Dude Ranch At Mt. Mitchell

Detailed Property Information

Heated Square Footage

12,430 s.f in multiple buildings

Year Built

1972 and later

# of Bedrooms

26 Bedrooms

# of Baths

22 full baths

Overall Condition

Good to Very Good

Acreage

56

Surface Water

Two year round creeks

Pond/Lake

Half acre pond

Open Field/Pasture

7-8 acres

Nearest Interstate Highway

20 miles (I-40)

Nearest Four Lane Road

8 miles (Highway 19E)

Nearest High Density Area

14 miles (Spruce Pine/Burnsville)

Photo Gallery

This classic dude ranch at the base of Mt. Mitchell has the potential for multiple uses.  For the past 25 years it has been operated as a successful dude ranch, with up to 40 horses at a time and 68 to 70 guests.  Continue the tradition, or convert it to a summer camp, spiritual or corporate retreat center, wedding venue, multi-family bugout property, substance abuse recovery camp, etc.   The possibilities are nearly endless.  In recent months, the owners have been renting out individual rooms very successfully via AirBnB and VRBO.  Its up to you!  Here’s a feature length article in “Our State Magazine“.

Situated at the base of Mt. Mitchell, highest mountain east of the Rockies, this property is easily accessible to Asheville, Marion, Burnsville and Spruce Pine.  The S. Toe River is located less than 1/4 mile and offers tremendous trout fishing, swimming and tubing.  The area in which it is located is part of the Toe River Arts District, a collection of more than 100 artist studios and the historic Celo Community.

The property consist of approximately 56 acres nestled up to thousands of acres of USFS land, thus ensuring nothing will ever encroach upon the property.  Talk about peace and quiet!  The view from the main lodge is one of Celo Knob (over 6,000′) situated across the valley.  Not a man made structure in view.  Most of the acreage is wooded, though there are several acres of fenced pasture, and of course the area improved with all the buildings.  Click here for an interactive map and click here for a full video.

There are four guest buildings in various configurations: one building features eight, one bedroom suites each with its own bath and a large covered porch lined with rocking chairs.  Another features four, one bedroom suites while another features four, two bedroom suites, again, with private baths.  The fourth guest building offers two, three bedroom suites with two full baths.  Add that up and you get 26 individual bedrooms in 18 rentable suites.  In addition to these guest lodgings, you’ll find a very nicely appointed two bedroom, two bath caretaker’s home.  This can be used as an owner’s cabin or continue as living space for the on site caretakers.  By the way, the husband and wife caretaker team have been on the property for more than 10 years and wish to stay.

Sitting majestically above and among these buildings is the Main Lodge.  This is a very large log structure reminiscent of the great lodges out west.  A full length covered porch overlooks the property and mountains beyond.  Inside you’ll find a vaulted, timber framed great room with numerous round tables and chairs, complete with lazy susans on each table.  At one end is a massive stone fireplace and library/sitting area for relaxing, and on the other end are two private dining rooms.  A full sized commercial kitchen is off the great room complete with grills, deep fryer, large ovens, walk in refrigeration and freezer, large dry pantry, dishwashing station, etc.  Everything is here for operation for full food service.  In the rear is a commercial grade laundry facility.

Off to the side of the Main Lodge and connected by an elevated walkway is The Cantina.  The Cantina is a gathering spot for adults who want to enjoy mixed drinks.  With a large bar, comfortable seating and animal trophy’s on the wall, its the ideal spot for an end of the day gathering.  The Cantina has a full liquor license, thus a new owner can apply and continue offering mixed drinks if desired.

There is a large two story bunk house with seven dormitory style bedrooms and shared baths.  This was originally used for ranch hands.  Adjacent to this is a one level, open space multi-purpose room, ideal for large gatherings of staff and other events.  These two structures haven’t been utilized in quite a while and could use some touching up, but are otherwise occupiable “as is”.

Equestrian activities have been a large part of the history of this property.  There are multiple support buildings for the care and housing of horses.  Several large fenced pastures provide grazing opportunities and there is a large stable building capable of accommodating up to 40 or more horses at a time.  Irrigation is provided throughout the barns and stables, and a small pond can be found in the larger of the two pastures.  It goes without saying that there are miles of trails for horses and hiking both within the 56 acres and the thousands of acres of USFS lands.  One could ride or hike all the way up to the top of Mt. Mitchell if desired.

Rounding out these amenities, you’ll find numerous open, flat field areas ideal for recreation, new structures or parking.  This property is blessed with excellent topography for large gatherings.  If you’re looking to host large events, this property has both the access, accommodations, facilities and parking to do just that.  If you want a multi-family secure compound on which you could live free from outside interference, it works just as well.  With one way in and one way out, you’re well protected tucked in to the national forest.

Call us today for a private showing.  Only financially qualified persons should apply.  DO NOT enter the property without an appointment.