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

$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

$168,750

260196 MLS

Sunalei Forest Estate #12 offers 4.63 acres of high-elevation mountain land within one of the High Country’s most intentionally preserved communities. Located on the slopes of Snake Mountain, this thoughtfully positioned homesite rises to approximately 4,280 feet in elevation and captures layered long-range sunset views across the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The gently sloping terrain provides an excellent setting for designing a custom mountain residence that harmonizes with the natural landscape. Rolling mountain horizons and expansive forested surroundings create a peaceful and scenic backdrop that changes beautifully with the seasons. Sunalei is carefully planned to follow the natural contours of the Blue Ridge Mountains while preserving forests, ridgelines, and view corridors throughout the community. When complete, Sunalei will consist of fewer than one hundred homesites across the mountain, creating a rare low-density ownership experience defined by space, elevation, and conservation. Estate #12 borders more than 15 acres of protected conservation land, enhancing the sense of openness and connection to the surrounding wilderness. The homesite also enjoys convenient proximity to High Mountain Camp, the community’s mountaintop gathering lodge featuring a large stone fireplace, expansive outdoor deck, and panoramic western views stretching toward the distant mountains of Tennessee. Surrounded by preserved forest and located adjacent to Elk Knob State Park, Sunalei offers access to hiking trails, wildlife habitat, and the remarkable natural beauty that defines the North Carolina High Country. Despite its peaceful mountain setting, the community remains a short drive from the towns of Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock. For those seeking high-elevation land, layered mountain views, and authentic mountain living, Sunalei Forest Estate #12 presents a compelling opportunity to create a legacy mountain retreat within one of the region’s most preserved environments.

C612 Sugartree Nvno, Zionville

$281,500

260195 MLS

Sunalei Forest Estate #11 offers 10.22 acres of high-elevation mountain land within one of the High Country’s most intentionally preserved communities. Situated on the slopes of Snake Mountain, this exceptional homesite rises to approximately 4,560 feet in elevation and captures expansive layered long-range sunset views across the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The moderately sloping terrain provides an outstanding setting for a custom mountain residence designed to complement the natural contours of the landscape. Sweeping mountain horizons and rolling ridgelines create a dramatic backdrop that changes beautifully with shifting light and seasonal color. Sunalei is thoughtfully planned to follow the terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains while preserving forests, ridgelines, and view corridors throughout the community. When complete, Sunalei will consist of fewer than one hundred homesites across the mountain, creating a rare low-density ownership experience centered on land, elevation, and conservation. Estate #11 enjoys a desirable location within the community due to its close proximity to High Mountain Camp, the mountaintop gathering lodge featuring a large stone fireplace, expansive outdoor deck, and panoramic western views stretching toward the distant mountains of Tennessee. Surrounded by preserved forest and located adjacent to Elk Knob State Park, Sunalei offers direct access to hiking trails, wildlife habitat, and the remarkable natural beauty that defines the North Carolina High Country. Despite its peaceful mountain setting, the community remains a short drive from the towns of Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock. For those seeking estate-scale land, elevated landscapes, and authentic mountain living, Sunalei Forest Estate #11 presents a rare opportunity to create a legacy mountain retreat within one of the region’s most preserved environments.

C611 Sugartree Nvno, Zionville

$299,000

260194 MLS

Sunalei Forest Estate #10 offers 10.17 acres of high-elevation mountain land within one of the High Country’s most intentionally preserved communities. Located on the slopes of Snake Mountain, this exceptional homesite rises to approximately 4,600 feet in elevation and captures long-range layered sunset views across the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The moderately sloping terrain provides an outstanding setting for a custom mountain estate with a completely unobstructed, expansive view corridor, and a roughed-in driveway has already been started to enhance accessibility to the future building site. Panoramic mountain horizons and rolling ridgelines create a dramatic natural backdrop that changes with the seasons and shifting light throughout the day. Sunalei is thoughtfully designed to follow the natural contours of the Blue Ridge Mountains while preserving forests, ridgelines, and view corridors across the community. When complete, Sunalei will consist of fewer than one hundred homesites spread across the mountain, creating a rare low-density ownership experience centered on land, elevation, and conservation. Estate #10 enjoys convenient proximity to High Mountain Camp, the community’s mountaintop gathering lodge featuring a large stone fireplace, expansive outdoor deck, and panoramic western views stretching toward the distant mountains of Tennessee. Surrounded by preserved forest and located adjacent to Elk Knob State Park, Sunalei offers direct access to hiking trails, wildlife habitat, and the remarkable natural beauty that defines the North Carolina High Country. Despite its peaceful mountain setting, the community remains a short drive from the towns of Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock. For those seeking estate-scale land, exceptional elevation, and authentic mountain living, Sunalei Forest Estate #10 presents a rare opportunity to create a legacy mountain retreat within one of the region’s most preserved landscapes.

C610 High Mountain Nvno, Zionville

$337,500

260193 MLS

Sunalei Forest Estate #9 offers 10.41 acres of high-elevation mountain land within one of the High Country’s most intentionally preserved communities. Positioned along a scenic ridgeline on Snake Mountain, this remarkable homesite rises to approximately 4,625 feet in elevation and captures sweeping long-range sunset views across the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The property features a gently sloping building site that allows for the design of a custom mountain residence that harmonizes with the natural contours of the landscape. Rolling mountain horizons and layered ridgeline views create an exceptional setting for a legacy mountain estate surrounded by forest and protected land. Sunalei is thoughtfully designed to follow the natural terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains while preserving forests, ridgelines, and view corridors throughout the community. When complete, Sunalei will consist of fewer than one hundred homesites across the mountain, creating a rare low-density ownership experience centered on space, elevation, and conservation. Estate #9 borders preserved conservation land and sits in close proximity to High Mountain Camp, the community’s mountaintop gathering lodge featuring a large stone fireplace, expansive outdoor deck, and panoramic western views stretching across distant ridgelines into Tennessee. Surrounded by protected forest and located adjacent to Elk Knob State Park, Sunalei offers immediate access to hiking trails, wildlife habitat, and the remarkable natural beauty of the North Carolina High Country. Despite its peaceful mountain setting, the community remains a short drive from the towns of Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock. For those seeking estate-scale land, remarkable elevation, and authentic mountain living, Sunalei Forest Estate #9 offers an exceptional opportunity to create a legacy mountain home within one of the region’s most preserved landscapes.

C609 High Mountain Nvno, Zionville

$337,500

260192 MLS

Sunalei Forest Estate #8 offers 10.24 acres of high-elevation mountain land within one of the High Country’s most intentionally preserved communities. Perched along a scenic ridgeline on Snake Mountain, this exceptional homesite rises to approximately 4,525 feet in elevation and captures sweeping long-range sunset views across the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The property features a gently sloping ridgetop building site that provides an ideal setting for a custom mountain estate while preserving the natural character of the landscape. Expansive mountain horizons and rolling ridgeline views create a remarkable backdrop for a secluded retreat designed in harmony with the surrounding forest. Sunalei is thoughtfully planned to follow the natural contours of the Blue Ridge Mountains while protecting view corridors, forests, and ridgelines throughout the community. When complete, Sunalei will consist of fewer than one hundred homesites, creating a rare low-density ownership experience centered around privacy, elevation, and preserved mountain land. Estate #8 borders conservation land and enjoys convenient proximity to High Mountain Camp, the community’s mountaintop gathering lodge featuring a large stone fireplace, expansive outdoor deck, and panoramic western views stretching across distant ridgelines into Tennessee. Surrounded by preserved forest and located adjacent to Elk Knob State Park, Sunalei offers immediate access to hiking trails, wildlife habitat, and the natural beauty that defines the North Carolina High Country. Despite its peaceful mountain setting, the community remains a short drive from the towns of Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock. For those seeking estate-scale land, exceptional elevation, and authentic mountain living, Sunalei Forest Estate #8 represents a rare opportunity to create a legacy mountain retreat within one of the region’s most preserved landscapes.

C608 Big Spring Nvno, Zionville

$262,500

260191 MLS

Sunalei Forest Estate #7 offers 10.07 acres of secluded mountain land within one of the High Country’s most intentionally preserved communities. Perched along a ridgeline high on Snake Mountain, this exceptional homesite rises to nearly 4,200 feet in elevation and captures long-range sunset views across the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The gently sloping terrain provides an ideal setting for a custom mountain estate while maintaining the natural character of the landscape. A picturesque mountain stream flows through the property, adding to the peaceful atmosphere and creating a rare connection to the surrounding wilderness. The generous acreage also offers excellent equestrian potential, allowing space for trails, pasture, or a secluded mountain retreat designed around the land itself. Sunalei is thoughtfully designed to follow the natural contours of the Blue Ridge Mountains while preserving forests, ridgelines, and view corridors throughout the community. When complete, Sunalei will consist of fewer than one hundred homesites, creating a rare low-density ownership experience centered around privacy, nature, and elevation. Estate #7 borders protected conservation land and enjoys close proximity to High Mountain Camp, the community’s mountaintop gathering lodge featuring a stone fireplace, expansive deck, and panoramic western views stretching toward the distant mountains of Tennessee. Surrounded by preserved forest and located adjacent to Elk Knob State Park, Sunalei offers immediate access to hiking, wildlife habitat, and the natural beauty that defines the North Carolina High Country. Despite its peaceful seclusion, the community remains a short drive from the towns of Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock. For those seeking estate-scale land, exceptional privacy, and authentic mountain living, Sunalei Forest Estate #7 presents a rare opportunity to create a legacy mountain retreat within one of the region’s most preserved landscapes.

C607 Sugartree Nvno, Zionville

$225,000

260190 MLS

Sunalei Forest Estate #6 presents 10.48 high-elevation acres within one of the High Country’s most intentionally preserved and low-density mountain communities. Rising to approximately 4,000 feet in elevation, this homesite features a gentle, highly usable topography ideally suited for a primary residence with walk-out potential and expansive outdoor living spaces. The property offers ridgeline and nature-oriented views, complemented by mature forest canopy and a peaceful mountain setting. A stream flows through the property, adding natural character, movement, and ecological richness to the landscape. Estate #6 offers exceptional equestrian estate potential or the opportunity to create a secluded mountain retreat across fully usable acreage with tremendous privacy. Each Sunalei Forest homesite permits a primary residence of at least 3,000 heated square feet along with a secondary guest home, allowing for estate-style living or multigenerational flexibility. Horses are permitted, reinforcing the large-tract character and lifestyle flexibility that define this release. Sunalei is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the natural contours of the Blue Ridge Mountains, drawing inspiration from the classic Great Camps while preserving the landscape’s untamed beauty. When complete, the community will consist of fewer than 100 homesites across its expansive mountain setting, a density profile that would be extremely difficult to recreate in today’s regulatory environment. Approximately 60 acres at the summit are owned by the Sunalei Property Owners Association, and the community is surrounded by permanently protected lands including extensive conservation acreage and Elk Knob State Park, creating a rare sanctuary of preserved views, privacy, and natural integrity. Sunalei Forest represents the final high-elevation release within the community — a curated collection of estate-sized homesites, most exceeding 10 acres, selected for privacy, view corridors, and long-term preservation. Estate #6 offers the rare combination of gentle topography, usable acreage, water feature, and elevation within a permanently protected mountain environment where space, quiet, and authenticity define ownership.

C606 Sugartree Nvno, Zionville

$262,500

260189 MLS

Sunalei Forest Estate #5 is a 10.99-acre high-elevation homesite located within the final large-acreage release inside Sunalei, one of the High Country’s most unique and naturally preserved mountain communities. Topping out at approximately 3,900 feet in elevation, this property offers highly usable, gently sloping terrain for a custom mountain estate with a walk-out lower level. The land configuration and topography make this homesite especially well-suited for an equestrian retreat, with ample room for barns, fenced pasture, and additional outbuildings while maintaining privacy and long-term view protection. Estate #5 features ridgeline and nature views framed by mature hardwoods and native mountain vegetation. Streams flowing through this property and off Snake Mountain serve as important headwaters feeding the North Fork of the New River, widely regarded as the second-oldest river in the world, adding both ecological significance and natural beauty to the homesite. In addition, this estate borders approximately 38 acres of Sunalei conservation land, significantly enhancing the sense of seclusion and ensuring protected surroundings beyond your property lines. Owners within Sunalei Forest may build a primary residence of at least 3,000 heated square feet along with a secondary guest home, offering flexibility for multi-generational living or legacy estate planning. Equestrian use is permitted within Sunalei Forest, further expanding the possibilities for those seeking space, privacy, and authentic mountain living. Sunalei is surrounded by extensive preserved lands, including nearly 450 acres owned by Elk Knob State Park and approximately 60 acres of Sunalei community-owned mountaintop property featuring High Mountain Camp, a gathering lodge with a commercial-style kitchen, billiards, a large stone fireplace, an expansive viewing deck, and over 100 miles of western mountain views. With fewer than 100 total homesites planned for the entire community, Sunalei represents a rare opportunity to own large, protected acreage in a high-elevation Blue Ridge setting that could not be replicated today.

C605 Sugartree Nvno, Zionville

$243,750

260188 MLS

Introducing Sunalei Forest Estate #4, a rare 10.97-acre high-elevation mountain estate within the final release of large-acreage properties at Sunalei. Topping out at approximately 4,140 feet in elevation, this exceptional homesite offers a gentle, highly usable slope for a custom luxury residence with expansive outdoor living. The terrain and acreage create a compelling opportunity for an equestrian estate, with ample room for pasture, barn placement, and thoughtfully designed privacy buffers. Estate #4 features ridgeline and nature views, offering a serene mountain backdrop framed by mature hardwoods and native landscape. The property borders 53 acres of conservation land in Sunalei, with multiple streams running through it. These streams serve as important feeders to the North Fork of the New River—one of the world's oldest rivers—adding both natural beauty and ecological significance to the land. As part of Sunalei Forest, owners enjoy the right to build a primary residence of at least 3,000 heated square feet, a guest home, and equestrian rights. Sunalei is a thoughtfully designed, low-density mountain community with fewer than 100 homesites. The community is surrounded by approximately 60 acres of Sunalei HOA-owned land at the summit and nearly 500 acres owned by Elk Knob State Park, preserving the high-elevation ridgelines and protecting the natural setting. Residents have access to High Mountain Camp, a mountaintop lodge gathering space featuring a large kitchen and bar area, billiards, a massive stone fireplace, and an expansive deck with panoramic western mountain views exceeding 100 miles. Sunalei Forest represents the final opportunity to own one of the most secluded and expansive homesites within this extraordinary High Country community—where authentic mountain living, conservation, and legacy estate ownership converge.

C604 Sugartree Nvno, Zionville

$260,000

260135 MLS

Sunalei Forest Estate #3 offers 10.20 secluded, wooded acres within one of the High Country’s most intentionally preserved and low-density mountain communities. Perched at just over 4,200 feet in elevation, this homesite features a gentle, build-friendly slope and captures both ridgeline and layered long-range mountain views. Each Sunalei Forest homesite permits a primary residence of at least 3,000 heated square feet along with a secondary guest home, creating flexibility for estate-style living or multigenerational use. Horses are permitted, reinforcing the large-tract character and legacy nature of this release. Sunalei is thoughtfully designed to follow the natural contours of the Blue Ridge Mountains, drawing inspiration from the classic Great Camps while preserving the untamed character of the land. The community consists of fewer than 100 homesites across its expansive mountain setting — a density level that would be extraordinarily difficult to replicate today. Approximately 60 acres at the summit are owned by the Sunalei Property Owners Association, and more than 500 acres within the community and surrounding Elk Knob State Park are permanently protected conservation land, creating a rare sanctuary of preserved ridgelines and uninterrupted views. Multiple streams run through portions of this property and down Snake Mountain, ultimately feeding the North Fork of the New River — widely regarded as one of the world’s oldest rivers — adding natural beauty and ecological significance to the land. Sunalei Forest represents the final release within the community — a curated collection of high-elevation estate-sized homesites, most exceeding 10 acres, selected for privacy, view corridors, and long-term preservation. Estate #3 is located just a short drive, bike ride, or walk from High Mountain Camp, the mountaintop gathering lodge featuring a commercial-style kitchen, billiards, an oversized stone fireplace, and an expansive deck offering panoramic western views stretching more than 100 miles into Tennessee. This is a rare opportunity to own meaningful acreage within a permanently protected mountain setting where elevation, space, and privacy define ownership.

C603 Buffalo Nvno, Zionville

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