Edwin Place

Now turn left onto Charlotte Street at the end of Sunset Parkway and make a right onto Edwin. Along the way:

• Notice the Manor Inn and its Gatehouse on the west side of Charlotte Street at the intersection of Charlotte Street and Edwin. Along with its historic cottages, this area was developed on forty-two acres by Thomas Wadley Raoul and his father, William Greene Raoul, former president of the Central Georgia Railroad. Thomas Raoul came to Asheville in 1897 to recuperate from tuberculosis and he and his father, along with New York architect, Bradford Gilbert, designed and built these remarkable properties in the 1890’s. Exclusive, but home-like accommodations were the hallmark of the Manor Inn. Between 1898 and 1910, the curvilinear streets and charming cottages were added to the development. Raoul sold the property to E.W. Grove in 1920. The Gatehouse and the Inn served as the movie set location for Fort William Henry in the 1992 film, Last of the Mohicans.

• The Grove Park Sunset Mountain Neighborhood was a “streetcar” suburb but also was designed with the automobile in mind. Streets like Edwin were laid out with wide and often curvilinear lines. You’ll notice throughout this tour the number of original detached and attached garages to accommodate vehicles.

• 2 Edwin Place: Known for many years as the William Johnson Jr. House, this is one of the best examples of the Shingle style and only a handful of homes in the neighborhood can be called Shingle style. What makes the Shingle style different? The shingle style was popular in the early part of the 20th century up until WWI and had wood siding that resembles roofing shingles and wide eaves. Screened front porches were common as well.

• 4 Edwin Place: The classical details like columns add a lot to this Colonial Revival home built in 1923 for the cost of $10,000. A reminder that the neighborhood was the first car and streetcar suburb, this home has retained its original 1923 garage as well.

• 100 Edwin Place: For many years, 100 Edwin was 3 apartments but now is a delightful single-family home that has been lovingly restored.

• Notice the names of the cross streets (Gertrude, Katherine, Lawrence, Edwin, etc.) E.W. Grove and his 2nd wife, Gertrude, had several children and the many streets are named for them and for close family friends!