Sunset from the back deck. Images via DG Studios
Or, How the Grove Park Inn cures your ills without pills.
The Omni Grove Park Inn, GPI, comes packed with the sort of history that ties people to places through material anthropology.
And it’s a clever knot.
With an original main lodge dating from 1913 flanked by wings added in the ’80’s, the property sits in a big U-shape with a hardscaped double stairway and waterfall between them leading down to The Spa.
More on The Spa later.
The idea of GPI began with a man who developed and sold malaria medicine.
Today it’s hard to imagine a malaria season, but Edwin Grove sold his product at a rate that once eclipsed sales of Coca-Cola. That’s a lot of malaria juice.
Grove’s Tasteless Chill Tonic made Mr. Grove a fortune, but his own dodgy health left him looking for answers.
The answer he found was the mountains of western North Carolina and Asheville like so many before him.
Mountain air was the agreed upon elixir for better health, along with some Chill Tonic.
Taking air, mountain air, was a remedy for what ailed you at the turn of the century.
Original Arts and Crafts stencil found under thirteen layers of paint.
Breath in, breath out, GPI still draws the infirm and fit to an oasis of wellness.
But it’s more than the air today.
Rooms and open spaces are appointed with the beautiful lines of furniture reflecting the Arts and Crafts movement of design.
Instead of over-stuffed plush you see the muted hues of oak, leather, and metal on original Roycrofts, made by Roycrofters.
You can identify them by this brand:
Chairs, couches, desks, and tables all share the distinction of fine joinery and a burnished glow.
It made me feel pretty good just seeing this work.
Some of the furniture has a secret code for relaxing.
Morris chairs near The Spa. Sitting in one is a spa experience.
Any piece would be a welcome upgrade in most homes.
The architecture of design throughout GPI is a booster shot to immune systems threatened by IKEA and plastic laminates of wood photos glued to press board.
And they fit the human anatomy in comfort.
Authenticity is a balm for the soul at Grove Park Inn.
Rooms come with clear ceiling, no main light in the center with a main switch near the door.
Lamps on tables light the room, but not just any lamp on any table.
Oak end tables with 5/4 tops and railed sides carry metal lamps shaped like bud vases.
Instead of flowers when you pull the chain or turn the knob, you see a bouquet of loveliness and care for detail. And maybe a blogger stretching out.
This is the soothing effect you’ll find walking the grounds. Everything looks handmade and inviting.
Once the dark Carolina sky lightens to pale blue, Grove Park Inn pulls it all together.
Hit the link and leave a comment if it looks like they leave anything out.
All that’s missing is you.
About David Gillaspie
