THE YORK IMPERIAL
Each suite at Applewood Manor is named after an apple variety, reflecting the history and charm of these fruits. The York Imperial Suite, once Captain Perry’s sitting room with his wife, is the largest guest suite on the manor’s second floor. It features a private balcony with views of the side and back yards and seasonal glimpses of the surrounding mountains in winter and spring. Amenities include a cozy gas log fireplace, dedicated climate control, and a luxurious king-size Duxiana 6006 bed dressed in premium linens. The suite’s artwork celebrates the renowned wine-growing regions of France, adding a sophisticated touch to the inviting space.
The York Imperial apple traces its origins to 1820, when Quaker nurseryman Jonathan Jessop first propagated it on his Springwood Farm near York, Pennsylvania. Jessop shared his apple trees widely, introducing them at Friends’ yearly meetings in Baltimore and other gatherings, which helped spread the variety to Virginia and beyond. Over time, the York apple became a popular choice for orchards and backyards across the continental United States. In 1850, horticulturist Andrew Jackson Downing praised it as the “Imperial of Keepers” for its exceptional storage qualities, solidifying its reputation as the York Imperial.
Distinguished by its lop-sided shape, the York Imperial is medium to large in size with deep red skin often streaked with greenish-yellow hues. Occasional patches of yellow or green may also appear. This apple ripens in October and can be harvested through December. Freshly picked, it has a tart-sweet flavor that mellows and sweetens over five to six months, making it a versatile choice for various culinary uses. The York Imperial is excellent for eating fresh and shines in baking, cooking, making apple sauce, cider, preserves, jams, dried apple slices, and juice. Its wide-ranging utility has secured its place among the top ten best-selling apple varieties.
The York Imperial Suite honors the legacy of this enduring apple variety while offering a luxurious and comfortable retreat for guests. Its spacious layout, thoughtful amenities, and historical connection to the York apple make it a special part of the Applewood Manor experience.
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.
