Anne O’Connell

Anne O’Connell
Proprietor of Princess Anne Hotel, Asheville, NC
Dates: 
1920s

Registered Nurse Anne O'Connell was the proprietor of both the Sunset Lodge Sanatorium and the Edgewood Cottage Sanatorium in Asheville circa 1920s-1930s.  She also owned the Princess Anne Hotel.

Princess Anne Hotel History

The three story, shingle style Princess Anne Hotel first opened its doors in 1924 during Asheville’s economic boom. Built by registered nurse Anne O’Connell and financed by Doctor Karl von Ruck, the hotel promised “Comfort First.” Listed on the US Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places, the Princess Anne Hotel continues to deliver an exceptional experience to guests.

Asheville has always been a destination for health seekers.  In the early 1900’s, Asheville was known nationally for having the best in tuberculosis treatment due to the cooler climate and fresh mountain air.  Dr. Karl von Ruck chose this area to complete his research on the illness and lived on nearby Albemarle Road close to O’Connell’s sanatorium. The Princess Anne was built to provide a respite for the families of tuberculosis patients being treated at said sanatorium on Baird Street and, as a result, found success early in its history. Nurse Anne O’Connell was dubbed “princess” by her patients due to her flowing red hair and charismatic nature, so the hotel was named “Princess Anne.” She ran the hotel for several years before selling it in 1929.

Compiled by: 
Phoebe Pollitt