An isolated property that was built as a “bug-out” bunker to provide ultimate sanctuary in times of need has hit the market in rural North Carolina—with an asking price of just $714,900.
The 31-year-old emergency dwelling in Vilas, NC, comes complete with every amenity a doomsday prepper or survivalist could hope for, including a maze of secret rooms, solar generators, two wells, wood stoves, fruit trees, and ample land for farming.
What makes this property even more unique is the fact that no one has actually ever lived there in the three decades that the family has owned it.
The family who built the property owned four bug-out properties across the U.S. and outfitted them all with an array of features to ensure that they would be entirely self-sustaining in the event of a disaster.
“The seller inherited this home that her parents built in 1995,” said listing agent Joel Farthing of Boone Real Estate. “As the family was living all over the country, this was one of four bug-out homes they owned with the others being in Arkansas, Alabama, and Arizona.”
Originally listed for $724,900, the three-bedroom residence, which was built with “lots of thought given to security and preparedness,” recently received a $10,000 price chop in the hopes of attracting a buyer.
“The sale includes all of the fully stocked contents, including solar panels, generators, wood stoves, batteries, soap, and rubbing alcohol,” Farthing said.
While ideal for a specific type of buyer, the property located on 31.74 acres surrounded by springs and fruit trees near the top of Stone Mountain is also designed for anyone who enjoys total privacy.
“Move-in-ready home on over 31 unrestricted acres with springs, fruit trees, total privacy, and layered long-range view potential,” the listing notes. “No restrictions means that you can open the long range layered views, create gardens, orchards, or pastures, and utilize the property in any way you desire.”
Farthing notes that, despite its feeling of total privacy, the property is not far from several major attractions, including popular ski resorts.
“It is only about 30 minutes away from the area ski resorts and all of the amenities of Boone,” he added. “The next buyer could be someone of a prepper mindset, or more likely, someone who likes the idea of being close enough to everything but on a large acreage with a lot of privacy and off the beaten path.”
In addition to being built for safety, the property also has a very convenient design that is meant to create an easy living experience.
All of the basic necessities can be found on the main level along with a large open living area, kitchen, dining area, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. A loft bedroom upstairs offers additional storage space. The walk-out lower level has a hidden room for more storage.
“Full basement walks out on the ground level with a cellar room and additional hidden room for storage,” the description adds.
The property is totally wooded for extra privacy, but has no restrictions and has already been graded for the addition of a detached garage. According to the listing, a new roof was installed last year.
“There is also an opportunity to build additional structures and create a family compound,” Farthing said. “You can also take down as few or as many trees as you’d like, so you could have long-range mountain views. You could even clear some acreage for livestock if you wanted.”
Farthing said the seller’s parents wanted to keep the trees to shelter the house, even from above.
For the traditional buyer, a covered front porch and open back deck would be ideal spots to soak in the peaceful views.
“There are a lot of different ways to think about it, but it’s really a blank canvas to do whatever you want without restrictions,” he said. “The proximity to amenities with the feeling of privacy is a big draw to most buyers and for the self-sustaining prepper, it’s the opportunity to own a turnkey property.”