Richmond Hill Inn: Goodbyes and Hellos

The Richmond Hill Inn, former personal residence of Ambassador and Congressman Richmond Pearson in 1889, and recently gutted by an arson fire 3 years ago, was opened today to bid a community farewell to the historic home which was once the centerpiece of the property.  The new owners, Oshun Mountain Sanctuary, Inc., plan to save what they can from the house, demolish the remains and re-open the property as a health and wellness retreat.

This is a bittersweet goodbye for the Asheville Preservation Society, who saved the property from demolition in 1989 and restored it to mint condition only to lose it to arson in 2009.  Still, the grounds and newer buildings are beautiful as are the walking trails around the area.  It will be a relief to be able to once again visit the premises.

The official ceremony takes place at 3 but the property will be open until 5 this evening and the bulldozers arrive first thing in the morning to clear away the debris.  Then the real re-building can begin.

I completely enjoyed the music of Mary Sparks and her fantastic dulcimer as she played in the solarium while Larry Camaratta led a group through the Eight Pieces of Brocade using the Qigong method. I am looking forward to wonderful and transformative events to come from this place!