4125 Highway 197 South Burnsville, NC
I try not to get attached to a property I am selling, but the Peterson home in Burnsville is an exception. I came upon the home through a friend’s referral. As you drive out Highway 197 South, you see the crystal clear waters of the Cane River, as it rolls out of the valley. You might just pass by and never notice this fairy tale home on the other side. As I pulled into the drive, I saw a beautiful stone home that at first appeared to be like many other mountain homes. However, I soon realized that I could not have been more wrong. First appearances can definitely be deceiving.
I was greeted at the door by the owners, Allen and Bevo Peterson. I could not wait to hear the history of the home and property. The Peterson’s told me that the home was built by a local woodworker, Mac Thompson, in the mid 1940’s. Mr. Thompson owned a lumber company, and for several years had saved the best lumber to build his own home. As you stroll through the house, you can feel the warmth of the custom wood wall panels and the variety of woods used throughout the home’s flooring. How often do you get the opportunity to see hand-made wooden bricks?
Beautiful aren’t they? I have never seen them before either.
This house has a home office, visible from the entry way. The office is filled with the wooden bricks, from floor to ceiling. They were made from several varieties of wood and are all stained a warm honey color. Bevo and Allen told me that they had raised their children in this wonderful place and that they have called it home for 22 years. The furnishings are comfortable, mostly antiques, and built for comfort and longevity.
As I strolled through the living room, I immediately sensed the home’s overwhelming, warm feeling. What a wonderful place to kick off your shoes, sit in a comfy chair and read a book by the fire, while enjoying a glass of wine.
The enclosed porch makes you think of how incredible it would be to start each day sitting by the wood stove with your morning coffee.
I couldn’t wait to continue my journey as we entered the dining room, where I imagined the entire Peterson family sitting around the table, celebrating a family birthday or holiday. The dining area has a built in pantry/bar that is almost hidden from view as you continue into the kitchen.
The entire house was renovated in 2005. The kitchen was remodeled and beautifully expanded, with the help of a local architect. The idea was to make sure the kitchen would handle large groups of people.
The fireplace warms the kitchen and can also be enjoyed as you sit on the covered porch, just outside on the deck, after you have been soaking in the hot tub nearby.
As you tour the great outdoors of this fairytale property, you will notice the koi ponds and the stone walls that surround the back yard. The stone reportedly came from a quarry in the Pisgah National Forest.
Outside sits a two car garage with an upstairs efficiency apartment, renovated in 2005, and now used as Bevo’s sewing room.
Bevo has spent years gardening and anyone who shares her passion can appreciate the walkways and perrenials which surround this back yard.
On our stroll towards the fishing shack, where Allen keeps his fly fishing gear, we pass the outdoor pavilion. The Petersons built this pavilion in 2002, replacing the original one that was in disrepair. The incredible outdoor space is capable of housing everything you would need for summer entertaining.
You may think that the handmade fence is the edge of the property, but it continues beyond the fence.
The acreage on the other side of the fence contains several healthy chestnut trees, where the U.S. Forest Service harvests chestnuts used to replant the native chestnut species. I am certain the local deer enjoy their fair share of these.
This is also the location of the red barn adorned with the commemorative, 100th quilt square of the Yancey County QuiltTrail.
The property has a total of four very private acres. It also includes 500 feet of Cane River frontage, a native trout stream just across the road. Can you imagine putting on your fly fishing gear and walking across the road to fish?
Inside the home, the main level contains two bedrooms, which are both charming and have wonderful window light.
The lower level is more than just a basement. The walls of the basement are made of the same style wooden bricks that were used in the office. The Peterson’s have used the basement as a children’s den and play area. It is so cozy that you quickly forget that you are in a lower level.
The upper level houses the master bath and bedroom along with another bedroom and bathroom.
The hallway is a great place for book shelves and a community computer area.
There have only been three families who have been lucky enough to own this property since it was built 66 years ago. Is this the place for you to share with your family and friends?
“We sometimes wonder why we would leave paradise, but we feel that it is time for us to downsize, as in retirement we need less to manage, not more. We will miss ‘our’ house, but it is time for someone else to become its steward”
— Allen and Bevo Peterson
