An Inside Look at a Hidden American Castle
There’s a place of opulence in the mountains of North Carolina, offering the chance to view the majestic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains while enjoying the height of luxury.
It is a grandiose vision rendered in luxuriant reality as if the architects viewed the massive wonder of God’s creation around them and tried to build a home to match.
The magnificence is carved in stone and marble and realized in an incandescent crystal chandelier.
It is a jewel in North Carolina’s crown.
But no, it’s not THAT one.
This one you can book all for yourself on VRBO.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Where is the Smithmore Castle?
The 50-year-old castle, formally Castle Inn, is located at the top of English Knob Mountain, about 50 miles northeast of Asheville.
It offers a luxurious getaway for all manner of occasions; weddings, anniversaries, birthdays or graduations.
The castle is a private mountain estate with over 100 acres of land near Spruce Pine, North Carolina. It offers spectacular views, unparalleled hiking, a world-class chef and, if you book one, a concierge.
The castle itself is unlike any I’ve ever seen taking elements of Victorian architecture and placing them in a four-tower design all masterfully rendered with a shockingly white exterior. Indeed, it is a fairytale stay and the perfect getaway vacation.
The location features a nearly 4,000-foot mountain view where the deep green of the forest rises to meet the dark blue of the sky. Smithmore Castle is a stunningly beautiful, exotic resort that appears as if plucked out of a dream.
And that’s just the outside.
What’s inside the North Carolina castle?
Inside is even better.
The castle, which sleeps up to 16 adults and has seven bedrooms, features a three-story fireplace that fits nicely with the Victorian-esque theme.
Some of the suites feature hot tubs. And some have balconies for an amazing view that can’t be equaled. There are multiple European-themed guest suites as well.
Guests may enjoy the vintage “starlight” bar, the Tuscan-themed lounge or the exquisite wine room.
The dining room is available in the original castle hall for your private dinner party. And the entire castle is decorated with exquisite frescoes that provide a European castle vibe in the mountains of North Carolina.
The extravagant centerpiece of the castle is the Great Room with a three-story stone fireplace. It also features marble floors, fine paintings and a rather extravagant Swarovski Crystal Chandelier.
The magic of the castle continues
Outside the courtyard features a grand fountain, as well as a large open deck over the portico which overlooks views so spectacular, it will leave you wishing you’d booked a poet along with the masseuse, house chef, hiking guide and concierge.
The castle sits high up on the knob, with a clear view of the mountains stretching out for what appears to be miles and miles and miles of dark green forests and rippling ridgelines.
The view is reported to include the Eastern Continental Divide, the Toe River Valley, Black Mountain and Mount Mitchell, the highest point on the East Coast.
When the conditions are right, the mists hang low in the valleys, creating the sensation of a gleaming castle in the sky.
I started to write White Castle but that really ruined the whole vibe and made me hungry for sliders.
The castle is available for booking year-round but can be chilly in the winter months – dress accordingly. Also, winter visitors should be prepared for inclement weather, but the Christmas trees and decor are magical.
The castle is particularly stunning during the holiday season. With this in mind, Smithmore is beautiful in the snow, but snowplows may not be able to keep up with a heavy storm.
Why is this castle in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina?
I find a bit of the same disconnect with Smithmore Castle that I do the Biltmore Estate. When I think of the mountains, I think of great beauty, yes, but not opulence.
Certainly, it’s jarring to see such luxury among the North Carolina pines or in the great forests of Tennessee.
But these mountains have also been the destination of choice for a certain generation of the nation’s elite. It’s easy to forget that the mountains don’t have to be beholden to the idea of rustic beauty alone.
I’ve toured many of the castles open to the public in the south of England, been to Versailles and its miraculous gardens.
But those things are so attached to the idea of what Europe is; it’s strange to those ideas transplanted on American soil.
But they’re also so plainly cool. In general, I prefer my castles to have a crumbling bit, somewhere. That’s the bohemian in me. But I am also awed by the perfection of Smithmore, nestled in an already-stunning setting. I don’t know if I could ever feel at home there, but I guarantee I could have one hell of a good getaway.
Can you really stay in Smithmore Castle?
If you can swing the cost, you can absolutely stay in this incredible property. The whole castle can be reserved or just individual suites. In fact, depending on availability, any number of the suites can be reserved.
It is an ideal setting for a perfect wedding venue, a reception, corporate retreats or family gatherings.
The castle sleeps up to 16 adults, has seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
You can view the listing, make reservations and see more photos on VRBO here.
Does Smithmore Castle have events or other activities?
The castle also offers personalized amenities, which can be booked online.
Once booked, the castle is flexible to your needs. There is a nearly endless amount of amenities. Add-ons include guided hiking tours where caves can be found. Get a massage. Or prepare gourmet meals via cooking classes with the 5-star rated gourmet chef.
There are also archery lessons.
Smithmore Castle is located only four miles from the city of Spruce Pine, four miles from its private airplane hangar at Avery County airport, 10 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 50 miles from Asheville and 61 miles from Asheville Regional Airport. It’s about 40 minutes from Beech and Sugar Mountain ski resorts.
Would you stay in a castle like this one? Let us know in the comments!
BEAUTIFUL I AWESOME ! A dream answered and
Lived ….
I would definitely love to stay a week in a castle with friends and extended family. Sounds wonderful!
Give me the Biltmore and a stay in the Biltmore Inn. Fantasyland realized!!!