At the 2026 WNC Parade of Homes, happening October 17-18 and October 24-25, visitors can get a closer look at the design choices that bring a space to life, from hidden kitchen pantries to a tiled washroom made just for the dog.
“The smallest features can say a lot about the thought that went into a home,” says Megan Carroll, executive officer of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM), which hosts the event. “A clever storage solution, a carefully chosen material, or a room designed around a family’s daily routine can be just as memorable as a big view.”
Here are a few features to watch for during this year’s free, self-guided tour.
Perks for Four-Legged Family Members
At The Riley at Ashley Place, built by Blue Pinnacle Homes in Hendersonville, no member of the family has been overlooked. The home includes a “doggie depot” for keeping leashes, treats, and other pet essentials from taking over the house. The humans fare pretty well, too: a custom bar, billiards area, and cozy reading nook downstairs create space for both gathering and getting away.
A Kitchen That Keeps a Few Secrets
Virtual visitors can explore Tranquil Ridge, built by Buchanan Construction in Burnsville, where the chef’s kitchen includes a hidden pantry and an invisible cooktop that blends almost seamlessly into the countertop. The disappearing act keeps the kitchen clean and uncluttered, while bold light fixtures, a custom wine cellar, and a double-sided fireplace bring the drama elsewhere.
Available exclusively through the Parade’s online tour, the home also includes space for a future elevator, a feature that may not command attention but reflects smart, long-term planning.
Bringing the Outside In
At Mills River Modern Farm, built by Towery Builders, Inc. in Mills River and designed by Courtney Williams of Distinguished Home Design, the stone used on the exterior reappears inside, giving the rooms a natural connection to the surrounding farmland.
Other materials add warmth and texture throughout the home. Wide-plank European oak covers the floors, shiplap accents the walls, and custom tile gives the fireplaces a clean, modern finish. Outside, stone is paired with siding installed in both horizontal and vertical patterns, adding a contemporary twist to the classic farmhouse aesthetic.
New Construction With an Old Soul
New doesn’t have to mean brand-new in spirit. The Legacy Bungalow, built by JAG & Associates Construction in West Asheville, was designed to look as though it had been part of the neighborhood for the past century.
Classic Craftsman details, custom built-ins, natural finishes, and a wood-burning stove give the energy-efficient home a lived-in warmth. And instead of one wide-open space, the living room, dining room, and kitchen each have their own identity while still feeling connected.
Planning for the Long Haul
At Modern Heritage, built by Ward Enterprises & Ventures in Lake Toxaway’s Hawk Mountain community and available for viewing online only, the most thoughtful features may be the ones visitors barely notice. The garage connects to the main floor without a step, the showers have zero-entry thresholds, and 36-inch-wide doors leave plenty of room to maneuver. Together, these choices make the home easier to navigate now and in the years ahead.
The floor plan is just as flexible. The primary suite and laundry are on the main level, while additional bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a bunkroom give visiting family members room to spread out upstairs. It is a home designed to work just as well for two people as it does for a house full of grandchildren.
“We hope visitors leave the Parade looking at homes a little differently,” Carroll says. “The event is a chance to see how thoughtful choices come together and gather ideas that could make their own homes more beautiful, comfortable, and functional.”
Presented by Warmstead, the 45th annual WNC Parade of Homes will take place October 17-18 and October 24-25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The free, self-guided event invites visitors to tour new homes, renewed spaces, and featured communities across Western North Carolina and see the region’s craftsmanship up close. All participating homes can also be explored online during the Parade and revisited throughout the following year.
