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Asheville's Beaverdam Neighborhood: Serene Rural Living in the City

 

 

Beaverdam Neighborhood Tour from Mosaic Realty.

Beaverdam neighborhood, several miles north of downtown Asheville, was one of the first areas to be settled in Buncombe County.  Beaverdam Creek, the main artery flowing through this beautiful valley, is not as strong as it once was, having powered a grist mill in the 1800s.  However, passers-by will notice how the community orients towards the babbling creek.  

 

Historical Significance

 

There is some evidence that the Beaverdam Valley and the Swannanoa River Valley were settled before Asheville, with settlers entering the valley through Craven Gap and Bull Creek.  Early family names that you may recognize from other areas of present-day Asheville include the Bairds, Swains, Lanes and Rices.

 

Grace Episcopal Church, situated on Merrimon Avenue near the entrance to Beaverdam Road, was first built as a log cabin in 1860.  It served as a community hub for early settlers of the valley.  In 1905, it was constructed in its present day design by famous architect Richard Sharp Smith.  

 

The Lay of the Land

 

This gorgeous valley, carved out over millions of years by the once-mighty Beaverdam Creek, has gently rolling hills nestled up to the larger ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains behind them.  The setting is still largely pastoral and bucolic, with many coves and communities of homes.  The winding and climbing Beaverdam Road and Elk Mountain Highway provide the main thoroughfares through the valley.

 

Architectural Style

 

Historical farmhouses and even a few remaining log cabins dot the valley and are well worth seeking out and researching the stories behind them.  For example, the 1840s Killian House, located on the left, west of Wild Cherry Road, still stands today.  Newer styles of homes include mid century ranchers, contemporary and traditional styles and GreenBuilt homes.  

 

Dining and Entertainment

 

Although the neighborhood itself is largely residences and scenic farmland, it is close to all of the amenities you would need.  Downtown Asheville is merely 4 miles south and the small town of Woodfin is a mile or two up Merrimon Avenue.  Beaver Lake and the Bird Sanctuary provide opportunities for level walking.  Boating, fishing and paddle boarding are also permitted on the lake.

 

There are many restaurants within a mile of the entrance to Beaverdam Road,  Avenue M, Zen Sushi, Marco's Pizzeria and The Hop Ice Cream among them.  Catch movies at Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company or sip craft brews at Thirsty Monk in Reynolds Mountain Village.

 

For more information on real estate in Asheville, please contact Mike Figura at mike@mymosaicrealty.com  or call him anytime at (828) 337-8190.

 

Search: View all homes for sale in Asheville

 

View all homes for sale in Beaverdam Neighborhood

 

Resources:  Beaverdam Valley Community Association

 

Sources and Further Reading: ACT article Jan 2014

Video by: JustinAsheville

 

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