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A mountain community and so much more…
Explore your options!
For those who love mountain living, a rare opportunity is available in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Wolf Creek Ranch, near picturesque Waynesville and only 45 minutes from downtown Asheville, is perfectly positioned near Pisgah National Forest, Cherokee National Forest, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
 With miles of hiking
and horseback riding trails connecting property amenities and leading to the extensive network of trails in the adjoining Pisgah National Forest, it’s easy to get away from life’s hustle and bustle and enjoy the natural beauty of this 300-acre community and its 55 acres of preserved space.
Two picnic shelters invite outdoor dining, accompanied by spectacular views of either the National Forest, or Wolf Creek Falls. A fire pit and overlook is ideal for family and friends to gather round the fire, tell tall tales, and roast a few marshmallows or hot dogs. The Wolf Creek Pavilion has its own stunning views of Pisgah National Forest, as well as the rolling pastures of the equestrian area.
The new Equestrian Center provides owners and guests with a private gateway to explore hundreds of miles of trails. Property owners can keep their horses on their property, but with an eight-stall barn and three turnout pastures, the horses and their owners have alternatives when the two-legged family is away.
In addition to walking and riding, the trout fishing in the area is superb. And, nearby Waynesville is a charming small town filled with boutiques and galleries, and restaurants serving great food, including the aforementioned trout. There are golf courses, tennis courts, and water sports for every fitness level, from a gentle kayak ride, to an exhilarating (and thoroughly soaking) trip down Sliding Rock.
 Artists are drawn to the area, and Haywood Arts Regional Theatre wins awards for its productions. Festivals are plentiful, allowing families to celebrate, simply by in such beautiful surroundings.
Of course, back at Wolf Creek Ranch, there are infinite possibilities to simply relax and unwind. For some, Wolf Creek
Ranch is a getaway home. Others are planning to retire there. And still others are choosing it as their primary residence, to live and work close to all that is unique about these mountains.
Ron and Jane Eller traded in their large Lexington Kentucky home for a smaller home in Lexington and a second home getaway at Wolf Creek Ranch. “Our children are grown and we wanted to create a smaller environmental footprint,” she explained. Originally from West Virginia, the couple has lived in Lexington for 30 years but they’ve never forgotten the rural setting that framed their childhood.
“My husband’s family was from North Carolina two generations back and his sister and brother-in-law live in Haywood County,” Mrs. Eller said. “We love these mountains and had been searching for a retreat for ourselves and especially for our grandchildren. We want them to experience being a part of nature, outside of the city.”
The primary motivation for the Ellers was to find an environmentally responsible community and build accordingly. Their brother-in-law, Mark Pruett, is the county hydrologist who told them about Wolf Creek Ranch. “He said we should look it over, and the planners were doing a really good job with this property,” she explained. “He should know, because this is his work, and he’s won awards for watershed protection.”
 The property has no pavement, uses native species of plants and a drainage system that includes “bottomless culverts.” As many trees as possible were left, another environmental plus. The homesites are separated and tucked away, providing more privacy. “Even when homes are built adjacent to our property, we won’t be able to see them,” Mrs. Eller said.
They built an Energy Startm log cabin on a little knoll in a cove and added a very efficient heat pump. At just 1200 square feet, it’s cozy, but accommodates the family well. “We built it in such a way that we can sleep 14 with a bunk room, and guest room – not a lot of privacy, but great for family.”
At about four hours from their home in Kentucky, it’s a drive they’ll make often. “When you get out here, it is really worth the drive,” she said. They enjoy hiking, and with Pisgah National Forest within sight, and the Appalachian Trail less than a mile away, the opportunities are endless to enjoy nature up close and personal. They don’t have horses but enjoy being around them. “For us, horses are hard work, but we are around them in Lexington and like them, as long as they belong to someone else,” Mrs. Eller laughed.
For them, it’s the property itself that’s the draw. And yet, civilization is nearby, when needed. “Ferguson’s is just down the road and it’s an old country store with essentials, as well as great fried chicken and even bib overalls.” Waynesville is about thirty minutes
away, and Lowe’s is a twenty minute drive. “I know that from building the cabin,” she said. Mostly, however, they stay put, just enjoying the surroundings. “You hear the wind and the creeks, and the birds sing constantly. It’s amazing to watch stress melt away when you see someone go out on the porch and relax in the rocking chair.”
 The grandchildren delight in catching salamanders and picking blackberries. “My grandson
was looking at me in amazement and said ‘you mean we can eat them from the bushes?’ as I popped a berry into my mouth.” Perhaps most telling was a conversation she had with her granddaughter. “I told her that when I get too old to visit, I’ll probably sell the cabin. She said ‘oh no, I want to bring my grandchildren here.’ That made everything worthwhile.”
For those seeking an environmentally-conscious, secluded setting, Wolf Creek Ranch is an excellent choice.
Families with horses will thrive on the trails. Families without four-footed companions will simply enjoy the mountain
treasures that surround them at every turn of the trail.
Directions: Wolf Creek Ranch is located in western North Carolina near Waynesville in Haywood County. A helipad is on the property.
Number of Acres: 300
Number of Residences Planned: 54
Walking Trails: Miles of trails that lead into the adjoining Pisgah National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains. Perfect for hiking or horseback riding.
Other: Fishing in nearby Hurricane Creek
Equestrian Facilities: Equestrian Center, miles of riding trails, horses allowed on homesites.
Homesites: from $119,500 to $795,000
Sales Contact and Telephone Number:
888-868-9653
www.wolfcreekranchnc.com
Awards: Best of Carolina Living
Five ways to explore your options!
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