luxury architect houses for sale McDowell County, United States

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Mountain Estate Bordering Pisgah National Forest Privacy. History. Adventure. Possibilities. This is the kind of property that rarely becomes available. Nestled at the end of a quiet country road, this remarkable 14+ acre estate offers complete seclusion while bordering Pisgah National Forest on three sides, creating your own private gateway to thousands of acres of protected wilderness for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and endless wildlife watching. Beautiful Paxton Creek flows year-round through the property—a true Helene-proven creek—providing a peaceful soundtrack from multiple locations, including the screened porch overlooking the water. The property consists of two residences, multiple outbuildings, fenced pastures, and several exceptional building sites, including one along the historic Wagon Trail where breathtaking 360-degree views of Old Fort Mountain and the surrounding mountain ranges await. The main residence sits on approximately 10 acres and has been thoughtfully designed for both comfort and functionality. Built on an impressive 10-foot Superior Walls foundation system, the semi-finished basement is heated and cooled, providing outstanding additional living or recreation space. The home offers two heating systems, including a brand-new 3-ton heat pump (2025) and a Hot Blast wood-burning furnace ducted throughout the home, giving you efficient year-round comfort with the flexibility of wood heat. Equestrian enthusiasts and homesteaders will appreciate the property's exceptional improvements, including a three-stall barn with grain/tack room, full hay loft with overhang, riding arena perfect for lunging, training, riding, or use as a dry lot, three fenced and cross-fenced pastures, a natural freshwater spring capable of supplying water to the barn, chicken coop, and a charming historic blacksmith shop. A spacious 30' x 30' workshop with side overhang offers covered parking, RV parking with a 50-amp hookup, and endless possibilities for hobbies or equipment storage. Additional amenities include a two-car carport, generator hookup, newer appliances, two picnic areas, and a built-in fire pit perfect for gathering beneath the stars. Adding even more value is the second residence at 662 Paxton Creek Road, situated on approximately four additional acres. Originally built as a log cottage believed to date back to 1841, this historic home has been lovingly preserved, with the current owners being only the fourth family to steward the property in nearly two centuries. Completely remodeled in 2020, the home now offers three bedrooms and two full baths while maintaining its timeless mountain charm. Recent updates include a new well pump (2024), new mini-split system (2025), and an additional propane heater for supplemental warmth. Whether used as a guest house, vacation rental, caretaker's home, or private residence for extended family, it offers incredible flexibility. Whether you're dreaming of a private equestrian estate, a self-sufficient homestead, a multi-generational family compound, or simply a peaceful mountain sanctuary unlike anything else on the market, this extraordinary property delivers. With unmatched privacy, abundant wildlife, flowing water, National Forest boundaries, historic character, and room to grow, this is more than a home—it's a legacy property that will be treasured for generations.