Featured Inn: 1899 Wright Inn & Carriage House

Located in the historic Montford District, 1899 Wright Inn & Carriage House is an authentically-restored Victorian mansion that’s located only one mile from the heart of downtown Asheville. The Montford neighborhood is filled with homes of diverse architectural styles – most were built between 1890 and 1920. Chris and Sheri Riffle, the Innkeepers, share that the Wright Inn and Carriage House is one of a few in the area that still has most of its original architectural details – from woodwork and fireplaces to door hardware and wood finishes. It’s one of Asheville’s best surviving examples of a Colonial Revival-influenced, Queen Anne style residence.

History of 1899 Wright Inn & Carriage House

A National Register Listing, the historic 1899 Wright Inn & Carriage House was originally owned by Osella and Leva Wright, owners of an Asheville leather shop, and then briefly sold to a state senator before being sold back to Leva who made it into an informal nursing student boarding house of sorts. The house was first turned into a bed and breakfast in the 1980s and has undergone several renovations, most recently to its bathrooms which now appropriately represent the era, but with a new, lighter and fresher feel. All of the rooms have their own private baths too. 

Staying at 1899 Wright Inn & Carriage House

When you ask the owners what they like best about their inn, the décor is the first thing that springs to mind. 

“It’s exactly what you’d expect – it’s authentic and simply beautiful,” Sheri says. 

Chris and Sheri are also quite proud of the enchanting, wrap-around porch and garden areas with fountain. Trip Advisor ratings land it a solid five stars as a top bed and breakfast where guests mention everything from the perfectly-baked afternoon cookies and delicious breakfasts to the immaculate rooms and helpful hosts.

The hosts have also put together a variety of delightful packages ranging from the Babymoon getaway to the elopement.

Meet the Innkeepers: Chris and Sheri Riffle

Q: What made you want to be innkeepers?

A: Chris: Well, we’ve been staying in bed and breakfasts since our early 20s and always enjoyed the experience. We’re originally from Massachusetts where we worked hard all of our lives – me in the construction and engineering business and Sheri in many facets of government. We’ve always been DIYers and when we decided it was time to do something different, I said – ‘Hey, how about a bed and breakfast? At first Sheri was hesitant, but then we started checking off the boxes and the idea really fit and started to take shape. We looked at hundreds of places and this was the only one that really stood out – plus it had a private residence for us, which was a big plus. Sheri loves to bake, cook, renovate and spend time with family and friends and I can do just about anything that needs to be done to a house, so, it’s been the ideal situation for us.

Q: What’s your favorite breakfast food?

Sheri: Scones. I love getting creative with them – everything from lemon lavender to fig and ginger. For breakfast, we always have a sweet first and a savory second – something like a Dutch Baby topped with arugula and ham or our homemade polenta topped with spinach and an egg. 

Q: What is your ultimate Asheville local travel tip for guests?

Sheri: I always tell people to drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s so unique to our area – even if they can only go for two hours or so. They can find an abundance of hiking trails or just enjoy the magnificent views from multiple overlooks. Of course, there’s the Biltmore Estate – and we offer special promo codes to purchase tickets too. More and more guests are getting interested in visiting the River Arts District which is just exploding with talent along with breweries and wonderful restaurants. Chestnut is one of our favorite dining spots and we enjoy a beer (though they have choices for non-beer lovers too) at Highland Brewing. They have such a variety of things for people to do there – from hiking trails and music to trivia nights and frisbee golf. The Gray Line Trolley tour is fun too and stops right out front to pick up guests. They can hop on or hop off as they wish. 

Learn more about the innkeepers. 

So, ready to head to Asheville, North Carolina? Find the perfect package for your Carolina stay at the 1899 Wright Inn & Carriage House and get ready to be wowed! It’s guaranteed to put your head “Wright.”