The Bend of Ivy Lodge has been operated for decades as a corporate, family and spiritual/wellness retreat center that has become recognized as one of the foremost facilities on the eastern seaboard. With the boom in destination weddings, Bend of Ivy Lodge has also become a highly sought after venue for such, all located less than 30 minutes from downtown Asheville!
Situated on 37 acres of beautiful rolling farmland, the property provides a quiet sanctuary from the world where folks come to rest, study, train and restore their souls. The property is located approximately ten minutes from the mountain town of Weaverville, which itself is only ten minutes more to Asheville which is a well known destination for the arts and tourism. Weaverville features numerous privately owned restaurants having a quaint pedestrian friendly downtown district, yet all the national retail services one may need including a Lowe's Home Improvement, Publix, etc. Though Bend of Ivy is convenient to these services, it is a world away as the drive takes you through the country dotted with farms and scattered homes. Coming through the entry, you are greeted by a stunning long range mountain view overlooking one of several manicured fields within the property. Artistic signage directs visitors past the farm and to the Lodge.
The Lodge is a ten bedroom, four bath building created out of a restored tobacco barn featuring several of its original timbers. The Lodge is exquisitely decorated and finished with high quality features filled with light and space. The main level features a large two story living room, ideal for large gatherings along with a self-serve kitchen and full bath. Off to one side is a true chef's kitchen complete with commercial grade gas range, stainless steel prep sinks, refrigerator, fire supression hood and commercial dishwasher. On the far side of the Lodge is a large dining hall lined with windows overlooking the woods and pond below.
The upper level of the Lodge features five private bedrooms along witih two full baths. A mezanine from this level looks down into the main level living room. Each room is uniquely decorated with artwork and furnishings acquired by the current and prior owners' world travels, each themed from a different country. They are filled with light and in most cases, high volume wood finished ceilings. Each room has two twin beds, that have toppers which allow them to be configured into king beds. For additional guests, there is a sleeping loft tucked away up in the eaves.
The lower level of the Lodge offers guests another intimate gathering space with small living room area having direct access to a rear landscaped patio. On this level are four more guest rooms and another full bath as well as a laundry location.
The Lodge is in excellent condition having a metal standing seam roof finished off with a large solar panel array. The solar system has a DC/AC inverter installed, though no batteries for storage. Therefore, if one wished to operate off solar, it could be done with the installation of a battery bank. There are even thermal water solar panels on the roof to augment the hot water supply if desired, though not presently in use.
Up the hill above the Lodge one finds the Farmhouse. The Farmhouse is a single family home that has been configured into three living spaces. The main level is presently used for caretaker's housing and includes a large living room with wall of windows, four potential bedrooms, a full bath and kitchen. The upper level features the Primary Bedroom with a three piece bath created out of the eaves with a shower alcove in one space and the vanity and toilet in another. The main level is connected by a lockable interior set of stairs to the lower level which is called the Roadhouse and Studio. The Roadhouse and Studio spaces can either be connected or closed off from one another depending upon the guests. The Studio features a kitchenette offering a refrigerator, microwave and toaster oven along with bedding for four guests. It has a full bath with divided watercloset so one guest can be in the shower while another in the watercloset. The Roadhouse side is similar featuring a full bath, and bunk style bedding for five more guests.
The Pavilion is one of the central gathering spots on the property. Situated beside a beautifully landscaped meditation garden with bubbling creek, it overlooks the pond below. The Pavilion features a very large open room that is often used for group events, yoga, dance, etc. At one end are three "sleeping nooks", ideal for curling up to a book while reclining on the overstuffed pillows. There are two half baths for convenience as well as a "dry" kitchen that is often used for catered events. There is even a small hidden sleeping loft with a twin bed. Outside, is a deck overlooking the amazingly landscaped areas below.
One of the current owners is a professional landscaper and it shows most around the pond. This pond provides an exceptionally tanquil setting for relaxing and gathering with friends. There is an expansive deck and hardscaped areas around the pond which sits at the base of a 120' long gurgling rock lined brook. Overlooking the pond is the Boat House. This is a former corn crib that of which 2/3 have been finished into a warm and inviting studio ideal for reading, meditation and sometimes massage therapy. The exterior has been finished with stucco and board and batten siding. The Boathouse even has a sleeping loft thus providing a secluded space for a nap or an overnight guest.
Bend of Ivy Lodge is shown by appointment only with 48 hours notice to pre-qualified parties. Proof of funds must be presented before scheduling a showing.