Come on up to the governor’s house!

The view is great from the 3,140-foot-high, once-upon-a-time vacation home off Town Mountain Road. And this Saturday, Dec. 1, the public gets to roam inside and out what is now the North Carolina Governor’s Western Residence, during the facility’s annual Holiday Open House.

Photo By Jonathan Welch

The 60-year-old structure was purchased by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce in the 1960s through private donations, then donated by the city of Asheville to the state. It serves as a retreat for governors and their families, and also houses government officials visiting the area on state business. Additionally, local civic and cultural groups frequently use the 6,000-square-foot residence and its 20 acres of wooded grounds for meetings and receptions.

The view from the patio includes Mt. Pisgah standing behind the panorama of the Asheville skyline. And inside, some of the best examples of N.C. arts and crafts contribute to the visual assets on display.

Everyone’s welcome to come take a look on Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Directions: From I-240 take the Charlotte Street exit. Go south on Charlotte Street for one block. Turn left on College Street and go one block. Then turn left on Town Mountain Road and continue for 2.3 miles. Turn left on Patton Mountain Road; the entrance is 0.2 miles on the right.

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