Tucked gracefully along one of Asheville’s most iconic streets, 185 Macon Avenue stands as a quiet testament to the city’s architectural golden age. While many visitors pass through this historic corridor on their way to the famed Grove Park Inn, few realize they are moving through a neighborhood rich with stories, craftsmanship, and enduring design.
And at the heart of it all sits Longchamps—a rare and refined piece of Asheville history.
A Gilded Age Legacy That Still Lives On
Constructed in the 1920s, Longchamps reflects a time when Asheville was blossoming into a cultural and architectural destination. Designed by Ronald Greene, one of the region’s most influential architects, the building showcases a distinctive Normandy-style manor influence, blending European elegance with mountain charm.
Greene’s work helped define Asheville’s skyline and civic identity—his portfolio includes landmarks like the Jackson Building and Claxton School—and Longchamps remains one of the more intimate, residential expressions of his vision.
Unlike larger historic properties that have been heavily altered over time, Longchamps retains a sense of authentic scale and intention. With only two residences per floor, it offers a boutique living experience that is increasingly rare in today’s market.
Inside Longchamps: Character Meets Comfort
One of the standout opportunities within the building right now is a two-story condominium (Unit A7)—a truly unique residence within Longchamps.
Spanning nearly 2,000 square feet, this home reflects everything that makes the building special:
- Dramatic two-story barrel-vaulted ceilings
- Elegant arched doorways
- Enclosed sun porches on both levels
- Expansive windows bringing in natural light and treetop views
These architectural details aren’t just decorative—they tell a story of craftsmanship from a different era, when homes were built with intention and artistry.
At the same time, the residence has been thoughtfully updated to support modern living, striking that perfect balance between historic preservation and contemporary comfort.
Location, Location… Lifestyle
What truly elevates Longchamps is its location.
Situated just steps from the legendary Grove Park Inn, residents enjoy access to:
- World-class dining and sunset views
- A Donald Ross-designed golf course
- One of the most renowned subterranean spas in the country
And just minutes away:
- Downtown Asheville’s vibrant arts and food scene
- The Charlotte Street corridor
- Local boutiques, galleries, and live music venues
It’s a setting that offers both peaceful retreat and cultural connectivity—a rare combination.
A Lifestyle Rooted in Community & Charm
Beyond the architecture and location, Longchamps offers something harder to define—but easy to feel.
- Shared garden spaces
- A sense of privacy without isolation
- A building scale that fosters quiet community
Add in deeded garage parking (a luxury for historic properties), and it becomes clear—this isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place to belong.
Why Properties Like This Matter
In a fast-growing region like Asheville, properties like Longchamps serve as important reminders of where we’ve been—and what makes this city special.
This isn’t just another condo listing.
It’s a piece of Asheville’s architectural DNA.
And opportunities like this—especially ones that honor the past while embracing the future—don’t come around often.
Final Thoughts
This residence represents legacy, design, and lifestyle.
Whether you’re a history lover, architecture enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a truly unique place to call home, Longchamps stands in a category of its own.
If you know Asheville… you know how rare this is.
And if you don’t—this might just be the perfect place to start.
See Inside!