Property listing for 36 Auburndale Dr, Asheville, NC 28806
For SaleSingle Family Home

$675,000

36 Auburndale Dr, Asheville, NC 28806

Ranch Home with Detached Cottage and Direct Pisgah Trail Access

4 Bed · 5 Bath · 2,582 Sq Ft

Versatile multi-unit property steps from Pisgah National Forest trails

4

Beds

5

Baths

2,582

Sq Ft

1972

Built

0.26 acres

Lot

1-car attached

Garage

About 36 Auburndale Dr

What makes 36 Auburndale Drive unmistakable is the backyard — a level, privately set lot with direct access onto Pisgah National Forest trails. This ranch-style property delivers a rare combination: a roomy main residence with main-level living, a finished basement apartment with its own entrance and kitchen, and a detached one-bedroom cottage (constructed 2019) designed for independent use.

Inside the main house you’ll find 3 bedrooms and 2 baths on the main level, arranged for comfortable single-story living. The lower level functions as a full, separate living unit with a kitchenette and private ingress that could serve as a multi-generational wing, long-term rental, or short-term stay (verify local zoning and permitting). The detached cottage adds further flexibility — built in 2019 with level entry and its own bath — creating clear income potential or private guest quarters.

Practical systems and solid bones: the home is a 1972 frame construction with composition shingle roof, hot-air heating, municipal water and sewer, and a 1-car attached garage plus driveway parking for approximately three vehicles. The lot is approximately 0.26 acres and level, with standard residential frontage on Auburndale Drive and immediate access to miles of hiking and mountain biking within the Bent Creek/Pisgah network.

From an investment and lifestyle perspective this property stands apart. The assessed value (2024) is $464,400 while recent local sales and an adjusted valuation analysis place market value in the $650–700K range, reflecting premiums paid for detached cottages and trail-adjacent parcels. Buyers should note the audit and broker notes: confirm permits for the 2019 cottage, verify zoning for rental uses, and schedule a full inspection to assess the condition of both the original house and newer cottage.

36 Auburndale suits an active household that values outdoor access without sacrificing separate living spaces — ideal for multigenerational families, owners seeking rental offsets, or buyers who want direct entry to the region’s best trails while remaining minutes from Biltmore Park Town Square and the North Carolina Arboretum.

Home Highlights

Direct access to Pisgah National Forest trailsDetached 1BR/1BA cottage built in 2019Finished basement apartment with separate entrance and kitchenetteAssessed value below current market estimate0.26-acre level lot with private backyard1-car attached garage plus driveway parking

Property Features

Interior Features

  • Main-level living: 3 bedrooms and 2 baths on first floor
  • Finished basement apartment with private entrance and kitchenette
  • Detached 1BR/1BA cottage (built 2019) with level entry
  • Total: 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
  • Basement provides separate living quarters suitable for rental or in-law use
  • Hot-air heating

Exterior & Lot

  • 0.26-acre level lot with standard residential frontage
  • Direct backyard access to Pisgah National Forest trails
  • 1-car attached garage plus driveway parking (approx. 3 spaces)
  • Composition shingle roof
  • Detached cottage provides independent living or rental opportunity
  • Municipal water and sewer; Piedmont Natural Gas service

Location & Neighborhood

  • Adjacent to Pisgah National Forest — immediate trail access
  • Bent Creek Experimental Forest nearby (0.5 mi)
  • North Carolina Arboretum (2 mi)
  • Biltmore Park Town Square (3 mi) and Asheville Outlets (4 mi)
  • Residential neighborhood character within the Bent Creek area
  • Zoning: R-1 (single-family; accessory dwelling allowed subject to permits)

Walkability & Recreation

  • Walkability Rating: 35/100 — Car-Dependent
  • Direct trail access to Pisgah National Forest from the backyard
  • Bent Creek Experimental Forest trails within 0.5 miles
  • North Carolina Arboretum recreational gardens and trails (2 miles)
  • Biltmore Park Town Square (3 miles) for shopping and dining
  • Neighborhood suited for biking and outdoor recreation enthusiasts

Neighborhood & Location

Bent Creek offers an outdoor-first lifestyle while remaining within easy reach of Asheville’s amenities. The neighborhood is prized for immediate access to Pisgah National Forest and Bent Creek Experimental Forest trails, with the North Carolina Arboretum a short drive away. Residents enjoy a mix of suburban calm and recreational opportunity — from mountain biking and hiking to nearby shopping at Biltmore Park Town Square. Schools in the Buncombe County system are rated average to above average, and the area attracts buyers who prioritize nature access without sacrificing convenience.

Market Insights

Bent Creek is currently a balanced market with a modest lean toward sellers for standout properties. Inventory sits around 2.5 months — below a neutral six-month supply and consistent with a market where well-located, unique homes move more quickly. Average days on market in the area is about 45 days, and recent one-year appreciation is roughly 5% with a five-year gain near 25%. Median sale price for the broader area hovers near $550,000, but properties with direct trail access and accessory dwelling units command premiums. Comparable sales within a half-mile closed between $500K and $645K in the past six months; when adjusted for the detached 2019 cottage and finished basement apartment, a valuation midpoint of $675,000 is reasonable.

For buyers: financing and inspection contingencies remain important given the 1972 main structure and recent cottage addition; verify permits and utility configurations. For sellers: market demand favors properties that offer flexibility (separate suites, rental potential) and outdoor access. With limited inventory, well-presented homes with verified permitting and clear rental/legal documentation generally see stronger offers. Given local trends, now is a strategic time to market or to lock in a purchase for those seeking both lifestyle and income upside.

Nearby Schools

Enka High

High

6/10

Enka Middle

Middle

6/10

Hominy Valley Elementary

Elementary

5/10

Walkability & Recreation

35
Walkability
92
Recreation

Exceptional outdoor access with direct trailhead to Pisgah National Forest, Bent Creek trails 0.5 miles away, and the North Carolina Arboretum within 2 miles—ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and nature outings.

Investment Highlights

  • Detached 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom cottage built in 2019 offers rental income potential
  • Direct backyard access to Pisgah National Forest trails enhances lifestyle appeal
  • Finished basement apartment with separate entrance and kitchen provides additional rental opportunity
  • Located in Bent Creek community, known for proximity to outdoor amenities and steady property appreciation
  • Assessed value of $464,400 is below market estimate of $675,000, indicating potential for appreciation

Key Findings

  • Property includes main residence, finished basement apartment, and detached cottage
  • Backyard provides direct access to Pisgah National Forest trails
  • Assessed value of $464,400 with annual property tax of $2,859
  • Comparable sales in the area range from $650,000 to $700,000
  • Located in Bent Creek community with proximity to outdoor amenities and shopping centers

Things to Consider

  • Built in 1972; potential buyers should assess condition of original construction
  • Detached cottage built in 2019; verify permits and construction quality
  • Zoning restrictions may apply to rental use of detached cottage and basement apartment
  • Schools in the area are rated average to above average; families may consider private options
  • Walkability Rating estimate is 35/100; reliance on vehicles for daily errands

Opportunity Analysis

Unique property offering versatile living arrangements and direct access to Pisgah National Forest trails, with potential for rental income from detached cottage and basement apartment. Located in a desirable community with steady appreciation trends.

Potential Use Scenarios

  • Utilize detached cottage and basement apartment for short-term or long-term rentals to offset mortgage payments
  • Market property to outdoor enthusiasts seeking direct trail access and proximity to nature
  • Consider property as a multi-generational living solution with separate living spaces

Risk Factors

  • Condition of main residence due to age; recommend thorough inspection
  • Zoning restrictions on rental use; verify with local authorities
  • Market demand for rental units in the area; conduct market analysis

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

AI Valuation Estimate

Low

$650K

Midpoint

$675K

High

$700K

$261/SF estimated price per square foot

82% confidence

Sales comparison approach using 3 comparable sales within 0.5 miles sold in last 6 months. Adjusted for additional detached cottage and direct trail access to Pisgah National Forest.

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$550,000
Avg Days on Market45 days
Inventory2.5 months
1-Year Appreciation+5.0%

Demographics

Population (1 mi)5,000
Median Income (1 mi)$75,000

Bent Creek area has seen steady appreciation due to proximity to outdoor amenities and Asheville's growing popularity. Walkability Rating estimate: 35/100.

Nearby Points of Interest

  • Pisgah National Forest (adjacent)
  • Bent Creek Experimental Forest (0.5 mi)
  • North Carolina Arboretum (2 mi)
  • Biltmore Park Town Square (3 mi)
  • Asheville Outlets (4 mi)

Direct access to Pisgah National Forest trails from backyard; proximity to Bent Creek Experimental Forest and North Carolina Arboretum offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities.

School District

DistrictBuncombe County Schools
ElementaryHominy Valley Elementary (5/10)
MiddleEnka Middle (6/10)
HighEnka High (6/10)

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

Property Details

Building Details

Year Built1972
Constructionframe
Stories1
Roofcomposition_shingle
Heatinghot_air
Coolingunknown
Basementfinished with separate entrance
FireplaceNo
Conditiongood

Lot & Site

Lot Size0.26 acres (11,326 SF)
Topographylevel
Parkingattached_garage_and_driveway
Parking Spaces3
FrontageStandard residential frontage on Auburndale Dr

Utilities

Watermunicipal
Sewermunicipal
ElectricDuke Energy
GasPiedmont Natural Gas

Zoning & Land Use

Zoning CodeR-1
DescriptionSingle-Family Residential
JurisdictionCity of Asheville

Allowed Uses

single familyaccessory dwelling unithome occupation
Current Useresidential
Assessor UseSingle-Family Residential

Tax & Sale History

Tax Assessment

Total Assessed$464,400
Land$65,500
Improvements$398,900
Annual Tax (2024)$2,859

Sale History

2013-01-07$223,500

$97/SF

Arm's length transaction

2008-12-04$211,000

$92/SF

Arm's length transaction

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