Valley near Hound Ears

Hound Ears
Real Estate

Private gated golf community • Single-family, condos & townhomes • Boone, NC

Epic Ventures Realty

Tel: (828) 263-2773

Hound Ears — Private Golf Community in Boone NC

Hound Ears Club is one of the oldest and most established private communities in the North Carolina High Country. Founded in 1964 by the Robbins brothers on the site of the former Shulls Mill lumber town, it spans 860 acres along the Watauga River at an elevation of roughly 4,100 feet. The community sits almost exactly between Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk — approximately 10 to 15 minutes from each town.

At center is a George Cobb-designed 18-hole championship golf course. Cobb that is scenic and playable, and in a beautiful setting along the valley floor adjacent to Lance Creek and stunning mountain views. The course has been named a Top 100 Tar Heel course by Business North Carolina for six consecutive years. It's a par 72 playing 6,327 yards from the tips, open April through October.

Approximately 440 homes have been built to date, with property types ranging from golf course homes and mountain-view estates to valley condos and vacant homesites. Homes range from the mid-$200Ks for older condos and up to well over $1 million for premium golf course properties with panoramic views. Vacant lots start in the low $50Ks.

Beyond golf, amenities include six clay tennis courts, pickleball courts, a heated outdoor pool, a staffed fitness center with personal training, fly fishing on the Watauga River, hiking trails, a dog park, clubhouse dining as well as affiliate membership at the Saddle Club at Yonahlossee.

For buyers looking at the broader market, Hound Ears competes with communities like Grandfather Golf & Country Club in Linville and Elk River Club in Banner Elk but at a generally lower price point. The combination of the gated setting, George Cobb course, river frontage, and proximity to three High Country towns makes it one of the more compelling private community options in the region.

Hound Ears Homes for Sale

Types of Properties at Hound Ears

Golf Course Homes

Multi-level homes overlooking the fairways, typically 3-5 bedrooms. These are the premium properties in the community, often running from the high $600Ks well into seven figures depending on views, size, and updates.

Mountain View Homes

Perched on the hillsides with panoramic ridge and valley views. A mix of architectural styles — A-frames, chalets, and mountain cabin designs. Price range generally $400K–$900K depending on elevation and condition.

Condos & Chalets

Valley-floor condominiums and Bavarian-style chalets, many with original Claus Moberg design influence. The most affordable entry point into Hound Ears, starting in the mid-$200Ks for units needing updates.

Vacant Land

Homesites ranging from quarter-acre to full-acre lots. Starting in the low $50Ks for wooded interior lots, with golf course and mountain view parcels commanding premiums. Build custom to your own specs within community guidelines.

Hound Ears Club Amenities

Club membership is optional but gives access to the full amenity package which includes:

Golf

18-hole George Cobb championship course, par 72, 6,327 yards. Full-service pro shop, practice facilities, and PGA instruction. Open April–October.

Tennis & Pickleball

Six Har-Tru clay tennis courts plus dedicated pickleball courts. Regular clinics, tournaments, and match play organized by the club.

Swimming

Heated outdoor pool with cascading waterfall feature. Open seasonally for members and guests.

Fitness Center

Staffed facility with personal training and on-call massage therapy. Modern equipment in a mountain-view setting.

Fly Fishing & River

The trout-stocked Watauga River runs through the community. Private river access for fishing, swimming, and streamside relaxation.

Dining & Social

Clubhouse restaurant with regular social events, happy hours, holiday gatherings, and exhibitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Homes at Hound Ears range from the mid-$200Ks for older condos and up to well over $1 million for golf course homes and properties with panoramic mountain views. Vacant lots start in the low $50Ks, making Hound Ears one of the more accessible private club communities for buyers who want to build custom.
No — property owners at Hound Ears are not required to become golf club equity members. That said, roughly 75% of property owners are club members. Equity membership requires a $30K initiation fee with annual dues around $6,200. Non-member owners still have access to the gated community, 24/7 security, and common areas.
Hound Ears Club is at 328 Shulls Mill Road in Boone, North Carolina (Watauga County). Its situated in the center of the Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk triad, roughly 10 to 15 minutes from each and not far from the ever-popular GrandFather Mountain and the GrandFather Vineyard & Winery.
kw HIGH COUNTRY KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

Lori.Bryan@KW.com +1.828.263.2773
Keller Williams HIgh Country
774 E.King St. Suite A
Boone, NC 28607

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