What is High Country Luxury Real Estate?

Luxury home sales in the High Country have dramatically increased over the last couple of years. Million-dollar home sales have QUINTUPLED since 2018 in the High Country!

The Institute for Luxury Homes Marketing categorizes “luxury” homes in our local real estate market when the value is $550,000 or more. 

In 2021, there were 218 sales over 1 million in our market,  33 of those being two million+. As you can see, High Country Luxury Real estate is growing exponentially fast and is gaining attention from affluent buyers from across the nation.

High Country luxury real estate is more than a flashy price tag that is trending amongst these buyers and Real Estate Advisors. So outside of price, what signifies a property as High Country Luxury? 

#1: LOCATION AND AREA ACCESS

Our area is known for its four seasons, including ice and snow in the winter, so having a prime location and area amenities are truly in High Country real estate. Access is an essential consideration for any home, especially a luxury home in the North Carolina mountains.  

Consider the location of your home and other aspects of Appalachian living before you narrow down on a property.

Gated Communities

There are plenty of gated communities with paved roads throughout the High Country, providing excellent accessibility, security, and amenities. Like other affluent areas, gated golfing communities feature golf (of course!), tennis, clubhouse, restaurants, spas, pools, and more.

The Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville is rated number 2 in North Carolina and the Nation’s Top 100 Golf Courses while showcasing some of the finest luxury homes in the High Country.

Mountain Communities

In contrast to traditional gated subdivisions, mountain communities cater to more of an outdoor person’s amenities. High Country Luxury communities feature UTV trails, hiking trails, shooting ranges, fly fishing, and more.

In addition to these types of communities, many High Country areas offer easy access off main roads into more of a private, large acreage estate.

High Country luxury properties provide location in proximity to the natural amenities, often having access to stunning views, secluded streams, hiking trails, waterfalls, horseback riding, and more. 

#2: SIZE, EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, AND MATERIALS

Luxury Homeowners in the High Country expect to have larger floor plans built with exceptional quality and craftsmanship. These homes generally have multiple bedrooms, high-end kitchens, spacious bathrooms, multiple living areas.

Property size is not limited to just the residence; typically, High Country Luxury homes are tucked away on several acres of wooded privacy, river frontage, or horse pastures.

High Country Luxury homes are known for their high quality, raw natural elements, and materials. Prime examples of these elements are birch bark accents, hand-hewn timber framing, rock fireplaces, real log siding, plus large windows so the surrounding nature can radiate within the home.

#3: HIGH-END HOME AMENITIES & APPLIANCES

Luxury homeowners expect to have cutting-edge amenities within their homes. Many Luxury mountain homes are known for their great outdoor living spaces to enjoy cool mountain breezes in the summers.

These spaces include outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens/ grills, hot tubs, layers of decks to enjoy views and privacy. Exquisite landscaping enhances these outdoor areas with vibrant flowers and shade trees, creating a unique oasis for entertaining or relaxation.

Chef’s Kitchens with high-end appliances, large natural stone counters, and lots of organized storage are must-haves in High Country Luxury homes.

Spacious spa bathrooms feature soaking tubs with private views, heated tile floors (especially on those snowy mountain days!), large walk-in showers, and good lighting. 

Theatre Rooms & Smart Home Technology are becoming more common among High Country Luxury homes, with the importance of working from home growing. Additional features High Country Luxury homeowners may want workshops/garages for “big kid toys” like ATVs and four-wheelers.

 

If you would like to see examples of High Country Luxury real estate, click here to see 5 of Sarah Long’s favorite High Country Luxury Sales.

Navigate High-End Properties with a Luxury Liaison

Lady relax in a High Country Luxury home with mountain views and rustic furnitureHigh Country luxury homes are plentiful, as the luxury real estate market has grown exponentially over the last five years. Whether you seek a home in a gated golfing community or a private mountain estate, our area has much to offer for the discerning luxury client.

As your certified local luxury liaison, I would be happy to answer any questions if you are curious about buying or selling your High Country Luxury property.

 

About the Author
I am a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, but I have been in North Carolina since1997 when I moved to Boone to attend Appalachian State University. I earned my degree in Theatre Education and Communications. While at ASU I met my husband, Matt Long, a Boone native and general contractor, and gained a heart for these mountains and my beloved ASU Mountaineers. After graduation, I spent 5 years teaching in Charlotte before being given the opportunity to move back to the High Country. In 2007 I earned my NC Real Estate License and began in full-time brokerage. In 2010 I helped to open a franchise brokerage in the High Country. I gained impactful knowledge and built important relationships during my 8 years there, but began to feel the calling to get back to my roots.

In June of 2018, my dream became a reality when I opened 828 Real Estate. We are a boutique brokerage that is locally focused, community-minded and client-driven. I feel so fortunate to be in a career that I love, have opportunities to serve wonderful clients, and get to work with the best team here at 828 Real Estate.

I am a member of The High Country Association of Realtors, the North Carolina Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors. I am a member the Boone Chamber of Commerce and I am on the board for the Downtown Boone Development Association. I have also completed the Realtor  e-Pro certification that specifically focuses on the technology tools needed in the purchase or sale of a property. Additionally, I have earned my CLHMS Designation. (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) and a qualified LuxuryHomes.com Affiliate. Over the years I have been awarded various Top Producer Awards. I am honored each year to be invited to the Top 50 Brokers in the High Country celebration.

My husband and I reside in downtown Boone and have 2 beautiful children, Sadie Rose and Levi. We attend Alliance Bible Fellowship and stay connected by serving the community and supporting local non-profits like Western Youth Network, The Appalachian Theatre and Valle Crucis Community Park. We love to spend time outside hiking, playing on the river, running with their dog, Emmie Lou, hitting the slopes and making the most of our time in this amazing place we get to call home!