Sunalei Preserve

Sunalei Preserve brings the traditions of the “Great Camps” of the Adirondacks to the northernmost and highest region of Watauga County in western North Carolina. The idea of a vast mountain park combined with a careful balance of nature, homes, and recreation will become the lifestyle synonymous with Sunalei Preserve. Sunalei Preserve will grow as a mountain community within a preserve – not a preserve within a community.

Approximately 300 of its nearly 1000 acres have been designated to become a part of a permanently managed nature preserve or Elk Knob State Park in order to protect and conserve the valuable natural and environmentally sensitive habitats. The summit of Sunalei (Snake Mountain) at an elevation of over 5500 feet and the ridge line that extends for nearly three-quarters of a mile are included in the protected lands. The nature preserve and park lands will insure that the unique beauty of the highest mountain in Watauga County remains unharmed, pristine, and “forever wild.”

The number of home sites within Sunalei will be strictly limited. The careful placement of the homes and outbuildings on the site will minimize the conflict between the needs of the residential community and the environment. Sunalei Preserve embraces the concept of grand parcels of land and encourages the planning and construction of a main home, separate guest quarters, and individual outbuildings for livestock, storage, and other mountain activities. The size of the home sites, known as Homestead or Camp Lots, will be determined by the suitability and lay of the land. While large in size, ranging from 2-20 acres, the sites are designed to remain intact, accommodate entire families, and be passed down to future generations.

While the Sunalei community continues the tradition of the Great Camps of the Adirondacks that were largely self-contained and self-sufficient, today’s “Camps” are much more modern and fun for their owners. Property owners in Sunalei enjoy the High Mountain Camp, a clubhouse purported to be the highest elevation clubhouse east of the Rockies. The High Mountain Camp has a large Gathering Room that focuses around a massive stone fireplace, huge open decks, bar with pool table, lounge, fitness center, and a separate children’s activity center. Additionally, owners may gather at The Shelter for a match of tennis, to practice on the year-round putting green, or a game of bridge.

Sunalei (pronounced soo-NAH-lee) is Cherokee for “morning.” The name was inspired by the early morning light reflected in the high peaks of the Appalachians. Homestead and Camp Lots are priced from $140,000 to over a million dollars. Rustic mountain cottages start at $649,000, and luxurious custom homes featuring the North Carolina rustic style begin at $1,700,000.

DIRECTIONS AND LOCATION: Sunalei Preserve is located 12 miles west of Boone off Highway 421. Of the 1000 acres, approximately 800 acres are located within Watauga County, North Carolina, and 200 acres are located within Johnson County, Tennessee. From Boone, travel west on Highway 421 for 12 miles. Just before the NC/TN line, turn right on Rich Mountain Road, the last road in Watauga County. Follow Rich Mountain Road for 1.5 miles to the entrance to Sunalei Preserve.