Swannanoa is a small, unincorporated community located in Buncombe County, nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. It lies along the Swannanoa River and is part of the Asheville metropolitan area. Swannanoa is known for its natural beauty, including the nearby Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offer numerous outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The community is home to Warren Wilson College, a liberal arts college known for its unique work program and emphasis on sustainability. Swannanoa also features a mix of residential areas, small businesses, and local farms, contributing to its charming, rural character.
Building A Home In Swannanoa, NC
Swannanoa, NC
Mosscreek, the Right Designer
Building a MossCreek designed home creates the perfect way to live in harmony with your surroundings. Every home is designed to fit carefully within its natural setting while offering the best in contemporary living. See “Custom Design” in our menu above to learn more about us and how we can help you realize a MossCreek designed home.
Finding a Builder
MossCreek has a network of builders in Swannanoa that we regularly work with and would be glad to introduce you to them. We are also happy to work with the builder of your choice.
Why People Are Building In Swannanoa, NC
Scenic Beauty Abounds
Swannanoa is home to many outstanding views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Many homesites afford the opportunity to have these views right from your great room. Some of the best views near Swannanoa include:
Fishing
Swannanoa is widely known for great fly fishing and angling on lakes and streams. There are several fishing charters and tours available in Swannanoa including:
Fishing around Swannanoa offers enthusiasts a wealth of opportunities to engage with nature and experience the thrill of angling in some of the most scenic waters in the Southeast. Popular fishing spots include:
Museums and Galleries
Swannanoa is home to several wonderful art galleries and museums. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these places offer a chance to explore creativity, history, and heritage. Here are some notable ones:
- Asheville Art Museum: Located in downtown Asheville, the Asheville Art Museum features an impressive collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum showcases rotating exhibitions, including works by regional and internationally renowned artists.
- The Folk Art Center: Operated by the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the Folk Art Center showcases traditional and contemporary Appalachian crafts, including pottery, woodwork, fiber art, and more. Visitors can also watch artisans at work in the on-site studios.
- Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center: Dedicated to preserving the legacy of Black Mountain College, an experimental educational institution that operated in the mid-20th century, this museum features exhibitions, lectures, and events exploring the college’s impact on modern art and culture.
- The Center for Craft: Located in the River Arts District, the Center for Craft is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the field of craft through exhibitions, research, and educational programs. The center features rotating exhibitions of contemporary craft and hosts workshops and lectures.
- Blue Spiral 1: This downtown gallery showcases a diverse selection of fine art and craft by local and regional artists. The gallery features paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass art, and more, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of the region’s artistic talent.
- The Bender Gallery: Specializing in contemporary glass art, The Bender Gallery features works by both established and emerging glass artists from around the world. The gallery showcases a wide range of glass techniques and styles, including blown, fused, and sculpted glass.
Hiking
Swannanoa is surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offering countless hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. Here are some of the best hiking trails in the Swannanoa area:
- Craggy Gardens Trail: Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this moderate trail offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail leads to a picturesque bald with vibrant rhododendron blooms in the spring and summer.
- Mount Mitchell Trail: As the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell offers breathtaking views from its summit. The trail to the summit is challenging but rewarding, passing through lush forests and alpine-like terrain.
- Graveyard Fields Loop Trail: This popular loop trail in Pisgah National Forest features beautiful waterfalls, wildflowers, and expansive views. The trail passes through a unique landscape of open meadows and forested areas.
- Looking Glass Rock Trail: Offering stunning views of Looking Glass Rock and the surrounding Pisgah National Forest, this moderate to strenuous trail is popular among hikers and rock climbers. The trail leads to a rocky overlook with panoramic vistas.
- DuPont State Recreational Forest: DuPont features a variety of scenic trails leading to waterfalls, rivers, and mountain views. Highlights include Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, all accessible via well-maintained trails.
These are just a few of the many hiking trails in the Swannanoa area. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Make sure to check trail conditions and regulations before heading out, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these pristine wilderness areas.
Where People Build
The homes in Swannanoa are built in both developed neighborhoods and on private properties. Developments to consider include:
- Couch Mountain
- Creston
- Kenmure
- French Broad Crossing
- Southcliff
- Mountain Air
- Poplar Ridge
- Sprout
- The Cliffs at Walnut Cove
- The Ramble at Biltmore Forest
- The Settings of Black Mountain
- Thoms Estate
- Ashcroft
- Crowfields
- High Hickory
- The Homestead at Mills River
- Ventana
- Biltmore Lake
- Pinebrook Farms
- Viewpointe
- Creekside
Shopping
Swannanoa and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of shopping experiences, from unique boutiques and artisan markets to eclectic galleries and specialty stores. Here are some of the best places to shop in and around Swannanoa:
- Downtown Asheville: The heart of the city is packed with a variety of shops, ranging from art galleries and craft studios to clothing boutiques and specialty stores. Lexington Avenue and Wall Street are particularly known for their eclectic mix of shops.
- Grove Arcade: This historic building in downtown Asheville houses a mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants. You’ll find everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to gourmet foods and local artwork.
- Biltmore Village: Located near the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Village offers upscale shopping in a charming, historic setting. Explore boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops housed in quaint cottages and brick buildings.
- River Arts District: Situated along the French Broad River, the River Arts District is home to a vibrant community of artists and craftsmen. Browse studios and galleries showcasing pottery, glasswork, painting, sculpture, and more.
- Antique District (Biltmore Avenue): Along Biltmore Avenue, you’ll find a cluster of antique shops and vintage stores offering a treasure trove of unique finds. Explore shops specializing in furniture, collectibles, clothing, and decor.
Restaurants
Swannanoa is renowned for its vibrant food scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering diverse cuisines, farm-to-table dining, and creative culinary experiences. Here are some of the best restaurants in and around Swannanoa:
- Curate: This Spanish tapas restaurant in downtown Asheville is helmed by Chef Katie Button and offers a menu of authentic Spanish dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the paella and the selection of Spanish wines.
- The Admiral: Located in West Asheville, The Admiral is a popular spot for innovative American cuisine served in a casual, eclectic setting. The menu changes frequently, but dishes often feature fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
- Bouchon: This French bistro in downtown Asheville serves classic French dishes in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The menu features French staples like escargot, steak frites, and moules frites, as well as an extensive wine list.
- Limones: Offering contemporary Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Limones is a popular choice for upscale dining in downtown Asheville. The menu features dishes like ceviche, enchiladas, and grilled fish, as well as creative cocktails.
- 12 Bones Smokehouse: Known for its delicious barbecue, 12 Bones Smokehouse has two locations in Asheville. The restaurant serves up ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and other smoked meats, along with classic Southern sides like macaroni and cheese and collard greens.
- Buxton Hall Barbecue: Located in the South Slope district of Asheville, Buxton Hall Barbecue specializes in whole-hog barbecue cooked over wood-fired pits. The restaurant also offers a variety of Southern sides and desserts, including hushpuppies and banana pudding.
These are just a few examples of the many excellent restaurants in and around Swannanoa. Whether you’re craving Southern comfort food, international cuisine, or farm-to-table fare, Swannanoa has something to satisfy every palate.
MossCreek, Your Natural Choice for Home Design
By Amanda Griffin
Over warm coffee and Zoom, I had a chance to sit down with Allen Halcomb, president of MossCreek, to discuss why so many people choose MossCreek to design their mountain or lake home getaway.
“Every two days, somewhere in the United States and Canada, someone moves into their new MossCreek home.” says Allen Halcomb. “That is extremely rewarding, but building a new home from concept through construction is a complex journey. It’s a process with lots of moving parts involving multiple phases, players, and pieces.”
“At Moss Creek, we believe the journey should be exciting and fulfilling for our clients, not stressful. Our experienced team understands this process, inside and out, and we’re dedicated to creating an experience that is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. We are intensely proud of the fact that we’re small enough to focus carefully on every project, while still delivering world-class results.”
An Unparalleled Standard of Unique and Recognizable Design
During our conversation, it became apparent that a dream home doesn’t need to have style limitations that are dictated by where you live. The designers at MossCreek have knowledge and experience in understanding the regional influences on architectural style, and how to blend those styles to design a home tailored to each homeowner’s aesthetic preferences, lifestyle, and vision.
“No doubt MossCreek homes have a unique and identifiable style. We’re best known for our innovative Rustic home designs, and now we are blending them into Mountain Contemporary home styles as well” says Allen Halcomb. “We believe in blurring the lines between traditional living and contemporary living, and our cutting-edge designs showcase that.”
Two Great Ways to Work with MossCreek
Ready to Purchase Home Plans:
Living in a MossCreek home has been made easy with their broad collection of quick, affordable, and easy to modify house plans. These home plans are a great way to obtain a genuine MossCreek home in a streamlined process. You can browse the full collection to find just the right plan for your new home, or to discover new ideas to use in a custom designed home.
Custom Design
Crafting a detailed and intricate work of art such as a custom designed home takes time and personal attention. MossCreek’s custom design services let you realize your dream home as a one-of-a-kind work of art. Through this process, your custom home is carefully designed and tailored to meet your needs and desires. Custom home design by MossCreek is available in two levels of service: Traditional and Comprehensive. See “Custom Design” in our menu above to learn more the differences.
Regardless of which option you choose, you can be confident that your home design is world-class. Don’t just take their word for it, their homes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Oprah Magazine, Log & Timber Magazine, and Mountain Living.
“At Moss Creek, we believe that ‘happiness’ is in the details” says Allen Halcomb.
