Our Story

Winifred Cowley began building the house in 1905.  In 1913 Richard Sharp Smith, a prominent Asheville architect who worked extensively in Montford and for the Biltmore Estate, was commissioned to design an addition to the house for Mrs. Alexander Cowley. Initially the house was an asymmetrical cottage that included only the right turret and a simple entrance. When the sister of Mrs. Cowley moved into the residence in 1907, she requested a bedroom in an identical bayed turret. While in the planning stages of the left turret, Asheville architect Richard Sharp Smith included the rear ‘sleeping porch’ and redesigned the front porch and entrance. The end product is a symmetrical front facade, something Mr. Smith refused in other Montford designs.

The name ‘Pinecrest’ was officially deeded to the house in 1928. Garland and Eunice Wible purchased Pinecrest in 1941 from the heir of Mrs. Cowley’s estate and operated it as a rooming house for many years. In the 50’s the upstairs was turned into an apartment. Descendants of Garland and Eunice Wible lived in Pinecrest until 1997.

In 1977, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Montford Historic District with well over 600 homes of varying styles such as Victorian, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival.

Richard and Barbara Newell purchased Pinecrest in 1997 and began renovations to restore the house to its previous elegance. Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast began operations as an elegant Asheville inn in 1999.

The inn changed owners in 2003 when Jim & Janna Martin, along with their daughter, Stacy Shelley, purchased Pinecrest and grew the reputation for excellence.  They strove to provide their guests with the best possible experience including indulgent breakfasts and desserts, relaxing accommodations, and customer service, helping guests make the most of their stay.

In 2016 Dan and Diane Rogers purchased Pinecrest and became the resident innkeepers.  Previously Dan enjoyed a rewarding career in sales and Diane worked as a project engineer, stay-at-home mother, then reentered the workforce in tax preparation and bookkeeping.  After their two children were grown, they decided to reinvent themselves and turn their passion for hospitality and entertaining into a rewarding experience for the guests at the inn.

Having lived in several states in the Midwest and most recently in Georgia, the hunt was on for new adventures in another state.  Having fallen in love with Asheville when Diane’s parents retired there, the next step was to fall in love with Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast.  From the moment they walked in the front door, Dan & Diane knew they had found their new home.

Now they would like guests to feel as if Pinecrest is their ‘home away from home’ while visiting Asheville.  They look forward to providing gracious hospitality and superb accommodations as they welcome you to their bed & breakfast.