Real Estate Archives

Record-Setting $13 Million Linville Ridge Estate Presents the Pinnacle of Mountain Luxury

June 24, 2025 A landmark estate in North Carolina’s High Country, 600 Stonehedge Court, has entered the market, offered at $12,995,000. The residence is the highest-priced active listing within Linville Ridge, Avery County, and the entire High Country MLS. The extraordinary property is marketed exclusively by Natalie Earnhardt and Josh Aldridge of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Linville Ridge Sales Team. Commanding more than 29 pristine acres atop Linville Ridge, one of the most exclusive gated communities on the East Coast, this exceptional estate is a masterstroke of design. The home was originally commissioned by Raymond L. Lutgert, the founder of Linville Ridge and The Lutgert Companies.

June 20, 2025 The High-Country Real Estate Market, consisting of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties, saw 138 closed sales on single-family and condo/townhouse properties in May 2025, up 34.0% compared to April 2025. Inventory was up 26.6% compared to April 2025. The combined closing total of sales for May 2025 was over 87.9 million compared to a closing total for May 2024 of $ 86.5 million. However, the combined median sales price for all four counties was $504,998 for May 2025, up 17.9% compared to May 2024. Hopefully, this is the beginning of an upturn for the High Country Real Estate market.

April 15, 2025 The High-Country Real Estate Market, which consists of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties saw sales down in March 2025 by 18.0% compared to March 2024, with inventory up 11.0% compared to March 2024. In March 2025, there were 109 closed sales on single-family and condo/townhouse properties. The combined closing total of sales for March 2025 was over $71 million compared to a closing total for March 2024 of $66.7 million. However, the combined median sales price for all four counties was $505,000 for March 2025, up 16.8% compared to March 2024. The weather is still a deciding factor in our market currently.

April 1, 2025 Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Grandfather Mountain, 628 Rock Ledge Lane in Linville Ridge presents a rare opportunity to own a residence shaped by cinematic visionaries. Offered at $2.1 million, this exceptional home is the result of a remarkable collaboration between two celebrated designers, Dahl Delu and Roger Murray Leach. Positioned on one of the most sought-after homesites in Linville Ridge, the property enjoys an uninterrupted panorama of Grandfather Mountain and overlooks the tranquil lake at Grandfather Golf and Country Club. Understanding the importance of both privacy and approach, the homeowners constructed a private road, traversing three neighboring parcels to create an elegant and seamless entry experience.

March 20, 2025 This is the tenth and final article in a series covering the long, rich history of the Springhaven Inn, built in 1888 in Blowing Rock, NC. When studying the history of the Springhaven Inn, a common thread throughout the 137 years it has existed is the role of the visual arts and music. The walls, if they could talk, would speak of artists and musicians filling the rooms with creativity and entertainment for years. Music and art play many roles in society—entertainment, cultural preservation, and emotional connection—and this is no different in Blowing Rock at the Springhaven Inn. It is difficult to fully comprehend and actually “get your brain around” the fact that this structure has existed for over a century and the many people who have lived and visited here.

March 3, 2025 In November 1978 Alex Hallmark sold the Springhaven Inn to Linda Rockwell High and Sydney Houston (Hugh) High (1941 – 2007). Hugh and Linda met while in school at Texas Christian University and married. Linda then received a master’s degree in Music Education from North Texas State University and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC-G). Hugh High earned a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. in Economics from Duke University; he spent his career as a University professor.

It’s Been 5 Months, Five Things You Need to Know About How 828 is Recovering After Helene

February 27, 2025 Over five months after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, the region continues to grapple with significant recovery challenges. While progress has been made, several critical needs remain unmet: Job Loss due to Helene: Beyond the physical destruction, Hurricane Helene inflicted significant economic hardship on Western North Carolina. Widespread job losses due to business closures and damage exacerbate individuals’ and families’ challenges while striving to rebuild their homes and lives. In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Foscoe Home Team sprang into action, providing essential resources to ease the immense hardship caused by widespread unemployment. From the first few days following the storm, FHT has offered food assistance, utility aid, and housing support, helping those affected stay afloat while they searched for new employment or rebuilt their businesses.

Down Home North Carolina Advocates for Helene Recovery Funds at Public Comment Session

February 27, 2025 Today, Down Home Ashe County took a stand for building and repairing working-class housing in the High Country to repair damage from Hurricane Helene. At a public comment session before the High Country Council of Governments in Boone, Down Home members wearing their signature blue shirts voiced their support for policies that ensure working families, seniors, and young professionals can find and maintain stable housing.

February 26, 2025 In 1977, Ben Long and his wife Diane wanted to bring Italian Renaissance culture to the high country of North Carolina, so they made plans to operate their own art shop and gallery in Blowing Rock. As the Longs had become friends with Alexander Hallmark the summer before, Alex took Diane to show her the Springhaven Inn, which was available for renting. She “just loved it.” They set up an art gallery/shop with framing in the back and entertained visitors who came to see the art and shop. Diane, in a recent interview, spoke more fully about her memories of Springhaven Inn.

February 19, 2025 The High Country Real Estate Market of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties saw the number of closing sales on Residential Single Family, and Condo/ Townhouse properties down 35.5% compared to January 2024. However, the combined closing total was more in January 2025 with eighty closed sales on single-family and condo/townhouse properties for January coming in at $44.3 million. The combined closing total for January 2024 was $10.9 million. Our winter weather in January 2025 may have contributed to the lower number of closing properties. The combined median sales price for all four counties was $ 390,950 for January 2025, also down 20.5% compared to January 2025.

February 17, 2025 Margaret Reineking sold the Springhaven Inn to Alexander Hallmark in September 1977. Mr. Hallmark, who later became a well-known sculptor, was a real estate agent at the time. His primary motivation in purchasing the property was most likely economic. He acquired it at a bargain price from Reineking, being that it was somewhat dilapidated, and reasoned that the property was a good investment. In 1977 Alex rented the house to Ben Long and his wife Diane.

February 10, 2025. This is the sixth in a series of articles covering the long, rich history of the Springhaven Inn, built in 1888 in Blowing Rock, NC. The post-World War II years were pivotal in the history of the Bark Inn/Springhaven Inn. Sallie Cheatham hired John Reineking (1891-1968) as manager of the Inn in 1942. Reineking had recently moved to Blowing Rock from Brooklyn NY to pursue his interest in real estate investments and had ample ambition. He advertised in many newspapers in the larger cities of the Carolinas to attract visitors to the Bark Inn. Being an adroit entrepreneur, Reineking purchased the Inn from Sallie Cheatham in 1945, reasoning that Blowing Rock stood on the cusp of another period of rapid growth. With war rationing over, automobiles were readily available again and gasoline was no longer difficult to obtain. Families were traveling again and people were coming to the mountains to enjoy the scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway. And, these travelers needed a place to stay! By Dr. Dan Morrill and Catherine Perry `

February 5, 2025 Well, the first year of 2025 has come and gone. January brought lots of snow and ice to the High Country along with some wintry winds…is it Spring yet? January saw 98 closed single family sales in the High Country Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service. Of those 98 sales, 78 were in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties, the area we look at most closely when analyzing High Country Real Estate. Of those 78, 13 were condos or townhomes and 65 were single family detached. List prices ranged from a minimum of $126,900 to a maximum of $2,990,000 with an average List Price of $583,145 and a median List Price of $425,000. Sold prices went from a minimum of $113,750 to a maximum of $2,985,000 with an average Sold Price of $558,776 and a median Sold Price of $390,950 By Bill Caroselli, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

February 5, 2025. This is the fifth in a series of articles covering the long, rich history of the Springhaven Inn, built in 1888 in Blowing Rock, NC. 1934 – 1945 Sallie Charles Cheatham acquired the Springhaven Inn property in 1934 and owned it until 1945. A resident of Raleigh, N.C. and a music teacher, Sallie was a member of the faculty of Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C. at the time she bought the property. Sallie, who was never married, was a concert pianist. She operated the property as an Inn under the name “Bark Inn” and sometimes “Springhaven Inn” and hired managers to oversee daily operations. She frequently invited friends or relatives to stay in the Inn as her guests. By Dr. Dan Morrill and Catherine Perry `

Fourth in a Series: The History of Springhaven Inn: 1911 to 1934

January 30, 2025. This is the fourth in a series of articles covering the long, rich history of the Springhaven Inn, built in 1888 in Blowing Rock, NC. [Springhaven Inn is for sale. A group of town residents, with the Blowing Rock Historical Society, BRAHM, and Preserve Mecklenburg, Inc. (PMI), is working to save the structure. There are only a few properties left in the downtown area that are as old as Springhaven Inn. We are actively looking for a buyer or buyers for the property willing to keep the outside structure of the historic inn. Otherwise, it is in jeopardy of being torn down. If the property is demolished, this physical evidence of the history at the very core of Blowing Rock will be gone forever. We think it is worthy of being saved. If you would like to learn more about how you can be involved in the effort to save this property, contact Tommy Lee at either 704-737-5609 or tommy@appiantextiles.com.] In this article, we pick up where we left last week and cover the cottage’s history from 1911 to 1934. By Dr. Dan Morrill and Catherine Perry `

January 29, 2025. The Blowing Rock Planning Board met on January 16, 2025 to discuss and vote on John Winkler’s request for a conditional rezoning of the Green Park Inn property. Board members heard presentations from town staff, Winkler’s legal counsel Chelsea Garrett and John Winkler. The meeting also included time for questions and answers and public comment. The Planning Board voted to approve the conditional rezoning request. If Blowing Rock Town Council approves it, the rezoning would allow Winkler to move forward with plans to remove sections of the property that were built in the 1920s and 1950s, renovate and save the original 1890s Green Park structure, add condominiums that face the golf course and construct cottages on what is now the south parking lot. By Sam Garrett`

January 23, 2025. This is the third in a series of articles covering the long, rich history of the Springhaven Inn, built in 1888 in Blowing Rock, NC. Springhaven Inn is for sale. A group of town residents, with the Blowing Rock Historical Society, BRAHM, and Preserve Mecklenburg, Inc. (PMI), is working to save the structure. There are only a few properties left in the downtown area that are as old as Springhaven Inn. We are actively looking for a buyer or buyers for the property willing to keep the outside structure of the historic inn. Otherwise, it is in jeopardy of being torn down. If the property is demolished, this physical evidence of the history at the very core of Blowing Rock will be gone forever. We think it is worthy of being saved. If you would like to learn more about how you can be involved in the effort to save this property, contact Tommy Lee at either 704-737-5609 or tommy@appiantextiles.com. By Dr. Dan Morrill and Catherine Perry `

Vannoy Construction is Seeking to Pre-Qualify Contractors to Submit Bids

January 23, 2025. NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS: Caldwell Community College Health Sciences Building. BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION REQUEST: Vannoy Construction has been selected as the Construction Manager at Risk by the University of North Carolina Asheville and is seeking to pre-qualify Contractors to submit bids for furnishing labor, materials, tools & equipment for the Caldwell Community College Health Sciences Building project in Hudson, North Carolina.

January 22, 2025 2024 saw 2176 closed single family sales in the High Country Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service. Of those 2176 sales, 1873 were in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties, the area we look at most closely when analyzing High Country Real Estate. Of those 2176, 442 were condos or townhomes and 1431 were single family detached. List prices ranged from a minimum of $24,900 to a maximum of $29,750,000 with an average List Price of $664,306 and a median List Price of $489,900. Sold prices went from a minimum of $37,500 to a maximum of $15,850,000 with an average Sold Price of $630,210 and a median Sold Price of $469,000. By Bill Aceto, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

January 16, 2025. This is the second in a series of articles covering the long, rich history of the Springhaven Inn, built in 1888 in Blowing Rock, NC. As these articles show, this property has historic significance to Blowing Rock. The Springhaven Inn is located on S. Main Street and 116 Globe Road, Blowing Rock, NC and it is for sale. A group of town residents and the Blowing Rock Historical Society, BRAHM, and Preserve Mecklenburg, Inc. (PMI) are working to save the structure. There are only a few properties left in the downtown area that are as old as Springhaven Inn. We are actively looking for a buyer or buyers for the property who are willing to keep the outside structure of the historic inn. Otherwise, it is in jeopardy of being torn down. By Dr. Dan Morrill and Catherine Perry `

January 8, 2025 December 2024 saw 146 closed single family sales in the High Country Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service. Of those 146 sales, 120 were in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties, the area we look at most closely when analyzing High Country Real Estate. Of those 120, 22 were condos or townhomes and 98 were single family detached. List prices ranged from a minimum of $59,900 to a maximum of $3,650,000 with an average List Price of $675,409 and a median List Price of $527,000. Sold prices went from a minimum of $55,001 to a maximum of $3,450,000 with an average Sold Price of $638,791 and a median Sold Price of $502,500. By Todd Rice, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

January 6, 2025 This is the first in a series of articles covering the long, rich history of the Springhaven Inn, which was built in 1888 in Blowing Rock, NC, located on S. Main Street. You will find, as you read these articles, that this property has historic significance to the town of Blowing Rock. The Springhaven Inn is for sale. A group of town residents, the Blowing Rock Historical Society, BRAHM, and Preserve Mecklenburg, Inc. (PMI) are engaged to save the structure. There are only a few properties left in the downtown area that are as old as Springhaven Inn. We are actively looking for a buyer/s for the property willing to keep the outside structure of the historic inn. Otherwise, it is in jeopardy of being torn down. But, first, let’s take a precursory look into its history.

January 3, 2025 The High Country Real Estate Market of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties saw sales down 27.8% compared to this same time a year ago. Inventory climbed 3.0% during November compared to November 2023. For November, there were 117 closed sales on single-family and condo/townhouse properties. The combined closing total for the month was $92.0 million. Our four counties combined median sales price was $530,000, up 20.0% compared to this time a year ago.

January 1, 2025 Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025. Hopefully, 2024 ended on a bright note for you and your holidays were enjoyable. It has been difficult, of course, to find the right balance between celebrating a season of merriment while still struggling with rebuilding and recovery from the horrible visit from Helene in the fall. Maybe the holidays were not quite as bright and boisterous this year, but perhaps they were more mindful and filled with more sincere expressions of gratitude for what matters most. As we move forward into 2025, as we rebuild and recover, as we grow stronger and the ravages of Helene fade and become bad memories, let’s hope that we keep that sense of gratitude and always acknowledge how fortunate we are for what we have, even when we have lost. The New Year is traditionally a time where we say “out with the old and in with the new!” This includes taking care of your real estate as well! By Tracy Simms,, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

December 4, 2024 There was, obviously, an impact from Helene on November’s sales. For the most part this year, when comparing with 2023, inventory counts might have been down, but the list prices and sales prices were up. Days on market were up slightly some months, LP/SP ratios were up by a percent or two. The drop in number of sales is not a surprise, and the rise in average and median sales prices after October’s dip is encouraging. The numbers that truly reflect Helene’s impact though? Holly Meyers, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

+ More Articles

Record-Setting $13 Million Linville Ridge Estate Presents the Pinnacle of Mountain Luxury

High-Country Real Estate Market Report for May Shows Sales up 34% Over April Sales

The High-Country Real Estate Market Report Shows Sales Down 18% from Last March

Mountain Estate in Linville Ridge Showcases the Vision of Hollywood and British Set Designers – Must-See Architectural Marvel

Last in a Series – The History of Springhaven Inn: The Arts and Music

Ninth in a Series: Linda and Sydney High Purchase Springhaven Inn in 1978

It’s Been 5 Months, Five Things You Need to Know About How 828 is Recovering After Helene

Down Home North Carolina Advocates for Helene Recovery Funds at Public Comment Session

Eighth in a Series: The History of Springhaven Inn: 1978 – Alex Hallmark Rents Springhaven to Ben and Diane Long

High Country Real Estate Market of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties Saw January Closing Sales Down 35.5% From Last Year

Seventh in a Series: The History of Springhaven Inn: 1977, 1978

Sixth in a Series: The History of Springhaven Inn: Post-World War II to 1977

Helene and January’s Heavily Wintry Weather Could Be Cause for Sharp Decline in Sales

Fifth in a Series: The History of Springhaven Inn: 1934 to 1977

Fourth in a Series: The History of Springhaven Inn: 1911 to 1934

Green Park Inn Rezoning is Unanimously Approved by Planning Board and Goes to Town Council

Third in a Series: The History of Springhaven Inn: 1906 to 1911

Vannoy Construction is Seeking to Pre-Qualify Contractors to Submit Bids

Looking at the Real Estate Numbers for 2024

Second in a Series: The History of Springhaven Inn in Blowing Rock 1888 – 1906

Improvement in Numbers from December 2023 to December 2024 is Encouraging

First in a Series – The History of Springhaven Inn, Blowing Rock, NC: A Summary

The High Country Real Estate Market of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties Saw Sales Down 27.8% from Last November

Make This the Year You Make that Home Maintenance Checklist & Stay On Top of It

November Stats: Likely One Offs Due to the Immediate After Effects of Hurricane Helene