had just enough time to enjoy a leisurely lunch and browse my way through a couple locally owned art galleries. It was a great way to begin my 2-day trip in the mountains.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by innkeeper Lisa, my own stash of gingerbread cookies and a jar of moonshine. How did she know me so well? We were best friends immediately. I stayed in her gorgeous Craig-Toms Suite that came with a separated dressing room, reading nook with fireplace and a private outdoor patio. Needless to say, I felt very spoiled.
Cookies with a view from my exclusive patio.
I had a good half hour before heading out to my media event, so I snapped a few photos of my room. There was a pleasant mix of modern and vintage, which made it feel sleek yet comfortable. I had a king size bed, a walk-in shower and seprate soaking tub with oodles of toiletries to choose from. I’d have to say though, my favorite feature of the room was the stained glass door as you entered the private terrace.
Interior and patio of the Craig-Toms Suite
The remainder of the house mimics that modern-vintage feel. There are antiques scattered throughout the home, blended in with fashionable prints like zebra dining chairs and cozy throws.
Dining room view from the front sitting room.
A gourmet two-course breakfast, that’s made from scratch by Lisa, automatically comes with each guest’s reservation. This is one of my favorite amenities when staying with a member of The Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association. Her menu changes daily, and during my visit she served Baked Apple Pecan Oatmeal with Bourbon-Orange Maple Drizzle along with Open Face BLT Sandwiches. There was an assortment of coffee and fresh juices available for the table… so I indulged a little bit of each.
Breakfast views – Oatmeal, Innkeeper Lisa & Open-face BLT
After a fantastic meal, I had a little time to kill before I hit the road back to Charlotte. I said my good-byes and chatted with Lisa about her recommended attractions. The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast is near so many landmarks, it was hard for me to choose just one. I’ve always wanted to see the views from The Grove Park Inn, and with only a 10-minute drive, this destination immediately jumped to the top of my to-do list. But first… I took some final photos (+ a selfie) through Lisa’s beautiful gardens.
Enjoying my time outdoors.
When I arrived at the viewpoint, I surprisingly found complimentary parking for the first 2 hours… SCORE! I was tempted to partake in a spa treatment, but skipped the opportunity due to my own time constraints. The aerial views of Asheville are killer, so I highly recommend swinging by The Grove Park Inn’s lookout terrace to catch a breath of the cool mountain breezes on your way out of town.
Overlook view of Asheville.
Final Thoughts: The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast impressed me very much. Lisa seamlessly combined all the comforts of home with exceptional hospitality in an ideal location that allowed me to do some sight seeing and shopping. To say I had a great time is an understatement; as Lisa anticipated my every need and assisted with my various outings around town.
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