Known for its creative spirit, Asheville brings a unique balance of nature with arts and culture. However, its creative energy is not confined to galleries—it extends to the way people design, build, and live, especially in The Ramble Biltmore Forest. Here, more than 1,000 acres of conserved woodlands unfold into trails, gardens, and quiet pathways, yet residents remain minutes from downtown’s cultural heartbeat. For those seeking luxury living in Asheville, this rare blend of privacy in nature with proximity to world-class art, music, and cuisine makes The Ramble truly unique.
Homes in The Ramble reflect an appreciation for creativity with architecture that responds to its surroundings, interiors influenced by local craft and personal collections that celebrate regional artistry. For Gail Dosik, Jackie Stevens, and Joey Gigliotti, this harmony feels like home. “The Ramble appealed to us because of its balance: it offers privacy within a beautiful, wooded setting, but it also connects us to Asheville’s vibrant arts community,” they share. Longtime art collectors, they envisioned a home that celebrated their love of design and the creativity woven into Western North Carolina’s culture.
Shaped by this connection between art and nature, their home brings local craftsmanship to life. Handcrafted elements, natural materials, and textures inspired by the land appear throughout each room. The walls showcase works by artists who draw from the rich Appalachian craft tradition, creating a space where natural beauty and artistic expression coexist. The result is a home and lifestyle deeply rooted in an appreciation for nature, art, and the creative heritage of the region.
At the heart of the trio’s home is a single piece that captures what they love about Western North Carolina’s creative spirit: a custom chandelier designed by glass artist Seth Parks. At once sculptural and ethereal, the piece captures light, imagination, and function. “We wanted our foyer to immediately communicate who we are—people who love art, light, and bold design,” says Joey. “The chandelier reflects our passion for supporting artists and our belief that functional design can also be a work of art.”
Parks himself is part of a rich Appalachian tradition of craft. Trained at institutions including Penland School of Craft, a renowned center in the North Carolina mountains, his work carries forward the region’s legacy of innovation in glass, clay, wood, and textiles. That heritage is visible in every detail of the chandelier, linking a contemporary home in The Ramble to a cultural history that defines Western North Carolina and continues to shape Asheville’s creative identity.
Creating such a centerpiece was a partnership emblematic of Asheville, where creativity thrives through community. Architect Amy Conner-Murphy designed the space; builder Kevin Reed of Bluestone Construction engineered the installation; and Parks infused the glass with his artistry. “The process reminded us why we chose Asheville,” Joey reflects. “It’s a community where collaboration between clients, craftsmen, and artists produces something more meaningful than any one of us could have created alone.” This collaborative approach reflects the philosophy behind The Ramble’s Featured Builder program, which pairs homeowners with expert builders and architects to create homes that honor the land and local craftsmanship.
Life in The Ramble is deeply intertwined with Asheville’s creative spirit. Within the neighborhood, art, craft, and design shape everyday living. Just beyond its gates, Asheville’s galleries, studios, and cultural institutions carry that passion forward. “Creativity isn’t something you put on a shelf—it’s woven into how you live every day,” Jackie notes. This blend of home, nature, and city is part of what makes The Ramble one of Asheville’s best neighborhoods for art lovers.
Residents like Gail, Jackie, and Joey maintain this close relationship with the city’s arts community through their support of the Asheville Art Museum, which plays a role in shaping the region’s cultural future. For over half a century, the museum has been a fixture in Asheville’s arts and culture landscape. What began as a three-room building on Charlotte Street has grown into a modern institution now located at 2 South Pack Square. Exhibitions, programs, and lectures celebrate the history of Western North Carolina and the artistic traditions of Southern Appalachia, while also exploring 20th- and 21st-century American art.
For families like Gail, Jackie, and Joey, the museum is more than a place to view art—it is a source of ongoing inspiration. Their commitment to supporting institutions like the Asheville Art Museum helps ensure that the creative spark that drew them to Asheville continues to ignite curiosity in future generations. It is because of residents who value arts and culture that the museum remains a vital part of the region, nurturing new artists, fostering community, and preserving the area’s artistic heritage.
At its heart, The Ramble is more than a neighborhood. It’s a community rooted in the Appalachian legacy of craftsmanship, enriched by nature, and animated by culture. A beautiful backdrop to a lifetime of memories, it offers a life deeply enriched by creativity, connection, and a true sense of place.
For those inspired by the artistry and craftsmanship of The Ramble’s homes, our Featured Builder program showcases the expert builders and architects who bring these residences to life. From custom designs that honor the land to interiors infused with local artistry, the program ensures that every home is a reflection of both nature and creativity. Explore The Ramble and learn more about its rich tradition of inspiring and supporting art and design.
