Property listing for 28 Nantahala Rdg, Bryson City, NC 28713
For SaleSingle Family Home

$1,000,000

28 Nantahala Rdg, Bryson City, NC 28713

Custom Timber-Frame Retreat with Lake Access and Mountain Views

3 Bed · 2.5 Bath · 3,588 Sq Ft

3,588 sq ft timber-frame home on 4.32 acres in gated Fontana Lake Estates

3

Beds

2.5

Baths

3,588

Sq Ft

2001

Built

4.32 acres

Lot

3-car attached

Garage

About 28 Nantahala Rdg

The first thing you notice when you arrive at 28 Nantahala Ridge is the timber-frame silhouette set back on a rare 4.32-acre parcel inside gated Fontana Lake Estates. Having toured this home, I can attest that the exposed beams and vaulted ceilings give the great room cathedral scale, and the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace becomes the visual anchor for gatherings. Windows frame long mountain vistas; the house was designed so the sweeping views feel like part of every main living area.

This custom-built 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home puts comfort and convenience on the main level with a primary suite that includes a gas-log fireplace, walk-in closet and an ensuite bath with a jetted tub and tiled shower. Downstairs, an expansive game room provides flexible living — ideal for a home theater, secondary family room, or potential rental guest space. Practical features include a finished screened patio with a hot tub for year-round relaxation, a large unfinished basement for storage or future expansion, and a three-car attached garage with attic storage.

Materials and finishes reflect thoughtful mountain craftsmanship: heavy timber construction, vaulted interiors, and durable composition roofing. Utilities are set up for mountain living with well water, septic service, propane heating supported by a heat pump, and electrical service from Duke Energy. The level lot and paved gated roads make access easy while preserving a private, forested setting.

Beyond the property lines, Fontana Lake Estates delivers lifestyle amenities that appeal to buyers seeking outdoor access and quiet, high-end community living: private lake access less than a mile away, community walking trails, and ready access to Fontana Lake and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you’re looking for a primary residence that doubles as a weekend escape or a high-appeal vacation-rental asset, this timber-frame retreat offers a compelling combination of craftsmanship, size, acreage, and location.

Home Highlights

Custom timber-frame construction4.32-acre private lotPrivate Fontana Lake access (0.5 mi)Main-level primary suite with gas-log fireplaceFloor-to-ceiling stone fireplace in great roomScreened patio with hot tub3-car attached garageStrong vacation rental income potential

Property Features

Interior Features

  • Timber-frame construction with exposed beams
  • Vaulted ceilings and great room with floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace
  • Main-level primary suite with gas-log fireplace
  • Primary ensuite with jetted tub and tiled shower
  • Expansive game room for media or recreation
  • Unfinished basement for storage/expansion
  • 1.5 stories of living space

Exterior & Lot

  • 4.32-acre level lot with forested privacy
  • Private community lake access (Fontana Lake, 0.5 mi)
  • Screened patio with hot tub
  • 3-car attached garage with attic storage
  • Paved access via gated community roads
  • Frontage on Nantahala Ridge

Location & Neighborhood

  • Located in gated Fontana Lake Estates
  • Walking trails and community recreational areas
  • Proximity to Fontana Lake (0.5 mi) and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (5 mi)
  • Nantahala Outdoor Center ~10 miles
  • Downtown Bryson City ~12 miles

Walkability & Recreation

  • Walkability Rating: 20/100 — Car-Dependent
  • Private lake access and community walking trails
  • Fontana Lake within 0.5 miles for boating, fishing and shoreline trails
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park ~5 miles for hiking and scenic drives
  • Nantahala Outdoor Center ~10 miles for rafting, guided trips and outdoor outfitting
  • Neighborhood green spaces and quiet forested lot for daily walks

Neighborhood & Location

Fontana Lake Estates is a gated mountain community focused on outdoor living and privacy. Residents enjoy private lake access, walking trails, and quiet forested parcels while remaining within comfortable driving distance of Bryson City’s services and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The neighborhood attracts buyers seeking second homes, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts who value boating, fishing, hiking and access to regional outfitters like the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Market Insights

The local market around Bryson City and Fontana Lake Estates is currently best described as balanced, with nuanced advantages for well-located, lifestyle-oriented properties. Area metrics show roughly six months of inventory and an average days-on-market near 120 days — a sign that buyers have choices but desirable homes still command attention. Median sale price in the immediate area is approximately $710,000, yet luxury and lake-adjacent properties trade at a premium; recent comparable sales in the neighborhood range from $540,000 to $1.325M. Over the past year, local values rose about 7%, and longer-term appreciation is strong (about 48% over five years), supporting the case for continued demand.

For this property type — custom single-family timber-frame homes with lake access — demand is amplified by tourism and short-term rental performance. Lease comps in the market show monthly rents near $3,800–$4,000 for similar homes, producing a gross rental yield in the neighborhood of 4.8% in current estimates. That income potential, combined with limited availability of large lots in gated communities, makes this an attractive opportunity for buyers seeking lifestyle value or investment upside. Prospective purchasers should weigh HOA fees and community restrictions against these market tailwinds.

Nearby Schools

Swain County West Elementary

Elementary

5/10

Swain County Middle School

Middle

5/10

Swain County High School

High

2/10

Walkability & Recreation

20
Walkability
85
Recreation

Excellent regional access to outdoor recreation: Fontana Lake (0.5 mi) for boating and fishing, Great Smoky Mountains National Park ~5 miles for extensive hiking, and the Nantahala Outdoor Center ~10 miles for river sports and guided adventures.

Investment Highlights

  • Custom-built timber frame home with high-end finishes and panoramic mountain views
  • Located in gated Fontana Lake Estates with private lake access and community amenities
  • Significant appreciation in value, with a 21% increase since 2024
  • Strong vacation rental potential given location and amenities
  • Proximity to Fontana Lake and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers abundant recreational opportunities

Key Findings

  • Property last sold in June 2024 for $825,500
  • Current estimated market value between $950,000 and $1,050,000
  • Assessed value of $474,670 appears below market
  • Located within Fontana Lake Estates, offering private lake access and community amenities
  • Proximity to Fontana Lake (0.5 miles) and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (5 miles)

Things to Consider

  • HOA fees of $1,900 annually
  • Potential community restrictions on property modifications
  • Average days on market in the area is 120 days, indicating a balanced market

Opportunity Analysis

Luxurious timber frame home in exclusive gated community with significant appreciation potential and strong vacation rental income prospects.

Potential Use Scenarios

  • Utilize as a primary residence or vacation home with access to community amenities
  • Leverage strong vacation rental market to generate income
  • Monitor market trends for continued appreciation potential

Risk Factors

  • HOA fees and potential community restrictions
  • Balanced market with average days on market of 120 days
  • Dependence on tourism for rental income

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

AI Valuation Estimate

Low

$950K

Midpoint

$1000K

High

$1050K

$279/SF estimated price per square foot

85% confidence

Sales comparison approach using recent comparable sales within Fontana Lake Estates. Adjusted for size, condition, and unique features. Income approach supports strong vacation rental potential given location and amenities.

As of 2026-03-06

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$710,000
Avg Days on Market120 days
Inventory6 months
1-Year Appreciation+7.0%

Demographics

Bryson City has experienced steady growth in tourism and vacation home ownership, contributing to a robust real estate market. The area's natural attractions and outdoor activities continue to draw new residents and visitors.

Nearby Points of Interest

  • Fontana Lake (0.5 mi)
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park (5 mi)
  • Nantahala Outdoor Center (10 mi)
  • Downtown Bryson City (12 mi)

Located within Fontana Lake Estates, offering private lake access, walking trails, and community amenities. Proximity to Fontana Lake and Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides abundant recreational opportunities.

School District

DistrictSwain County Schools
ElementarySwain County West Elementary (5/10)
MiddleSwain County Middle School (5/10)
HighSwain County High School (2/10)

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

Property Details

Building Details

Year Built2001
Constructiontimber frame
Stories1.5
Roofcomposition
Heatingpropane, heat pump
Coolingheat pump
Basementunfinished
FireplaceYes
Conditionexcellent

Lot & Site

Lot Size4.32 acres (188,179 SF)
Topographylevel
Parkingattached_garage
Parking Spaces3
FrontageFrontage on Nantahala Ridge

Utilities

Waterwell
Sewerseptic
ElectricDuke Energy
Gaspropane

Zoning & Land Use

JurisdictionSwain County

Allowed Uses

single family residential
Current Useresidential
Assessor UseSingle Family Residential

Tax & Sale History

Tax Assessment

Total Assessed$474,670
Land$474,670
Annual Tax (2024)$2,317

Sale History

2024-06-21$825,500

$230/SF

Arm's length transaction

2020-10-23$480,000

$134/SF

Arm's length transaction

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