Montford: Past and Present
There are a lot of individual neighborhoods that make up the amazing city of Asheville. One such neighborhood is historic Montford, located just north of downtown Asheville and I40. It sits between Future 26 and Broadway and features a number of historic locations. If you’re considering a move to Asheville and want to know more about Montford, here are a few things that can help you look for your dream home in this neighborhood.
History and Architecture
Montford is a dedicated historic district and included in the National Register of Historic Places. Located just north of downtown Asheville, it was incorporated as a village in 1893, but development began before that in 1889. The city of Asheville annexed Montford in 1905.
While many people use the term Victorian to describe the architecture throughout Montford, that’s not an entirely accurate description. Many of the homes fall into the post-Victorian era but there are many styles represented including Queen Anne and modern designs inspired by Frank Lloyd Write and many of his contemporaries. The oldest home in the neighborhood is a Greek Revival home built in 1846.
Highland Hospital
One of the most infamous buildings in Montford is Highland Hospital. Originally built in 1909 and called Dr. Carroll’s Sanitorium, the name was changed to Highland Hospital in 1912. At the time, it was a facility used for women diagnosed with many early turn-of-the-century mental illnesses.
The most notable of these women was writer and socialite Zelda Fitzgerald, also remembered as the wife of writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. She died there in 1948 after a fire broke out in the building. Many patients were unable to get out of their rooms due to locked doors. The cause of the fire remains a mystery.
Riverside Cemetery
Established in 1885, Riverside Cemetery is the 87-acre final resting place of 13,000 people, including some of Asheville’s most famous residents. Thomas Wolfe, who scandalized the city with his fictional but autobiographical novel Look Homeward Angel, is buried there. People often leave pens at his grave to honor him.
Another famous person entombed at Riverside is William Sidney Porter, also known by his pen name O. Henry. He is best known for his story The Gift of the Magi, which is often retold during the holiday season. One fun twist on the story is the children’s book and subsequent 1977 Jim Henson production Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas.
Buying a Home
So, what happens if you want to buy a home in Montford? Since the area is a designated historic district, there is more to consider than just qualifying for a mortgage and putting in an offer. You may notice that the price of homes in the area is on the high side. You will also be restricted when it comes to renovating the home after you buy it due to the historic register.
There are also some hidden gems throughout the neighborhood. Working with an independent mortgage lender and a local realtor can give you access to the best possible homes for sale. Contact Zachery Adam and GoPrime Mortgage today.
