Your innkeepers, Ralph & Frank...

Ralph was a dentist with a large practice in Davidson, NC and Frank was the Manager of Ambulatory Radiology at Carolina's Health Systems in Charlotte, NC when a trip to Asheville set them in a new direction to becoming owners of the WhiteGate Inn & Cottage and Ralph was on his way to pursuing his passion for gardening and raising orchids. Ralph is a certified master gardener who is always available to answer any questions regarding the WhiteGate Gardens or your own personal gardens.

The WhiteGate Inn was the last of eight properties actually looked at for purchase. Ralph and Frank knew they had found their home when they walked through the front door. They visited on a sunny day and every room was filled with light. A wonderful solarium added in 1907 would be the perfect location for a plant collection. The yard, although in rough shape, showed potential for everything the prospective owners needed. There was a large open sunny space in the back yard perfect for the greenhouse and the 10 foot drop in elevation from the front yard to the lower side yard was perfect for a water garden with waterfalls and ponds.

Frank spent his time running the Inn, helping with and supervising the complete redecorating of the Inn. Each room was completely redressed in new custom bed coverings and curtains, new kitchen cabinets were installed, rooms were painted and finishing touches, including collectable art and furniture, were added to make the Inn the home that they envisioned for themselves and their guests. Frank has worked developing the ambiance, gourmet breakfasts and hospitality that guests experience while staying at the Inn and was presented with the “Spirit of Excellence in Hospitality Award” from the Asheville Chamber of Commerce in 2002.

Recently, Frank has acquired his North Carolina real estate broker's license and is now selling real estate/Bed and Breakfast property in North Carolina.