980 Mountain Forest Drive, Union Mills, NC

About the home

The Lodge at Cane Creek — A 116-Acre Private Mountain Estate. Discover an extraordinary Western North Carolina retreat where a handcrafted mountain lodge, equestrian facilities, recreation, and remarkable privacy come together across approximately 116 acres. Behind a private gated entrance, the estate encompasses four parcels, including approximately 20 acres outside HOA restrictions—offering an exceptional combination of privacy, flexibility, and recreational opportunity. At the heart of the property is a handcrafted dovetail log lodge constructed from timber harvested directly from the land. Surrounded by mountain views, streams, established trails, and abundant wildlife, the lodge offers timeless craftsmanship and an unmistakable sense of place. Soaring ceilings, exposed timber beams, expansive windows, and a grand stone fireplace create an impressive gathering space, while the primary suite features its own fireplace and separate bathrooms. A detached 647-square-foot guest apartment above the garage provides additional accommodations with its own kitchen, full bath, bedroom area, and private entrance. Beyond the lodge, the estate is designed to be experienced outdoors. Two stocked ponds, multiple streams, established trails, abundant wildlife, hunting opportunities, two hunting stands, and a waterfront BBQ area create a true sporting and recreational retreat. Equestrian amenities include a custom cedar barn with four stalls, tack room, loft with hay feeders, full bath, water, electricity, and adjacent pasture. A large cedar storage building provides additional space for equipment, tools, and recreational gear. The property is also exceptionally well equipped, with generator systems serving the main lodge, guest apartment, and well house, along with two wells and a 290-gallon fuel storage tank. Most furnishings, the tractor, UTVs, and additional equipment convey, allowing the next owner to begin enjoying the property immediately. The Lodge at Cane Creek represents a rare opportunity to own 116 acres of Western North Carolina for recreation, equestrian pursuits, a family retreat, or a legacy estate to be enjoyed for generations.

Price in context

• Asking $718 per square foot.
• That is in line with the $718 median across 9 active $1.5M+ homes in Union Mills.
• 4th highest asking price of 9 active $1.5M+ homes in Union Mills.
• 3rd largest by living area of the 5 with a recorded size.
• Reduced $100,000 (5.3%) from the original $1,899,000 asking price.
• 89 days on the market, listed 2026-06-04.
• County tax assessment $1,189,600; the asking price is 1.51× the assessed value.
• HOA dues $840 (annually).

Location

Neighborhood: Cane Creek Mountain, Rutherford County, ZIP 28167.

Straight-line distances

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport: 54.2 mi
• Wilson Air Center (private aviation, CLT): 55.0 mi
• Uptown Charlotte: 59.1 mi

Features

Style

Cabin

Levels

One and One Half

Construction

Log

Roof

Wood

Bathrooms

5 full

Fireplace

Yes

Interior

Entrance Foyer, Garden Tub, Pantry

Flooring

Wood

Kitchen & appliances

Bar Fridge, Dishwasher, Dryer, Electric Range, Electric Water Heater, Microwave, Refrigerator with Ice Maker, Trash Compactor, Washer, Washer/Dryer, Wine Refrigerator

Heating

Central

Cooling

Central Air

Garage

2 spaces

Parking

Detached Garage

Exterior

Fence, Fire Pit, Storage

View

Mountain(s), Water

Lot

Pasture, Pond(s), Private, Creek/Stream, Wooded, Views

Community

Gated

County

Rutherford

Comparable homes on the market

• 980 Mountain Forest Drive, Union Mills — $1,799,000, also in Cane Creek Mountain
• 316-318 Cane Creek Mountain Road, Union Mills — $1,250,000, 5 bd, 2,160 sq ft, 1.0 mi away
• 168 Robinwood Trail, Bostic — $3,990,000, 2.7 mi away
• 745 Mossy Oak Trail, Nebo — $1,050,000, 3 bd, 4,208 sq ft, 4.3 mi away
• 463 Summit Trail, Nebo — $1,845,000, 3 bd, 3,497 sq ft, 4.6 mi away
• 1418 Landis Lane, Nebo — $3,600,000, 3 bd, 4,143 sq ft, 4.6 mi away

See it privately

Nicholas and Miriam Peters show every home personally. Peters & Associates, 4401 Barclay Downs Dr #132, Charlotte, NC 28209. Office 704-264-4572. Request a private showing.