Retreat Center Outside Asheville, NC Overlooking the French Broad River

Paint Rock Farm is an ideal retreat center, homestead, farm or family compound for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while enjoying the convenience of not being too far removed from day to day conveniences. Located in the northwestern tip of rural Madison County approximately seven miles from the town of Hot Springs (not even a traffic light), this property offers seclusion which easily translates to security and privacy.

Just a very short drive down the road is Asheville with its vibrant arts scene, airport and interstate connections, making it easy for visitors to get to Paint Rock Farm.

Hot Springs is best known as a stopping point on the Appalachian Trail that passes nearby as well as the famous Hot Springs Spa. This is the only place in North Carolina having natural hot springs. It is situated next to the French Broad River known as one of the south’s premier rivers for rafting.

Though the town was hit hard by the remnants of Hurricane Helene in 2024, Paint Rock Farm did not suffer any damage although it has nearly a mile of frontage on the French Broad River.

How is that so? The bulk of the 150 /- acres sit up on a bluff more than 140 feet above the river. The improved portion of the property features a ledge that plumets down to the river which means when standing on this bluff, you can see far upstream and downstream. It is simply majestic. The river at this point is approximately 1,000’ wide, making for an impressive view.

Within the 150 /- acres the heart of the property is an approximately 12 acre farm field that is a nearly pancake flat open field such that it is 100% usable.

In recent years, this portion was improved with two 9-bedroom septic systems, underground electricity, a deep well and driveway system. It was also improved with eleven ”glamping” cabins.

These are roughly 200 square feet each featuring lap wood siding, metal roofs, finished floors and sumptuous bedding and furnishings inside. Each comes with a spacious deck. Six of the cabins overlook the river below while the remaining five are on the edge of the meadow which is covered in wildflowers.

For restroom and bathing facilities, a 1,200 square foot bathhouse provides radiant floor heating with multiple showers, toilets and sinks. The water is conventionally heated, but boosted by a passive solar collection system, so that even if the power goes down, one can enjoy a hot shower.

Next to the bathhouse is the Caretaker’s Cabin which is approximately 400 square foot site built home with covered porch overlooking the property. It features one bedroom, living area, kitchen, loft and full bath. It is heated and cooled by a mini-split system.

Next to this is a classic tiny home of around 200 square feet also with one bedroom, kitchen, loft and full bath.

NOTE: the total living area under roof on the entire property is over 5,000 square feet.

The largest structure on the property is a nearly 3,200 renovated pole barn with finished flooring and a catering kitchen.

Inside, one will find room enough to seat more than 100 guests and a dance floor with sound system.

This building is unheated, but could be used for a variety of purposes including housing, events or turned back into an agricultural use.

For the past several years, this building has been the site of many weddings, retreats and large gatherings.

With the addition of insulation and HVAC, this building could become a year round amenity. With ample room for more than 100 vehicles, Paint Rock Farm has a successful history as a wedding/event venue.

Rounding out the improvements are ten RV spaces. Five of these have water, sewer and electrical hookups, while the remaining five have water and electricity.

There are also three primitive camping platforms and shelter tucked away in the wood’s edge.

It is from there that one can enter the 111 acres of conservation woodland.

The entire property features approximately 150 acres while 111 of those acres have been placed into a conservation easement.

This acreage actually abuts USFS lands, with the result being that you have a basically unlimited supply of wildlife and firewood.

The conservation easement specifically allows for hiking, camping, and hunting as well as collecting firewood.

Within this wooded area, you'll find a well maintained course of trails leading to a contemplative pond, prayer shelter and overlooks.

Of course with nearly a mile of frontage on the French Broad River, you’d have ample opportunity to fish.

A small stream is also found within the 111 acres.

No roads or development are allowed to take place within the easement.

But that doesn’t mean you cannot build a home elsewhere on the property.

Within the unencumbered 48 acres, there are two existing septic systems on hand; one for a four bedroom system and another for a two bedroom system.

In looking at the soils of the land, it is reasonable to expect that an even larger system could be approved if desired.

With these permits in hand, and given the gentle topography, one could build a large primary dwelling if desired.

Overall, Paint Rock Farm presents the ideal opportunity for an individual or multiple families looking to have a spiritual retreat center or homestead compound that is out of sight, yet easily accessible and rich in resources.

Only qualified persons should inquire, and proof of funds must be presented prior to any showings.