Summer is just around the corner, at least for those of us who live in the south, the mecca for all things hot and occasionally “haute.” So in honor of keeping things fresh and balmy, I’m introducing a new series “Haute Hotels.” A look at some fabulous “boutiquish” places to stay around the globe, some I’ll even get to visit. Such was the case with “The Windsor,” a boutique hotel in Asheville, N.C. (www.windsorasheville.com) that has been on my design radar for quite some time. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to stay in a room because it was a last minute trip. But, I’ll be back (preferably an all expenses paid girls trip). So with Mr. B. in tow, I was able to tour the hotel while he sat comfortably in the stylish lobby watching an interesting cross section of tourists and native “Ashevillians,” wander past.
Located on a side street in a hip, artsy section of Asheville this office building built in 1907 was converted into a boutique hotel over the course of 18 months. The historic bones of the hotel are impressively preserved, and the rooms stylishly appointed. In fact after I was buzzed in, I was unsure if I just walked into someone’s upscale Parisian apartment or a charming hotel in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Cozy banquettes, inset fireplaces, and layers of texture set the tone for an experience that is continued up the century old staircase. Let’s talk about the staircase shall we? Because this hotel is all about detail including the stair-rail wrapped in ostrich embossed leather. Throughout the entire hotel. Yes, it stopped me in my proverbial “design tracks.” Thanks to the helpful staff, I was allowed to wander throughout, even getting a glimpse of one of the rooms. Well, actually “the room” is a suite complete with a private bedroom, bathroom, washer and dryer, full kitchen & living room. A home away from home, unless you decide to live here, which I seriously considered until Mr. B. reminded me that we already lived somewhere else. Each room was a carefully honed mix of new and old, the hallways lined with hand-selected artwork & decor, a fusion of pieces from Paris and local artists. A skillful curation that truly made this hotel the “Glamazon” of North Carolina. Of course, knowing that pictures speak a thousand words (or more in this case), enjoy a peek into The Windsor Boutique Hotel.
Also, on a side note we were experiencing technical difficulties last week, which mean’t we couldn’t publish any new posts. But we are back on schedule…
The Windsor Boutique Hotel/Photo-Vicki Gladle Bolick
One of the many curiosities housed at the hotel…
Photo/ The Windsor Boutique Hotel
A mix of antiquities and sleek furnishings are placed atop time worn flooring…
Photo/ The Windsor Boutique Hotel
Layers of texture, and lots of pattern play.
Photo/ The Windsor Boutique Hotel
Carefully curated furnishings give the illusion that years of collecting and perfecting took place.
Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick
The staircase leading to the upper floors feature rails wrapped in ostrich embossed leather…
Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick
A close-up, I may never look at unadorned rails again without wondering why they weren’t wrapped in ostrich.
Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick
The 2nd floor landing, with a mix of old and new. Architectural fragments were used throughout, taking advantage of quiet corners…
Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick
This was taken in the natural light, and I think this depicts a certain studied “old world elegance” meets modern day chic the pure definition of The Windsor.
Photo/ The Windsor Boutique Hotel
The 3rd floor showcasing artwork and carefully restored planking…
Photo/ The Windsor Boutique Hotel
A suite complete with a kitchen, the sleek lines of the couch are the perfect juxtaposition to the mix of antiques. Blending styles and textures add warmth and lived in appeal. I love the rawness of the walls…
Photo/ The Windsor Boutique Hotel
Rustic and modern blend together seamlessly.
Photo/ The Windsor Boutique Hotel
While the colour pallette is nuetral, subtle injection of pattern in elements such as the chairs gives this suite quiet sophistication. This room gives another nod to the original history of the building by showcasing the original brick.
Photo/ The Windsor Boutique Hotel
This room was one of my personal favorites, I loved the black and white palette utilized in a very unique and eclectic way.
Photo/ The Windsor Boutique Hotel
What can I say, I love a velvet sofa.
Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick
This was the “piece de resistance”-the atrium, a nod to Blue Ridge Mountain region of Asheville. River Burch limbs suspended from the ceiling with a faux rock bed meandering through. It was stunning and truly an unexpected element that was nothing short of breath-taking.
I hope you enjoyed the tour, there was so much more to see, and someday when I go back I’ll be sure to share more. After all “good things come to those who wait…” For more information about this southern gem visit www.windsorasheville.com
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Until next time,
BE INSPIRED. BE AMAZED.
