Your Ideal Home Awaits in the High Country
By Arielle Patterson, with updates by Julie Matthews
Imagine starting your day with the breathtaking sunrise over the mountains. Spend the day fishing in a shimmering stream, going on a scenic hike or strolling through one of the High Country’s charming communities. If you love visiting the High Country, consider purchasing your own home here.
From the breathtaking landscapes and endless outdoor activities to the friendly hospitality and small-town atmosphere, there are a number of reasons why you should buy a home in North Carolina’s High Country. Whether you’re searching for a tranquil locale to retire to, seasonal vacation home, weekend retreat or something more, you can find it within the High Country.
“The North Carolina mountains are such a stunning place and such a destination,” shares Jackie Smith, Realtor® and Broker, RE/MAX Executive | Carolinas’ Finest Properties.
“The North Carolina mountains have been a desirable place for many to live both year round and seasonally,” she explains. “We have seen over the last few years an increase in both locals and out-of-state residents calling the North Carolina High Country home.”
Smith credits the High Country’s seasonal activities for year-round fun and relaxation as one of the many reasons why homebuyers will seek both full-time and vacation homes in the area. “The High Country offers wonderful activities for both visitors and residents to enjoy all four seasons,” she says. “Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, rafting, skiing, snow tubing, golfing, ziplining, shopping, dining, there is something for everyone year round!”
Smith says that with a combination of renovations and a significant increase in new construction, many enjoy weekends away, seasonal and even full-time homes in the beautiful High Country.
“In addition to the desire for incredible mountain views from one of our many incredible lots at Silver Springs Farm Estates in Banner Elk, we have seen our clients building homes with open kitchens to living rooms for families and groups to gather, indoor/outdoor spaces to enjoy the views of seasons, both indoor and outdoor fireplaces, stunning covered porches, incredible primary suites with marvelous views, all the while keeping a cozy, updated mountain home feel,” Smith says.
Smith says that the homes in the High Country are traditional mountain homes, embracing a more rustic stone and wood architectural style. Smith has seen the construction of new mountain homes that follow this style, along with modern farmhouse mountain home architecture. Blending the best of two styles, this is a modernized version of the traditional mountain home with farmhouse touches—clean lines and a simple, cozy aesthetic.
It’s important to keep in mind the area’s attractions when you’re considering purchasing a home in the High Country. Smith explains that because the area is a year-round locale, in addition to the nearby colleges and universities, the High Country always has something going on and doesn’t shut down like other mountain destinations.
“[The High Country] has really grown and boomed even in the last five to 10 years. The area is always growing,” Smith says.
Once you’ve figured out just how you want to utilize your home in the High Country, reach out to one of the knowledgeable, experienced area realtors to get started on your home search.
For more information on building your dream mountain home, please contact Jackie Smith at 704-773-6575 or jackie@cltsfinest.com.
