View All McDowell County NC Homes with River Front Listings

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4401957 MLS

Schedule your showing to see this peaceful brick ranch on 3.55 acres (two parcels sold together) in the Pleasant Gardens/Old Fort area of McDowell County. This solid one level home features hardwood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, a spacious eat-in kitchen, generous room sizes, and a covered front porch. A full unfinished basement offers workshop space and abundant storage. New shingles installed in 2025. Outside you'll find a carport, stone patio, mature landscaping, several outbuildings, and long-range mountain views from a private, wooded setting. Includes two septic tanks, one can be used for an additional spot for RV/camper hookup. Above-grade heated living area is approximately 1,620 sq ft; the full basement provides significant additional space. Approximately 10 minutes to downtown Marion, 19 minutes to Catawba Falls, and 35 minutes to Asheville, with Pisgah National Forest and Lake James close by. Bring your vision and make it your own mountain retreat. Property includes 2.8 acre parcel which the home sits on, along with an extra parcel 078101169550 for an additional .75 acres. Contact listing agent to schedule your showing today!

129 Old River Road, Marion

$275,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 4398452 MLS

Embrace the ultimate Blue Ridge Mountain lifestyle in this stunning, new-construction tiny home! Perfectly situated in a peaceful River Village Tiny Home Community in this 752-square-foot cottage delivers the ideal blend of high-efficiency living and modern rustic style. Featuring a thoughtfully maximized 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom floor plan, it serves beautifully as a full-time residence, a low-maintenance vacation retreat, or a lucrative rental investment. Enjoy true freedom and property ownership with absolutely no restrictive HOA dues. Situated on a generous, fully cleared, and level .278-acre lot—an absolute rarity in the mountains, giving you the perfect canvas for a fire pit, garden, or expansive deck. A sleek dark board-and-batten exterior pairs beautifully with a timeless metal roof and a welcoming covered front porch. Flexible Builder Upgrades! Built with exceptional craftsmanship, the builder is offering customizable upgrade options so you can tailor the interior finishes exactly to your taste. Ready to build or move right in with convenient access to community water. Walk right out your door to community-deeded access on the beautiful Catawba River. It is a dream location for kayaking, tubing, or fly fishing. Immerse yourself in nature with immediate access to pristine community hiking trails winding right through the area. Located just minutes from downtown Marion, Lake James State Park, the Fonta Flora State Trail and the Pisgah National Forest, this property is a gateway to world-class mountain adventure. Don't miss out on this rare mountain gem!

34 River Run Drive Unit #6, Marion

130 Settlement Ridge Drive Unit #48, Marion

$490,000

4388960 MLS

Welcome to Camp Catawba, Lake James NC! Truly Paradise Found! Tucked quietly into the heart of the most exclusive community known as Black Forest bordering the Catawba River, this rare artists cottage offers a chance to experience mountain/lake living in its purest form. Set within an exclusive 600 acre private , gated community on Lake James with only 50 homesites, the cabin rests on 3 private acres bordering protected, community owned conservation land creating an extraordinary sense of privacy, peace and connection to nature. This could be your tiny house while you build your main residence further up on the land or just come down for the weekend to enjoy the lake and relaxation. Designed with warmth and authenticity in mind, the cabin is wrapped in low maintenance poplar bark siding crafted with natural reclaimed woods throughout, giving the feel of a timeless woodland hideaway. The interior is cozy, inviting and intentionally simple... a place where mornings begin with birdsong and coffee on the screened porch or covered front porch and evenings end beside the glow of sunset off the back deck. Whether used as a weekend escape, creative retreat or future mountain homestead, the property allows flexibility rarely found in such a protected setting. The cabin allows for a simpler lifestyle close to nature, while still offering the opportunity to add a private well and septic system in the future if desired. The homesite also provides an additional building envelope with room for guest quarters, a studio,garage, workshop,or expanded living space- all while maintaining the natural beauty and privacy that make Black Forest so special. Surrounded by native hardwoods, mountain air and quiet trails this property feels worlds away while remaining part of one of the areas most unique and thoughtfully preserved developments. The existing 399 sq ft cabin offers spacious living room with reclaimed chestnut flooring, opening to large 204 sq ft heated screened porch which provides more living space and an open deck for grilling, overlooking the North Fork of Catawba River with views of the surrounding mountains an. Antique stained glass windows imported from France and hardware from Nepal. 50 sq ft loft for storage,etc.. This darling cabin/artist day studio has all of the perks of lake living without the premium price. A scenic walk approximately 1/3 mile (5 minute walk) from the cabin leads to the Lake Camp which includes your deeded boat slip #14 and pavilion . Enjoy easy access to the lake for boating, kayaking, fishing or simply relaxing along the shoreline while surrounded by the quiet beauty of the mountains. Also included is the River Camp with easy places to launch your kayak and fishing piers. This gated community offers a full time on site caretaker, a community building for cozy neighborhood get togethers and heli-pad . Only minutes to downtown Marion for dining, shopping, entertainment,etc. Also just 20 minutes to some of the best mountain biking and hiking trails at Fonta Flora State Park or Paddys Creek State Park. Truly nature's playground!

130 Settlement Ridge Drive Unit #48, Marion

$2,390,000

4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 4334363 MLS

Listen to the rushing waters of the stream and waterfall that encircle the house as you enter this magnificent log home. The soaring ceiling & expansive windows capture views of the surrounding trees. Brazilian walnut flooring & the floor to ceiling stone wood burning fireplace are the centerpieces of this great room. Open kitchen & dining area provide ample entertaining space. Spend cozy evenings on the screened porch with a fire or on the deck overlooking Lake James. Main level primary suite with gas fireplace & ensuite bath with large tiled shower and jet tub. Lower level has 2nd primary suite with gas fireplace, a bunk room and a 4th bedroom both share access to a hall bath with claw foot tub. A second kitchen & stone fireplace in the family room provide a cozy entertainment area with pool table & TV. Lower level patio with stamped concrete features outdoor shower, hot tub and adds a great location for outdoor dining. Enjoy a short walk down the stone stairway to the gazebo in the woods or continue on to the lake where you'll find an expansive covered gazebo & floating dock in the quiet deep water cove. Detached 2 car oversized garage has space for cars and boats. Many updates including composite decking on front, rear and breezeway decks as well as new gazebo rails, new floating dock and refurbished waterfall feature. Located on 5.73 acres, this family compound at Lake James is the place you'll want to choose to make your lake life memories. Black Forest is a gated community about 15 minutes from Marion and features a community center, lake and river camp amenity areas with picnic pavilions, fire pits, lake access and miles of hiking trails throughout the community. Offered turnkey with few exclusions.

143 Nature Walk Drive, Marion

$250,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 4350021 MLS

Lovely 3-Bedroom Home on 1.82 Acres. This charming single-family residence in Old Fort, offers 1,680 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on a secluded 1.82-acre lot. The open floor plan connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, making it ideal for everyday living and entertaining. A Great Room entry features a wood-burning fireplace and a beverage/wet bar, while the kitchen provides abundant storage and a spacious island for meal preparation and casual dining. The primary suite includes an en-suite bath with a garden tub, separate shower, and double sinks. Two additional bedrooms with large closets share a full bath. 28' covered front porch invites you to enjoy coffee and time to relax, and a front-yard firepit offers gatherings. The property is surrounded by mature trees, delivering privacy and winter-long mountain views. This home sits in a friendly neighborhood with easy access to Highway 70 & Hwy I-40, making trips to surrounding cities a breeze. It is just 25 minutes from Asheville and 15 minutes to Black Mountain, with downtown Old Fort only four miles away. Nearby, you’ll find Lake James, the Catawba River, Curtis Creek, national forest lands, and numerous hiking trails. The forested setting creates a tranquil, retreat-like atmosphere perfect for nature lovers. Has a septic, well, HVAC, and shed. Charter internet, cable, and phone are available.

88 Windy Hill Drive, Old Fort

$225,000

4302484 MLS

Your Own Slice of Carolina Magic Step into a place where nature does all the talking. Tucked away in the heart of the mountains, this rare piece of land is unlike anything else on the market. With a sparkling waterfall cascading through the property and a U-shaped river that flows in and out, it feels like your very own enchanted kingdom. In the middle, you’ll find a dreamy stretch of land perfect for stargazing, camping, or maybe one day building your forever escape on the higher ridges, safe from potential flooding and with views worth every step. On the Land A rustic off-grid camping cabin rests quietly among the trees. It was built for weekends, not forever, complete with an old outhouse but it sets the scene for wilderness adventures. The cabin itself holds no value in this sale, but it whispers of the stories already lived here. An aged pump house once served RV hookups. It’s been years since it worked, and it will need repair, but it still hints at possibility. A septic tank is in place, with a report pending. Powerlines run along the side of the front of the property, but don’t let that discourage you. Once you’re on the land, you can’t even see them. The well situation is uncertain given the rocky ground beneath, another reason this land favors those with vision and imagination. Why You’ll Love It This is land for dreamers, explorers, and anyone who knows that places of peace are priceless. Whether you envision a hideaway in the high spots, weekends by the river, or just want to say you own land where waterfalls sing you’ll find that here. Important Note Please remember: showings are by appointment with a real estate agent only. Do not go chasing waterfalls on your own! Trespassing is not permitted, and you must be accompanied to enter. The Bottom Line With water, nature, and space to build your dreams, this property is as magical as it is rare. Bring your boots, bring your vision, and let your imagination flow like the river that runs through it.

37 Spooky Hollow Road, Marion

$229,500

3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 4279159 MLS

Turn-key charm steps from downtown Marion! This move in ready 1,333-sq-ft bungalow with a new roof and HVAC pairs 1920s character. A rocking-chair front porch welcomes you inside to an airy living/dining space trimmed in recessed LEDs and durable LVP floors that flow throughout. The all-white shaker kitchen gleams with granite-look counters, and a full Whirlpool suite. Three light-filled bedrooms—including a sunny corner room wrapped in windows—sit off a central hall. The stylish bath feels spa-ready with a tiled, niche-accented shower, river-rock floor and matte-black fixtures. Need flex space? An enclosed sunroom is perfect for office, studio or Peloton. A dedicated laundry nook, walk-in closet, ample storage and keyless entry add convenience. Outside, the level lot offers off-street parking, garden beds and a concrete pad ready for a shed, RV pad or fire-pit patio. Affordable, updated and walkable—your Marion move-in awaits!

595 E Court Street, Marion

Lot 224 Cumberland Falls Trail Unit #224, Black Mountain

$170,500

4234783 MLS

One of only a few 10+ acre parcels in the gorgeous gated community of Catawba Falls Preserve. Come and build your dream. Partially-cleared, level build area sits atop a bluff with incredible views. Short term rentals are allowed in Catawba Falls Preserve so build your majestic mountain home and then put it on AirBNB or Vrbo to make some money when you're not there. This lot borders both the Pisgah National Forest and the beginnings of the Catawba River. You're also right next to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Catawba Falls Preserve has miles and miles of privately maintained wooded walking/hiking trails, with mountains views and waterfalls just minutes from your front door. Black Mountain is 20 minutes away. Asheville is 35 minutes. Charlotte is 2 hours. Professional photos coming soon!

Lot 224 Cumberland Falls Trail Unit #224, Black Mountain

$142,500

3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 4184966 MLS

New Listing in the Old Fort Community! 3 bed/1 bath home located near I-40. If you are looking for a cozy home near Asheville at a reasonable price, this is the home for you! Just inside the front door is a spacious living room with dining room nearby. The kitchen is near the back of the home with the laundry room out back on the enclosed porch area. The 3 bedrooms are on the left side of the home with 1 bath in between. Home could use a little TLC but would make a great fixer upper! This home has a very nice yard and is located on 2 lots with a gravel driveway and carport. Roof is less than 2 years old. Cash sale only! Schedule a showing before this home gets away!

360 Old Catawba River Road, Old Fort

$275,000

3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 4075203 MLS

The key word for this cottage home is SWEET! Immaculately maintained and loved home for over 50 years by the same owner. Has nearly 2 acres of level land including mountain views! There's a large shed out back for loads of storage. Newer windows and appliances. Central HVAC. Low maintenance vinyl siding. Carport with easy kitchen access. No HOA, low property taxes. Moments away from county operated ball fields and pool. Short distance to I-40, but without the noise of the highway. In fact, it's wonderfully quiet and peaceful here. If you've been looking in Buncombe Co and can't find what you want, here is the affordable solution, just 25-30 minutes to Downtown Asheville. If you work in Marion, this is only 10-15 minutes away. Buy this one, relax out front and wave at the neighbors as they go by. Head out back in privacy and create your fire pit area. Either way, you'll be calm, cool and collected, knowing you have a sweet home that fits your budget.

940 Catawba River Road, Old Fort

$650,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 4050512 MLS

Located in Lake James' premier gated community, this authentic log cabin is situated on 6+ private acres. Bordered by the north fork of the Catawba River and Lake James, Black Forest is over 600 acres of nature with only 56 home sites. The community offers miles of hiking trails with both lake and river access (with covered shelters) a community center and a full-time on-site caretaker. Relax on one of the 3 porches or warm up in front of one of the two fireplaces. This house comes fully furnished with a deeded boat slip and makes an ideal 2nd home or primary residence. Additional structures can be built on the land, but not subdivided. Agent owned. NO Short-Term or Long-term Rentals allowed. Priced UNDER TAX VALUE!

1020 Black Forest Drive, Marion

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Homes with River Front in McDowell County, NC

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