Sunalei Preserve Real Estate

Welcome to Sunalei Preserve, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Zionville, North Carolina, within the picturesque Watauga County. This charming subdivision offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern living, making it the perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and community.

Sunalei Preserve is enveloped by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, providing residents with breathtaking views and an abundance of outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy hiking the scenic trails, fishing in serene streams, or simply basking in the beauty of nature, this area has something for everyone. The pristine landscapes and lush greenery create a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for families, retirees, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The subdivision features a carefully planned layout that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Each lot is spacious and thoughtfully designed, allowing for the construction of beautiful homes that reflect the unique character of the area. Residents can enjoy the sense of community that comes with living in Sunalei Preserve, where neighbors become friends, and gatherings are common.

Zionville itself is a quaint town with a rich history and a warm, welcoming spirit. Local shops, farmers' markets, and community events provide ample opportunities to connect with fellow residents and embrace the local culture. With easy access to Boone and other nearby attractions, you’ll find that Sunalei Preserve offers the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience.

Discover the charm of Sunalei Preserve, where your dream home awaits amidst the serene beauty of North Carolina’s mountains. Come experience the lifestyle you’ve always envisioned!

Newest Listings in Sunalei Preserve

$169,900

263866 MLS

This 3.32 acre lot has multi-layer mountain views toward the south and west. The development is bordered by professionally managed Conservancy Lands. The wooded lot, covered in hardwood trees, is located at the end of a driveway providing undisturbed views of surrounding mountain peaks and valleys. Sunalei Preserve is located at the base of Snake Mountain - the highest peak completely in Watauga County, NC. Sunalei, a gated community, straddles the NC/TN state lines and is just 25 minutes from downtown Boone. Life at Sunalei focuses around the 130 acres of Conservancy Lands owned and managed by the Blue Ridge Conservancy. Additionally, Sunalei adjoins Elk Knob State Park with over 3400 acres of protected forests and open meadows. Sunalei owners enjoy the High Mountain Camp Clubhouse, the Shelter Recreation Center, tennis court, fire pit, endless hiking, and the security of a gated community.

H103 Acorn Nvno, Zionville

$74,900

261237 MLS

Incredibly gentle lot perched at over 4,000 feet elevation with layered view potential in the highly desired Sunalei Preserve! Come and explore perhaps the most usable and affordable option in this beautiful neighborhood. Located an easy 20 minute drive into Boone, NC or Mountain City, TN all of the amenities of the High Country are just a short drive away. Lot has been cleared in recent years, making clearing for your mountain dream home much easier and less costly. High Mountain Camp is a beautiful amenity with open decks with forever sunset views, bar, pool table, ping pong table, fitness room, kitchen, and stone fireplace. Come and see today and envision your dream home with easy access, cool summer temperatures, and BIG VIEWS! Gate code required. Visit https://sunalei.us/ for more information about this development.

Lot H25 Buffalo Nvno, Zionville

$1,299,000

4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 260882 MLS

High above the Blue Ridge, where the air feels a little lighter and the world slows to a quieter rhythm, there’s a place where mornings begin with nothing but stillness and an endless horizon. As the first light spills over the mountains, you step into the great room with vaulted ceilings rising above you, a stone fireplace grounding the space—and before anything else, your eyes are pulled outward. Layer upon layer of blue ridgelines stretch as far as you can see, fading softly into the distance. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause… every single time. Mornings drift easily here. Coffee in hand, you move out onto the covered porch, where a second fireplace flickers on crisp days and the mountains feel just close enough to touch. By evening, that same spot becomes something entirely different—golden light settling into deep blues, a glass of wine in hand, the kind of quiet you didn’t realize you were missing. Life inside flows just as effortlessly. The kitchen opens to the living space, designed for connection without ever taking away from the view. The primary suite becomes its own retreat, where you wake up to the mountains and end the day in a spa-like bath, soaking tub, walk-in tile shower, and the feeling of being completely removed from everything else. Upstairs, guests have their own space to settle in—a loft, two bedrooms, room to relax. Downstairs, the home shifts into gathering mode. A second stone fireplace, game room, and flexible spaces create the perfect setting for long weekends, holidays, or simply time well spent. There’s space for everyone, but never a sense of crowding. And then there’s the path. Tucked just below the home, a quiet trail leads you down the mountain to a small outbuilding, once an observatory. It’s easy to imagine what it could become again.. a studio, a hideaway, a place to sit under a sky full of stars with nothing but the sound of the mountains around you. But what makes this place truly rare isn’t just the home, it’s where it lives. Sunalei Preserve was designed for those who value something different. Nearly 1,000 acres of protected land. Elevations climbing above 5,500 feet. Direct access to Elk Knob State Park just beyond your doorstep. And when you’re ready to venture out, the best of the High Country is within easy reach. Spend an afternoon in Blowing Rock, known for its boutique shopping, art galleries, and elevated dining, or explore Banner Elk, home to award-winning restaurants, cozy wine bars, and nearby skiing at Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort. And just 20 minutes away, Boone offers the perfect balance of convenience and charm, with vibrant downtown streets, local shops, and a true mountain-town energy anchored by Appalachian State. Here, days are spent outdoors, and evenings often lead to High Mountain Camp (one of the highest elevation clubhouses in the eastern US) where sunsets feel bigger, conversations last longer, and time seems to stretch in the best way. There are no short-term rentals here. No revolving doors. Just a true sense of retreat.. quiet, preserved, and intentional. And after a while, you realize… it’s not just a home you’ve found. It’s a different way of living.

635 Acorn Nvno, Zionville

$165,000

257922 MLS

Sunalei homesite H406 is an exquisite 2.31-acre property topping out at 4,400 feet of elevation in the highly desirable Forest section of the community. The property offers the potential for panoramic, long-range mountain views to the northwest, spanning over spectacular rolling mountain ranges. This expansive, high-elevation homesite is just a short drive over to the impressive High Mountain Camp Clubhouse, dedicated community hiking and ATV trails, and the 50+ acre Sunalei Conservancy. The property features mature hardwoods framing a plateau building site, which, with proper tree trimming, will offer unobstructed, long-range views of the rolling mountains as far as the eye can see. The building site is suitable for a walk-out basement-style home, allowing for ample usable deck space and providing tremendous flexibility to shape the rest of the land. Building sites in Sunalei Forest are designated as Homestead lots, allowing for the construction of 2,500 square feet or more of heated living space. In the heart of the High Country, ideally located just minutes from Boone and Watauga Lake, Sunalei stands tall among the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. A low-density community of less than 100 large-acreage homesites, thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the untamed beauty of the landscape, where authentic mountain living and embracing the tranquility that unfolds amidst the wild is cherished above all else. Sunalei's vision was born from a profound respect for nature and a desire to coexist with its majestic beauty. Over 300 acres, constituting more than a third of Sunalei, are dedicated to the Conservancy and Elk Knob State Park, ensuring the preservation of its alpine beauty and ecological balance. Each homesite, expansively set on large parcels of land, is a sanctuary where residents live amidst the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by the historic Adirondack Great Camps, the homes' architectural themes blend rustic elegance with modern comfort. Sunalei was created with the belief that the best amenities are those crafted by Mother Nature herself. As such, the design philosophy centers on preserving the natural environment, ensuring that the community not only enjoys but also enhances the stunning vistas and superior elevations. From the rolling mountain peaks to the lush forests, every aspect of Sunalei has been thoughtfully planned to offer an unparalleled experience of NC High Country mountain living. It's more than a community; it's a celebration of nature's beauty, a commitment to sustainable living, and a haven for those who find solace in these timeless mountains. Call today about this gorgeous homesite priced to sell in the High Country's most authentic mountain community, Sunalei.

H406 Buffalo Nvno, Zionville

$155,500

258198 MLS

Perched at a high elevation, Lot 404 showcases dramatic long-range, layered mountain vistas that truly take your breath away. This property offers the perfect backdrop for your custom mountain retreat, where privacy, beauty, and convenience all come together Located just 25 minutes from downtown Boone, Sunalei Preserve is a gated community with paved roads, underground utilities, and an unmatched connection to nature. Residents enjoy access to the High Mountain Camp Clubhouse, scenic hiking trails, and the tranquility of Conservancy Lands that border the neighborhood. Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate being just minutes from Elk Knob State Park. If you’ve been searching for one of the best view lots in the High Country, this is it. Come experience the magic for yourself, your mountain getaway begins here!

404 Buffalo NVNO Road, Zionville

$139,900

256213 MLS

This is the ideal location to build your mountain retreat nestled within Sunalei Preserve. Enjoy refreshing mountain weather in a CONSERVATION-focused gated community north of Boone. The lot is a 4-acre blend of woodland and mountain meadow offering easy build site and sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape and enchanting year round sunsets. As a "Camp Lot," this gently sloping terrain allows for the construction of two homes(main and guesthouse) plus a garage or barn. The surrounding 130 acre mountainous terrain, protected by conservation easements, ensures that the breathtaking views will endure indefinitely. Residents of Sunalei Preserve enjoy access to the Adirondack-style High Mountain Lodge, situated at an elevation of 5,500 feet. Boasting panoramic views spanning over 100 miles across Tennessee, Virginia, and the mountain ranges of North Carolina, the lodge provides a captivating backdrop for gatherings and relaxation. Its expansive deck offers a prime vantage point for soaking in the views. Step inside the lodge to discover a luxurious retreat complete with a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious bar, pool table, grand fireplace, multiple dining areas, fitness facilities, and a patio featuring an outdoor grill. Whether entertaining guests or unwinding after a day of outdoor adventures, the lodge offers the perfect setting for every occasion. Views and the sense of serenity are breathtaking, bring along your wine and picnic. Adjacent to the Sunalei Preserve lies the 3,400 acre Elk Knob State Park, established in 2003 to safeguard the mountain and the pristine headwaters of the North Fork of the New River. Sunalei owners enjoy the High Mountain Camp Clubhouse, endless hiking, and the security of a gated community. With over 5.5 miles of picturesque hiking trails and a mile of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing routes, the park beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore its natural wonders year-round. Build your home in the High Country and enjoy the cool. website: www.livesunalei.com

C105 Acorn Nvno Road, Zionville

$399,000

255218 MLS

Welcome to Sunalei Preserve, a gated community in western NC, located 20 minutes to downtown Boone, NC and 20 minutes to Mountain City, TN. Sunalei Preserve lies on Snake Mountain, with elevations ranging from about 3,900 to over 5,500 feet—making it the highest-elevation residential community in the North Carolina High Country. As more land in the region is subdivided or developed, large, low-density properties like this are becoming increasingly rare. If you’ve been waiting for the right land opportunity in the High Country, this is one to pay attention to. Straddling NC and TN, the preserve spans approximately 1,000 acres—800 in Watauga County, NC, and 200 in Johnson County, TN. Imagine building your dream home at 4500 feet, while enjoying amazing sunsets and long-range mountain views with ski slopes in the distance. Travel down to the clubhouse, High Mountain Camp, for an evening of games and relaxation. It includes a massive stone fireplace, huge open decks, a bar with a pool table, a kitchen, a ping pong table, games, and a fitness room. Visit https://sunalei.us/ for more information on Sunalei Preserve. This property has 4.62 acres in NC and the remaining 13.79 acres is located in TN. Price shown is for all 18.41 acres.

TBD NE Moddock Road, Zionville

$105,000

253476 MLS

Welcome to Sunalei Preserve, a gated community in western NC, located 20 minutes to downtown Boone and 20 minutes to Mountain City, TN. Imagine building your dream home at 4500 feet, while enjoying amazing sunsets and long-range mountain views with ski slopes in the distance. The driveway has been cut in at the top of the lot. Travel down to the clubhouse, High Mountain Camp, for an evening of games and relaxation. It includes a massive stone fireplace, huge open decks, a bar with a pool table, a kitchen, a ping pong table, games, and a fitness room. Visit https://sunalei.us/ for more information on Sunalei Preserve

TBD Acorn NVNO Road, Zionville

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The information from this search is provided by the High 'Country Multiple Listing Service. Please be aware that not all listings produced from this search will be of this real estate company. All information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Please verify all property information before entering into a purchase.”