Your one-stop reference for comparing the region’s twelve most in-demand gated and luxury mountain enclaves—distances, amenities, home prices, and first-hand broker insight, all drawn directly from local real estate experts.
Choosing the right mountain enclave in 2026
Western North Carolina is riding a fresh wave of luxury-home demand. Remote-work freedom, year-round outdoor recreation and Asheville’s nationally recognized dining scene have converged to make gated mountain living more coveted than ever. Yet for buyers, abundance can feel like overload: within an hour’s drive of downtown Asheville you’ll find golf-anchored resort villages, conservation-minded hideaways and family-friendly neighborhoods that trade clubhouses for hiking trailheads. Each promises its own mix of privacy, scenery, amenities and price—and each tells its story in a slightly different way.
That’s where this guide comes in. Compiled and continually updated by the broker team at Walnut Cove Realty, this post spotlights the twelve gated and luxury communities our clients ask about most often. Every description is drawn directly from our local experts with on-the-ground experience. No marketing gloss, no speculation—just the facts buyers need.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to a neighborhood or read through sequentially to compare notes. When a community piques your interest, click the listing link or call us for inventory details—availability and pricing shift quickly in today’s market, and our specialists can refine a search to match view preference, club priorities or build-timeline requirements.
Ready? Let’s explore Western North Carolina’s top gated communities and find the mountain lifestyle that fits you best.
Table of Contents
1. The Cliffs at Walnut Cove—Arden
3. The Ramble Biltmore Forest—South Asheville
4. The Village At Longcliff—Lake Toxaway
8. Poplar Ridge—South Asheville
10. Balsam Mountain Preserve—Sylva
1. The Cliffs at Walnut Cove — Arden
Tucked against Pisgah National Forest and three miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, The Cliffs at Walnut Cove balances Jack Nicklaus golf-resort luxury with a national-park backdrop. Inside the guarded gates, you’ll find an 18-hole Nicklaus Signature Course (elevation 2,100-2,250 ft), an 8,000 sq ft Wellness Center with indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts and a full spa program, plus a Tudor-style clubhouse offering farm-to-table dining sourced from the community’s 60-acre Creekside Farm CSA. Miles of private hiking trails weave past waterfalls and trout ponds, while membership grants reciprocal privileges at six additional Cliffs clubs across the Carolinas.
Signature vibe
Five-star golf resort meets national-park scenery only eleven miles from downtown Asheville.
Need-to-know
- Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, clubhouse, Wellness Center, farm-to-table dining
- Reciprocal privileges at six other Cliffs clubs
- Guarded gates, extensive hiking trails, CSA farm
Driving distances
- AVL Airport 5 mi
- Downtown Asheville 11.5 mi
- Blue Ridge Parkway 3 mi
Price guidance
- Homes $1 M–$5 M+
- Homesites $150 K–$2 M+
Explore current homes for sale in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove »
2. Southcliff — Fairview
Spread across 400 conserved acres on Cedar Cliff Mountain’s south slope, Southcliff marries quiet mountain ecology with eight-minute access to Asheville’s breweries, galleries and music venues. Six miles of community trails lace 165 acres of preserved open space, linking overlook parks, fire-pit pavilions and playgrounds. Homes (at 2,500-3,900 ft elevation) list from ≈ $750 k to $3 million+; homesites start around $75 k. A fully staffed gatehouse anchors the entrance, while an on-site sales lodge and security team look after daily operations.
Signature vibe
Conservation-minded mountain living with six miles of private trails and long-range views, eight minutes from Asheville’s coffee shops.
Need-to-know
- 400-acre gated community, 165 acres in open space
- Staffed gatehouse, parks, fire-pit pavilions, staffed sales lodge
- Elevations 2,500–3,900 ft for cooler summers
Driving distances
- Airport 13.5 mi
- Downtown 8.5 mi
- Parkway 3.5 mi
Price guidance
- Homes $750 K–$3 M+
- Homesites $75 K–$750 K+
Explore current homes for sale in Southcliff »
3. The Ramble Biltmore Forest — South Asheville
Built on land once owned by George Vanderbilt, The Ramble models Frederick Law Olmsted-style park design: sidewalk-lined streets, extensive greenways and handcrafted homes no more than a short stroll from a trail, park or the 16,000 sq ft Living Well Center (heated saline pool, fitness, cycling studio, demo kitchen, barbecue terrace and lighted tennis). A private south gate opens to Biltmore Park Town Square’s shops, cinema and dining. Homes list from roughly $ 750k to $5 million+; homesites from $ 250k to $2 million+. Blue Ridge Parkway access lies a half-mile away; AVL Airport is 6.5 miles.
Signature vibe
Olmsted-inspired parks and miles of sidewalks moments from Biltmore Park Town Square.
Need-to-know
- Living Well Center with saline pool, fitness, lighted tennis
- Private south gate to shops and dining
- Strict architectural guidelines for cohesive streetscapes
Driving distances
- Airport 6.5 mi
- Downtown 6 mi
- Parkway 0.5 mi
Price guidance
- Homes $750 K–$5 M+
- Homesites $250 K–$2 M+
Explore current homes for sale in The Ramble »
4. The Village At Longcliff — Lake Toxaway
Perched on the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and bordered on three sides by 8,000-acre Gorges State Park, the Village At Longcliff blends mixed-use mountain living with protected wilderness. The 100+-acre development centers around a Great Lawn and Town Center featuring restaurants, retail shops, market, and flexible office spaces. A permanently protected 44-acre nature preserve bisects the property with three miles of walking trails meandering through hardwood forest. Residential options include single-family homes, condominiums, and lofts. The gently rolling terrain offers a walkable community experience. Located 20 minutes from Brevard, NC, and centrally positioned among Highlands, Cashiers, and the Sapphire area.
Signature vibe
Mixed-use community located amongst four-season attractions featuring a 44-acre nature preserve.
Need-to-know
- Only 20 minutes from local arts destination, Brevard, NC
- Situated on gently rolling hills, surrounded by mountains
- Community programming, including musical events, arts and crafts fairs, farmers markets, and holiday festivals
Driving distances
- Airport 36.5 mi
- Downtown 51 mi
- Parkway 215 mi
Price guidance
- Homes $1M–$3.6M
Explore current homes for sale in Longcliff »
5. Avalon — Waynesville
Set on 400+ acres above Lake Junaluska with elevations of 2100–2600ft., Avalon delivers some of Western North Carolina's most celebrated long-range views—-Cold Mountain, Mt. Pisgah, Balsam Mountain Range, and Soco Range—all visible from the community. Nature-focused amenities include hiking trails along waterfalls and streams, a trout fishing pond, scenic overlooks, fire-pit gathering spots, and a covered community pavilion. Underground utilities, high-speed fiber optic, city water, and wide paved roadways provide modern convenience without golf or clubhouse fees. The community is situated ten minutes from downtown Waynesville's galleries, farm-to-table dining, and craft breweries; and about 25 minutes from Asheville.
Signature vibe
Scenic mountaintop community that places residences at the center of the area’s natural wonders
Need-to-know
- Between the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Mt. Pisgah and Cold Mountain
- 10 minutes from downtown Waynesville
- Trout pond on site
Driving distances
- Airport 33.5 mi
- Downtown 29 mi
- Parkway 186 mi
Price guidance
- Homes $750 K+
- Homesites $150 K–$295 K
Explore current homes for sale in Avalon »
6. Springdale — Canton
Tucked at the base of Cold Mountain on 400+ acres of former farmland, Springdale Resort pairs an 18-hole championship golf course (par 72, 6,969 yards) with rustic mountain hospitality. The property features the Rocky Face Tavern (2023 Golden Fork Award recipient) serving upscale-casual Southern-inspired fare, the Village Grill for on-course dining, a heated pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Its year-round subdivision, Springdale Country Club and Estates, features luxury homes and homesites surrounded by the Appalachian Highlands. The resort is located near the Pigeon River and Blue Ridge Parkway, 20 minutes from Waynesville, and around 40 minutes from Asheville.
Signature vibe
Resort golf community catering to families and retirees alike with Southern hospitality.
Need-to-know
- 18-hole, par 72 Joseph Holmes and Ron Garl mountain golf course
- Golf Inc. Golden Fork award-winning restaurant
- Residents enjoy seamless integration into the resort experience
Driving distances
- Airport 34.5 mi
- Downtown Asheville 30 mi
Price guidance
- Homes $109 K–$997 K
- Homesites $49 K–$345 K+
Explore current homes for sale in Springdale »
7. High Vista — Mills River
Halfway between Asheville and Hendersonville, 500-acre High Vista climbs from 2,200 to 3,200 ft, wrapping 350 homes and lots around the Chestnut Mountain Golf Club. Residents may join (but are not required to join) the POA Amenities Association for access to the clubhouse, swimming pool, Har-Tru tennis courts and Robinson’s Pub. Chestnut Mountain’s course challenges golfers with narrow fairways, elevation swings and hardwood-lined rough. Typical resale prices run $535K-$1.2 million for homes and $15K-$125K for lots; AVL Airport is six miles.
Signature vibe
Relaxed, multi-generational community wrapped around the Chestnut Mountain Golf Club.
Need-to-know
- Optional amenities association—join the pool, tennis and clubhouse or opt out
- 500 acres, elevations to 3,200 ft, azalea-lined fairways
- Robinson’s Pub on-site for casual dinners
Driving distances
- Airport 6 mi
- Downtown Asheville 15 mi
Price guidance
- Homes $535 K–$1.2 M
- Homesites $15 K–$125 K
Explore current homes for sale in High Vista »
8. Poplar Ridge — South Asheville
An intimate 250-acre gated enclave off Pinners Grove, Poplar Ridge features deep wooded lots (elev. 2,300-3,300 ft) and long-range views, fifteen minutes from downtown. There are no club dues: residents gather at the community overlook park with playground and picnic meadow, or venture four miles to the Parkway and Pisgah National Forest trailheads. Custom mountain homes typically trade from $1 million to $3 million; remaining homesites list from about $74K to $539K.
Signature vibe
Low-density, heavily wooded hideaway ten minutes from shopping and I-26.
Need-to-know
- 250+ acres, gated entrance, no club fees
- Community overlook park with playground and picnic pavilion
- Elevations 2,300–3,300 ft, long-range southern views
Driving distances
- Airport 7.5 mi
- Downtown 11 mi
Price guidance
- Homes $1 M–$3 M
- Homesites $74 K–$539 K
Explore current homes for sale in Popular Ridge »
9. Kenmure — Flat Rock
Steeped in Flat Rock’s 18-century “Little Charleston of the Mountains” heritage, Kenmure spans 1,400 gated acres anchored by an 18-hole championship golf course, formal and casual dining, indoor and outdoor heated pools, pickleball, tennis, a fitness center and scores of social clubs. Home prices average $1.2 million; homesites average $159 k. Residents frequent Flat Rock Playhouse (North Carolina’s State Theater) and the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. AVL Airport is 16.5 miles; downtown Hendersonville lies minutes north. Kenmure’s grounds feel like a private estate garden—yet you’re minutes from galleries, boutiques and festivals.
Signature vibe
Historic “Little Charleston of the Mountains” charm with a full country-club slate.Need-to-know
- 18-hole championship golf, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness and dining
- Social clubs ranging from bocce to hiking
- Near Flat Rock Playhouse and Carl Sandburg Home
Driving distances
- Airport 16.5 mi
- Downtown Asheville 34 mi
Price guidance
- Average home $1.2 M
- Average homesite $159 K
Explore current homes for sale in Kenmure »
10. Balsam Mountain Preserve — Sylva
Envisioned as a “human settlement in a park,” Balsam Mountain Preserve protects 3,200 acres of former logging land, with only 354 homesites clustered around a resident-only Arnold Palmer Signature Course, an equestrian center (club horses, boarding and lounge), a Nature Center staffed by naturalists, 42 miles of private hiking and riding trails, a wellness spa, tennis courts and fine clubhouse dining. Average home values hover near $1.6 million; homesites around $550 k. The setting is intentionally remote—40 minutes west of Asheville, near Sylva and the Smokies. It’s the quiet option: an enormous conservation canvas first, a community second.
Signature vibe
3,200-acre conservation preserve where an Arnold Palmer course meets resident naturalists and 42 miles of trails.
Need-to-know
- Equestrian center with boarding and club horses
- Nature center, camping sites, spa, fine dining
- 40 minutes west of Asheville for added seclusion
Driving distances
- Airport 45.5 mi
- Downtown Asheville 40.5 mi
Price guidance
- Average home $1.59 M
- Average homesite $550 K
Explore current homes for sale in Balsam Mountain Preserve »
11. Connestee Falls — Brevard
A lake-and-waterfall playground south-west of Asheville, Connestee Falls rings four stocked lakes and a George Cobb-designed 18-hole course with a 26,000 sq ft clubhouse (dining, lounge, dance floor, banquet and wellness center). Twenty miles of forest trails, an organic garden complex, dog park, pickleball facility (six courts) and bocce, volleyball and basketball courts round out the action. Nearly half the land is protected conservation acreage. Average home price ≈ $712k; average lot ≈ $5 k. AVL Airport is 28 miles; downtown Brevard’s arts and brewery scene sits minutes away. You’ll find condos, cottages, and estates all inside one gate—there’s something at every price point.
Signature vibe
Active-lifestyle haven of lakes, waterfalls and George Cobb golf an hour south-west of Asheville.
Need-to-know
- 26,000 sq ft clubhouse, 20 miles of hiking trails, four stocked lakes
- Full pickleball, tennis and bocce facilities; organic gardens and dog park
- Semi-private championship course with dramatic elevation swings
Driving distances
- Airport 28 mi
- Downtown Asheville 42 mi
Price guidance
- Average home $712 K
- Average homesite $54 K
Explore current homes for sale in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove »
12. Mountain Air — Burnsville
Crowning Slickrock Mountain, 4,500-ft-elevation Mountain Air is best known for its private 2,875-ft runway, allowing residents to fly directly to their hangar garages. But the amenity slate appeals to non-pilots, too: an 18-hole mountaintop course, Har-Tru tennis, pickleball, six neighborhood parks, miles of trails with yoga platforms, a 4,500 sq ft wellness center and Slickrock Village Green’s café, amphitheater, nature center and family center. Average homes sell around $771k; lots average $92k. Downtown Asheville is 35 miles south.
Signature vibe
Runway-top mountain village where pilots taxi to their front doors, but non-flyers find equal fun.
Need-to-know
- Private 2,875-ft runway, Slickrock Village Green with deli, amphitheater and nature center
- Har-Tru tennis, pickleball, six parks, 18-hole mountaintop golf and wellness center
- Elevations to 4,600 ft with July highs in the mid-70s
Driving distances
- Airport 47.5 mi
- Downtown Asheville 35 mi
Price guidance
- Average home $771 K
- Average homesite $92 K
Explore current homes for sale in Mountain Air »
Buy Confidently with the Best Luxury Real Estate Experts in the Area
For over 15 years, the luxury real estate experts at Walnut Cove Realty have leveraged their in-depth understanding of the most sought-after communities in Western North Carolina to assist countless buyers in discovering their ideal luxury mountain home.
As a prominent leader in the luxury real estate market in Western North Carolina, our team comprises record-breaking agents, an award-winning marketing team, a Luxury Marketing Specialist, and exceptional administrative professionals, all dedicated to delivering outstanding results for our clients throughout the entire process.
- Deep on-site expertise: We’ve sold more Walnut Cove real estate than any other team.
- Real-time market data: Pricing guidance shaped by live MLS and off-market intelligence.
- Hands-on service: Private tours, builder introductions and closing coordination handled start to finish.
Through Private Mountain Communities' affiliation with Walnut Cove Realty / Howard Hanna, our marketing reach extends globally through Luxury Portfolio International® and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. Our tailored, data-driven approach to pricing, marketing, and negotiation combined with exemplary service have been our hallmark for decades.
Talk with a Luxury Real-Estate Expert in Western North Carolina
We invite you to explore everything WNC has to offer in person. Contact us to connect with a local real estate agent and take the first step toward making this extraordinary locale your new home.
Call us today at (888) 247-3466 »
