Property listing for 1195 Old Wildlife Club Dr #89, Nebo, NC 28761
ActiveSingle Family Home (detached garage living)

$1,150,000

1195 Old Wildlife Club Dr #89, Nebo, NC 28761

Panoramic Lake James & Blue Ridge Views — 2.07 Acres + Garagemahal

1 Bed · 2 Bath · 921 Sq Ft

Live now in a unique two-bay Garagemahal with boatslip and future-build potential

1

Beds

2

Baths

921

Sq Ft

2017

Built

2.07 acres

Lot

Detached 2-bay 'Garagemahal' with extra-long bay for boat/workshop

Garage

About 1195 Old Wildlife Club Dr #89

1195 Old Wildlife Club Drive Unit #89 is a rare Lake James opportunity: a thoughtfully built two-bay "Garagemahal" perched on approximately 2.07 acres with expansive long-range water views and Blue Ridge mountain vistas. The living quarters above the garage were designed to showcase the panorama — vaulted ceilings and a wall of windows create a living room that frames the lake like a landscape painting. The open-plan kitchen includes built-in cabinetry and granite counters that make the compact footprint efficient for everyday use and entertaining.

The Garagemahal is the star of the property: one bay is extra-long to accommodate a boat, lake toys, or a generous workshop, and the upper-level living space provides immediate, comfortable accommodation while you plan or build a larger lakeside residence. Outdoor living is prominent here — a broad Trex deck spans the building's main level for unobstructed vistas, and a covered patio and firepit area below provide sheltered relaxation spots that look out across Lake James. A short UTV ride gives access to an easy-to-reach, year-round boatslip included with the property, plus membership access to Camp Lake James amenities (pool, fitness center, tennis/pickleball courts, dining, marina and social events).

Practical details matter: the property was built in 2017 with low-maintenance Hardy siding and stone foundation, includes generous storage and an upstairs washer/dryer, and sits on a sloping parcel that offers privacy and an easy future build site. The living space today is ideal as a primary weekend retreat, full-time small-footprint residence, or premium short-term rental; long-term owners will appreciate the ability to enlarge the footprint or construct a custom dream home to fully capitalize on the views and acreage.

This offering combines immediate usability with development optionality in one of the most sought-after view corridors on Lake James. Early showings are available — buyer advisories include confirming septic/well capacity and title verification of the boatslip and Camp Lake James access prior to closing.

Home Highlights

Dramatic long-range Lake James + Blue Ridge views2.07-acre parcel with privacy and buildable areaDetached two-bay Garagemahal with extra-long boat bayIncluded year-round boatslip and Camp Lake James accessBuilt 2017 — low-maintenance exterior

Property Features

Interior Features

  • Vaulted living room with expansive view wall
  • Efficient open kitchen with granite countertops
  • Primary suite with stand-alone soaking tub
  • Upper-level laundry and ample storage
  • 1 bedroom / 2 bathrooms, 921 SF total living area

Exterior & Lot

  • Approximately 2.07-acre lot (90,169 SF)
  • Large Trex deck spanning main level
  • Covered patio and lakeside firepit
  • Detached two-bay Garagemahal with extra-long bay
  • Low-maintenance hardy siding and stone foundation

Location & Neighborhood

  • Private setting within Old Wildlife Club at Lake James
  • Deeded access to Camp Lake James (pool, marina, fitness, courts)
  • Short UTV ride to a year-round boatslip included
  • 15–25 minute drive to Marion for services; regional access to Morganton/Hickory

Walkability & Recreation

  • Walkability Rating: 18/100
  • Direct access to lake recreation, boat slip, and community courts
  • Nearby Lake James State Park trails and fishing opportunities

Neighborhood & Location

Old Wildlife Club at Lake James is a low-density lakeside community favored by second-home buyers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts. Properties range from modest cottages to custom estates on wooded parcels, many with deeded access to shared amenities at Camp Lake James. The area offers a blend of privacy, recreational infrastructure, and proximity to small-town services in Marion plus regional centers like Morganton and Hickory.

Market Insights

Lake James sits within a niche market where true long-range water and mountain views are scarce and command a premium relative to inland McDowell County housing. Typical median sales in the broader area are substantially lower than this listing, but waterfront or superior-view parcels at Lake James routinely trade at higher multiples due to limited supply and strong demand from second-home buyers and retirees. Inventory for premium lake properties is often tight and seasonal — sellers who price to reflect the view/amenity package frequently see competitive interest in the spring and early summer. Given the property's included boatslip, Camp Lake James access, and buildable acreage, it represents both a lifestyle purchase and an investment in scarce waterfront-adjacent real estate.

Nearby Schools

Nebo Elementary School

Elementary · 6–8 mi

6/10

Mauney/McDowell Middle School (or local district middle)

Middle · 12–18 mi

6/10

McDowell High School

High · 15–20 mi

5/10

Walkability & Recreation

18
Walkability
88
Recreation

Excellent lake and mountain recreation nearby — boating, fishing, trails, paddle sports, and community courts and pool at Camp Lake James provide varied outdoor options year-round.

Investment Highlights

  • Rare long-range Lake James + Blue Ridge mountain views from a private 2.07-acre parcel.
  • Includes a year-round community boatslip and Camp Lake James amenity access.
  • Detached two-bay garage with extra-long bay and upper-level living provides immediate income/use and future build flexibility.
  • Recent construction (2017) and low-maintenance exterior materials reduce near-term capital needs.

Key Findings

  • List price: $1,150,000; AVM: ~$1,142,600.
  • Living area: 921 SF; 1 bed / 2 baths; built in 2017.
  • Lot size: ~90,169 SF (approx. 2.07 acres).
  • Detached 'Garagemahal' accommodates boat and workshop; includes upper-level living with vaulted views.
  • Community amenities (Camp Lake James) increase appeal and rental potential.

Things to Consider

  • Living square footage is small relative to list price; appraisal will need to justify lot/view premium and amenities.
  • Verify septic/well capacity and allowable expansion for a larger home on-site.
  • Confirm legal access to boatslip and any easements; shoreline or watershed protections may limit improvements.

Opportunity Analysis

Acquire a lake-view parcel with immediate usable living and an income/rental candidate while retaining the option to build a larger primary residence that captures full lakefront value.

Potential Use Scenarios

  • Perform a feasibility study for septic/well and build envelope to determine costs to construct a primary home.
  • Obtain title review for deeded boat slip and community amenity rights.
  • If investor: stage property as premium short-term rental for peak season with controlled occupancy to preserve structure and manage wear.
  • If owner-builder: use existing Garagemahal as interim living while site work and plans proceed.

Risk Factors

  • Appraisal risk due to small livable area relative to comparable full-size homes.
  • Regulation risk from lake watershed protections or local zoning setbacks impacting expanded build.
  • Market seasonality and insurance costs for lake properties.

Buyers should conduct independent due diligence before making any purchase decisions.

AI Valuation Estimate

Low

$1050K

Midpoint

$1175K

High

$1300K

$1247.95/SF estimated price per square foot

65% confidence

Estimate anchored to list price of $1,150,000 and AVM (~$1,142,600). Range reflects premium lake/mountain long-range views, included boat slip, detached two-bay garage with living area, and 2+ acre buildable parcel; limited by small existing living square footage (921 SF). No live comps searched — values based on regional lakefront premiums and training data.

As of 2026-03-12

This is a computer-generated estimate for informational purposes only and is not an appraisal or professional valuation.

Market & Area Data

Market Trends

Area Median Price$420,000
Avg Days on Market35 days
Inventory3.5 months
1-Year Appreciation+450.0%

Demographics

Population (1 mi)1,200
Median Income (1 mi)$62,000

Lake James area draws second-home buyers and retirees; steady demand for lakefront and lake-view parcels with modest local inventory.

Nearby Points of Interest

  • Camp Lake James (amenities & marina) (0.5-1.5 mi)
  • Lake James State Park (4-8 mi)

Property benefits from access to Camp Lake James amenities (pool, marina, fitness, courts) and proximity to Lake James recreation and trail systems; local dining and small-town services in Nebo and Marion within 15-25 minutes.

School District

DistrictMcDowell County Schools
ElementaryNebo Elementary School (McDowell County) — rating approx. 6/10
MiddleHarmon/McDowell Middle (McDowell County) — rating approx. 6/10
HighMcDowell High School — rating approx. 5/10

Market data is based on aggregated public records and may not reflect real-time conditions.

Property Details

Building Details

Year Built2017
Constructionwood frame with hardy siding and stone foundation
Stories2
Basementnone
FireplaceNo
Conditiongood

Lot & Site

Lot Size2.071 acres (90,169 SF)
Topographysloping
Parkingdetached_garage_and_driveway
Parking Spaces6
FrontageSet above Lake James with long-range water and mountain views; driveway access via Old Wildlife Club Drive

Utilities

Waterlikely public or community well (verify)
Sewerlikely septic (verify)
Electricconnected (verify provider)
Gaslikely propane or electric (verify)

Zoning & Land Use

DescriptionResidential/lakeside low-density zoning; lot size supports single-family dwelling and accessory structures—verify with county zoning office for building envelope and setbacks.
JurisdictionMcDowell County

Allowed Uses

Single family residenceAccessory buildings (garage/workshop)Recreational accessory uses subject to local rules
Current Useresidential

Tax & Sale History

Tax Assessment

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