Black Forest Homes with Gated Community Features

Welcome to Black Forest, a stunning neighborhood nestled in the heart of Marion, North Carolina, within McDowell County. This charming community is a hidden gem, offering a perfect blend of tranquility and modern living. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Black Forest is not just a place to live; it’s a lifestyle choice that embraces nature, peace, and community.

One of the standout features of Black Forest is its exclusive gated community, providing residents with an added layer of security and privacy. This serene enclave is ideal for families, retirees, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The gated entrance ensures that the neighborhood remains a safe haven, while the beautifully landscaped surroundings create a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Homes in Black Forest are designed with elegance and comfort in mind, featuring spacious layouts, modern amenities, and stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage or a luxurious estate, this community has something to suit every taste and lifestyle. The architectural styles vary, allowing for a diverse and visually appealing streetscape.

Residents of Black Forest enjoy easy access to outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby Pisgah National Forest. Additionally, the vibrant downtown Marion is just a short drive away, offering delightful shops, eateries, and cultural experiences.

Discover the charm and serenity of Black Forest, where your dream home awaits in a community that truly feels like a retreat. Come and experience the beauty of life in this exceptional neighborhood!

Newest Black Forest Homes with Gated Community Features

$490,000

4388960 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status

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

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers Foothills Lake James. drreihl@bellsouth.net

$3,890,000

4 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 4370977 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status

Welcome to an exceptional waterfront estate built in 2024, offering over 4,000 sq ft of meticulously designed living space on a private 12.7-acre parcel with 795 feet of stabilized shoreline. This contemporary home blends high-end finishes, thoughtful layout, and wonderful outdoor living spaces for buyers seeking privacy, luxury on a private lakefront parcel. Step inside to an open, bright floorplan anchored by a gourmet kitchen featuring quartz countertops, a large island perfect for casual dining and entertaining, and top-tier stainless steel appliances. An oversized awning window opens to the screened porch creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. The main level hosts the luxurious primary suite with an elegant ensuite bath, offering privacy and single-floor convenience. Elevator access provides effortless movement between floors. The second floor delivers two generous bedrooms, each with private ensuite baths, plus a versatile loft space. The lower-level walkout is an entertainer’s dream: a full bedroom with ensuite, a complete second kitchen for independent living or large gatherings, a spacious family room, exercise room, flex room, and a dedicated office. Practical touches include a second washer/dryer in the basement and an on-demand water heater for efficiency. A whole-house standby generator ensures uninterrupted comfort and peace of mind. Outdoor living is designed for enjoyment and durability. Hardscaping and a patio with a gas fire pit create an inviting gathering spot, while a hookup is ready for a hot tub. The property’s waterfront amenities are outstanding: a covered single-slip floating dock with lift, composite decking, and a metal roof make boating and lakeside lounging effortless. Nearly 800 feet of stabilized shoreline guarantees privacy and long-term waterfront integrity. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include Hardie board siding and stone. Additionally a detached two-car garage equipped with HVAC and Wi-Fi and cold water sink for workshop convenience, and a long drive that enhances the sense of seclusion while providing ample parking for guests. This estate is thoughtfully appointed for multi-generational living, entertaining, or year-round retreat use. High-end finishes, abundant natural light, flexible living spaces, and unparalleled waterfront access combine to create a property that satisfies both practical needs and lifestyle aspirations. Experience waterfront living without compromise. Community amenities include open pavilions at the lake Camp and River Camp. Miles of walking trails, community building and full time on site caretaker. Just 15 minutes to Marion shops, restaurants and entertainment.

1503 Black Forest Drive, Marion

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers Foothills Lake James. polly.leadbetter@evrealestate.com

$2,390,000

4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 4334363 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status

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

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers Foothills Lake James. polly.leadbetter@evrealestate.com

$175,000

4287532 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status

Discover mountain-lake living at its finest in the pristine Black Forest community on Lake James. Enjoy a prime building site located right next to the Lake Camp entrance—providing easy access to your deeded boat slip (#13). Community amenities include a caretaker service, community building, River Camp kayak launch/storage, walking trails, private docks and a pavilion-picnic area right next to the water with a beautiful view of short off mountain. Located just 15min to Lowes, Food Lion and 20min to downtown Marion.

LOT 46 Black Forest Drive, Marion

Listing courtesy of GreyBeard Realty. dave@greybeardrealty.com

$3,000,000

4 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 4251327 MLS ⋅ ACTIVE Status

Exquisite Modern Lodge nestled on 9.86 private acres, one of a kind on pristine Lake James. With over 1200' of lake frontage, enjoy owning your own private pointe. A nature lovers paradise, watching deer and turkey then being lulled to sleep with the sounds of crickets, frogs and whippoorwills. This modern lodge boasts 4 spacious bedrooms, a sleeping loft overlooking the family room 3 full baths and 2 halfs, easily sleeping upwards of 16.The majestic family room features floor to ceiling stone fireplace with oversized windows for views of the lake. The kitchen is fully equipped for any want to be chef with all modern appliances.The downstairs area is ready for family games and relaxing TV time. Walk out to the spacious yard with large fire pit and views of the lake. Easy walk to the water to hop on your boat and explore Lake James. The most amazing part of this custom home is the screened in porch with stone fireplace. Summer,fall or winter it's the place for all to gather.

163 Cabin Bluff Drive Unit #4, Marion

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers Foothills Lake James. lgriffin397@gmail.com

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