CompCasa Property Analysis · single_family

28 Nantahala Rdg

Custom Timber-Frame Retreat with Lake Access and Mountain Views

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

3 beds2.5 baths3,588 sq ftBuilt 20014.32 acres3-car attached
CompCasa valuation analysis
Estimated market value
$1,000,000
Low $950,000 · Midpoint $1,000,000 · High $1,050,000
Confidence85%Sales comparison approach
Last recorded sale$825,500Jun 21, 2024
Assessed value$474,6702024 assessment
CompCasa estimate$1,000,000Mar 6, 2026
Estimate vs. last recorded sale+$174,500 / +21.1%
$950,000$1,000,000 midpoint$1,050,000
Price / sq ft$279
Median sale price$710,000
Avg days on market120 days
Inventory6 months

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.

About the property

Custom Timber-Frame Retreat with Lake Access and Mountain Views

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.

Comparable evidence

See the properties helping shape the valuation.

Comparable sales

01Sold price$710,000
Property address1603 Black Forest Dr, Bryson City, NC 28713
3 bed3.5 bath2,475 sq ftBuilt 20151.2 mi87,120 sq ft lot$287/SF
Sold Sep 30, 2025
Subject difference
  • 1,113 SF smaller
  • 1 additional bathroom
  • 101,059 SF smaller lot
  • 14 years newer
Research comparison noteNewer construction with similar size and features, smaller lot
02Sold price$1,325,000
Property address540 Rocky Bluff Dr, Bryson City, NC 28713
3 bed3.5 bath2,293 sq ftBuilt 20172.5 mi65,340 sq ft lot$578/SF
Sold Sep 16, 2025
Subject difference
  • 1,295 SF smaller
  • 1 additional bathroom
  • 122,839 SF smaller lot
  • 16 years newer
Research comparison noteNewer luxury home with premium finishes, smaller lot
03Sold price$540,000
Property address60 Hidden View Ln, Almond, NC 28702
3 bed3 bath2,463 sq ftBuilt 20193 mi43,560 sq ft lot$219/SF
Sold May 19, 2025
Subject difference
  • 1,125 SF smaller
  • 0.5 additional bathrooms
  • 144,619 SF smaller lot
  • 18 years newer
Research comparison noteNewer construction with modern amenities, smaller lot
Comp methodology: Focused on luxury homes within 3 miles sold in the last 12 months for maximum relevance
Property details

A 2001 timber frame on 4.32 acres.

Building

Year built2001
ConstructionTimber Frame
RoofComposition
Heatingpropane, heat pump
Coolingheat pump

Site & utilities

Lot size4.32 acres
Garage3-car attached
Stories1.5
ConditionExcellent
BasementUnfinished
FireplaceYes
Improvement notesCustom-built timber frame home with exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, and high-end finishes. Features include a great room with floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, main-level primary suite with gas log fireplace and ensuite bath, expansive game room, and screened patio with hot tub.
Lot area188,179 sq ft
TopographyLevel
FrontageFrontage on Nantahala Ridge
ParkingAttached Garage
Parking spaces3
Parking notes3-car attached garage with additional driveway parking
AccessPaved access through gated community roads
WaterWell
SewerSeptic
ElectricDuke Energy
GasPropane
Location & nearby

Fontana Lake Estates

Researched nearby locations

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

Location

28 Nantahala Rdg, Bryson City, NC 28713

View in Google Maps
Editorial neighborhood context

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.

Nearby access summary

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.

ElementarySwain County West Elementary (5/10)
Middle schoolSwain County Middle School (5/10)
High schoolSwain County High School (2/10)
School districtSwain County Schools
Market context

A factual market snapshot around 28 Nantahala Rdg.

Median sale price$710,000
Avg days on market120 days
Inventory6 months
1-year appreciation7.0%
5-year appreciation48.0%
Editorial market perspective

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.

Zoning & land use

Recorded zoning information.

Zoning

JurisdictionSwain County
Assessor useSingle Family Residential
Current useResidential

Research-indicated uses

  • Single Family Residential
Verify with the jurisdiction: Zoning, setbacks, and allowed-use summaries are research indicators—not legal advice or a determination that a specific use is permitted.
Tax & sale history

Assessment data and recorded transactions.

Assessed value is kept visually separate from the CompCasa market-value estimate.

Tax assessment

Assessed land$474,670
Total assessed$474,670
Assessment year2024
Annual property tax$2,317
Tax year2024

Sale history

2024-06-21$825,500 · $230/SF
2020-10-23$480,000 · $134/SF
Rental market context

Rental references from the research record.

Context only—not an investment recommendation or guarantee of achievable rent.

Supporting lease references

01Monthly rent$4,000/mo
Property address920 Pecan Ave, Bryson City, NC 28713
3 bed2.5 bath3,588 sq ft$1.12/SF
Leased Aug 1, 2025
Subject difference
  • Same living area
Research comparison noteSimilar size and features, strong vacation rental history
02Monthly rent$3,800/mo
Property address508 Chesterfield Ave, Bryson City, NC 28713
3 bed2.5 bath3,588 sq ft$1.06/SF
Leased Jul 15, 2025
Subject difference
  • Same living area
Research comparison noteComparable luxury home with similar amenities
Research findings & due diligence

What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.

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)

Still worth verifying

Routine buyer due diligence items; these are not known defects.

  • Confirm lot dimensions and boundaries
  • Verify HOA fees and community restrictions
  • Review recent inspection reports
  • Assess rental income potential and market demand
Highlights & features

What stands out about this property.

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
Research transparency

Sources & research confidence.

See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.

View sources & confidence
1
Zillow property listing for 28 Nantahala RdgView source
2
Redfin property listing for 28 Nantahala RdgView source
3
Swain County Tax OfficeView source
4
Swain County Register of DeedsView source
Important: This analysis is AI-assisted and may contain inaccuracies. It is not a formal appraisal. Verify all critical facts with primary records, licensed professionals, and on-site inspection before making purchase decisions.