8693 NC Hwy 88 E, Laurel Springs, NC: A Charming Mini Farm With 4.86 Acres

For buyers searching for a peaceful rural property with land, a comfortable home, outdoor space, and room for future possibilities, 8693 NC Hwy 88 E in Laurel Springs, North Carolina, offers an interesting combination of features.

Listed at $365,000, this property includes a charming single-family cottage/ranch-style home with approximately 1,075 square feet of living space, two bedrooms, one full bathroom, and nearly five acres of land.

The property sits on approximately 4.86 acres in the Laurel Springs community of eastern Ashe County. In addition to the main residence, the property includes a large barn, an additional outbuilding, a detached carport, a cellar, open pasture, established fruit trees, grapevines, and multiple potential building sites.

The listing also highlights the property’s proximity to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and its relatively short drive to downtown West Jefferson.

A price reduction of approximately $13,900 was reported on August 15, bringing the advertised price to $365,000.

For buyers interested in rural living, a second home site, hobby farming, recreational use, or simply having more land around their residence, the property offers several features worth examining.

Property Overview

The home at 8693 NC Hwy 88 E is listed for $365,000.

The property includes approximately 4.86 acres of land and a one-story cottage/ranch-style residence built in 1950.

The main home provides approximately 1,075 square feet of finished living area.

Key Property Details

Address: 8693 NC Hwy 88 E Highway, Laurel Springs, NC 28644
List Price: $365,000
Price Reduction: Approximately $13,900
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1 full bathroom
Interior Living Area: 1,075 square feet
Lot Size: 4.86 acres
Year Built: 1950
Stories: 1
Style: Cottage/Ranch
Parking: Detached carport and private driveway
Additional Structures: Barn and outbuilding
Water: Private well
Sewer: Septic; permit availability listed as unavailable
Heating: Ductless, forced air, oil listed
Cooling: Ductless
HOA: None
Annual Property Tax: $893 according to the listing
Tax Assessed Value: $167,400
Road: Paved
Listing Terms: Cash, conventional, FHA, new loan, and VA loan

The property has been on the market since May 10, 2026, according to the supplied listing information.

A Peaceful Mountain Property

The defining characteristic of this property is its rural setting.

Rather than sitting on a small suburban lot, the home occupies approximately 4.86 acres, providing significantly more land around the residence.

The listing describes the property as a peaceful retreat in the Laurel Springs community of eastern Ashe County.

For people who enjoy outdoor living, gardening, animals, privacy, or simply having room to spread out, acreage can be one of the most valuable characteristics of a rural property.

The land also creates opportunities that would not normally be available with a conventional residential lot.

According to the listing, the property includes open pasture, established fruit trees, grapevines, and multiple potential building sites.

Charming Cottage and Ranch-Style Home

The residence is described as a cottage/ranch-style home built in 1950.

With approximately 1,075 square feet of living space, the home is relatively compact while offering two traditional bedrooms and a flexible third room.

The one-story design can be convenient for buyers who prefer to avoid stairs.

The home’s size may also make it easier to maintain compared with a significantly larger property, although maintenance requirements depend on the age and condition of the structure and its systems.

The listing describes the home as well maintained and highlights several interior characteristics, including hardwood flooring in the bedrooms.

Two Traditional Bedrooms

The primary home includes two traditional bedrooms.

The listing specifically mentions beautiful hardwood flooring in the bedrooms.

Hardwood floors can contribute to the character of an older cottage-style property and may be attractive to buyers who prefer natural flooring materials.

The listing also notes that hardwood is located underneath the carpet in the living room.

This could potentially give the future owner another opportunity to expose or refinish hardwood flooring, depending on its condition.

Buyers interested in restoring the original character of the home should inspect the floors carefully before deciding whether refinishing would be worthwhile.

Flexible Third Room

In addition to the two traditional bedrooms, the property includes a third versatile room.

According to the listing description, this room could potentially be used as a guest room, home office, or sitting room.

This flexibility can be valuable for buyers whose needs change over time.

A remote worker could potentially use the space as a home office, while another owner might prefer to use it as a reading room, hobby area, guest space, or additional sitting area.

The exact legal classification and dimensions of the room should be verified by buyers if they intend to use it specifically as a bedroom.

Updated Heating and Cooling System

One of the notable improvements mentioned in the listing is a new mini-split system installed in fall 2024.

The mini-split system is described as the home’s efficient heating and cooling source.

The property data also lists ductless heating and cooling, along with forced air and oil under the heating information.

A relatively recent mini-split installation can be a useful feature because heating and cooling are important considerations in a mountain environment.

Buyers should still verify the installation date, maintenance history, warranty information, and the areas served by the system.

They may also want to confirm whether any older heating equipment remains on the property and whether it is still operational.

Laundry and Mud Room

The home includes a laundry room/mud room located off the kitchen.

The listing specifically notes that this room does not have a heat vent and therefore was not included in the heated square footage.

This is an important distinction when evaluating the property’s listed 1,075 square feet.

The laundry/mud room provides practical utility space while also serving as a transition area between the kitchen and outdoors.

Because it is not included in the heated square footage, buyers should understand exactly how the total living area is calculated when comparing this property with other homes.

Furnished and Ready for Use

Another unusual feature is that the home is being sold furnished.

The listing states that appliances are included and describes the property as essentially ready for a buyer to move in.

Included appliances listed in the property information include:

Dryer
Electric range
Electric water heater
Freezer
Refrigerator
Washer

The listing also mentions window treatments.

For buyers interested in a second home, vacation property, mountain retreat, or rural getaway, having furniture and appliances included may simplify the transition.

However, purchasers should confirm exactly which personal property and appliances are included in the final purchase agreement.

Large Barn for Storage or Livestock

The property includes a large barn, which significantly expands its potential beyond a typical residential home.

A barn can serve many purposes depending on local regulations and the buyer’s plans.

Potential uses could include agricultural storage, equipment storage, workshop space, or housing for livestock.

The listing specifically mentions that the open pasture is suitable for horses, livestock, or crops.

Anyone planning to keep animals should investigate fencing, water access, pasture conditions, barn condition, local requirements, and ongoing maintenance needs.

Open Pasture

The property includes open pasture areas.

For rural property buyers, usable pasture can be an important feature.

The land could potentially support gardening, small-scale agriculture, livestock, or recreational activities, subject to soil conditions, zoning, local regulations, and the property’s specific characteristics.

The amount of usable pasture should be confirmed during a site visit because acreage totals do not necessarily mean that every part of the property is equally suitable for agricultural use.

Topography, wooded areas, slopes, drainage, access, and existing structures can all affect usable land.

Fruit Trees and Grape Vines

The property includes established apple trees, a peach tree, and grapevines.

These mature plantings add a distinctive agricultural and recreational element to the property.

Established fruit trees can provide seasonal produce and contribute to the overall character of a rural homestead.

Their condition and productivity can vary from year to year, so buyers should inspect the trees and vines and determine what maintenance they require.

For gardening enthusiasts, the existing plantings may also provide a starting point for expanding a home garden or small orchard.

Detached Carport

The property includes a detached carport as well as private driveway parking.

A carport provides covered parking without requiring a fully enclosed garage.

For a rural property, covered parking can be useful for protecting a vehicle from weather while also providing additional space for equipment or outdoor items.

The listing’s parking information also identifies the driveway as gravel and private.

The condition of the driveway should be evaluated, particularly because rural properties can experience drainage and erosion issues.

Cellar and Additional Storage

The property also includes a cellar with additional storage above it.

Extra storage is often valuable on a rural property because homeowners may need space for tools, gardening equipment, seasonal items, outdoor supplies, or agricultural equipment.

The condition of the cellar should be inspected for moisture, drainage, ventilation, structural issues, and other potential concerns.

Storage structures should also be checked for roof condition and overall maintenance.

Multiple Potential Building Sites

One of the more interesting features mentioned in the listing is the availability of multiple building sites.

The property includes a cleared knoll that may offer potential long-range views.

According to the listing, this area could potentially be suitable for a second home or guest cottage.

This is an important potential feature, but buyers should not assume that a second residence can automatically be constructed.

Before purchasing specifically for this purpose, buyers should verify zoning, building requirements, driveway access, utilities, septic feasibility, setbacks, environmental restrictions, and any other applicable requirements.

Possible Second Home or Guest Cottage

The possibility of adding another residence can be attractive to buyers who want additional space in the future.

A second building could potentially serve as a guest cottage, family residence, vacation accommodation, or another permitted use.

However, the feasibility of such a project needs to be established before assigning financial value to the idea.

A cleared building site does not necessarily mean that the location is already approved for construction.

The buyer should investigate the property with the relevant county authorities and qualified professionals.

Well Water and Septic System

The property uses private well water.

The listing also identifies septic service, with the septic permit noted as unavailable in the supplied property information.

These are important considerations for any buyer.

Private wells should be tested for water quality and evaluated for condition, flow, and equipment.

The septic system should also be professionally inspected when possible.

Because the listing indicates that the septic permit is unavailable, buyers should investigate the existing septic arrangement and determine whether appropriate documentation can be obtained.

Anyone considering additional construction should also determine whether the existing septic system has sufficient capacity or whether a new or expanded system would be required.

Rural Internet Availability

The listing indicates that high-speed internet is available.

Internet availability can be particularly important for rural buyers who work remotely or depend on online services.

However, buyers should verify the specific provider, technology, available speeds, installation requirements, and actual service at the property.

Availability shown in a listing does not necessarily guarantee a particular service speed or connection type.

Location Near the Blue Ridge Parkway

One of the property’s location highlights is its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Parkway is known for its scenic mountain landscapes and recreational opportunities.

Being located near such a destination can make the area attractive to people who enjoy hiking, sightseeing, photography, outdoor recreation, and mountain drives.

The listing also notes that downtown West Jefferson is approximately a 15-plus-minute drive away.

For residents, access to a nearby town can provide a balance between rural living and access to everyday services.

Short-Term and Long-Term Rental Possibilities

The listing indicates that both long-term rental and short-term rental are allowed as a community feature.

For buyers considering the property as an investment or vacation property, this information may be relevant.

However, rental rules can be affected by local regulations, county requirements, insurance policies, zoning, and other factors.

Potential rental income should therefore be researched using current comparable properties rather than assumed from the listing.

Anyone considering short-term rental use should also verify applicable rules and operating requirements before purchasing.

Price Reduction

The property is currently listed at $365,000, with a reported price reduction of approximately $13,900 on August 15.

Price reductions can attract renewed attention from buyers, but the advertised price should always be considered in relation to comparable properties, land value, home condition, local market conditions, and the property’s unique features.

The listing reports approximately 128 days on Zillow, along with more than 5,500 views and 180 saves at the time of the supplied information.

These are listing-platform engagement figures and should not be treated as a guarantee of market value or future sale activity.

Property Taxes

The listed annual property tax amount is approximately $893, with a tax-assessed value of $167,400.

Property taxes are one component of the overall cost of ownership.

Rural homeowners should also account for insurance, utilities, well maintenance, septic maintenance, driveway maintenance, landscaping, barn upkeep, fencing, equipment, and repairs.

The larger the property, the more maintenance responsibilities can potentially be involved.

What Buyers Should Inspect

Because this is a rural property with several structures and private utilities, buyers should conduct thorough due diligence.

Important areas to investigate include:

Main House

Inspect the roof, foundation, exterior, windows, floors, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling equipment, and overall structural condition.

Well

Have the well inspected and the water tested.

Septic

Verify the septic system’s location, condition, capacity, and available documentation.

Barn

Inspect the barn’s foundation, roof, framing, doors, electrical systems, and suitability for intended use.

Carport

Check the structural condition and roof of the detached carport.

Cellar

Inspect for moisture, drainage, ventilation, and structural concerns.

Land

Walk the property to understand topography, boundaries, access, pasture, wooded areas, drainage, and potential building sites.

Considerations for a Future Building Site

The cleared knoll described in the listing may be attractive for someone considering a second structure.

Before making plans, however, buyers should confirm:

Whether construction is permitted
Whether the site meets setback requirements
Whether a septic system can serve the new structure
Whether water access is available
Whether electrical service can be extended
Whether driveway access is permitted
Whether the land has suitable soil and drainage
Whether there are environmental or land-use restrictions

These factors can determine whether the proposed building site is actually practical.

Final Thoughts

8693 NC Hwy 88 E in Laurel Springs, North Carolina, is a rural property offering significantly more than a typical two-bedroom home.

Listed at $365,000, the property includes approximately 4.86 acres, a 1,075-square-foot cottage/ranch-style home, two bedrooms, one full bathroom, a flexible third room, a laundry/mud room, a detached carport, a barn, a cellar, open pasture, fruit trees, grapevines, and multiple potential building sites.

The property also features a mini-split system installed in fall 2024, hardwood flooring in the bedrooms, hardwood underneath the living-room carpet, included appliances, and furnishings.

For buyers interested in rural living, the acreage provides space for gardening, recreation, livestock, or other permitted activities. The barn and pasture add functionality, while the potential building sites could provide opportunities for future development if local requirements allow.

The property’s location near the Blue Ridge Parkway and within a relatively short drive of West Jefferson adds another dimension to the property, particularly for people who enjoy mountain scenery and outdoor activities.

At the same time, buyers should carefully investigate the private well, septic system, additional structures, land boundaries, building-site possibilities, and overall condition of the property.

The listing indicates that the property can accommodate various financing options, including cash, conventional, FHA, and VA loans, but individual lender requirements will determine whether a particular buyer qualifies.

Ultimately, the appeal of 8693 NC Hwy 88 E comes from the combination of a manageable home, nearly five acres of land, existing agricultural and storage structures, established fruit plantings, and potential for future use.

For someone searching for a mountain property with acreage in Laurel Springs, NC, this listing offers a distinctive rural setup that is worth evaluating through an in-person visit, professional inspection, and careful review of land-use and utility details before making a purchase decision.