Local Historic Landmark: Douglas Ellington House

By Appointment Only: Douglas Ellington House is one of the most intriguing historical landmarks in Western North Carolina. The house began as an 1850 American cabin, out of which, in 1926 the rest of the house seamlessly grew. The architect, internationally known Douglas Ellington, allowed no machinery to be used in the building of the house (to avoid disturbing nature) and he gathered materials for its structure from the property. Being an “urgent recycler,” Ellington incorporated architectural remnants from his other civic local projects (the Asheville City Building, the S&W Cafeteria, First Baptist Church, Fire Station, and Asheville High School) into the design of the house. He never drew a blueprint. In the 1930s, Ellington, along with his brother and sister-in-law, hosted many eclectic parties with notable attendees like Thomas Wolfe, the German Chancellor, socialites, artists, and intellectuals. Acclaimed wildlife artist, Sallie Ellington Middleton, Ellington's niece who also lived at the house, received most of her training in art from her uncle. She found inspiration for her works from the woods surrounding the house and as an adult, enjoyed sharing the house with the community by hosting tours to fund the ongoing restoration and preservation of the house. We are proud to share the legacy of preservation and conservation of Douglas Ellington, Sallie Middleton. and Asheville's rich history through awareness and preservation and conservation.