31 Busbee Road

Asheville, NC 28803

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 (1883–1951) for Mrs. Hanson Ogilvey. A Columbia University graduate who studied at the École 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 façade 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 rooms—each anchored by elegant mantels and wood-burning fireplaces—flow 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 HVAC—ideal 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 (2024–2025), 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 luxury—an offering as rare as it is refined.

Listing courtesy of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty ashevillerealtormwright@gmail.com


Listings courtesy of Canopy MLS as distributed by MLS GRID

Some IDX listings have been excluded from this website. The data relating to real estate on this website derive in part from the Internet Data Exchange program. Brokers make an effort to deliver accurate information, but buyers should independently verify any information on which they will rely on a transaction. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither the publisher of this website nor any listing broker shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, or misprints, and they shall be held totally harmless from any damages arising from reliance upon this data. This data is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties they may be interested in purchasing. Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of 2025-10-13 01:40 PM UTC. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. ©2025 Canopy MLS.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, 17 U.S.C. § 512 (the “DMCA”) provides recourse for copyright owners who believe that material appearing on the Internet infringes their rights under U.S. copyright law. If you believe in good faith that any content or material made available in connection with our website or services infringes your copyright, you (or your agent) may send us a notice requesting that the content or material be removed, or access to it blocked. Notices must be sent in writing by email to DMCAnotice@MLSGrid.com. “The DMCA requires that your notice of alleged copyright infringement include the following information: (1) description of the copyrighted work that is the subject of claimed infringement; (2) description of the alleged infringing content and information sufficient to permit us to locate the content; (3) contact information for you, including your address, telephone number and email address; (4) a statement by you that you have a good faith belief that the content in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, or its agent, or by the operation of any law; (5) a statement by you, signed under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate and that you have the authority to enforce the copyrights that are claimed to be infringed; and (6) a physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or a person authorized to act on the copyright owner’s behalf. Failure to include all of the above information may result in the delay of the processing of your complaint.

Last checked - 2025-10-13 01:40 PM UTC