31 Busbee Road

Description

A masterpiece of Georgian Revival elegance, this distinguished estate in Biltmore Forest is an Asheville treasure of rare provenance and timeless beauty. Set on 3.32 acres near the Cedarcliff Gate to the Biltmore Estate, the residence was designed in 1927 by renowned Beaux-Arts architect William Lawrence Bottomley (18831951) for Mrs. Hanson Ogilvey. A Columbia University graduate who studied at the cole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Bottomley left a legacy of exceptional architecture, with many of his works listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This estate stands as one of his few Southern commissions, embodying his refined vision of scale, proportion and grace. The Georgian brick faade gives way to interiors rich with historic detail: quarter-sawn oak floors laid in a herringbone pattern, leaded glass above the entry, finely preserved moldings and original star-shaped light fixtures that reflect an era of impeccable craftsmanship. Gracious formal roomseach anchored by elegant mantels and wood-burning fireplacesflow with a sense of balance and symmetry. The dining room retains its original plaster walls, while the living room, once painted a soft green, has been structurally enhanced and restored to its original design with French doors opening to the gardens. A cozy library with fireplace and original bookcases provides an intimate retreat, while the thoughtful reconfiguration of spaces, including the transformation of the former kitchen into a butler's pantry, preserves historic integrity while accommodating modern living. At the heart of the home, the kitchen blends practicality and charm. Granite countertops, double islands, upgraded appliances, and a sunny breakfast bar create an inviting hub that flows into the oak-floored family room and opens directly to the rear patio for effortless entertaining. A mudroom and side entry enhance convenience, while the nearby butler's pantry connects the old and new with elegance. The private quarters are equally compelling. Upstairs, the original layout of four bedrooms and four baths has been reimagined into three spacious suites, including a primary wing added during a 1984 renovation. Five beautifully proportioned bedrooms in the main house are complemented by separate guest quarters above the garage, offering two additional bedrooms, a full bath and private HVACideal for extended stays. Throughout the home, a series of thoughtful updates ensure comfort without compromising heritage: a new slate roof (2016), updated gutters (2021), restored hardwoods, and a natural gas generator installed in 2013. Recent enhancements include new water heaters (20242025), a home theater, a basement office, and the addition of modern HVAC zones for efficiency and comfort. The estate's grounds are as enchanting as its architecture. Flat, open lawns unfold into a formal parterre garden, lush border gardens and a vibrant cutting garden. A tranquil fish pond, fenced vegetable beds with raised planters, and meandering woodland paths invite reflection and outdoor enjoyment. Thoughtful landscape lighting and a well-fed irrigation system further enhance the beauty of this serene setting. In this extraordinary estate, elegance, history and natural beauty converge. Designed by one of America's foremost classical architects and lovingly stewarded through the decades, the residence embodies the essence of timeless luxuryan offering as rare as it is refined.