Built in 1922 by J. Hobert Allport, of Philadelphia the Acorn
Cottage sits on land acquired by John A. Roebling a civil engineer
from New York who's father and grandfather were responsible for the Brooklyn
Bridge. Mr. Roebling never built his dream home overlooking the home of
George W. Vanderbilt as he returned to New York in quite a tizzy when
Asheville instituted prohibition in 1908. The 15 acre tract of land was
offered to the Presbyterian church who refused the property based on Mr.
Roebling's attitudes on alcohol.
However, the Episcopal church was willing
to overlook Mr. Roebling's fondness for drink and purchased the land for
$5.00! The property was eventually converted into a quiet neighborhood and
to this day remains one of Asheville's best kept secrets.
