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Welcome to Kells Castle, a living history of famed Asheville architect Douglas Ellington
The home is situated in the prestigious Grove Park area, where the architecture was intentionally subservient to the rolling landscape and the proximity to the Grove Park Inn
In a city defined by its architectural treasures, few residences carry the weight of history and the thumbprint of genius quite like Kells Castle
Designed between 1949 and 1950, Ellington utilized innovative original cinder block construction to create a home that felt like a timeless fortress
Designed between 1949 and 1950, Ellington utilized innovative original cinder block construction to create a home that felt like a timeless fortress
Kells Castle occupies a site that bridges the gap between historic craftsmanship and the bold, mid-century modernism that began to emerge after World War II
Enveloped in mature trees, the home is a peaceful oasis
The Griffin award-winning modern tower and glass-enclosed spiral staircase were added in 2004
The home has been lovingly and meticulously restored, ensuring every modern convenience is seamlessly integrated while honoring the property’s deep historical roots
Magnificent arched entryway with wooden door
The back patio is a true entertainer's dream, with access provided by 4 different doors from different rooms in the home
The back patio has undergone extensive luxury renovations including hardscaping and landscaping
Time to step inside this exceptional home
Inside one of the 2 front doorways, there is a mural denoting "Kells Castle"
The crown of the Great Hall are the Celtic symbols on the ceiling, hand drawn by the home's original owner
Virtually staged
The historic windows were redone by the current owner to bring them up to modern performance standards
Catch a glimpse of the hand-drawn murals in the hallway between the Great Hall and the primary kitchen
Primary kitchen with elegant countertops and picturesque window
Main floor primary suite with fireplace and luxurious ensuite bathroom
Gorgeous art deco entry and closet doors
Virtually staged
Elegant primary shower with rainfall showerhead
Soaking tub for relaxation
Dual vanity and enclosed water closet
Unique entry foyer is used as an artist's studio
Skylight above the artist's studio provides an abundance of daylight
The home's library can be used as an office or flex space
Full bathroom off of the library/office
A second kitchen, perfect for entertaining with direct access to the substantial back patio
Modern shelving
This kitchen services the tower portion of the home, or simply for entertaining on the patio
A working cooking fireplace
Direct access to outdoor dining
The family room in the tower has radiant heated floors and a fireplace
Virtually staged
Gorgeous spiral staircase with full views of the high-end remodeled back patio
One of two mirror-image bedrooms in the tower. All floors in this portion of the house have heated floors
Virtually staged
2nd laundry area in the tower
2nd Primary suite on the top floor of the tower
2nd primary ensuite complete with personal sauna
Soaking tub with treetop views
Pass-through closet in the tower primary suite
Hallway into the lower level guest suite
Guest suite with walk-out access
Den/ family/ parlor room on the lower level
True to the Grove Park philosophy, the home sits on a lush 0.89-acre lot that offers views of the golf course and city, preserving the "park-like" feel envisioned by E.W. Grove over a century ago
Den/ family/ parlor room on the lower level
Situated on one of Asheville’s most coveted avenues, you are just steps away from the Grove Park Inn and a short drive to the vibrant energy of downtown
True to the Grove Park philosophy, the home sits on a lush 0.89-acre lot that offers views of the golf course and city, preserving the "park-like" feel envisioned by E.W. Grove over a century ago
Incredible proximity to all the Grove Park Inn has to offer
Situated on one of Asheville’s most coveted avenues, you are just steps away from the Grove Park Inn and a short drive to the vibrant energy of downtown
The tile roof has been extensively redone, and maintenance has been performed every two years
Incredible proximity to all the Grove Park Inn has to offer
Enjoy the perfect balance of a quiet, historic enclave with immediate access to the world-class dining, arts, and outdoor adventures that define the Asheville lifestyle
The tile roof has been extensively redone, and maintenance has been performed every two years
57 photos

$1,950,000

Asheville, NC 28804
Listed by Brent Russell · Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks Asheville-Downtown
Bedrooms
5
Bathrooms
4.1
Living area
5,155 sqft
Year built
1951

About this home

Step into a Preservation Society of Asheville Griffin award-winning masterpiece of architectural heritage. Known historically as Kells Castle, this iconic residence offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of the city’s soul. Located in the heart of the prestigious Grove Park neighborhood, this home is a testament to the visionary work of Douglas Ellington, the famed architect behind Asheville’s most beloved landmarks. Timeless Architecture Meets Modern Luxury: Unlike any other home in the region, Kells Castle features original cinder block construction, a bold and innovative choice for its era that has provided a fortress-like foundation for nearly a century. The home has been lovingly and meticulously restored, ensuring every modern convenience is seamlessly integrated while honoring the property’s deep historical roots. Key Features of this Remarkable Estate: The Cathedral Living Room: The heart of the home is a magnificent, soaring living space with vaulted ceilings and architectural details that capture the essence of Ellington’s dramatic style. Restored Excellence: Extensive renovations have preserved the historical nature of the woodwork, masonry, and layout while updating the core systems. Spacious Living: The floor plan now boasts 5 generous bedrooms and 4.5 elegant bathrooms, providing ample space for family and guests. This home is perfect for multi-family living. Unbeatable Location: Situated on one of Asheville’s most coveted avenues, you are just steps away from the Grove Park Inn and a short drive to the vibrant energy of downtown. Live the Asheville Legacy: From the intricate stonework to the storied halls, 24 Kimberly Avenue is more than just a house; it is a landmark. Enjoy the perfect balance of a quiet, historic enclave with immediate access to the world-class dining, arts, and outdoor adventures that define the Asheville lifestyle. Discover the magic of Kells Castle—where history is preserved and luxury is redefined.

Highlights

Fireplace

Property details

MLS #
CAR4373519
Property type
Single Family Residence
Subdivision
Grove Park
Status
Active
Days on market
50
On market date
May 11, 2026
Stories
N/A
Garage spaces
N/A
Lot size
N/A

Location

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Nearby schools

Within 10 miles · public school directory data (NCES)

Elementary
Claxton Elementary
0.39 mi away · Grades 0-5
Nearest school -- attendance-zone data not available here
3.3
Local Score (state rating (2025) blended 70/30 with student-teacher ratio) -- not an official state rating
State rating: C (2025)
Enrollment
390
Student:teacher ratio
13.4:1
District
Asheville City Schools
Middle
Asheville Middle
1.89 mi away · Grades 6-8
Zoned school (attendance boundary, 2015-16 data)
3.6
Local Score (state rating (2025) blended 70/30 with student-teacher ratio) -- not an official state rating
State rating: C (2025)
Enrollment
623
Student:teacher ratio
11.5:1
District
Asheville City Schools
High
Asheville High
2.77 mi away · Grades 9-12
Zoned school (attendance boundary, 2015-16 data)
4.0
Local Score (state rating (2025) blended 70/30 with student-teacher ratio) -- not an official state rating
State rating: B (2025)
Enrollment
1,135
Student:teacher ratio
13.2:1
District
Asheville City Schools

Mortgage calculator

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Est. monthly payment
$11,893/mo
$390,000 down
$1,560,000 loan
Principal & interest$10,118
Property tax (est.)$1,625
Home insurance (est.)$150

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Data source: Listing information provided by Canopy MLS (carolina) via Trestle/CoreLogic. Last updated June 30, 2026.

Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed; all measurements, school assignments, HOA fees, taxes, and feature lists are approximate and should be independently verified. Equal Housing Opportunity.