Demens-Rumbough-Crawley House

The Demens-Rumbough-Crawley House is a two-story brick building in Asheville's West End that was constructed around 1890 and displays characteristic Victorian features. The structure has a low hipped roof, stone foundation, geometric ornamentation, and a three-stage tower with bay windows, while the property also includes a frame garage and sits on elevated ground near the French Broad River.

The house was built around 1890 by Peter Demens, a Russian-born sawmill operator who later founded St. Petersburg, Florida. It remains one of the few surviving structures from the Prospect Park development of the 1890s, a period of rapid growth in Asheville.

Ida Jolly Crawley, who owned it from 1919 onward, filled the rooms with art and geological collections that reflected her passion for both artistic and scientific subjects. The interior became a personal museum showing how wealthy residents of that era shared their interests with visitors.

The property sits on elevated ground with good views of the surrounding area and is within walking distance of the French Broad River. The location makes it easy to reach other sites in Asheville's West End while offering visitors a quieter setting away from downtown.

Peter Demens, the builder, was not just a local businessman but also founded an entire city in Florida before constructing this house. His story connects Asheville's West End to the history of an early planned community on the Gulf Coast.

Location: Asheville

GPS coordinates: 35.58920,-82.56640

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:04