400 Kings Drive, Lake Lure NC
$8,900,000 | MLS #4264882
Showcasing +-134 acres bordering NC State Park lands, Bald Mountain Estate presents a rare opportunity to own one of North Carolina’s most iconic private estates with special features that are impossible to find elsewhere. Steeped in history and natural beauty, the property features a wealth of value amongst the existing improvements.
The estate is anchored by a Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired primary residence, thoughtfully designed with luxurious finishes and a timeless architectural spirit. Complementing the main home are two renovated apartments housed in a second residence, a beautifully restored log cabin beside a resort-style pool, multiple working barns, workshops, and a future guest house.
The land features exceptional views of the surrounding mountains and rock cliffs, gentle pastures, beautiful forests, a pure mountain stream, springs, abundant wildlife, and trails. Located within the gates of Rumbling Bald Resort, where amenities include golf courses, restaurants, swimming pools, lakefront beach, marina, wellness center, and more. Remarkably, this gated estate with private access is not subject to any HOA restrictions.
Ideal uses include a bespoke residence, family compound, equestrian farm, retreat/events venue, summer camp, STR complex, conservation, or any combination to create your vision. Bald Mountain Estate is a canvas for your most inspired plans.
Contact Collin O’Berry or Reese Morgani of Altamont Property Group for more information.
Collin O’Berry
collin.oberry@gmail.com
828-772-1667
Reese Morgani
morganilife@gmail.com
828-545-5880
Floorplans and Tours:
A Rich Heritage & Historic Legacy
Originally designed and built in 1939 by Leslie Cheek, heir to the Maxwell House Coffee fortune and celebrated museum administrator, this estate —once known as Faraway Farms — served as a private family haven during World War II. In 1957, it was acquired by Rolland King, a noted developer from Florida and founder of the neighboring Rumbling Bald Resort. King renamed the property Bald Mountain Farms and used it as a cherished summer retreat for his family while shaping the vision for the resort that exists today.
Set near the shores of Lake Lure—long regarded as a “gold-standard” Blue Ridge destination—this estate resides in a storied setting known for its rich history, Hollywood ties, and proximity to Chimney Rock State Park. Just a short drive from Asheville, it’s easy to enjoy the city’s vibrant arts scene, renowned restaurants, and iconic attractions like the Biltmore Estate. The property is also located less than 1 hour from the Tryon International Equestrian Center, making it ideal for horse enthusiasts. Nearby wineries and craft breweries offer endless opportunities for local tastings and weekend outings. Plus, with Charlotte Douglas International Airport within easy reach, travel in and out of the region is simple and stress-free.
With its historical significance, breathtaking natural beauty, resort access, complete privacy, and modern comforts, Bald Mountain Estate is one of Western North Carolina’s true legacy properties. This one-of-a-kind estate is the epitome of refined mountain living and offers a rare opportunity to own a timeless piece of North Carolina Heritage.
The Main Residence
The estate’s primary residence is a masterfully designed 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home that seamlessly blends 1930s architectural influence with a refined 1970s Art Deco-era renovation. Drawing inspiration from the clean lines and organic harmony of Frank Lloyd Wright, this 3,833± sq ft home offers a warm yet elevated mountain living experience — refined, timeless, and designed with intention.
At the heart of the home is an atrium-style two-story great room, where floor-to-ceiling windows invite in panoramic 270° views of the surrounding mountains, creeks, and forested serenity. Natural light warms the space, complemented by refinished wood floors, ThermaTru exterior doors, and thoughtful architectural touches throughout.
The spacious chef’s kitchen is designed for entertaining and gathering—with Sub-Zero refrigeration, double ovens, two dishwashers, an ice maker, and ample prep and storage space. Just beyond, an elegant dining area seats 10+ guests and overlooks rolling pastures and distant peaks—offering an idyllic backdrop for memorable meals and celebrations.
This luxurious property features three expansive king suites, each with their own private full bath, ensuring ultimate comfort and privacy. A dedicated bunk wing provides accommodations for up to six with twin beds and a full bath, ideal for families or guests. An additional half bath is conveniently located on the main level. A secondary staircase adds functionality with a touch of whimsy to the home’s unique character. For those working remotely or enjoying extended stays, a dedicated workspace is equipped with Starlink high-speed internet and smart TVs with access to streaming services including Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. Adding a final distinctive touch, the original fire hose remains installed in the hallway, a subtle nod to the home’s rich heritage.
The exterior is as enduring as it is elegant, featuring 50-year CertainTeed Presidential Shake infinity shingles. Expansive stone patios, front and back porches, a screened gazebo, and manicured lawns framed by magnolia trees create a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Enjoy your morning coffee with the relaxing sound of the flowing creek or close the day with a breathtaking mountain sunset.
Set below the main house is an immaculately landscaped area along the creek that features seating areas, custom rock work, handrails, and natural boulders to rest upon and enjoy the creekside bliss. The creek is pure, cold, and clear, originating on the protected NC State Park lands that border this property. Take a dip and enjoy multiple small swimming holes along the creek as it cascades across this special land.
Guest Accommodations
In addition to the primary residence, Bald Mountain Estate offers an abundance of spacious and private guest accommodations. A second residence near the main home features two apartments that are connected by a finished, climate-controlled three-bay garage that serves as a game room, gym, and gathering space. Each guest residence has been thoughtfully renovated, featuring open-concept layouts with full kitchens, dining areas, comfortable living rooms complete with dedicated workspaces, two king bedrooms and two full bathrooms—ideal for extended family or private retreats.
Near the private entrance to the property sits a restored log cabin that welcomes guests with charm and modern comforts. The cabin was completely restored by the current owners, with features that include custom French doors and high-end appliances including a Wolf range, Monogram ovens, and Fisher & Paykel refrigeration. The screened-in porch opens to a resort style pool area with an in-ground pool, hot tub, outdoor grilling area, and building ready to complete into a wet sauna.
Additional Structures
The estate grounds are equally impressive, offering a wealth of amenities for recreation, entertaining, and purposeful living. A creekside entertaining area with a screened gazebo provides a tranquil setting for outdoor dining and relaxation, while a nearby children’s play area and raised viewing deck add to the guest experience. An additional multi-vehicle garage and a large workshop barn house (currently under construction) expand the estate’s potential. The original 16-stall barn, measuring 40 by 100 feet, remains in exceptional condition, coupled with a second two-story barn with a new roof, ideal for stabling, storage, or adaptive use. Additional features include livestock pens, a milking area, multiple pastures, a greenhouse garden, and a charming chicken coop—offering a blend of self-sufficiency and rural elegance.
Land, Water & Wildlife
Set beneath the majestic granite rock face of Rumbling Bald, an exclusive gated access road leads to over 25 acres of gentle pastures with a multitude of potential build sites, each with panoramic views of surrounded rock faces and mountain ridges. Despite its proximity inside the Rumbling Bald Resort, the property is not restricted by the subdivision’s covenants—offering an exceptional level of freedom with unrestricted land use—whether for personal retreat, development, or agricultural purposes.
Perhaps most notably, with 134 +/- acres, the estate shares a private border with more than 3,000 acres of adjoining protected North Carolina Conservancy land and Chimney Rock State Park, ensuring lasting privacy and an enduring connection to its Appalachian Mountain surroundings.
The land itself is a diverse tapestry of rolling pastures, lush forest, cascading mountain streams, natural springs, private hiking trails, and abundant native wildlife. An established berry garden and young orchard are already producing, with future harvests on the horizon. The gardens include 46 blueberry bushes, Concord grapes, and three 25-foot rows of blackberries, while the orchard offers a mix of peach, apple, cherry, pear, plum, fig, and pomegranate trees—alongside pecan, hazelnut, and chestnut varieties.
As part of the offering, the estate includes a deeded lot within Rumbling Bald Resort, granting access to extensive premium amenities: two championship golf courses, four swimming pools, three restaurants, a private beach and marina with access to boating and paddleboarding, and a state-of-the-art Wellness Center. The resort also features lakeside dining, a golf pro shop, and a public 18-hole course—making it a premier destination for recreation and relaxation.
With its natural beauty, agricultural assets, and resort connectivity, the property offers limitless potential — whether envisioned as a private family estate, equestrian compound, conservation legacy, luxury retreat, or event venue. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to steward an iconic piece of Western North Carolina’s mountain heritage, with space to dream and freedom to create.
