Arden, unincorporated community in Buncombe County, North Carolina
Arden is a small unincorporated community in the southern part of Buncombe County, North Carolina. Located at an elevation of over 2,000 feet, the area features rolling hills, trees, and open spaces with a mix of older and newer homes scattered throughout.
The community was founded in 1872 by writer Charles Willing Beale. The area preserves historic structures including the Blake House, added to the national historic register in 2010, and the Oak Park Historic District, established in 1927.
Arden takes its name from the Forest of Arden mentioned in Shakespeare's play 'As You Like It'. This literary connection reflects the cultural roots that inspired the community's founding.
The community is easily accessible from Asheville, where shopping and dining options are available, while maintaining the quiet atmosphere of Arden. There is a local school and a Lutheran retreat center, making it a practical location for families.
The Blake House displays Gothic Revival architecture, a rare example of this building style in the region. The Oak Park Historic District contains more than 15 well-preserved homes built in the 1920s, constructed despite the economic challenges of the early 1930s.
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