Making a home in Weaverville
Making a home in Weaverville
Because it’s not growing as quickly as South Buncombe, Weaverville is especially appealing to those who prefer a country setting.
Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, Weaverville is attracting newcomers because of its small-town, friendly atmosphere.
Located in the northern section of Buncombe County, Weaverville is only about 10 miles north of Asheville via U.S. 19/23. Because it’s not growing as quickly as South Buncombe, Weaverville is especially appealing to those who prefer a pastoral setting.
With about 2,500 residents, the town has a traditional Main Street lined with restaurants, specialty shops, churches, and entertainment. Real estate in Weaverville is mostly spacious, rural property and planned subdivisions. The median house value is $254,500.
During the 19th century, Weaverville was home to several grand hotels, including the Dula Springs Hotel and Blackberry Lodge, which attracted Low Country visitors as well as several famous figures such as author O’Henry. The town was also the site of Weaverville College, later renamed Weaver College, until it closed in the 1930s.
In 1910, the creation of Lake Louise (then called Lake Juanita) helped to promote Weaverville’s resort-like charm. The lake remains one of the central recreation areas in Weaverville, located southeast of Main Street at the intersection of Merrimon Avenue and Lakeshore Drive. Lake Louise underwent renovation in 1987 and now includes a walking trail, picnic areas with barbeque grills, a playground and workout center. Fishing is allowed with a permit.
Although its grand hotels are now gone, Weaverville is home to a number of bed and breakfast establishments including the Dry Ridge Inn, first built as a parsonage for the religious revival Salem Campground in 1849. The area of Weaverville was called Dry Ridge by the Cherokee Indians before the camp was established. During the Civil War, the Dry Ridge Inn was used as a hospital for Confederate soldiers. Other century-old bed and breakfasts in Weaverville include the Secret Garden and the Inn on Main Street.
One of Weaverville’s biggest tourist attractions is the Vance Birthplace, a five-room log house that was once the home of Zebulon Baird Vance. Vance was a Civil War officer, governor of North Carolina and U.S. Senator. The home has been reconstructed around the original chimneys and furnished with styles typical of early 19th century homes. Located in Reems Creek Valley, the Vance Birthplace visitors center highlights the life of the North Carolina figure and hosts special events throughout the year including a Christmas Open House and candlelight tours in December.
Residents of Weaverville enjoy its small-town festivals that bring the community together including an annual garden tour and a Fourth of July celebration. The Weaverville Art Safari, held the last weekend in April and the first weekend of November, provides free self-guided tours of local artists’ studios throughout Weaverville, Barnardsville and Alexander.
Another one of Weaverville’s draws is the Reems Creek Golf and Country Club, an 18-hole course that was rated four stars by Golf Digest and features a driving range, clubhouse, swimming pool and tennis courts. The community that surrounds Reems Creek spans 260 acres of rolling hills and serpentine streets offering many different home choices that include condominiums, townhomes and single-family homes.
