An Artsy Asheville Enclave Where You Can Rest Your Head

Blind Tiger Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina
Eccentric Neighbor, $$

It's always a good sign when good design is accessible and affordable. Just like their bed-and-breakfasts, nature retreat collection, and roadside motel chainlet, it's nice to see Lark Hotels embracing the guest house for a modern makeover. The hotel brand has spent the last decade or so collecting and adapting historic homes — mostly in New England — and turning them into cute and chic small-batch accommodations. Blind Tiger is one of their newer, more casual, and relaxed collections, wherein old homes are refitted with design-forward interiors and curated amenities. The new Blind Tiger Asheville, their first in North Carolina, has fourteen rooms, all different and decorated with a charming jumble of antique, handmade, and vintage art, furniture, wallpaper, lighting, and objects that spill downstairs into a series of eclectic sitting areas in the living room and parlor (where continental breakfast is served daily). Lots of windows overlook a lush and somewhat rambling garden with broad-leaf plants, koi ponds, and residences in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood. If you're looking to tap into a creative and offbeat stay, this eclectic guest house ticks the right boxes.

At a Glance

Vibe: Artsy auntie always has room for you.

Standout Detail: The lived-in atmosphere. (The fireplaces are really nice, too.)

This Place Is Perfect For: Couples, friends, and groups looking for a cozy and unique place to hang out — that's not an Airbnb.

Rooms: Fourteen colorful rooms, including an artist's loft on the top floor of the main house and cottages on the property. My family of five spent a night in a two-room duplex apartment adjacent to the main house, a location I was thankful for (our party can be boisterous in the early morning hours).

Food & Drink: The continental breakfast spread includes toast, yogurt, fruit, and various beverages. A pantry is stocked with complimentary snacks, cold brew, and cocktail fixings for your own afternoon and evening entertainment.

On Site: Plenty of sitting areas for playing games, reading books, chatting with friends, and poking around. Parking spots are also available.

What's Nearby

It really is nice to have nature so close by. The Blue Ridge Mountains can be accessed in minutes — fresh air, nature trails, great vistas, scenic drives. In town are lots of nice places to eat and drink and hear music, including the James Beard award-winning and very fun Chai Pani, the delicious Katie Button restaurants, the exciting Benne on Eagle, and the cozy Little Jumbo. We always do a kid dinner at the easy-peasy All Day Darling and love the energy for outdoor brunch or lunch at the family-owned Sunny Point Cafe. (Note: Tucked in the behind the restaurant is a rambling kitchen garden with rocking horses on springs — a good diversion if there's a wait.) On a tip from a local friend during this latest trip, my family and I checked out the Riveter, a shiny indoor bouldering park, bar/cafe, and outdoor bike park. It was the perfect way to burn off energy before getting in the car for a long drive. Plus, we got to see some sick bike tricks (!) up close.

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