Cool temperatures, mountain views, babbling mountain streams and rivers- where can you find such a perfect place to relax and unwind? The High Country of course!
With many vacationers opting for a cozy mountain cabin or “home away from home” instead of a hotel, vacation home rentals are becoming smart investments for many people in and around Boone.
Is Buying an NC Mountain Vacation Property Worth it?
After purchasing a North Carolina mountain vacation property that is suitable for short-term rentals, investment property owners often rely on local vacation rental agencies for a turnkey approach, or they list the home on such sites as Airbnb or VRBO for a more hands-on approach to vacation rentals.
Either way, buying a vacation rental property in the High Country of North Carolina may just be worth the investment.
The High Country of North Carolina – A Popular Vacation Destination
Since the High Country is only a few hours drive from many major cities and airports in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, it is no wonder why so many people come to the area for their vacation getaway.
If you’re looking for more of an outdoor adventure the answer is still the same. In addition to mountain views and cool temperatures, Boone and the surrounding area is known for adrenaline rush adventures, such as hiking, rock climbing, water activities like fly fishing, kayaking and tubing, mountain biking, ziplining, snow skiing, and snowboarding, but also local attractions such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tweetsie Railroad, Grandfather Mountain, plus local wineries and craft breweries.
With so much to experience in the mountains, some people are choosing to invest money in purchasing a second home as a vacation rental.
4 Airbnb Rental Properties For Sale Near Boone That Will Sell Fast
Take a look at these 4 investment property homes that are already established as Airbnb, VRBO, and vacation rentals.
#1: 1455 Bairds Creek Road, Vilas, NC 28692 | $1,150,000
1455 Baird Creek Road, in Vilas, North Carolina, is a great location for a vacation rental year-round. Skiing, hiking, shopping, and area attractions are within an easy drive.
Plus, the separate apartment is perfect for an onsite management /caretaker in a VRBO or Airbnb program.
1455 Bairds Creek Road, Vilas, NC 28692 (MLS # 234105)
(all data current as of 9/24/2023)
| Price | $950,000 |
|---|---|
| Beds | 3 |
| Baths | 6 Baths |
| Home size | 5,665 sqft |
| Lot Size | 2.33 ac |
| Days on Market | 204 |
| Status | Sold |
Wolf Den is an INVESTMENT PROPERTY w/ a proven track record & incredible potential! Gross rental over $104K in 2021. See at (https://www.vrbo.com/435108). 77 VRBO reviews earned a rating of 4.9 and Premier status. Awesome location between Boone and Valle Crucis. Great potential as a B & B. The separate basement apartment has a full bath, bedroom & great room & a bonus area w/ a bed; could be used as owner's quarters, caretaker suite, or rented separately. Top floor: two huge bedrooms, two baths & sitting area. Main level: primary bedroom w/ensuite, 1/2 bath & bonus room w/ two single beds, kitchen, living area w/ fireplace, large dining room & laundry room. Lower level: game room w/ pool table, fireplace & wet bar, full bath & large unfinished, heated storage room. Two spacious decks, lower level covered. Hot tub on ground level. Low maintenance Hardie Board siding & metal roof. Tasteful decor w/ lots of original photo prints decorating the walls. Two-car garage & additional storage room w/ extra tall ceilings. Whole house generator gaurantees power. Whole house water filtration & instant hot water on upper levels. Completely furnished. Propane does not convey.
Property Type(s): Single Family
| Last Updated | 8/4/2022 | Tract | None |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 2009 | Community | 5-Watauga, Shawneehaw |
| Garage Spaces | 2.0 | County | Watauga |
| Total Parking | n/a |
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Listing provided by Ben Henderson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Vincent Properties
#2: 1001 Scenic Drive, Vilas, NC 28692 | $1,750,000
With this house in Vilas, Guests will love the feeling of being on top of the world with the gorgeous views from this home.
The home is so close to many High Country attractions. It is also in an established rental program.
1001 Scenic Drive, Vilas, NC 28692 (MLS # 231181)
(all data current as of 9/24/2023)
| Price | $1,400,000 |
|---|---|
| Beds | 3 |
| Baths | 5 Baths |
| Home size | 4,509 sqft |
| Lot Size | 3.42 ac |
| Days on Market | 365 |
| Status | Sold |
Awesome Long Range "Panoramic Views" from this spacious home located in the immediate Valle Crucis area !!! Unbelievable Long Range Views all the way to Grandfather + beyond. Several Bonus Rooms can accommodate additional guests as needed. There are alternate sleeping rooms. Septic Permitting is for 3 Bedrooms. Expansive Stone Patio out front, Open Decking and Viewing Deck at the rear and side of this Estate. Owner's Suite features "double full baths" and double walk-in closets. Newly Remodeled Kitchen is modern and up to date. Laundry and Owner's Suite with Stone Fireplace is on the main level as is Kitchen, Great Room with Stone Fireplace, Half Bath, Den or alternate room use, Formal Dining and access to Decking and Huge Stone Patio. There is a Breakfast Room -AND- there is a Formal Dining Room. The property features its own Driveway Entrance, an Oversized 2 Car Garage, plenty of Driveway Parking and Multiple Storage Areas in the home and garage. Upstairs are 2 Guest Suites both with Full Baths, a Family Room Loft and a Bonus Room. Regularly rented with Short Term Rental Program Company so showings will need to be scheduled in advance. Gross Rentals 2021 @$97,790.00
Property Type(s): Single Family
| Last Updated | 8/4/2022 | Tract | Laurel Ridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 1994 | Community | 5-Watauga, Shawneehaw |
| Garage Spaces | 2.0 | County | Watauga |
| Total Parking | n/a |
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Listing provided by Michael Parkinson, Keller Williams High Country
#3: 314 Ski Mountain Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 | $2,199,000
314 Ski Mountain Road’s property is near App Ski Mountain so it is the perfect location for winter sports enthusiasts.
It’s centrally located between Boone and Blowing Rock with many attractions nearby making it a great place for year-round stays.
It comes fully furnished and is already in an established rental program.
314 Ski Mountain Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (MLS # 234683)
(all data current as of 9/24/2023)
| Price | $1,780,000 |
|---|---|
| Beds | 3 |
| Baths | 7 Baths |
| Home size | 7,313 sqft |
| Lot Size | 2.11 ac |
| Days on Market | 162 |
| Status | Sold |
One-of-a-kind luxury mountain lodge located in the heart of the High Country! This beautiful estate is the complete package featuring 3 Bedrooms, 7 Bathrooms, 4 "bonus rooms", 7300sqft of living space, 5 fireplaces, and big mountain views. Centrally located just 5 minutes from Blowing Rock, 10 minutes from Boone and 1 minute from Appalachian Ski Mountain. Inside you'll find two livings rooms, two kitchens, a primary suite on the main, two additional suites on the second floor, *bonus* suite on the lower level, all-season mud room / game room, and two upper and lower decks out back. Details of this home include natural stone, reclaimed hardwoods throughout, and beautifully tiled floors. This property has been apart of a successful vacation rental program for several years generating over $141,000 gross in 2021. Perfect for those looking for an investment opportunity and/or large family retreat. Property to convey Fully Furnished with rental bookings into 2022.
Property Type(s): Single Family
| Last Updated | 8/4/2022 | Tract | Ski Mountain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 2009 | Community | 4-BlueRdg, BlowRck YadVall-Pattsn-Globe-CALDWLL) |
| Garage Spaces | n/a | County | Watauga |
| Total Parking | n/a |
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Listing provided by Brandon Freyer, Keller Williams High Country
#4: 682 Saddle Road, Boone, NC 28607 | $1,100,000
682 Saddle Road is a home in Boone, North Carolina, that is perfect for all seasons, with views galore!
Fully furnished and already in a successful rental program, this one is ready for the next guests to enjoy.
682 Saddle Road, Boone, NC 28607 (MLS # 234700)
(all data current as of 9/24/2023)
| Price | $1,200,000 |
|---|---|
| Beds | 4 |
| Baths | 3 Baths |
| Home size | 2,506 sqft |
| Lot Size | 1.27 ac |
| Days on Market | 50 |
| Status | Sold |
Magnificent panoramic views of the valley far below and many mountain layers, including Grandfather, Hawks Peak and both Beech and Sugar Mountains. A large, level yard is fenced, and the spacious deck has a sunken hot tub to relax and enjoy the amazing vistas. The home lives large and is a very successful vacation rental with Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals. Four bedrooms and three full baths with master and a guest room on the main level. The rustic home feels like an upscale log lodge, but it is wood-frame construction with log siding, very well insulated for the weather at this 4,400-foot elevation. Vaulted wood ceilings in the great room, wood floors throughout except for tile in the baths, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and beautiful stone fireplace all contribute to the beauty of this home. Fully and wonderfully furnished and decorated, you will only need your personal items to make this home. Every bedroom has a king bed for comfort. Included in the furnishings are a six-seat golf cart, a large propane patio heater, grill and many other items useful for enjoying the mountain lifestyle. This ultimate retreat is also handicap accessible via a ramp.
Property Type(s): Single Family
| Last Updated | 8/4/2022 | Tract | Woodland Springs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 2004 | Community | 1-Boone, Brushy Fork, New River |
| Garage Spaces | 1.0 | County | Watauga |
| Total Parking | n/a |
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Listing provided by Janice Blair, Premier Sotheby's Int'l Realty
How to Find the Right Property for a Vacation Rental Investment
To find an investment property suitable for vacation rentals, a second home/resort agent can be a valuable resource.
They not only have access to the available homes in the area, but they can also provide knowledge and guidance with zoning and restrictions for complex areas of North Carolina mountain land, as well as the marketability of the property in reference to the amenities nearby.
Search With a Trusted Agent
Some areas and developments do not allow short-term rentals, therefore having a trusted agent can help locate homes suitable for a vacation rental investment.
Resort agents can, also, advise buyers about the local attractions and amenities available that would make certain areas more appealing to guests.
When searching for vacation rental properties, having all the necessary information is important for making a wise investment decision.
Invest in the North Carolina Mountains
With many people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the North Carolina mountains are becoming a much sought-after refuge.
With the beautiful mountain landscapes, cool breezes and so many things to do and see, it’s no wonder the High Country has become a popular destination for vacationers.
Consider a Second Home
For those seeking an affordable mountain retreat for a week or weekend, a vacation rental is a great option. For others, buying a second home to use as a mountain getaway can be a great investment especially when put into a vacation rental program through Airbnb, VRBO, and local rental agencies.
For more information on how to grow your investment with a vacation rental program, read our agent Jordan Sellers’ advice on how to become an Airbnb Superhost in Boone.
If you are looking to buy a property as a second home or as a vacation rental, our team at 828 Real Estate is here to help you.
