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In the Magical Realm: In Chunns Cove, Douglas Ellington’s fairytale cottage continues to cast a spell

Sallie Middleton Parker reminisces about her childhood summers at 'The Cove,' the whimsical Chunns Cove retreat built by her grand-uncle, architect Douglas Ellington. This home, described as both a fairytale cottage and an arts-and-crafts dream, was a hub of sparkling conversation and creativity, often hosting notable figures of twentieth-century Asheville. Its distinctive features include brick and field-stone chimneys, a central tower, hand-split wood shingles on a hip roof, Roycroft-red casement windows, and a rounded front door. The cottage's aesthetic is one of magic, with ivy climbing its walls giving it a hobbit-like appearance. Douglas Ellington, renowned for designing iconic Asheville buildings like City Hall, First Baptist Church, and Asheville High, conceived 'The Cove' as a more intimate and imaginative expression of his architectural ideals. He and his brother, Kenneth, settled in Asheville after Ellington’s success in the city’s booming years. The property, purchased by Kenneth, included a 19th-century log cabin that Douglas preserved and expanded upon. The interior features unique elements such as a living room resembling a ship's bow with hidden details, and an exterior adorned with medieval-inspired figures and a stained-glass door quoting Shakespeare. Local artists, many of whom worked on Ellington’s larger projects, contributed intricate wrought-iron hardware, chandeliers, and sconces to the home. Ellington was known for his hands-on approach and commitment to specific vision, often joining his construction crews. Ellington also embraced recycling, incorporating materials from demolished downtown structures, such as marble from City Hall, tiles from the S&W; cafeteria, and bricks from a pharmacy, into the mosaic of the living room floor. Stone from local fields and chestnut wood from the cove were also integral to the four-year construction. 'The Cove' was more than just an architectural marvel; it was a vibrant social and intellectual gathering place. Asheville’s artists and intelligentsia, including Thomas Wolfe, were frequent guests. The interior design fostered a bohemian elegance with local artisan furniture and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The home was a nurturing environment for learning, creativity, and imagination. Middleton Parker recounts tales of a 'witch’s rock,' a 'red fairy' leaving leaves on pillows, and 'fairy trees' showering children with toys, alongside Kenneth’s fantastical bedtime stories. Children often put on puppet shows, with Wolfe occasionally in attendance. The tradition of fresh flowers in the house continues to this day. Sallie Ellington Middleton, Kenneth's daughter and Middleton Parker's mother, found inspiration for her career as a watercolor artist and illustrator in the home and its natural surroundings. Her intimate knowledge of Chunns Cove's woods is reflected in her detailed renderings of local flora and fauna, published in 'The Magical Realm of Sallie Middleton.' Despite Douglas Ellington’s short time in Asheville before the Depression necessitated his move to Maryland, 'The Cove' has remained a cherished family gathering place. It has hosted various events, from Preservation Society meetings to family celebrations. Recently, the home has been selectively opened to the public for weddings and events, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The caretaker’s cottage has been converted into lodging, featuring Ellington Middleton’s art and Ellington’s signature Art Deco feather motif. The house is regarded by many, including the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County, as truly magical, seamlessly blending into its landscape with timeless charm. The article concludes by highlighting Douglas Ellington's significant impact on Asheville's architectural landscape during its boomtown era. His distinctive Art Deco designs, beginning with the First Baptist Church commission, rapidly shaped the city’s skyline. A list of his notable works in Asheville, including the Merrimon Avenue Fire Station, Lewis Memorial Park Office, Asheville City Building, Asheville High School, Historic S & W Building, Biltmore Hospital Extension, and his own house, is provided for those wishing to experience his enduring legacy firsthand. #FairytaleCottage #DouglasEllington #AshevilleArchitecture #ChunnsCove #ArtDecoDesign #HistoricHome #ArchitecturalLegacy #ArtsAndCrafts #HomeDesign #FairytaleCottage #DouglasEllington #AshevilleArchitecture #ChunnsCove #ArtDecoDesign #HistoricHome #ArchitecturalLegacy #ArtsAndCrafts #HomeDesign

42 months ago

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