The history of Asheville, North Carolina dates back to 1784 but doesn’t really pick up until the completion of the first railroad in 1880. Asheville began to experience slow but steady growth as industrial plants increased in production and number, bringing workers and an increase in residential homes. Textile mills were also established at this time and were an integral part of Asheville’s economy for many decades. By 1900, Asheville was the third-largest city in the state falling just behind Wilmington and Charlotte.
The architectural development of Asheville is a layered history a variety of architectural styles combining to create the Asheville we know today. The oldest building in Asheville, the former Ravenscroft School, was built in 1840 and is located downtown. The Downtown Asheville Historic District encompasses nearly 300 historic buildings and is home to one of the best collections of late 19th and early 20th-century urban architecture in the state. Throughout Asheville, you will see Art Deco architecture as seen in the Asheville City Hall as well as Colonial Revival and Queen Anne homes. If you are looking for a Victorian home in Asheville, the Montford Area has a plethora.
Is a Historic Home Right For You?
Historic homes are alluring with their beauty and character, but there are some important factors to keep in mind before you decide a historic home is right for you.
Renovation Restrictions
Historic homes typically come with specific planning and zoning regulations that require an extra level of approval by the City before renovations can begin. Consult your local officials before buying a historic home to ensure you will have control over any renovations that you may be looking for.
Matching Styles
Historic homes are anything but cookie-cutter and many of their details were hand-carved. The lasting power of the craftsmanship is undeniable, but it also means it can be difficult to find exactly what you’re looking for. Finding wainscoting, moldings, period-specific architectural details, as well as other aspects of the home that have been broken or need to be replaced can prove difficult and expensive. While there are more and more historic salvage companies opening, you should be prepared to pay a premium.
Upkeep
Any home requires periodic maintenance and repairs, but historic homes typically require more TLC than a more modern property. Home inspections are critical for any home purchase but are especially crucial for historic homes. It’s important to know exactly what you are getting yourself into so that you can establish a maintenance plan and ensure you have the funds needed should anything significant need replacing such as the wiring or roofing.
Buying a historic home can certainly be intimidating, but if you go into the buying process aware of the challenges you may face as a historic home-owner it can be extremely rewarding. Questions about buying a historic home? Contact GreyBeard Realty.