DISCOVER THE TIMELESS CHARM OF RICHARD SHARP SMITH'S MONTFORD MASTERPIECES

Walking through Montford Historic District in Asheville, North Carolina, is like taking a journey back in time. Mature trees, inviting sidewalks, and green spaces like Hazel Robinson Amphitheater and Montford Park enhance its community feel. The district hosts the annual Montford Music and Arts Festival and free outdoor plays by the Montford Park Players, creating a lively cultural scene.

Montford balances historical integrity with modern living, featuring updated homes with contemporary amenities. Its proximity to downtown Asheville offers easy access to city amenities and beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Legacy of Richard Sharp Smith

Richard Sharp Smith, born in Yorkshire, England, in 1852, apprenticed under George Corson in Leeds, before moving to the United States to work with McKim, Mead & White in New York City. During his time at this firm, he learned about the Biltmore House, where he became an associate of Richard Morris Hunt, the principal architect commissioned by George Washington Vanderbilt II.

After Hunt's death in 1895, Smith took over as the supervising architect for the completion of the Biltmore Estate. Smith continued to work on the estate and its surrounding buildings, ensuring Hunt's vision was realized, while also contributing his own architectural expertise.

The Biltmore Estate, built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, is the largest privately-owned home in the U.S., attracting over a million visitors annually. It features a 250-room mansion, including 35 bedrooms and a library with over 10,000 volumes, extensive gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and various outdoor activities.

After the Biltmore Estate's completion, Smith settled here in Asheville, North Carolina, where he continued to add to his architectural legacy. We focus on highlighting his influence in the Montford Historic District in Asheville.