$1,000,000
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
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.
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.
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.
Swain County West Elementary
Elementary
Swain County Middle School
Middle
Swain County High School
High
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.
Luxurious timber frame home in exclusive gated community with significant appreciation potential and strong vacation rental income prospects.
Buyers should conduct independent due diligence before making any purchase decisions.
Low
$950K
Midpoint
$1000K
High
$1050K
$279/SF estimated price per square foot
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.
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.
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.
Market data is based on aggregated public records and may not reflect real-time conditions.
Allowed Uses
$230/SF
Arm's length transaction
$134/SF
Arm's length transaction
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