For Sale $490,000
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 off the grid retreat/ 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 is currently off grid, allowing 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, kitchen with refrigerator, portable microwave/convection oven all 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 . Bath area with Dry Flush toilet ,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!
Open Floorplan
| List Price: | $490,000 |
| Status: | For Sale |
| Type: | Single Family Residence |
| Approx Sq. Ft.: | 399 sqft |
| Parking: | Driveway |
| MLS Number: | CAR4388960 |
| Subdivision: | Black Forest |
| Style: | Cabin |
| Lot Description: | Private, Rolling Slope, Wooded, Views |
| Year Built: | 2017 |
| Sewer Type: | None |
| Elementary: | North Cove |
| Middle: | West McDowell |
| High: | McDowell |
| Date | Event | Price | $/SQFT |
| 06-20-2026 | Listed | $490,000 | $1,229 |
| 08-16-2025 | Listed | $409,000 | $1,026 |
These schools are only nearby your property search, you must confirm exact assigned schools.
| School Name | Distance | Grades | Rating |
| No schools found | |||
Source is provided by local and state governments and municipalities and is subject to change without notice, and is not guaranteed to be up to date or accurate.
Mileage is an estimation calculated from the property results address of your search. Driving time will vary from location to location.
| Street Address | Distance | Status | List Price | Days on Market |
| 130 Settlement Ridge Drive, Marion NC | 0 mi | $490,000 | days | |
| 1503 Black Forest Drive, Marion NC | 0.4 mi | $3,890,000 | days | |
| 143 Nature Walk Drive, Marion NC | 0.5 mi | $2,690,000 | days | |
| 163 Cabin Bluff Drive, Marion NC | 0.8 mi | $3,000,000 | days | |
| Blue Hill Parkway, Marion NC | 0.9 mi | $273,000 | days | |
| 968 Plantation Drive, Marion NC | 0.9 mi | $1,100,000 | days |
Mileage is an estimation calculated from the property results address of your search. Driving time will vary from location to location.
| Street Address | Distance | Property Type | Sold Price | Property Details |
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| Down Payment Amount | $990,000 |
| Mortgage Amount | $3,960,000 |
| Monthly Payment (Principal & Interest Only) | $19,480 |
* Expand Calculator (incl. monthly expenses)
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| Total Monthly Payment | $20,941 |
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Transportation to Work |
Source is provided by local and state governments and municipalities and is subject to change without notice, and is not guaranteed to be up to date or accurate.
A Courtesy Listing Provided By Engel & Volkers Foothills Lake James
130 Settlement Ridge Drive, Marion NC is a 399 ft2 on a 3.150 acres lot. This is for $490,000. This has 0 bedrooms, 0 baths, and was built in 2017.
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of 2026-06-20 11:46:20 EST. All data is
obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied
Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently
reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent
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