SUMMERTIME IN THE MOUNTAINS
As temperatures rise here in Western North Carolina, one thing is for sure.. Summer is HERE! Thankfully, here in Franklin there are so many ways to make the most of the heat. With everything from fishing and camping to concerts and shows, you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone to love. Here in beautiful Macon County, the possibilities are endless!
Our area is filled with hidden gems, such as gorgeous hiking trails, rivers and creeks, to weekend shows at Pickin’ on the Square, and events at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Knowing where to start can be a challenge, though, so go visit our Franklin Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center for more information and tips on how to make every moment count during your time here in Franklin.
While you’re adventuring in the area, be sure and check out the amazing buys available in the local real estate market. If it’s time to make a move to the mountains, chat with any of our excellent and knowledgeable agents in this magazine and let them help you find your dream mountain home, vacation getaway or second home. Don’t forget to let them know you found them in The Real Estate Buyer’s Guide! Have a Wonderful Summer & Happy Adventuring!
Luke Bateman Owner/Publisher
for a summer retreat, rental potential, or affordable living just 10 minutes from town. Call Larry for more information 828-371-2150. MLS#26045288
$229,900
$229,900 Highlands, NC
DISCOVER YOUR MOUNTAIN GETAWAY just minutes from Highlands. This inviting 1BR/1.5BA condo w/ a loft features an open living space & a versatile loft perfect for guests or a home office. Enjoy the best of the area with nearby hiking in Nantahala National Forest, stunning waterfalls like Dry Falls & relaxing days at Lake Glenville. Plus, downtown Highlands offers charming shops & dining just a short drive away. Mountain living starts here. Call Larry 828-371-2150. MLS#26047034
Ideal Acres Subdivision – Otto, NC
WELCOME TO IDEAL ACRES, a charming & well-positioned subdivision in the heart of Otto, NC, where mountain living meets convenience. Offering multiple buildable lots priced from just $23,500 to $69,900, this is a rare opportunity for builders, investors, or anyone ready to bring their mountain dream to life. Perfectly situated just minutes from Franklin & Highlands, NC, as well as Clayton & Dillard, GA, Ideal Acres places you in the center of it all. Spend your mornings exploring downtown Highlands, enjoy shopping & dining in Franklin, or take a quick drive to Clayton or Dillard for even more restaurants, boutiques & outdoor adventure. Hiking, waterfalls, fishing & scenic drives are all right at your doorstep. The community offers buildable lots w/ community water & underground utilities, making the building process smoother & more streamlined. With its peaceful mountain setting & easy paved access, Ideal Acres delivers the ideal balance of privacy & accessibility. Whether you’re envisioning a fulltime residence, a relaxing vacation getaway, or a smart investment property, Ideal Acres offers location, value & the kind of mountain lifestyle people move here for. Don’t miss your chance to claim your spot in one of the area’s most conveniently located communities.
$619,900
WELCOME to this well-crafted 3BR/2.5BA mountain home offering long-range views of Graham & Swain Counties. Thoughtfully built w/ quality materials & excellent insulation, the home provides efficient year-round living. Interior features include wormy maple & T&G ceilings sourced from the property, custom cabinetry, granite c-tops, Bosch oven & functional pull-out storage. The main living area offers Brazilian mahogany engineered flooring, a gas FP, & an add’l concealed wood-burning FP. Enjoy outdoor living on the expansive deck w/ both screened & open-air sections, complete w/ a motorized awning to take in the mountain & lake views. The walk-out basement includes a large workshop, laundry area, add’l refrigerator, ample storage & a secure vault room. A detached two-car garage w/ separate metering & upper-level space provides flexibility for storage, office, or studio use. Add’l highlights include central HVAC, Starlink internet, metal roof, updated drainage, & short-term rental potential. Conveniently located near the Tail of the Dragon, offering easy access to one of the region’s most popular scenic drives. MLS# 26046708
DISCOVER YOUR MOUNTAIN ESCAPE just minutes from Highlands. This charming 1BR/1BA condo w/ a private garage offers a bright, open living space & comfortable layout—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Enjoy nearby adventures w/ hiking in Nantahala National Forest, breathtaking waterfalls like Dry Falls & peaceful days at Lake Glenville. Plus, downtown Highlands offers boutique shopping & dining just minutes away. Your mountain lifestyle starts here. Call Larry 828-371-2150. MLS#26047035
$79,900
LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT SPOT TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME?
Look no further! TWO beautiful lots available, offering peace & privacy. 3-BR septic system already installed, well is already installed – a huge value & time-saver! These lots offer a phenomenal view & an excellent build site cleared & ready to go – just bring your plans. Whether you’re ready to build now or invest for the future, these lots check all the boxes! Call Larry 828-371-2150. MLS#26042573
$239,900
ESCAPE TO SIMPLICITY without sacrificing comfort in this beautifully designed tiny home, perfectly nestled just minutes from town. Ideal as a full-time residence, weekend getaway, or investment property, this cozy retreat offers everything you need in a thoughtfully crafted space. Inviting covered porch, perfect for morning coffee or relaxing evenings, bright loft space for sleeping or extra storage. Short-range mountain views that bring nature right to your doorstep Efficient open-concept layout maximizing every square foot. Enjoy peaceful surroundings while staying close to shops, dining & essentials. Call Larry 828-371-2150. MLS#26047050
$524,900
ENJOY MODERN LIVING in this newer 3BR/2BA w/ stunning mountain views. Bright, open-concept design, sleek finishes & large windows bring the outdoors in. With paved access & an attached garage, convenience meets comfort. Perfect for relaxing or entertaining in a beautiful natural setting. Call Larry for more information 828-371-2150. MLS# 26042131
$875,000 Prime 25-acre tract featuring 8.34 acres of cleared pasture, antique barn, private pond & pushed house site w/ electric on-site. Road frontage on Tellico Rd adjoins Needmore Rd backing to Forestry land for privacy & recreational access. Ideal for mini-farm development, equestrian estate, or investment property. Gently rolling terrain, no HOA & minimal restrictions. Ready to build or subdivide. Call Lisa 239-462-1500. MLS#26042484
$527,500
NESTLED JUST MINUTES from the charm & dining of downtown Highlands, this beautifully maintained 2BR/2BA home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy & modern updates. Set on 1.8 acres of unrestricted land, the property features a lush, manicured lawn & a peaceful setting. Inside, the inviting living area showcases a stunning vaulted ceiling & a striking stone FP. The recently renovated primary suite is a true highlight, featuring a thoughtfully redesigned BA along w/ separate “his” & “her’s” closets. Significant upgrades provide peace of mind, including a new septic system & updated plumbing (2022). In 2023, a wraparound deck was added, offering exceptional indooroutdoor living. Additional features include a detached 2-car carport that also serves as excellent storage space. With its prime location, quality updates, & serene acreage, this property is a rare find in the Highlands area. Call Zayra 828-332-0483. MLS#26046909
With great pleasure (& some awe), “the geode house” is on the market. Franklin is the gemstone capital of the world & this custom home is truly one of its hidden gems. From the moment you turn onto the gentle, view filled mountain road, the only sound you hear is the bold, rushing creek all the way up. The Geode House enjoys 240 ft of creek frontage & backs up to National Forest for excellent privacy. The extraordinary glass surround sunroom overlooks the singing water & is the perfect spot for morning coffee & hummingbird watching. Inside, this 3BR/4BA home offers a spacious layout full of character,
& custom details. The bright, open design creates an elegant, private space for hosting or simply unwinding by the creek. Motivated seller invites you to come experience this one of a kind mountain retreat. MLS 26046540. $668,500
Rare mountain property with 21.44 surveyed acres adjoining U.S. Forest Service land, just across from Fontana Lake. Multiple build sites across rolling terrain, with level drive-in access via dirt road. Lower sections offer open ground for primary builds, upper ridges provide lake views and additional building potential. A log cabin remains on site. Unrestricted use allows RVs, short-term rentals, and multiple structures. The survey clarifies exactly where to build, removing guesswork and opening up true potential. USFS as permanent southern neighbor guarantees privacy and forest setting. Ideal for buyers seeking an off-grid cabin, lake getaway, or development flexibility. MLS 26042944. $329,000
Mountain cabin on 6+ acres in the Nantahala area of Macon County, offering winter mountain views and plenty of privacy. Two bedrooms, two full baths, wood and tile flooring, wood ceilings and walls, and a propane gas fireplace. The cabin sits at roughly 2,745 feet with a covered front porch and rear deck to enjoy the setting. This is an estate sale being sold as-is. Access is via a steep gravel road and AWD or 4WD is strongly recommended. Great location near Nantahala Lake, with easy access to outdoor adventures at Nantahala Outdoor Center and nearby lakes Santeetlah and Fontana, and roughly 30 minutes to Bryson City and Murphy for dining and amenities. MLS 26046889. $275,000
home, big potential. Tucked in Bear Pen Cove with a year round creek along the edge and no homes
than you expect. MLS 26045230. $199,000 This solid 3BR
Tiny
Looking for a bigger backyard?
Explore your options in
Visit us at 150 N Gemstone Ave, Franklin, NC Call us at 828.200.4168 or Email us at Sales@GemstoneVillageNC.com
NEW Manufactured Homes For Sale
General Features
• 3 Bedrooms / 2 Baths • Drywall • Vinyl Flooring • Crown Molding • 2” Blinds
• Ceiling Lights / Fans in LR & All Bedrooms (Remote Control w/multiple settings)
• Underground Utilities • City Water & Sewer • High Speed Internet • Mowing Provided
Samsung Stainless Steel Appliances
• French Door Refrigerator with Water & Ice in Door
• Range • Dishwasher • Microwave
Exterior
• 14’W x 21’D Carport
• 14’W x 5’D Shed • 18’W x 8’D Covered Porch
• Two Faucets • Two Electrical Outlets
• Paved Road • Sidewalk
Amenities
• 2 Pickleball Courts • Basketball Court • Dog Park • Nature Trail • Club House • Putting Green
Prices Include
• Land • Home • Appliances • Carport • Porch • Shed • Sales Tax 10 Manufactured Homes Sold since August 2025
Homes Being Built and Available Soon
Lot 20: 1,264 SF, To be Completed by May 31, 2026, Price = $249,750
Lot 21: 1,264 SF, To be completed by May 31, 2026, Price = $249,750
Lot 2: 1,370 SF, To be Completed by June 30, 2026, Price = $259,578
OR Pick Out Your Home and Place it on a Gemstone Lot
NC Manufactured Home Dealer License No. 47699
Townhomes AVAILABLE NOW For Showings: Visit us at 150 N Gemstone Ave, Franklin, NC Call us at 828.200.4168 or Email us at Sales@GemstoneVillageNC.com
Single-Level 2BR/2BA Town Homes
General Features
• 9’ Ceilings • Zero-Step Entry • Pella Windows • Solid Core Doors • 2” Blinds
• Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring • Fan/Light in Living Room, Both Bedrooms & Porch
• High-Speed Internet via Underground Fiber • City Water and Sewer
Cabinetry
• Custom Soft-Close Doors and Drawers • Granite Countertops
• Linen Cabinet in Guest Bath • Peninsula and Pantry in Kitchen
GE Stainless Steel Appliances
• French Door Refrigerator w/Water & Ice in Door • Range
• Microwave • White GE Profile Washer & Dryer
Plumbing
• Undermount Sinks • Delta Faucets • Kohler Toilets
Bedrooms
• Primary 13.6’ x 13.5’ with Walk-in Closet • 2nd Bedroom 13.3’ x 10.5’
Exterior
• Paved Driveway • 14’W x 28’ Carport/Shed • 18’W x 8’D Covered Porch
Amenities
• Fully Equipped Clubhouse • Two Pickleball Courts • Putting Green w/5 Holes & Chipping Island • 850’ Nature Trail • Full Sized ½ Court Basketball Court • 3300 SF Park for Small Dogs
Beautifully updated 3/3 home in an awesome location. Close to Parker Meadows Community Park & shopping in Franklin. New LVP flooring, stylish fixtures, remodeled BA w/ primary ensuite. Raised ranch style w/ finished basement, third BR & BA plus full sized 2-car garage. Big winter view & potential for even more. Fiber optics HS internet available at this great location in Parker Farm. Priced to sell at $415,000. MLS 26045374
Relax on your deck, listen to the Creek, Fish for trout, enjoy our luxurious 6 Person Hot Tub. Gather at the Fire Pit or Picnic area. Well maintained and very clean log cabin with 3 Satellite TV, WiFi, and Rock Fireplace along with fun games (like outside Jenga). Open the windows and enjoy Mountain breezes and the pleasant sound of Jones Creek, whether you are inside or outdoors. Imagine your morning coffee or evening chats in this most restful and inviting cool Mountain setting. https://www.vrbo.com/3565407
Lovely 3/2.5 home in a pastoral, well maintained area within 12 minutes of town. Paved to the door, spacious and well maintained. Open main level living and dining area, kitchen and big laundry room. Elegant stairway leads to upstairs 3/2 including primary ensuite. LVT flooring throughout. $389,500. MLS 26042494.
TRAIL ACRES
5 Bedroom 4 bath Creek-Front Chalet, next to a HIKERS PARADISE where you’ll discover the renowned Bartram Trail. Cascading waterfall is within a 5 minute walk of our 4 acres of privacy. Large open yard for family and pets, a firepit for marshmallow roasts and a gazebo picnic area with a gas grill for cookouts. Gorgeous home carefully decorated with the discriminating Guest in mind and lots of room for everyone. Comfortable and inviting for a small family but large enough for several families. https://www.vrbo.com/2821393
Crystal Mountain Paradise
• We have a few Elevated Knoll Lots w/ Great Views.
• If you like Cascading Waters, Lot 7 & 8 Produce Great Serenades Near Trail Leading Into Forest Lands. 2.38 Acres. Lots of Parking for Your Guests. Room For 2 Homes Maybe 3. - $165,000
• 1.2 Acres Cascading Creek - Water/Electric On Site. Septic Permit - $65,500
• We Have Other Lots Close By w/ Water & Electric On Site - From $ 35,000 • Lot With Spring Pond - $57,500
Great Opportunities
Strategic highest-and-best-use opportunity on US 441 South. Zoned Commercial Rural, this 0.62-acre site offers 113 ft of highway frontage along a major growth corridor w/ updated NCDOT AADT of approx. 10,000–20,000 vehicles per day. The existing 100’ x 25’ metal building includes two 37’ x 25’ workshop bays w/ four oversized roll-up doors, a 24’ x 23’ office w/ full BA & an add’l 24’ x 23’ upper-level flex space. Two addresses (5120 & 5122) w/ separate water, natural gas & electric meters provide opportunity for multi-tenant configuration or phased income strategy. The level lot offers ample parking, rear yard equipment storage & an outbuilding. Bring all offers! $695,000. MLS 26046543
Tucked away in the Cowee area of Franklin, this 2BR/2BA home offers privacy, usable land & endless potential on 4.64 unrestricted acres. Surrounded by farmland w/ the Little Tennessee River so close you can almost hear it. Inside, you’ll find an open living area, split-BR floor plan & a recently updated primary BA. Recent improvements include a new metal roof, carport & storage shed in 2025. There’s room for gardening, animals, RVs, additional structures, or creating your own private mountain retreat. $289,000. MLS 26047290
Tucked away in Swiss Colony Subdivision, this 2BR/1BA chalet offers the perfect mountain escape just 8 minutes from downtown. Inside, you’ll find vaulted ceilings w/ exposed beams, warm wood accents, abundant natural light & a wood-burning stove. Step outside onto the spacious wraparound decks & enjoy long range mountain views. With easy year-round access & low HOA dues of only $400 per year, this mountain retreat combines affordability, convenience & charm in one hard-to-find package. $215,000. MLS 26047224
HOMES IN 55+ COMMUNITIES
Lots & Land for Every Budget
Affordable mountain acreage convenient to Franklin, Sylva & Cullowhee NC! Two lots combined into one totaling 1.97 +/- acres w/ a generous-sized HOUSE PAD in place & SEPTIC installed, just waiting for you to come and build your mountain getaway. $34,900 MLS 26040239.
A great little lot with huge potential! Take a drive up this lovely & well maintained gravel road to this gentle laying lot w/ what appears to be great view potential! There is overhead electric on neighboring properties. The Restrictions are light. Only 600 min. SF heatable floor space required to build. $25,000. MLS 26042568
This 1.01+/- acre lot that sits just across the road from the beautiful Little Tennessee River & just off of the scenic drive of 28 N from Franklin could be all yours to build your dream house on! Only about 20 minutes from downtown. $19,900. MLS 26042569
Buck Mountain Estates. This rolling-hill subdivision is just north of Franklin & features high-end homes & big views in a lovely pastural setting. This lot (lot 11 phase 1) is tucked in the woods for a secluded
Custom “Barndominium”
TIMELESS CHARACTER MEETS EVERYDAY CONVENIENCE
