Applewood Manor

Applewood Manor, a 110-year-old bed & breakfast in Asheville, N.C., has reopened its doors for guests after completing the first phase of a $1.5 million renovation and redesign. One of the longest continuously operating bed & breakfasts in the area, the 6,000-square foot Manor now features six luxurious suites with highly curated amenities, a dream chef's kitchen and farm to table dining, bespoke experiential programs, and sprawling grounds ideal for both exploration and relaxation.

Newly owned and operated by technology entrepreneur Stephen Collins and his wife Robin, the couple has infused their personal passions throughout the property, from world-class biking through a partnership with 3T Cycling to bread making classes with Robin to carefully selected art and furnishings from the Collins' personal collection enhanced by pieces curated by 1stDibs, Duxiana and Bloomist, among other partners. Designed to address guest preferences for more authentic travel experiences, Applewood Manor is disrupting the hospitality industry by creating a boutique hotel meets bed & breakfast experience.

SERVICE & AMENITIES

As a former elite amateur competitive cyclist and active member of the global cycling community, Stephen developed a partnership with 3T Cycling, makers of the UCI WorldTour level bike equipment, to offer a fleet of bikes for guests to use throughout their stay. Guided rides, cycling camps and coaching with 2018 USA national road race champion Jonny Brown, Applewood Manor's cycling program leader, are also offered on a regular basis.

Combining the best of a boutique hotel into a bed & breakfast experience, each of Applewood Manor's six suites features king-sized Duxiana DUX® 6006 mattresses, often heralded as the world's most comfortable bed, each adorned with the finest Duxiana and Sferra linens for a complete sleep experience retailing for nearly $20,000. All suites also include L'Occitane bath products, Nespresso coffee and Marshall Stockton II Bluetooth speakers.

ART & DESIGN

Robin's passion for art and interior design is reflected in Applewood Manor's eclectic design, featuring highly curated art and furnishings selected from 1stDibs, the world's leading marketplace for extraordinary design. Furniture from French makers Grange & Geka, fine Persian rugs and a collection of antiques including a Chickering upright piano and 110-year-old Rocco butler's pantry are interwoven with contemporary pieces for a seamless blend of old and new. Stephen and Robin's personal ever-expanding art collection, which includes works from regional, national and international artists including George Rodrigue, Peter Mayer and Jeanine Combe, is also on display throughout the property. When designing Applewood Manor, Stephen and Robin Collins gained inspiration from luxury boutique hotels around the world as well as their long-time residence in the South of France, which can also be rented through Applewood Manor as a "secret" seventh room.

TECHNOLOGY

With three decades of serving in multiple C-level positions for technology companies including Phantom Auto, DoubleClick, Juris, Bazaarvoice, Quantcast, Monetate, Kenshoo and Loopio, Stephen is passionate about integrating technology into Applewood Manor. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he incorporated innovative, high-level cleaning methods including a hydrostatic disinfection system and hospital-grade UV sanitation wands to uphold the highest level of cleanliness. In the future, he is evaluating tools to accept cryptocurrency as a payment option, using a QR code ordering system provided by Toast to offer guests on-demand food and wine, and creating an e-commerce platform so guests can shop their room online.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Essential to the bed & breakfast experience, breakfasts are prepared using locally sourced ingredients, including meats from Hickory Nut Gap Farm, dairy from Mills River Creamery, and produce from Encompass Farm. Applewood Manor's Tri-Colored Omelette layered with eggs, tomato, spinach and cheese served with a salad and homemade bread roll is a signature seasonal favorite. Guests are also invited to be a part of the culinary action, with baking classes in the completely renovated chef's kitchen hosted by Robin. Guest chef events, including beer and wine tastings, will also be offered regularly. Stephen also plans to provision the house with a selection of highly curated fine wines and craft beers for guests to enjoy while relaxing at the property.

SPECIAL EVENTS

From weddings and charity fundraisers to family reunions and corporate retreats, Applewood Manor offers an intimate setting and one-on-one personalized service for memorable events. Corporate groups also have the option to leverage Stephen's extensive business experience, as he can plan and facilitate a custom business leadership workshop or offer his Language of Excellence Program.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.applewoodmanor.com or call 828-254-2244.

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