The James Madison Chiles House is saturated in history and is one of the most beautiful and unique homes in the city of Asheville. James Madison Chiles, who made his fortune in the furniture industry, was the original developer of the Kenilworth neighborhood in Asheville, and decided to build himself a home in the middle of the neighborhood he conceived. Designed by Architect Ronald Green and fini
shed in 1922 after four years of construction, this Spanish Revival Villa is reminiscent of the great homes of Tuscany. It features a covered front entry with Baroque details, three balconies which overlook three private walled courtyards and several outbuildings, original quarter sawn oak floors, a library made of black walnut, quad leaf doors, and mahogany raised panels and trim throughout the house. The home also features original doors and rare and original hardware thought to have been produced by famous architect Anthony Lord in addition to a custom Chef?s Kitchen. Chiles died in 1926, shortly after the completion of the house. After the Great Depression, the home was purchased by the Medici family, one of the most famous families of the Italian Renaissance. The Medici family owned the home until 1951, when it was purchased by John Chiles, the son of James Madison Chiles, and his wife Ann. They owned the home until 1959, when it was bought by the Ryan family, who owned it until 2003. Over the last four years, the home has been meticulously renovated and brought back to its original grandeur. It has been published numerous times, having been featured in architectural publications alongside Biltmore House and The Grove Park Inn. The Villa has most recently been featured on Home and Garden Television and in Carolina Home and Garden Magazine. Neighborhood Description
Kenilworth is close to town, with numerous parks and myriad majestic trees.
