A Lifestyle Guide to Real Estate
for Our Golf, Equestrian and Military Community
February/March 2026, Issue 10: Brooke USA’s Local Connection Barn Door Consignments • Carolina International & Painted Ponies
Winter has settled gently over the Sandhills, bringing crisp mornings, familiar traditions, and the promise of a brandnew year. As we turn the page to 2026, this winter edition of Sandhills Home reflects on the moments, milestones, and market trends that shaped the year behind us—and looks ahead with optimism to what’s to come.
In this issue, we recap 2025 Single Family and Horse Farm sales, sharing overall Moore County statistics alongside standout performance and insightful data from our individual communities. The past year proved once again that the Sandhills continues to be a place where lifestyle and land hold lasting value.
Our lifestyle features highlight causes and businesses that define the heart of our community. One article focuses on an organization especially close to my heart—Brooke USA, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the welfare of working equines around the world through education, veterinary care, and advocacy. We also shine a spotlight on Barn Door Consignments, a local success story that began as a small consignment shop and has grown into a beloved staple within our equestrian community.
Winter in the Sandhills also marks the return of cherished events and programs, from the excitement of the Carolina International at the Carolina Horse Park to the creativity and color of the Painted Ponies Art Walk in downtown Southern Pines—reminders of why this region is such a special place to live, work, and gather.
2025 was an incredible year for our business, and I am truly honored to have worked alongside so many buyers and sellers as they turned their dreams into reality. I am deeply grateful to my clients, attorneys, lenders, and our in-office team for their dedication and support. Here’s to a bright and successful 2026 for us all.
In much of the world, progress still runs on four legs. Long before dawn breaks over fields in India, brick kilns in Pakistan or mountain roads in Guatemala, working horses, donkeys and mules are already moving—hauling water, transporting goods, carrying families to markets and powering small local economies that have no access to trucks or tractors. These animals are the backbone for millions of people living in indigent communities. And behind them, often unseen but deeply influential, is Brooke, an international nonprofit with a singular mission to improve the lives of these essential animals and, in turn, the lives of the humans who depend on them.
Brooke was born out of a moment of moral outrage in 1934, when British social reformer Dorothy Brooke encountered thousands of exhausted, abandoned war horses on the streets of Cairo, Egypt. These animals had served the Allied forces in World War I but were then abandoned. Appalled by their suffering, Brooke launched an appeal in the Morning Post newspaper to raise funds for their care and dignified retirement. The
response was overwhelming, enabling the creation of what became the Old War Horse Memorial Hospital, the foundation of today’s Brooke charity. What began as a mission to rescue former cavalry horses evolved into a long-term commitment to improving the welfare of working equines—horses, donkeys and mules—worldwide, grounding the organization in the belief that animal welfare and human livelihoods are inseparable.
James Hamilton, chairperson of Brooke USA and local veterinarian, has been involved with Brooke USA since its inception. “The passion of helping equines is something I’ve had since I was 13. But what also compelled me to get involved was the uniqueness of the charity because, by supporting the working equines, we’re also helping third world families survive.”
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Brooke USA was founded in 2015 to help Brooke, the “parent” organization, to raise funds to support these life-changing initiatives, including veterinary care, training and community programs. Indeed, the numbers tell the story. According to Brooke, there is an estimated 100 million working equines that support the livelihood of nearly 600 million people.
“Statistically, in much of the world, working equines can support a family of four. These animals are going five miles to get water, taking vegetables to the market to sell, going to the market to pick up food, help to carry home firewood. I could go on and on,” says James Hamilton, chairperson of Brooke USA and local veterinarian at his Southern Pines Equine Associates practice. “They are the tractors of the third world.”
Hamilton has been involved with Brooke USA since its inception and his motivation is both evident and insightful. “Well, being an equine veterinarian is obviously why I was drawn to working with Brooke USA,” he says. “The passion of helping equines is something I’ve had since I was 13 when I started boarding horses at home in Ohio. But what also compelled me to get involved was the uniqueness of the charity because, by supporting the working equines, we’re also helping third world families survive.”
Unlike organizations that swoop in with short-term aid, Brooke USA funds lasting programs that build knowledge and resilience. Local veterinarians and animal health workers are trained to diagnose and treat lameness, infections, dehydration and injuries—all common and all preventable. And equine owners learn low-cost, high-impact skills, like how to fit harnesses that don’t cause festering wounds, how to provide rest and shade and how proper hoof care can double an animal’s working lifespan.
This instructional approach transforms not just animal welfare in the short term but provides the animal’s owners the skills to care for them in the long term.
“One of the problems with a lot of charities, especially when
it has to do with animals, is that some well-meaning people, many of them veterinarians, fly into a country, they do good work and then they fly home,” explains Hamilton. “In other words, there’s a beginning and an end. But what happens after? So, for Brooke, the concept is much more about sustainability. It’s about education, it’s about medicine and keeping the animals healthy in the long term.”
And the economic impact is tangible. When a mule can haul
more water safely, a woman spends fewer hours walking miles to a distant well. When a donkey stays healthy, a family can keep transporting goods to market and maintain steady income. It’s a ripple effect that can improve an entire community.
In recent years, Brooke USA has also joined the fight against animal cruelty with its focus on banning the sale of ejiao. Ejiao is a traditional Chinese medicine made by simmering donkey skins into a gelatin, which is then dried and used as a supplement or ingredient. The rise of its use, particularly in beauty products, and its unverified health claims have driven a global trade for donkey skins. According to the organization, the donkey hide industry slaughters an estimated 4.8 million donkeys per year, an unprecedented rate that is increasing. Donkeys are being breed in massive farms or stolen while being horrifically mistreated and cruelly slaughtered.
“Right now, China is the world’s largest consumer of ejiao, but the United States is the third largest,” says Hamilton. “There are these huge breeding farms in Africa to meet demand just for their hides, and they don’t use any other part of the donkey. This demand is making the price of the donkey go way up. So, you have a family of four in Kenya who are using the donkey for everything and one day they find the remains of their donkey in the bush. Killed just for the hide. The impact is devasting.”
There is legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to ban the sale and trade of ejiao, but it has yet to be passed. “We’re continuing to do advocacy work on this issue,” says Hamilton. “We’ve been up to D.C. several times getting as many co-signers to the bill that we can. It’s something that needs to be addressed and maybe with our help we can reduce the slaughter of donkeys.”
Brooke USA’s partnerships stretch across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, funding programs deployed by trained professionals on the ground. But the organization also shows up in the U.S. when needs arise, supporting equine-
focused emergency relief after natural disasters or economic disruptions.
The organization’s transparency has earned top marks from leading charity evaluators, including a four-star, “Perfect 100” rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid. This points to a nonprofit that does its work with seriousness and accountability. Donors know not only where their money goes, but what it accomplishes.
In an increasingly AI-fueled world, it’s easy to forget that millions still rely on animals, not technology, to survive. Brooke USA brings those realities into focus, reminding us that compassion can be practical, and that investing in animal welfare is also an investment in human dignity.
To learn more about Brooke USA or to donate, visit brookeusa.org.
Monday, February 16, 2026 7:30 PM at the Sunrise Theater
By popular demand, WINDSYNC returns to CCS with a new program and new members.
This wind quintet has performed at Carnegie Hall, Chautauqua Institution, Shanghai Oriental Arts Center in China, and on NPR’s Performance Today.
In the span of one performance, they cover vast musical ground from revitalized standards to freshly inked works to folk and songbook, the common thread telling a compelling story
WindSync frequently eliminates the “fourth wall” between musicians and audience by performing from memory, creating an extraordinary connection. That personal performance style lends WindSync its reputation as “a group of virtuosos who are also wonderful people, too” (Alison Young, Classical MPR).
The Moore County real estate market closed the year not with the volatility seen in recent cycles, but with measured confidence and localized momentum. Against the backdrop of a stabilizing national housing market, Moore County distinguished itself through steady appreciation, rising inventory, and sharply different performance among its towns and rural corridors.
Overall, the county demonstrated resilience and adaptability— hallmarks of a market transitioning from rapid adjustment to sustainable growth.
Moore County finished the year with overall inventory up 14%, a meaningful shift that provided buyers with more choice while easing the extreme supply constraints of prior years. Importantly, increased inventory did not dampen demand. Total sold volume rose by 4%, signaling continued buyer engagement even amid higher interest rates.
Home values followed suit. The average sales price climbed 3% year over year, rising from $544,000 to $564,000, reinforcing the county’s long-term appeal and price stability.
Among all Moore County markets, Aberdeen emerged as the year’s strongest growth story. Sold volume surged an impressive 40%, reflecting heightened buyer activity and expanding interest in the area.
While the average sales price remained relatively flat compared to 2024, the dramatic increase in transaction volume suggests a market driven by accessibility, value, and momentum rather than speculative pricing. Aberdeen’s performance points to a community gaining visibility and traction among both primary and relocating buyers.
Pinehurst reinforced its position as one of Moore County’s most desirable addresses. Sold volume increased by 13%, while values showed notable appreciation. The average sales price rose from $730,000 to $764,000, underscoring sustained demand for golf-oriented, lifestyle-driven properties.
Despite broader market headwinds, Pinehurst buyers remained committed, drawn by the area’s reputation, amenities, and longterm investment appeal.
Southern Pines told a different story—one shaped by limited inventory. The area experienced a decline in both active and new listings, which directly contributed to a 22% drop in total sold volume.
With fewer homes coming to market, pricing softened slightly. The average sold price declined from $612,000 to $589,000. Rather than signaling waning demand, these figures point to a supply-driven slowdown, highlighting the importance of new inventory in sustaining market velocity.
Beyond Moore County’s established towns, rural areas such as Cameron and Eagle Springs experienced some of the most significant growth of the year. These markets benefited from expanded development and the introduction of new singlefamily home communities, bringing fresh inventory and driving meaningful gains in average sales price.
This expansion reflects a broader trend toward space, affordability, and modern construction—factors increasingly attractive to buyers seeking alternatives to more established town centers.
Taken together, Moore County’s year in review reveals a market defined not by a single trend, but by diverse micro-markets moving at different speeds. Increased inventory, modest appreciation, and selective growth created opportunities for both buyers and sellers— provided they approached the market strategically.
As Moore County moves forward, its blend of historic communities, lifestyle destinations, and expanding rural development positions it well for continued, balanced growth in the year ahead.
292 Bump a long lane southern pines
4BR /4BA /2,687 Sq Ft ~ 47 96 Acres
6 STALL BARN WITH 1BR /1BA APARTMENT $2,395,000
729 furr road ~ vass
4BR /4 5BA /3,364 Sq Ft /1 1 1 1 Acres
4 STALL BARN + 2,600 SQ FT WORKSHOP
$2,275,000
207 bump a long lane southern pines
3BR /4BA /2,612 Sq Ft ~ 24 06 Acres
7 STALL BARN WITH 2BR /2BA APARTMENT
$2,345,000
300 Good Barn Rd ~Vass
3BR /3BA / 2,108 Sq Ft ~ 26 45 Acres
5 Stall Barn With Lounge
$2,100,000
by Cassidy Oeltjen • photos courtesy of Barn Door Consignments
There’s something so satisfying about finding a diamond in the rough.
Sure, life has become about convenience - seemingly everything is just a click away. We can order up food, supplies, horses, and houses without ever leaving our living room. But really, where is the excitement in convenience?
For the better part of two decades, Barn Door Consignments has been providing Sandhill’s area equestrian enthusiasts the excitement of hunting for diamonds.
Originally located in downtown Aberdeen, finding Barn Door’s tucked away location was like scoring a treasure.
Sifting through the inventory not only allowed customers the opportunity to score some amazing deals on equestrian supplies, but it also could be a bit of a time capsule. Coolers from the now defunct USET Team, boots that probably had ridden around some of the top competitions in the world, and halters worn by horses who were also featured on the posters of many of our walls - all found among the treasures in the tiny location.
The magic of the store was not that you could find a
great deal on equipment that you needed - it was that you found the coolest things that would have never been on your list (but now you can’t live without). It was basically an enchanted experience where the store just told you what you needed to take home.
But change is inevitable and while the clientele and products were still expanding, the location had reached its limit. Not only had the inventory begun to outgrow the space, but founder and owner, Suzie Jacobson, was informed that the lease on the building would not be renewed.
Already thinking of bringing in a new owner to rejuvenate the business, the loss of the lease solidified the new trajectory for the Sandhills staple.
In stepped Elaina Shipman.
Relatively new to the area, but driven to keep providing the equestrians of the area with the Barn Door Consignment services, she was able to relocate and reopen the store within just a month of the downtown Aberdeen location closing.
“Our
The new location, located further outside of town, gave the products a little more room to be appreciated and the business a chance to expand - expand so much that within a couple years, they found a more permanent location, returning closer to Aberdeen
Bigger, Better permanent location found late fall 2025.
This new location at 10327 NC 211 in Aberdeen is truly an equestrian shopping experience. The storefront perfectly mirrors the ‘Barn Door’ aesthetic with large custom barn doors, ample parking, in a tucked away location off the main highway.
Now collections of art, a wall full of saddles, riding boots in every color, shape and size, all sprinkled with those timehonored finds - reminiscent of the original Barn Door - are available for customers to peruse. The added space makes it that much easier to track down items, perhaps easier on the consumer, but not on the pocketbook! (I know I always walk out with way more than I intend to.)
The increased retail space has allowed the inventory to grow beyond just consignments. It now also includes new
items from great brands like Perri’s, Jacks, Equine Couture, and Shires.
The added space means that mining for those equestrian diamonds isn’t as necessary, but that doesn’t make them any less available.
Rebekah McMurrough has been a long time Barn Door client, traveling from Sanford to shop at all three locations.
“The new location allows me to not only come search for unknown needed products, but shop reliably for a list of items,” she said. “I love that it still feels like an experience, but that experience is just now a traditional tack shop, combined with the thrill of consignment shopping!”
Just as the retail space of Barn Door Consignments has evolved, so has their online presence. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram, where you can stay up to date on sales and events happening. The store is open weekdays from noon until 5:00pm, and 11:00am-3:00pm Saturdays (closed Sundays).
Visit their website at www.barndoorconsignments.com for more information.
Welcome to the 13th annual Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial at the Carolina Horse Park!
Founded in 1998, the Carolina Horse Park Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of open space for equestrian and recreational purposes with multi-disciplined capabilities suitable for championship level equine competitions. In addition, it hosts other agricultural and educational events and activities for both horse and non-horse enthusiasts.
The Park runs over 30 events year round, but the crown jewel of competitions has been the Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial with title sponsor Setters’ Run Farm. The Carolina International has provided an outlet for the Carolina Horse Park to reach the ever-growing residential communities of Raeford, Aberdeen and Southern Pines, to further its mission. Not only does the event offer 4 days of eventing’s best and brightest stars competing for the crown, but it also offers a world class vendor village.
This year, the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lifestyle Property Partners Vendor Village is slated to be bigger and better than ever! There will be boutique shopping, art booths, tack stores, farm & equipment booths, veterinarian services booths, beer and wine bars, and food trucks galore! A kids zone featuring bouncy houses and rock climbing walls will be open on Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March
22. The best part … it is 100% free to the public to come out and enjoy all the action!
Interested in a front row seat and VIP experience? Join us in the Carolina Club, which offers catered meals and open bar Thursday March 13 through Saturday March15, with specialized, covered seating for Dressage, Showjumping and Cross Country!
On Friday and Saturday look forward to a special experience with our ‘Artist in Residency,’ Larissa Lycholaj! Watch as she creates a unique work of art live in the club for everyone to enjoy. This masterpiece will be available via Silent Auction, with the winner announced during Saturday night’s Awards Ceremony. Additionally, a gallery of her artwork will be on display and available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Carolina Horse Park Foundation.
Tickets for the Carolina Club are $350 or become a Sponsor with a reserved table of 8 and priority seating for $5,000. Visit www.carolinainternationalcci. com to see the schedule of events, sponsorship opportunities, and to purchase Carolina Club tickets.
Don’t forget to stop by the Better Homes and Gardens tent in the Vendor Village to learn more about your local real estate market. Because Lifestyle is where it begins and I am your local Lifestyle Property expert!
The Moore County horse farm market experienced a remarkable year in 2025, marked by substantial growth in both inventory and overall sales volume. As market activity accelerated, total sales volume more than doubled year-overyear—rising from approximately $14 million in 2024 to over $31 million in 2025. This surge reflects renewed confidence in the equestrian real estate sector and sustained demand for quality horse properties in the region.
Alongside increased activity, the average sales price rose from $1.1 million to over $1.3 million, signaling continued appreciation despite a higher number of available listings. With increased inventory came a modest rise in average days on market—an expected and healthy adjustment as buyers were presented with more choices and sellers navigated a more balanced environment.
One of the most compelling stories of 2025 unfolded within Horse Country, the highly sought-after equestrian community surrounding the 4,000-acre Walthour Moss Foundation, where land preservation ensures continued access for equestrian pursuits. This niche market outperformed the broader farm segment, recording a 25% increase in sold volume year-over-year.
Even more notable was the sharp rise in pricing. The average sales price in Horse Country climbed from $1.3 million to $1.7 million, driven in large part by four exceptional farm sales ranging between $2.2 million and $2.9 million. These price points represent levels not seen in the local equestrian community for many years and underscore the growing national recognition of Horse Country as a
premier equestrian destination.
I was proud to serve as the broker on all four of these landmark transactions, representing both buyers and sellers. As a result, my team closed more sales in Horse Country than any other brokerage in 2025—an achievement that reflects not only market momentum, but the value of deep local expertise.
The horse farm and equestrian property market is unlike traditional residential real estate. Factors such as soil quality, pasture layout, barn functionality, trail access, land use restrictions, and long-term preservation all play a critical role in determining value. In communities like Horse Country, understanding conservation easements, trail systems, and the cultural fabric of the equestrian lifestyle is essential.
A knowledgeable REALTOR® brings more than pricing insight—they bring context, strategy, and credibility. In a niche market, experience allows agents to properly position properties, identify qualified buyers, and navigate complex negotiations with confidence. The successes seen in 2025 reinforce the importance of working with professionals who live and breathe the market they represent.
As we move into 2026, Moore County’s horse farm market enters the year with strong fundamentals, increased visibility, and continued demand for high-quality equestrian properties. While inventory levels and pricing will continue to adjust, the long-term outlook—particularly for Horse Country—remains exceptionally strong.
Artistic Kitchens and Baths will customize cabinets for your kitchen, bathroom, office, tack room - whatever you need. We can design cabinets to fit your space and maximize your storage. We work with kitchen vendors to complete the project, finishing with custom countertops, paint, and more, making renovating or building a new home in the NC Sandhills easy!
Call Deborah for a complimentary consultation 910-691-1666 or 910-691-7099
dwilson@artistic-kitchens.com 683 SW Broad Street Southern Pines, NC 28387
January, February, March 2026
January 2026
Jan 11: Cross Country Schooling Day for CHP, Setters’ Run Farm and Dream Big Slowly Farm - carolinahorsepark.com
Jan 18: Sporting Services Pinehurst Schooling Show, Pinehurst Harness Track - sportingservices.net
Jan 31 - Apr 12: CHP Painted Ponies Art Walk & Auction throughout downtown Southern Pines, designed & painted by local artists and sponsored by area businesses and residents. Free, family-friendly event. Live online auction April 19 February 2026
Feb 1: Sporting Services Pinehurst Schooling Show, Pinehurst Harness Track - sportingservices.net
Feb 6: Caring Hearts For Canines: Furever Yours Day Gala 2026, The Country Club Of North Carolina 1600 Morganton Rd, Pinehurst. Ticketscaringheartsforcanines.com
Feb 7: Downtown Aberdeen Soup(Er) Bowl ’26, taste and judge the most delicious soups crafted by local seasoned chefs and ambitious amateurs. Main Street, Aberdeen, 1-3pm
Feb 14: Valentine’s Day!
Feb 14: Pipe Opener II, Carolina Horse Park, carolinahorsepark.com
Feb 15: Sporting Services Pinehurst Schooling Show, Pinehurst Harness Track, sportingservices.net
Feb 21-22: MGAA Mounted Games (Mounted Games Across America) at Carolina Horse Park
Feb 23: The Sleeping Beauty By International Ballet Stars, presented by Classical Arts Entertainment at Owens Auditorium, Bradshaw Performing Arts Center 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst 7pm
Feb 26: Scc Classical Guitar Series: Thomas Viloteau at McPherson Blackbox Theatre at Bradshaw Performing Arts Center, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst 7pm
Feb 28 - Mar 1: Sedgefield at the Park ‘C’, Carolina Horse Parksedgefieldatthepark.com
Feb 28: Sandhills Starter Show Dressage & CT, Silver Leaf Farm, 1480 Carolina Horse Farm Lane, Raeford, Carrie Everhart, shawneeacres@ gmail.com or (919)-413-0917
March 2026
Mar 1: Sporting Services Pinehurst Schooling Show, Pinehurst Harness Track - sportingservices.net
Mar 7: Sandhills Starter Show Series, Silver Leaf Farm, 1480 Carolina Horse Farm Lane, Raeford, Carrie Everhart, shawneeacres@gmail.com or (919)-413-0917
Mar 7-8: Southern Pines Horse Trials – Treehouse Event Series, a premier eventing showcase in the heart of the North Carolina Sandhills… where the best come to win! Carolina Horse Parkcarolinahorsepark.com
Mar 15: Heather Ridge Farm Picnics & Ponies Series, D/CT/HT/WDheatherridgefarm.org
Mar 19-22: Setter’s Run Farm Carolina International CCI 4* & HT, Carolina Horse Park - carolinahorsepark.com
Day 1 Mar 19 - Dressage
Day 2 Mar 20 - Show Jumping
Day 3 Mar 21 - Cross Country
Day 4 Mar 22 - Cross Country
Mar 28-29: March Magic Dressage, Carolina Horse Parksportingservices.net
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