Tucked away in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this rare 40.1-acre property in Burnsville, North Carolina offers a combination of privacy, charm, and potential that is hard to find at this price point. Built in 1950, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom stone cottage rests in a serene setting, surrounded by forested acreage, a gentle stream, and the stunning backdrop of Mt. Mitchell—towering at 6,684 feet, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Whether you’re looking for a mountain retreat, a private homestead, or a savvy investment property, this listing delivers endless opportunities.
A Home with Character and Solid Bones
The cottage itself spans 1,511 square feet and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The exterior is clad in classic stone, blending beautifully with the mountain setting. Inside, you’ll find wood floors, built-in bookshelves, and a large stone fireplace that anchors the living room—perfect for chilly Appalachian evenings. Updated bathrooms provide modern comfort, while original details lend timeless charm.
The home’s screened-in porch is a highlight, offering a peaceful place to enjoy your morning coffee, watch the wildlife, or simply breathe in the fresh mountain air. Out back, a patio with a firepit invites gatherings with friends and family under the stars.
The basement level offers natural light and plenty of space for a workshop, storage, or creative studio. While the garage and storage areas aren’t featured in the listing photos, their inclusion adds even more utility to the home. The property has good bones, and with a little vision, it could be customized into the mountain retreat of your dreams.
Nature at Your Doorstep
One of the most attractive aspects of this property is the land itself. With over 40 acres, the opportunities for exploration and recreation are limitless. A small stream meanders through the property, adding a soothing soundtrack to daily life. Mature trees and natural trails invite hiking, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the changing seasons. The abundant acreage also provides excellent opportunities for hunting, camping, or creating your own network of private walking paths.
For those who have dreamed of sustainable living, there’s more than enough room here for gardens, orchards, or even small-scale farming. The land could also accommodate additional cabins or guest houses, turning the property into a retreat or family compound.
Proximity to Mt. Mitchell and the Blue Ridge Parkway
Location is everything, and this home could not be better situated. Nestled just under Mt. Mitchell and minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, this property places you at the doorstep of some of the most scenic and sought-after natural areas in North Carolina.
- Mt. Mitchell State Park is just a short drive away, where you can hike to the summit for breathtaking views of the Black Mountains and beyond.
- Mt. Mitchell Golf Course offers a challenging yet scenic round of golf in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.
- Carolina Hemlocks Campground provides river access for tubing, picnicking, and swimming, making it a family favorite.
This region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring.
A Lifestyle of Peace and Slower Pace
Living here means embracing the slower rhythms of mountain life. Step outside your door and you’re greeted with birdsong, fresh mountain breezes, and the calming sound of water trickling through the property’s stream. Wildlife is abundant, from deer grazing at dawn to wild turkeys crossing the trails.
At the same time, you’re never far from conveniences. Within 30 minutes, you’ll reach the charming town of Burnsville, where local shops, dining, and the historic Town Square host community events throughout the year. Antique stores, farmers’ markets, and art galleries reflect the area’s rich culture and creativity.
Other mountain towns like Boone, Blowing Rock, and Hickory are also within a reasonable drive, offering additional opportunities for day trips, shopping, and dining. Asheville, with its vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and eclectic culture, is about an hour away—close enough for convenience, but far enough to keep your mountain hideaway quiet and secluded.
Investment Potential
This property isn’t just a home; it’s an investment opportunity. Priced at **$325,000—below tax value—**this 40-acre tract with an existing cottage represents tremendous value in a market where mountain acreage is increasingly hard to find. The land alone holds significant potential, whether for future development, subdivision, or simply as a long-term hold.
For those seeking rental income, the cottage could be updated and marketed as a vacation rental, taking advantage of the area’s popularity with hikers, campers, and tourists drawn to Mt. Mitchell and the Blue Ridge Parkway. With its expansive acreage, there’s also the possibility of creating a destination property with glamping sites, cabins, or eco-friendly retreats.
Seasonal Magic
Every season offers its own unique beauty here. Spring brings wildflowers and the return of wildlife. Summers are cool and comfortable compared to the lower elevations, perfect for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Autumn is nothing short of spectacular, with vibrant fall foliage painting the landscape in shades of red, orange, and gold. Winter provides peaceful solitude and the chance to cozy up by the stone fireplace with a good book.
Owning a property like this means you get to experience the full rhythm of the mountain seasons from your very own retreat.
A Rare Opportunity
In today’s market, properties with this much acreage, this much character, and this proximity to Mt. Mitchell rarely come along. While the home could benefit from some updates and vision, the foundation is strong, and the potential is undeniable. From personal use as a private mountain sanctuary to a long-term investment or rental property, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
With its stone exterior, screened porch, fireplace, and 40 acres of pristine mountain land, this property offers a lifestyle that is increasingly hard to find: privacy, peace, and access to some of North Carolina’s most treasured natural spaces.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a mountain retreat where you can hike your own trails, sit by your own stream, and enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains from your front porch, this is your chance. Properties of this size and location, priced below tax value, do not stay on the market for long.
Schedule your showing today, and step into a lifestyle of tranquility, adventure, and opportunity. This Burnsville gem is more than just a home—it’s a chance to own a piece of Western North Carolina’s natural beauty and make it your own.
3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,511 Sq. Ft. | 40.1 Acres | $325,000
