One of my favorite neighborhoods in West Asheville is Malvern Hills. Winding streets, sidewalks and greenery give it a suburban feel. It’s a neighborhood where kids still trick-or treat and holiday lights are still hung. The architectural styles of the homes are diverse and the lawns are generous and well cared for. There are stately homes dating from the 1920’s as well as charming cottages and bungalows from the 1940’s, and wonderful mid century modern ranch homes from the 1950’s and 60’s. The prestigious Asheville School 300 acre campus buffers the west side of the neighborhood and the Malvern Hills Pool and Park with picnic areas, playground, tennis courts and walking trails, is only a short stroll away.
History: Malvern Hills was officially recorded as a subdivision at the Buncombe County Courthouse in 1925. While there are homes dating back to the 1920’s, most of the neighborhood was developed in the 40’s and 50’s. The areas history however, dates back to 1827 when Robert Henry discovered the healing waters of the Sulphur Springs. He and his son-in-law, Col. Rueben Deaver, built a resort hotel on the hill above the springs. The hotel and the “healing waters” became a tourism destination, one of the most popular in the south in the 19th Century. The hotel burned in 1862, was rebuilt in 1887 and burned again in 1891.
Click on these links for more history:
Malvern Hills History
Whatever Happened To Sulphur Springs
Location: Malvern Hills is in the southwest section of west Asheville, just off Patton Avenue, bordered on the east by Bear Creek Road, on the south by Wendover Road, and on the north by School Road. The amenities of West Asheville and downtown Asheville are a quick drive, as are the I-26 and I-40 Expressways.
Living in Malvern Hills: Stephanie Sharp, my colleague at Mosaic Realty, and her family live in Malvern Hills. Stephanie said that although she lived in the Asheville area most of her life she was unaware that the neighborhood existed. “When we first discovered the neighborhood, we stumbled upon it following the sidewalk up from the Hominy Creek Greenway. We were pleasantly surprised by the mature trees, large lots, and walkability of the neighborhood.”
“The three things that I love most about the neighborhood are the tightly-knit community, the quiet ambiance, and the convenience. We have regular social gatherings and communications among neighbors. The overall atmosphere of the neighborhood is very peaceful and quiet. So much so that we have frequent wildlife sightings. A posse of 18 enormous wild turkeys march up my driveway every evening at the same time. Finally, it is in a very convenient location. We can still walk to Haywood Road (about 1.5 miles) and can be at interstate within a few minutes.”
Market: There generally aren’t a lot of homes for sale in Malvern Hills but homes pop up from time to time. It’s a neighborhood where you can still find a great house at a reasonable price although it might need some updating or renovating.
Thinking of selling a home in Malvern Hills? We’d love to talk with you!
mid century modern asheville 