Briar Patch is one of those neighborhoods that earns the word "surprising." Positioned directly above the WCU campus with year-round views of university grounds and the surrounding mountains, it manages to stay genuinely quiet, a point that appears unprompted in many of the Airbnb guest reviews spanning five years of short-term rentals at this address. Adjacent student housing complexes operate under enforceable noise restrictions, and the result is a residential street that functions entirely on its own terms. The home is a well-maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranch on a level, half-acre open lot. Hardwood floors, an updated kitchen, a formal living room, and a separate family room give the main living area a comfortable and flexible layout. The roof, HVAC, electrical system, plumbing, and primary appliances have all been upgraded and/or replaced and are in verified working condition. Public water service and an insulated exterior with vinyl and brick finish make this a move-in-ready property without a project list attached. The property's most distinctive asset is an attached 1-bedroom efficiency suite with its own private exterior entry and near-complete sound isolation from the main home. This suite has operated as a licensed short-term rental since 2021, generating $20,900 across 83 bookings in 2025 alone and earning Airbnb Superhost and Guest Favorite status with 153 reviews at a 4.9-star rating. Current figures reflect intentional owner-use blackout dates, meaning a new owner who converts those dates to bookings has additional upside already built in. The current owners note that in five years of continuous operation, the suite has never produced a noise or disturbance in the main living area. Buyers with no interest in short-term rentals will find the suite equally well-suited as a private primary ensuite, guest quarters with independent access, or a dedicated home office with a separate entrance. The property functions as a hub for western North Carolina. Waynesville, Cashiers, Cherokee, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are within 30 minutes. Bryson City and Franklin are 40 minutes out. Asheville is approximately one hour away. The Tuckasegee River, popular for whitewater paddling, kayaking, and fly fishing, runs through the area. The yard includes a 24-by-24-foot concrete basketball court. A double attached carport with an integrated storage building complete the property
Single-familyProperty Type
1963Year Built
0.5 acresLot Size
$300Price/Sq.Ft.
2 spacesParking
Listed by Stefanie Conley• Keller Williams Great Smokies
INVESTOR ALERT / PRIVATE RETREAT: 4 bed with Proven Rental Income and Views of WCU. Enjoy the best of both worlds, where views of Western Carolina University meet the feel of your own private retreat. Located in the heart of campus living, yet tucked behind a surprisingly peaceful back patio, this home offers a rare balance of energy and escape. This 4 bed, 3 bath home features both a formal living room and separate family room, all accented by hardwood flooring. The updated kitchen anchors the home and connects seamlessly to the main living areas, creating an easy flow for everyday living and entertaining. A standout feature is the adjoined 1 bed, 1 bath space with its own private access or adjoined to the main house, currently operating as an active vacation rental (83 stays and $20,900 in 2025). Continue using it for income or incorporate it as a private primary suite or guest quarters depending on your needs. Just minutes to campus, dining, and everyday conveniences, this property is ideal for full time living, student housing, or those looking to offset their mortgage with added flexibility. 10 minutes to downtown Sylva. Ask today about all the recent updates!
Public Records
Aug 4, 2003
Sold
$172,000
$94/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$1,304 (+24.9%)
$20,250 + $359,944
$380,194
2024
$1,044
$30,380 + $211,490
$241,870
2023
$1,044
$30,380 + $211,490
$241,870
2022
$1,044 (+7.9%)
$30,380 + $211,490
$241,870
2021
$968 (+46.3%)
$30,380 + $211,490
$241,870
2020
$661
$30,380 + $211,490
$241,870
2019
$661
$19,130 + $132,800
$151,930
2018
$661 (+2.4%)
$19,130 + $132,800
$151,930
2017
$646
$19,130 + $132,800
$151,930
2016
$646 (+1.9%)
$19,130 + $132,800
$151,930
2014
$634
$21,680 + $174,990
$196,670
Public record
Beds
3
Baths
3
Stories
1
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.5 Acres
Year renovated
1993
Finished Sq. Ft.
2,102
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
2,102
Year built
1963
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Jackson County
APN
7549-93-9690
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 17, 2026.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
4/10 Heat Factor
8 days above 94° expected this year, 23 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
Minor risk of severe winds over next 30 years
4/10 Air Factor
5 unhealthy days expected this year, 5 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Cullowhee, NC • 28723
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
47
28
58
35
68
43
75
51
75
56
83
63
86
68
83
64
77
60
71
50
63
43
54
35
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
86/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9.3 hrs
6.3 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 52 Briar Patch Rd
We cannot show automated home-value estimates for this home.
Nearby homes have recently sold between $410,000 and $695,000.
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 5 recent nearby sales, priced between $315K to $695K.