Sales comparison approach using recent sales within Fairview area. Adjusted for lot size, unique features, and current market conditions.
A-Frame Mountain Chalet on Nearly 12 Acres with Creek
A unique A-frame chalet sits on an expansive 11.93-acre parcel with creek frontage on Sparkling Springs Road, offering privacy and a strong sense of seclusion while remaining within the Asheville MSA. Built in 1999, the 972-square-foot main structure is organized as a 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath home with a loft and efficient built-in systems designed to maximize usable space. The site is accessed via a private gravel road, and the property combines forested and open areas with a roughed-in driveway and a potential cleared second homesite.
Inside, the layout emphasizes space-saving fixtures and a light footprint. Documented built-in elements include a drop-down kitchen table, loft desks, and a Murphy bed in the living room that creates flexibility between daily living and guest accommodation. Systems and comfort features reported for the property include ductless heating and cooling, ceiling fans, a wood stove, a propane supply for appliances, and an interior fireplace. The roof is metal and the home is described in county sources as being in good condition.
Outdoor and service amenities add resilience and utility for mountain living: a dedicated-panel generator, an outbuilding suitable as a workshop, a hot tub overlooking the creek, underground electric service, and septic and spring-water systems. These utilities support off-grid-friendly living but also require regular maintenance and inspection; verifications recommended in this research include confirming the condition and maintenance history of the spring water source, recent septic inspection reports, and the generator’s operational status. Road access and any HOA covenants that limit modifications or short-term rentals should also be reviewed prior to purchase.
From a planning and zoning perspective the parcel is zoned OU (Open Use) under Buncombe County rules, which allows residential, agricultural, and some limited commercial uses and could support the documented opportunity for a second homesite. Market context for Fairview shows a balanced market with roughly 3.5 months of inventory and average days on market near 60; local comparables and recent sale history are summarized in the research record. This property’s combination of a compact A-frame, substantial acreage with creek frontage, and proximity to Asheville and regional outdoor attractions makes it well suited for buyers seeking a private mountain retreat or a vacation property with future expansion potential. Confirm all material facts with professional inspections and review of public records.
See the properties helping shape the valuation.
Comparable sales
- 36 SF larger
- 1 additional bedroom
- 0.5 additional bathrooms
- 476,111 SF smaller lot
- 6 years older
- 512 SF larger
- 2 additional bedrooms
- 0.5 additional bathrooms
- 432,551 SF smaller lot
- Same year built
- 1,842 SF larger
- 3 additional bedrooms
- 2 additional bathrooms
- 432,551 SF smaller lot
- 3 years newer
A 1999 a frame on 11.93 acres.
Building
Site & utilities
Crystal Falls
Researched nearby locations
Location
98 Sparkling Springs Road, Fairview, NC 28730
The property sits in the Crystal Falls area of Fairview within Buncombe County, a rural mountain community offering a mix of residential parcels, forest, and agricultural land. Residents have convenient access to Asheville (about 15 miles) and regional scenic corridors such as the Blue Ridge Parkway (approximately 10 miles). Local schools serving the area include Fairview Elementary, Cane Creek Middle, and A.C. Reynolds High, all noted in public records as serving the community. Expect a largely car-dependent lifestyle with limited walkability and quiet, low-density surroundings—appealing for buyers prioritizing privacy and outdoor access.
The property offers ready access to regional outdoor attractions, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Lake Lure, and Chimney Rock State Park, with Asheville’s amenities roughly 15 miles away. The creek and wooded acreage support on-site nature access and passive recreation.
A factual market snapshot around 98 Sparkling Springs Road.
Open Use
Zoning
Research-indicated uses
- Residential
- Agricultural
- Limited Commercial
Assessment data and recorded transactions.
Assessed value is kept visually separate from the CompCasa market-value estimate.
Tax assessment
Sale history
Rental references from the research record.
Context only—not an investment recommendation or guarantee of achievable rent.
Supporting lease references
- 28 SF larger
- 1 additional bedroom
- 0.5 fewer bathrooms
- 28 SF larger
- 0.5 fewer bathrooms
What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.
Key findings
- Property last sold in June 2024 for $475,000 ($489/SF)
- Assessed value $247,900 (land $107,300, improvements $140,600) — annual taxes $1,752
- Zoned Open Use (OU) allowing residential, agricultural, and limited commercial uses
- Potential second homesite already cleared with roughed-in driveway
- HOA fees $800 annually; restrictions on short-term rentals
Still worth verifying
Routine buyer due diligence items; these are not known defects.
- Confirm condition and maintenance history of spring water system
- Verify septic system capacity and recent inspection reports
- Review HOA covenants for restrictions on property modifications and rentals
- Assess road conditions and accessibility during various weather conditions
- Professional home inspection to evaluate structural integrity and systems
What stands out about this property.
Interior Features
- Built-in drop-down kitchen table
- Loft with built-in desks
- Murphy bed in living room
- Open floorplan
- 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms
- Fireplace
- Ductless heating and cooling
- Ceiling fan(s)
- Wood stove and propane heating
- Generator with dedicated panel
- Hot tub (overlooking creek)
Sources & research confidence.
See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.