Bunkrooms for visiting grandchildren, interiors designed around local artwork, and distinctive renovations that give older homes a fresh start are among the highlights of this year’s Western North Carolina Parade of Homes, returning October 17-18 and October 24-25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Now in its 45th year, the self-guided Parade will take visitors across Western North Carolina, from Asheville and Weaverville to Hendersonville, Black Mountain, and Mills River. Along the way, they can step inside new homes and renovations, meet the professionals who brought them to life, and find inspiration for a future build or a fresh take on their current space.
“Whether you’re planning to build, considering a renovation, or simply gathering ideas, the Parade is a chance to see what’s possible,” said Jessie Edington, Events Manager for the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
With homes spanning a range of styles and price points, the Parade offers ideas for many tastes, needs, and budgets. A few of the design and construction trends visitors will see include:
Room for the Whole Family
Builders are creating flexible spaces where several generations can gather comfortably, whether for a weekend visit or an extended stay. Modern Heritage, built by Ward Enterprises & Ventures in Lake Toxaway’s Hawk Mountain community and available for viewing exclusively through the Parade’s online showcase, pairs a main-level primary suite and laundry with upstairs bedrooms, a grandchildren’s bunkroom, and finished space above the garage with its own bathroom and kitchenette.
Homes That Adapt Over Time
More homeowners are thinking beyond what they need today and considering how their homes can continue working for them as they age. In Arden, Pinnacle at Arabella, built by Lifestyle Homes of Distinction, Inc., combines main-level living with HOA-managed exterior maintenance to reduce the physical demands of homeownership. A downstairs bonus suite also provides flexible space for visiting family members or a future caregiver.
Art and Personal Expression
A home can be designed to reflect the people who live there, right down to the artwork and handcrafted details. At Weaverville Mountain Top, built by HomeSource Real Estate & Construction in Weaverville, the homeowners’ art collection is woven throughout the interiors, complemented by a custom glass stairwell fixture from an Asheville artist and a stained-glass sidelight at the front door.
Energy Efficiency
Some of a home’s most important features are not immediately visible. At Rolling Stone Vista in Arden, Living Stone Design + Build transformed a steep, boulder-strewn site into a high-performance mountain retreat that pairs luxuries such as a white oak-paneled elevator, expansive porches, and a custom waterfall with ENERGY STAR and Green Built NC Silver certifications.
New Life for Existing Homes
Renovations can preserve the character of an older home while adapting it to the way people live today. At Beaver Lake Tea House in North Asheville, Painted Buckeye Builders removed later additions and restored the historic home’s original footprint, porches, chimney, hearth, staircase, and wood ceilings. The team also lifted the house to excavate a full basement for modern mechanical systems, preparing the landmark for its second century of life.
Community, by Design
Beyond individual homes, the Parade will also highlight communities. This year’s featured community, in West Asheville, Terra Futura Regenerative Neighborhood combines small-footprint, energy-efficient homes with shared greenspaces and wellness amenities. The community is designed to give residents the privacy of their own homes while creating more opportunities to connect with neighbors.
Plan Your Parade Experience
Visitors can pick up a free Parade of Homes magazine to plan their routes and learn more about the featured properties. More than 8,000 copies will be distributed at over 60 locations across Western North Carolina, including participating homes and Builders Association member businesses. The magazine includes home descriptions, floor plans, builder information, and a Business Guide connecting readers with local building professionals.
For those who prefer to plan online, the Parade’s reach extends well beyond the homes’ front doors. Every featured home will have an online showcase with a virtual tour, floor plans, photos, builder information, and project details. The tours will remain available for a full year, giving visitors plenty of time to explore homes they missed, revisit their favorites, and gather ideas for future projects.
“The Parade is designed to be useful whether you spend both weekends touring homes or you explore online from your sofa,” said Nicolette Baglio, co-chair of the Builders Association’s Parade of Homes Committee. “The magazine helps visitors plan their routes and connect with local professionals, while the virtual tours let people revisit the homes and details that inspired them long after the event ends.”
For participating homes, community highlights, virtual tours, and complete event details, visit WNCParadeofHomes.com.
