PICTURESQUE, SPACIOUS, & CONVENIENT! This Valle Crucis split level home with incredible curb appeal has it all! Situated on 1.3 acres with a newly fenced backyard, the property offers stunning mountain views and Watauga River views from multiple open decks. The interior features 3 bedrooms plus a flex room (or additional sleeping area), 3 full baths, a spacious living room and den divided by a double sided gas fireplace, highly functional kitchen with open flow to the dining area, a separate office off of the den, and a large multi-purpose room with loads of storage space. Imagine the possibilities! Wood floors flank the main level, and the bathrooms are tiled. Carpet is found in the primary bedroom, while the other bedrooms and flex room boast wood floors. Parking is a breeze with the one car garage, carport, and ample driveway space. Got tools? There is even an area in the walkout basement that functions as a workshop. Well maintained with recent major improvements including a 2023 HVAC, 2024 roof, 2025 water heater and more! This centrally located mountain dream home is a short stroll to the Watauga River and is less than a mile drive to The Mast General Store, Valle Crucis Community Park, and the new and highly impressive Valle Crucis School. Only a 15 minute drive to Downtown Boone, and less than 30 minutes to Downtown Blowing Rock, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort. It currently serves as a primary residence, and could be turned into a highly desirable vacation rental! Both short term and long term rentals are permitted in this subdivision. See the certified measure and virtual tour to get a feel for the layout of this home. The septic permit could not be located by AppHealthCare in Watauga County, but the tax records indicate 3 bedrooms. Internet is currently coaxial through Spectrum. If fiber optic is preferred, Skyline/Skybest can provide it to this home.
For sale
$865,000
281 Old Hartley Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604
3beds
3,334sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1985
1.3 Acres Lot
$813,100 Zestimate®
$259/sqft
$22/mo HOA
What's special
Stunning mountain viewsAmple driveway spaceIncredible curb appealNewly fenced backyardOne car garage
- 8 days |
- 2,091 |
- 93 |
Zillow last checked: 8 hours ago
Listing updated: January 22, 2026 at 07:47am
Listed by:
Emily Marlett (828)295-7337,
Howard Hanna Allen Tate Realtors Boone
Source: High Country AOR,MLS#: 259720
Originating MLS: High Country Association of Realtors Inc.
Tour with a local agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 3
- Full bathrooms: 3
Heating
- Baseboard, Electric, Fireplace(s), Heat Pump, Other, See Remarks
Cooling
- Electric, Heat Pump, 1 Unit
Appliances
- Included: Dryer, Dishwasher, Electric Water Heater, Gas Range, Microwave Hood Fan, Microwave, Refrigerator, Washer
- Laundry: Washer Hookup, Dryer Hookup
Features
- Carbon Monoxide Detector, Skylights, Vaulted Ceiling(s), Window Treatments
- Windows: Skylight(s), Window Treatments
- Basement: Walk-Out Access
- Has fireplace: Yes
- Fireplace features: Gas, Masonry, Stone, Propane
Interior area
- Total structure area: 3,334
- Total interior livable area: 3,334 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 2,932
- Finished area below ground: 402
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 1
- Parking features: Asphalt, Concrete, Carport, Driveway, Garage, One Car Garage, Paved, Private, Shared Driveway
- Garage spaces: 1
- Has carport: Yes
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Features
- Levels: Three Or More,Multi/Split
- Stories: 3
- Patio & porch: Multiple, Open
- Exterior features: Storage, Paved Driveway
- Fencing: Back Yard
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Long Range, Mountain(s), River
- Has water view: Yes
- Water view: River
Lot
- Size: 1.3 Acres
Details
- Parcel number: 1980357605000
- Zoning description: R1
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Mountain,Split Level,Traditional
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Stucco, Wood Siding, Wood Frame
- Roof: Asphalt,Shingle
Condition
- Year built: 1985
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Septic Tank
- Water: Private, Well
- Utilities for property: Cable Available, High Speed Internet Available, Septic Available
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: Long Term Rental Allowed, Short Term Rental Allowed
- Security: Radon Mitigation System
- Subdivision: Hickory Ridge
HOA
- Has HOA: Yes
- HOA fee: $265 annually
Location
- Region: Banner Elk
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $259/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $608,200
- Annual tax amount: $1,934
- Date on market: 1/21/2026
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional,FHA,New Loan,USDA Loan,VA Loan
- Road surface type: Paved
Estimated market value
$813,100
$772,000 - $854,000
$3,028/mo
Price history
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1/21/2026 | Listed for sale | $865,000+149.3%$259/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 6/27/2019 | Sold | $347,000-6.1%$104/sqft |
Source: | ||
| 4/5/2019 | Pending sale | $369,500$111/sqft |
Source: Appalachian Properties #213570 Report a problem | ||
| 4/2/2019 | Price change | $369,500-0.1%$111/sqft |
Source: Appalachian Properties #213570 Report a problem | ||
| 11/27/2018 | Price change | $369,900-2.5%$111/sqft |
Source: Appalachian Properties #211505 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,341 -3% | $608,200 -3.1% |
| 2023 | $2,413 +1% | $627,700 |
| 2022 | $2,390 +43.1% | $627,700 +78.9% |
Find assessor info on the county website
BuyAbility℠ payment
Est. payment
$4,733/mo
Principal & interest
$4112
Home insurance
$303
Other costs
$318
Climate risks
Neighborhood: 28604
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 7/10Valle Crucis ElementaryGrades: PK-8Distance: 0.7 mi
- 8/10Watauga HighGrades: 9-12Distance: 6.5 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Valle Crucis
- High: Watauga
Source: High Country AOR. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
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