Asheville NC Estate Photo from 1895 Architectural Heritage

This vintage photograph captures a significant architectural landmark in Asheville, North Carolina, specifically in Buncombe County. Taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, a pioneer in photography, the image showcases an estate constructed in 1895, owned by Mrs. Vanderbilt Cecil. This building is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a comprehensive documentation of Southern architecture.

The estate exemplifies the grandeur of late 19th-century design and reflects the affluent lifestyle of its era. Johnstons meticulous attention to detail provides a window into the architectural trends of the time, highlighting the craftsmanship and style that characterized the Southern estates of that period.

Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, this photograph is part of the Library of Congress collection. It serves as an educational resource for those interested in historic architecture and the cultural heritage of Asheville, making it a valuable addition to any collection focused on American history and architecture.