Stunning Retreat in Pisgah National Forest
17-Acre Property at Looking Glass Rock in Balsam Grove, NC
Cradled at the base of the iconic Looking Glass Rock, this amazing 17-acre private retreat is adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest on two sides. The beautifully crafted “Farm House” style home is warm and comfortable but delivers the best of finishes and workmanship. Poised in a secluded setting just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, this property is an ideal sanctuary for those who wish to get away and enjoy nature and the cool, clean mountain air.
The Property | For an outdoor enthusiast this property is a dream come true. The estate encompasses 17 acres adjoining Pisgah National Forest on two sides and offers stellar views of the surrounding mountains. Located at a 3000-foot elevation, the home offers cool temperatures in the summer months. A remarkable trail winds though the property, offering dramatic views of Pilot, Rich and Brushy Mountains. From your property, you can walk into the National Forest to discover old growth forests and a small waterfall and creek. The parcel includes rolling terrain with several open pastures that could be used for horses. The property is unrestricted.
The Residence |
This stunning 4-bedroom farm-style home offers 3,500 square feet of beautifully designed living space. On the impressive 900 square feet of porch space, you can soak in the serenity of the surroundings in comfort. The impeccable interior includes oversized windows with transoms, Five Star dual fuel stove, granite countertops, beautiful woodwork and molding, rustic V-groove, beadboard and shiplap pine walls and ceilings, designer lighting, oak floors, native stone fireplaces and Hansgrohe fixtures.
Living Room | As you enter the home through a striking knotty alder wood and glass door, notice the inviting open floor plan. The great room, dining room and kitchen flow together seamlessly. The living room boasts oak floors, native stone wood-burning fireplace, candle wall sconces, V-groove walls, beadboard ceiling, casement entrance from the foyer, numerous windows and fisheye accent lights over the fireplace. This elegant room is comfortable yet refined.
Kitchen |
This spacious kitchen will be the gathering area for your next dinner party. The open layout is designed with a large island, granite countertops, custom-built alder cabinets with antique finish, Rohl faucet, KitchenAid refrigerator, Five Star dual fuel range and oak floors. Notice the special touches such as pendant lights over the island and handmade Italian tile backsplash.
Breakfast Nook |
Just off the kitchen, but within reach of the chef, is the cozy breakfast nook. The nook is surrounded by divided-light windows that overlook the beautiful canopy of the Pisgah National Forest.
Dining | A spectacular mountain forest setting is the theme for meals in this lovely dining room. Surrounded by large windows, the dining room is framed by an arched entryway. The room also features an attractive candle chandelier and gleaming oak floors.
Master Bedroom |
A truly special master bedroom, this space overlooks picturesque long range mountain views. The home’s rustic charm carries through with V-groove siding and beadboard ceiling, giving the room the feel of a historic farm house. The room boasts a vaulted ceiling, French door entrance, 6-foot divided-light windows with transoms and recessed lighting as well as crown and baseboard molding. From this room, there is direct access to the wrap-around porch and outdoor fireplace.
Master Bath | This luxurious master bathroom is the ideal spot to relax. The centerpiece of the bath is a Champagne jetted tub surrounded by divided-light windows that overlook the beautiful forest. The bath includes two separate walk-in closets with built-in organizers, subway tiled floors, custom lighting over the vanities and antique replica chandelier, separate vanities with granite countertops. Notice the Kohler sinks, Hansgrohe faucets, soft close Toto toilet and large shower with European style seamless glass enclosure.
Guest Bedrooms |
The home includes three guest bedrooms, one on the downstairs level and two on the second level. The downstairs bedroom is framed by large transom windows that overlook the mountain setting. This lovely space is ideal as a bedroom or a downstairs office and has a connecting bathroom. The upstairs bedrooms have vaulted ceilings, oak floors, recessed lighting, horizontal V-groove wall siding, baseboard molding, and walk-in closets. One has a cozy loft space to accommodate additional guests.
Bonus Room | This handy space boasts vaulted ceilings, beautiful wood floors, recessed lighting, ample windows and ceiling fan. This open space would make a great TV room, large office or game room.
The Porches | This beautiful estate would not be complete without abundant outdoor living space. The large 900- square-foot wrap-around porch is perfect for enjoying the cool summer afternoons or sitting by the outdoor fireplace and watching the brilliant fall colors. The covered porch features recessed lighting, a stacked stone wood-burning fireplace, ceiling fans and great views of the rolling pastoral property and the mountain vistas.
Garage | The separate oversized two-car garage has ample space for vehicles, toys and a workshop. The garage features include a stack stone entry and custom wooden garage doors; a covered breezeway connects the garage to the home. The second story is completely finished and would be ideal for a studio or office away from the distractions of home.
The Location | Located in Balsam Grove amid the natural wonder of Pisgah National Forest, this home is the perfect mountain getaway. Brevard, North Carolina, approximately 25 minutes away, offers many amenities including shops, restaurants, Brevard College and the Brevard Music Center. The drive into town is stunning as you wind through the Pisgah National Forest, past the base of Looking Glass Rock and along the Davidson River into Brevard. The Asheville Regional Airport is about 40 minutes away. The larger towns of Asheville and Hendersonville are about 60 minutes from the home.
Outdoor Recreation |
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in this area of Western North Carolina. Nearby trails offer an excellent venue for mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and trail running. Looking Glass Rock is popular among rock climbers while scenic highways 276 and 215, which provide access to this 17-acre estate property, lead up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and some of the most splendid scenery on the east coast. The Broad River and the Davidson River, only minutes from the home, offer trout fishing and fly fishing opportunities. Just a mile from the home is the Art Loeb Trail, which winds over the summit of Pilot Mountain and up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Shining Rock Wilderness.

Summary of Features
The Property
- 17 acres adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest
- Hiking trails on property
- Several open pastures or home sites
- Rolling meadows and forested terrain
- Great views of Pilot Mountain
- Private, peaceful setting
- Located at approximately 3000 ft of elevation
- Cool summer temperatures
- Near great trails and streams
- Easy access to the national forest
- Gated Entrance
- Extensive boulder walls laid on property
The Residence
- Charming “farm house” style home
- 4 bedroom and 3 ˝ bathrooms
- Approximately 3500 square feet of living space
- An additional 900 square feet of porch space
- Outdoor fireplace
- Delightful wrap-around porch
- Custom built in 2007/2008
- Cedar siding
- Tennessee fieldstone accents
- Rustic metal roof, gutters and downspouts
The Interior
- Architect-designed home with open floor plan
- Oak floors throughout
- Double-paned divided-light windows with transoms
- Native stone wood burning fireplace
- Designer light fixtures
- Crown and baseboard molding
- Rustic V-groove, beadboard and shiplap pine ceilings and walls
- Hansgrohe faucets
- Kohler sinks
- Granite countertops
- Custom antiqued alder cabinets
- Five Star dual fuel range
- Cozy breakfast nook
- Large kitchen island
- Separate pantry
- Powder room on lower level
- Separate laundry room with laundry shute
- Master suite with porch access and vaulted ceilings
- Elegant master bath with Champagne jetted tub
- Separate shower with glass surround
- His and Hers walk-in closets in master bath
- 3 guest bedrooms with walk-in closets
- Bonus room with vaulted ceiling
- Custom built-in closet organizers
- Separate 2-car garage with studio space above
- M-Tec brushed nickel door and cabinet hardware
- Solid wood doors throughout
- Knotty alder and glass exterior doors
Technology & Efficiencies
- Clean Space foundation
- All windows are double paned and insulated
- Central vacuum
- High-efficiency Trane heat pumps
- Zoned upstairs and downstairs heating and cooling
- Tankless water heater
- Toto soft-close, low-flow toilets
- DSL and wireless Internet
- Wired for security, generator and home theatre
The Location
- Located in the community of Balsam Grove, NC
- Private setting
- Adjacent to Pisgah National Forest
- 20 -25 minutes from Brevard
- Approximately 40 minutes from the Asheville airport
- Within an hour of Asheville and Hendersonville
- Minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Looking Glass Rock
- Surrounded by excellent hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking venues
- Convenient to the DuPont State Forest
- Near Shining Rock Wilderness area and Mt. Pisgah
- Close to the Broad and Davidson Rivers
- Excellent trout fishing opportunities nearby
- Property accessed by scenic Highway 215 and Highway 276
MLS | North Carolina Mountains MLS #445369
Price | Offered at $1,395,000
Contact | To arrange for a private showing, please contact D'Ann Ford.
Email D'Ann
or
call D'Ann at
Office: 828.694.1558
Cell: 828.774.0288