$776,000
23 Balsamwood Rd, Leicester, NC 28748
Custom Log Home on 2+ Private Acres in Gated Moores Valley
3 Bed · 3 Bath · 3,375 Sq Ft
3BR/3BA with finished basement, waterfall entry, decks & screened porch
3
Beds
3
Baths
3,375
Sq Ft
2015
Built
2.02 acres
Lot
No attached garage — driveway and basement workshop for storage
Garage
About 23 Balsamwood Rd
A rare, fully finished custom log residence inside the gated Moores Valley community, this property delivers mountain living with modern craftsmanship. Built in 2015 and sited on two lots totaling approximately 2.02 acres, the home opens with a private waterfall and a level parking entry that sets a serene tone before you step inside. The main level centers on an expansive great room framed by vaulted ceilings and detailed woodwork; a gas fireplace anchors the space and the open plan flows to the gourmet kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and a large hammered copper sink — a thoughtful combination of rustic material and quality finishes.
The main floor contains three comfortable bedrooms, including the primary suite with direct access to a screened porch where mountain views and fresh air are part of daily life. Multiple outdoor living spaces — decks, a screened porch off the primary, and a rockscaped fire pit area — extend living and entertaining options. Downstairs, the full finished basement substantially increases usable square footage with two bonus rooms, a full bath, a wet bar ready for gatherings, abundant storage, a dedicated utility room and a workshop space well-suited for hobbies or overflow storage.
Land use here is flexible: the two-lot configuration gives extra privacy and the option to retain or develop the additional parcel subject to community rules. Moores Valley permits short-term rentals per the listing notes, creating an alternative income pathway for an investor or part-time owner. Practical mountain features — a mudroom, durable finishes, and purposeful workshop space — combine with the home's aesthetic to appeal to buyers seeking a turnkey retreat.
If you value privacy, craftsmanship, and flexible use (primary residence, weekend getaway, or rental property), this log home offers a compelling combination. Contact the listing agent for HOA covenants, utility details, and showings.
Home Highlights
Property Features
Interior Features
- 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms
- ~3,375 sq ft finished including full basement
- Vaulted ceilings and custom woodwork throughout
- Gourmet kitchen with granite counters and hammered copper sink
- Gas fireplace in main living area
- Finished basement with wet bar, two bonus rooms, full bath and workshop
- Mudroom and dedicated utility room
Exterior & Lot
- Two contiguous lots totaling ~2.02 acres
- Gated Moores Valley community
- Private waterfall feature at entry
- Multiple decks, screened porch off primary suite
- Rockscaped fire pit area and landscaped grounds
- Level parking area; driveway parking
Location & Neighborhood
- Located in Moores Valley gated neighborhood (Leicester, NC)
- Approximately 20–30 minutes to Asheville amenities
- Access to Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest and local trails
- Short-term rentals permitted in community (verify covenants)
Walkability & Recreation
- Walkability Rating: 15/100
- Easy access to regional outdoor recreation: hiking, scenic drives, mountain trails
- Nearby small-town services in Leicester and West Asheville within a short drive
Neighborhood & Location
Moores Valley is a gated, low-density mountain community near Leicester, west of Asheville. The neighborhood attracts owners who value privacy, wooded acreage, and easy access to outdoor recreation — hiking, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and local waterfalls. Houses range from custom log cabins to contemporary mountain homes; community covenants maintain a consistent rural aesthetic while permitting limited rental activity.
Market Insights
The Buncombe County and greater Asheville market continue to attract buyers drawn to lifestyle properties and second homes. Inventory for high-quality, turnkey mountain homes and log residences remains tight, especially in gated or private communities near Asheville. Median sale prices in the broader area have appreciated materially over the past three to five years; niche product like this commands a premium due to finished lower-level living, scenic siting, and permitted STR activity. For a buyer, this is an opportunity to secure a move-in-ready property with immediate lifestyle use and optional rental upside. For an investor, run a conservative STR model (seasonal fluctuations) and verify MOA/HOA rules and county registration. Expect competitive interest if marketed to second-home and lifestyle buyers.
Nearby Schools
Leicester Elementary
Elementary · 3 mi
Enka Middle School
Middle · 8 mi
Enka High School
High · 8 mi
Walkability & Recreation
Excellent access to mountain recreation — trails, scenic drives, and Pisgah/Blue Ridge nearby; property suited for outdoor-focused buyers.
Investment Highlights
- Custom log construction with high-end interior finishes and vaulted ceilings.
- Finished full basement with wet bar, bonus rooms and workshop — increases usable square footage and rental capability.
- Two lots (~2.02 acres total) provide privacy and optional second homesite/expansion potential.
- Located in a gated community within the Asheville MSA, attractive to second-home buyers and short-term rental operators.
- Recent build (2015) reduces near-term capital expenditure for major systems compared to older mountain cabins.
Key Findings
- List price: **$776,000**; AVM: ~$775,929; price/sf ~**$230** (per Redfin data).
- Finished area: **~3,375 sq ft** including full finished basement (seller-provided figure).
- Lot size: **~87,991 sq ft (2.02 acres)** — two contiguous lots within Moores Valley.
- Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 3 BR / 3 BA with primary suite on main level and additional living space below.
- Short-term rentals are allowed within Moores Valley per listing notes; confirm community rules before purchase.
Things to Consider
- Utilities (well and septic) and maintenance costs for log construction should be confirmed; these can be higher than typical framed homes.
- No attached garage is reported — buyers seeking covered vehicle storage will need to consider add-ons.
- Verification needed for exact zoning, covenant restrictions, and any future lot development limitations.
Opportunity Analysis
Acquire a turnkey, custom log home in a gated mountain community that appeals to full-time residents, lifestyle buyers, and STR investors; capture price appreciation by leveraging finished basement rental income or converting to a higher-yield short-term rental operation (subject to rules).
Potential Use Scenarios
- Buyer looking to live in: focus on condition inspection for log upkeep, HVAC, well and septic; negotiate minor credits for any deferred maintenance.
- Investor: model STR cash flow using conservative occupancy (35-45%) and confirm community/county STR permit requirements.
- Developer/Owner: retain second lot for privacy or sell separately if covenants/plat allow to recoup part of purchase price — verify subdivision rules.
Risk Factors
- Potential higher maintenance costs for log siding and roof in mountain climate.
- Utility constraints (well/septic) could limit conversion to higher-occupancy uses without upgrades.
- Limited comparable supply may make pricing negotiation sensitive — high-quality niche homes often sell at premium.
Buyers should conduct independent due diligence before making any purchase decisions.
AI Valuation Estimate
Low
$725K
Midpoint
$775K
High
$825K
$229.86/SF estimated price per square foot
Estimate anchored to the provided list price ($776,000) and AVM (~$775,929). Range derived from comparable market knowledge for custom log homes in Buncombe County, condition, acreage, finished basement, and short-term rental potential. No live sales comp pull was performed.
As of 2026-03-14
This is a computer-generated estimate for informational purposes only and is not an appraisal or professional valuation.
Market & Area Data
Market Trends
Demographics
Area attracts buyers seeking mountain homes, second homes, and small-scale short-term rentals. Buncombe County has seen steady demand due to Asheville-area growth; expect continued interest in privately sited properties within communties like Moores Valley.
Nearby Points of Interest
- Asheville (approx. 20-25 min)
- Blue Ridge Parkway (15-30 min)
Rural-mountain setting near Asheville with quick access to Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, local shops and restaurants in Leicester/Weaverville/West Asheville.
School District
Market data is based on aggregated public records and may not reflect real-time conditions.
Property Details
Building Details
Lot & Site
Utilities
Zoning & Land Use
Allowed Uses
Tax & Sale History
Tax Assessment
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