Thomas Wolfe House, Asheville

The Thomas Wolfe House is located in the Downtown Asheville Historic District among many other notable buildings and interesting places. This house is a state historic site and museum that was once the home of author Thomas Wolfe.

Also known as the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, the Thomas Wolfe House was built in 1883 in the Queen Anne architectural style. The Wolfe family were not the original owners. The first use of the home was a boarding house called "Old Kentucky Home." Thomas Wolfe's mother, Julia, bought the house in 1903. She continued operating it as a boarding house but eventually moved in with her son.

The Thomas Wolfe House is the setting for the Wolfe novel "Look Homeward, Angel." It was designated a National Historic Monument in 1976, more than 20 years after first being used as a museum. In 1998, an arsonist set fire to the building causing damage to the structure and about 200 artifacts. A costly and lengthy restoration project was completed in 2003.

Visitors are welcome to tour the grounds and the interior of the Thomas Wolfe House. Guided tours are open Tuesday through Saturday for a nominal fee. Most tourists can arrive without a reservation. Large groups should call in advance.