THE GRANNY SMITH APPLE
The Granny Smith Suite, located on the second floor, was originally the bedroom of the Captain’s daughter. It offers a serene view of the front of the house, with seasonal glimpses of the surrounding mountains and the elegant white pines that frame the property. The suite includes a private balcony, a cozy gas log fireplace, a ceiling fan, and dedicated climate control, ensuring comfort year-round. Guests sleep luxuriously on a king-size Duxiana 6006 bed adorned with premium linens. The room’s décor centers on a French theme, adding a touch of elegance to its inviting ambiance.
The suite’s name pays homage to the iconic Granny Smith apple, a variety that has achieved enduring recognition. In 2013, it was honored as one of four apple varieties featured on a United States Postal Service stamp. While apples have been cultivated since the Stone Age, the Granny Smith apple is a more recent discovery, originating in 1868. Unlike most seedling apples, which are typically poor in quality, the Granny Smith apple emerged as a desirable new variety, preserved through grafting and cloning to maintain its unique genetic makeup.
The apple’s namesake, Maria Ann Smith, affectionately called “Granny” by her community, emigrated to Australia from Beckley, East Sussex, England, in 1839. She and her husband settled near Sydney and purchased a small orchard in 1850. Legend has it that the Granny Smith apple seedling sprouted in a dumping area where Maria discarded apple cores while experimenting with crab apples for cooking. Despite her passing in 1870, local growers continued cultivating the tree. By 1891, the apple, named "Granny Smith's Seedling," gained widespread acclaim after winning a prize at the Castle Hill Agricultural and Horticultural Show, marking the beginning of its global popularity.
Today, Granny Smith apples are instantly recognizable for their vibrant green color and sharp, tangy flavor. Revered as a cooking apple, they are equally enjoyable when eaten raw, offering a crisp texture and refreshing acidity. Slightly chilled, they make an excellent addition to salads or a satisfying snack. Their storied past and distinct qualities ensure that Granny Smith apples remain a culinary favorite around the world.
Tom Collins's Stories
Asheville has been called many things—weirdest, happiest, quirkiest place in America, Santa Fe of the East, New Age Capital of the World, Paris of the South, Beer City USA, Most Haunted, Sky City and others. It has many secrets, mysteries, and legends—some factual, some alleged, some exaggerated and some just plain lies.
