The grand Victorian mansion known as Richmond Hill was built in 1889 as the private residence of ambassador and congressman Richmond Pearson. Designed by James G. Hill, it was one of the most elegant and innovative structures of its time. It had running water, ten master fireplaces, a communications system, and a pulley-operated elevator for transporting baggage from one floor to the next.

Despite being a half hour's carriage ride from Asheville, the Richmond Hill estate was a center of social and political activity for many years. The Queen Anne-style Mansion—with its grand entrance hall and spacious rooms—could accommodate large gatherings, and Richmond's beautiful and vivacious wife, Gabrielle, was a gracious hostess. The main house was surrounded by rolling grounds with gardens, a greenhouse, vineyards, orchards, a wood and ice house, a dairy, and pasturelands.

After 95 years of political and social acclaim, the Richmond Hill Mansion faced demolition when the Pearson heirs sold it. The Preservation Society saved the house, and it was moved 600 feet to its new location. Following substantial historical research and a $3 million restoration, the Mansion was reopened as an inn in 1989. Guest rooms are located on the second and third floors. On the first floor, you will find Gabrielle's, the Oak Hall, the Library, the Ballroom, and the Drawing Room.

Two additions were designed by Inn architect Jim Samsel to complement the Victorian architecture of the Mansion. The five Croquet Cottages were added in 1990. Each cottage has a front porch overlooking the croquet courtyard. The Garden Pavilion was completed in 1996 with 16 guest rooms, all overlooking the Parterre Garden.

Restoring the Mansion in 1988 Chip Callaway of Greensboro, North Carolina, designed the beautiful English cottage-style gardens that include a mountain brook and waterfall that were built in 1994.