1885 Farmhouse Luxuriously Renovated: Animals & Antiques

Top rated by guests
Dining
Luxury appliances
Original spring fountain used for refrigeration
Welcome to The Historic Farmhouse
Collect eggs
review stars
10Outstanding
(52 Ratings)
"Our family (6 adults) stayed just one night and we wished we had had time for a longer stay. The property is even better than described. The historical renovation is perfect and it is well decorated..."
Karen V.
Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
10 / 10
Outstanding(52 Ratings)

House in Watauga, NC

6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
High-end valueWell priced for this area
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental

About this house rental

For more info and history, visit thehistoricfarmhouse.com! Built in 1885, this home is one of the oldest in the area and has been beautifully updated through extensive renovations while carefully preserving its historic charm. Surrounded by mountain ranges and century old oak trees, The Historic Farmhouse sits on a quiet, scenic byway, one of the last remaining original gravel roadbeds in North Carolina. During the Civil War, this turnpike was an important part of the Underground Railroad and served travelers for nearly 200 years.

Imagine yourself rocking on the front porch chairs, a drink and/or book in hand. This very spot is where James Wilburn Whitehead, a determined pioneer who arrived in 1872 with a gun, two hogs, and a dog would once look out over the hundreds of acres that he owned. Here, you are able to experience the same timeless beauty and tranquility that drew in the first settlers over a century ago, but without sacrificing any modern luxuries. You will enjoy peaceful mornings and evenings filled with wildlife such as deer and turkeys, but you're still just 2 minutes outside of downtown Banner Elk.

You and your loved ones can settle into the mountain view hammock or circle around the backyard fire pit for starlit conversations and s’mores. The huge master suite is a sanctuary in itself, featuring a private sitting area, a garden tub with a view for a relaxing soak, and a luxurious three function shower. You will surely enjoy the warmth and comfort of heated floors and high end appliances. You're also just 10 minutes from Sugar and Beech Mountain ski resorts, or you can even enjoy an epic sledding hill right outside your front door (sleds provided). Toys, books, and games are also available for children. For those special times of year like Thanksgiving and Christmas, we decorate to ensure your holiday stay is filled with extra magic and cheer.

But what truly makes The Historic Farmhouse special are the memories made with our little farm animal family. You will wake up to the sound of the birds chirping, and then head across the street to collect fresh eggs from “The Ladies” for breakfast. Visit our horse Dusty in the large field, who gallops over and whinnies when he’s called. His pasture mate is our mini donkey, Dobby, who may be small but insists he’s just as grand as Dusty. Our adorable goats BamBam and Molly are always eager to accept a gentle pet or a tasty nibble of fresh grass too! We are offering you an authentic, interactive farm experience that connects you to the land's rich agricultural past and creates one of a kind memories for guests of all ages.

The restoration of The Historic Farmhouse has been a true labor of love for the Lehmann family, as Paul himself grew up making childhood memories within its very walls. The Historic Preservation Foundation of North Carolina has even recognized our extreme dedication to bringing The Farmhouse's unique character and history back to life. We are honored and very excited to share this especially unforgettable farm experience with you. It would be selfish to keep it all to ourselves!

Discover more of what awaits you by following us on Instagram @thehistoricfarmhouse

Amenities

Non-smoking
No pets allowed

Map of Watauga, NC


Ratings and reviews

10 / 10
Outstanding(52 Ratings)
10 / 10Outstanding·Jun 2026
Our family (6 adults) stayed just one night and we wished we had had time for a longer stay. The property is even better than described. The historical renovation is perfect and it is well decorated with appropriate antiques. We enjoyed visiting the farm's animals as well as the deer that visited us in the evening. The porch was a hit: we sat on the porch in the dark to watch the fireflies rise and enjoyed it again for early morning coffee. If we had been able to stay another night we would have loved to have a campfire in the area provided just uphill. The area has a peaceful vibe that elevated our porch sitting to an art form. Seriously, book this property. It's clean, it's unique, lots of bonus perks including farm animals, farm fresh eggs, and there's even a hammock uphill near the woods. Relaxing country atmosphere. And a to-die-for master.
10 / 10Outstanding·May 2026
This property is set back off the main road up on a hill that is surrounded by a mature hardwood forest. The area is quiet and provides for a very relaxing environment. The house has a lot of well thought out charm and character. It is thoughtfully decorated with various antiques and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. There are two gas fireplaces and the main fireplace has a mantle that's fashioned from one of the original beams in the house. The kitchen is fantastic with new appliances and a gorgeous copper farmers sink. The upstairs bedroom with the king bed was my favorite. The bed was very comfortable, there was a sitting room and then the bathroom was unbelievable. Two vanities, a beautiful soaking tub, and a really cool shower with 3 different shower heads made it very spa-like. Overall, the property, the hosts, and close proximity to Banner Elk made our stay very memorable. We will be back.
10 / 10Outstanding·Mar 2026
We loved our stay at the farmhouse! The home is impeccably maintained and there were too many lovely touches and comforts to the home to list. In addition to all the lovely things you see in the pictures and read in the reviews, we had a welcome package, food to feed the animals, well stocked kitchen, high quality towels and linens, and specialty soaps to enjoy. We enjoyed discovering the historical artifacts preserved on the property. Each room has its own character and charm. Extraordinary! Thank you for sharing your home with us.
10 / 10Outstanding·Feb 2026
The house was gorgeous; we loved how they maintained the original farmhouse structure of the home with modern amenities and beautiful interior decor. The cute farm animals were a plus as well!

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FAQs

Is parking included with this house?

Parking is not specified as an available amenity at 1885 Farmhouse Luxuriously Renovated: Animals & Antiques. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this house?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is 1885 Farmhouse Luxuriously Renovated: Animals & Antiques pet friendly?

Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at 1885 Farmhouse Luxuriously Renovated: Animals & Antiques?

We found 2 amenities for this rental. This includes non-smoking, and no pets allowed.


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