Owning your own horse farm can be a dream come true. But if you’re new to purchasing property for horses, you’ll want to consider the variables involved in choosing the right property for both you and your animals. Please see below for some helpful information to help you with your search. If you're just looking for horse property for sale in the Raleigh / Durham area, please scroll to the bottom of this page!
Your "why" is a crucial factor in finding the right property. Is it a hobby farm or do you plan to offer boarding and lessons? Will you need an indoor arena or a jump course? The answers to these questions will guide your options.
For horse owners it's important to consider the old saying: location, location, location. There is much more to consider beyond the ideal neighborhood. If you plan to run a business, you'll want visibility and accessibility. You'll also want to consider your family needs for shopping, school, and community events.
Before setting your heart on a particular area in North Carolina, be sure to check the following:
Horse property buyers must be extremely careful to make sure that the property they're considering complies with local zoning laws. Ordinances will depend on your location and how you intend to use the property.
Some questions to ask:
Double check when you’re told that the number of horses is "grandfathered" into your deed. It's possible that, if there's been a stretch of time with no horses on the property, you no longer qualify for the exemption.
A horse farm located in Chapel Hill, NC
The average horse drinks approximately 5-10 gallons of water per day, so a convenient, reliable and plentiful source of potable water is vital not only for the family home, but for your four-legged friends as well.
If there is an existing septic system and well, have both systems inspected, including the septic tank, leach fields, well pump and any associated equipment. Inadequate drainage can cause land to be muddy, which may increase falls or health problems. Ideally, visit the property shortly after a rainstorm to see where water accumulates.
In North Carolina we get a lot of rain and have watershed restrictions in some areas. Be sure to investigate water features and waterways to understand water rights and easements for any property. Protections may be in place for natural bodies of water that will require certain setbacks and fencing regulations.
Residential development and urban sprawl can put pressure on land use, so be aware of your preferred community's plans for development. Trail upkeep and land use regulations currently in place are subject to change. Make sure to check for any recent decisions that will impact your ability to use your horse property the way you want.
The number of outbuildings will depend on your plans for the farm. Here are some options to consider:
And of course, there's your house! What type of home is best for your family? How close to the barn would you like to be? There's no standard for your equestrian estate! You're only limited by local regulations.
A 4 acre property with horse facilities in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas offer a variety of horse properties for sale. Whether you prefer a neighborhood community built especially for horses or are looking to purchase extensive acreage, there are plenty of great opportunities in NC to find the property best suited to your needs. Pricing-wise we also have a range of inexpensive horse farms all the way up to luxury horse properties costing several million.
These neighborhoods below are established as equine communities in North Carolina. They foster a country feel while maintaining close-to-town convenience.
With locations near both Raleigh and Durham, the Black Horse Run communities offer an ideal place where you can have it all. Homeowners have access to a community barn (although many residents have private barns on their properties) plus a riding ring and riding trails. The neighborhoods are equestrian-focused but offer other common resources, such as a pool, clubhouse, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds and picnic areas with grills.
Portofino, located in Johnston County, is a gated community with amenities including a swimming pool, clubhouse, and over seven miles of trails. The Portofino Equestrian Center is adjacent to the community and offers boarding, training, lessons, and events and shows.
Other communities that support horse ownership include The Trails in Chapel Hill and Saddle Run in Fuquay Varina. See below for a complete list of current active inventory we have in North Carolina.
Sometimes it's tough to find that perfect horse property, and you must either build or customize a current home on acreage to fit your needs. Check out our Large Land Tracts page, our Homes for Sale on Acreage page, and our Homes for Sale with Ponds pages for extra options.
As you can see, horse farm ownership in North Carolina can be complicated - it’s a specific niche in real estate! Fortunately, we have a horse farm specialist on our team, Malia Jarrett.
Malia grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and has been riding since she was 2. “I’ve been riding and showing horses my whole life,” she says. She currently lives on a horse farm in Person County with her husband, four children, two horses, goats, and a pony.
“I love to put on boots and a ball cap and go visit a property and check out every inch and every acre,” she says. “What I offer my clients is a keen eye for detail. I never want my clients to say, ‘oh, I wish I had known that.’ My goal is to make it as easy as possible for clients.”
Stedman, NC (7351 Maxwell Rd) $104,900- Ranch home on 2.95 Acres w/ 3 Exterior Structures Great location-easy access to Town of Stedman, Fayetteville, Fort Bragg & Inters...
This Country Cottage Farm House is calling you "Home" to Kerr Lake Region! Adorable 3 Bedroom Home has lots of updates : Replacement Windows, Metal Roof & updated Outbuil...
Restore this Grand Lady to her glory! This home was built around the Turn of the Century & had been used for overflow guests for the Buffalo springs Hotel. The current ow...
Enjoy the peace and quiet of 3+ acres with this easy-living ranch home! Natural light fills the open spaces throughout. The home has been well maintained and features a f...
This is it! Just about 11 acres to build your farm on! On the Hoke/Moore county line! Custom designed home with soaring ceilings and windows! NO HOA! 3 bedroom, 2 full ba...
Mini farm opportunity! Lots of room to grow here. Charming brick home currently offering 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and areas to finish. With unfinished space means you can...
***NOW ACTIVE*** GO AND SHOW!! Country Living at its BEST! 30 Minutes from Liberty and the new Toyota Battery complex!! Get this one before the value goes up even more! ...
Back on the market due to buyer default, no fault of seller. Their loss, your gain!! Southern hospitality drips from this inviting ranch home on almost 9 UNRESTRICTED acr...
MINI FARM! Bring your chickens, horses, goats and more. Charming one-level home has been completely remodeled. Home has LVP flooring throughout — no carpet. Wood burning ...
Newly Renovated And Updated, One Of A Kind Home All Brick Ranch, Offering 5 Bedrooms, Two Full Bathrooms And A Half Bathroom. Freshly Painted Throughout, Granite Countert...
1.7 Acres of Country Living outside the quaint towns of Youngsville and Wake Forest. Main Level Living with a Full finished Basement/Workshop/Barn! There is a gracious si...
Escape to a horse-friendly, tranquil country setting on a 1.6-acre unrestricted lot! This stunning 2-story home boasts a front porch, deck, spacious kitchen with SS appli...
Price REDUCED! Farm Life! Private 7.7 Unrestricted Acreage, Horses Allowed! Plenty of room to Subdivide land. No city taxes NO HOA! Ranch Home originally built in 1948, c...
Country living at its best. Renovated in 2020 with pasture for cows, horses, chickens, zoned for agriculture. Enjoy the sunsets on the expansive front porch or curl up by...
For all my horse lovers this property welcomes horses! Gorgeous farmhouse sitting on over 6 acres! This is a must see!! Heart pine floors throughout the home with vaulte...
Amazing opportunity to own your dream mini-farm in Orange County! Two-story all brick home, 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom with over 2600sf interior living space and 4.5 acres of ...
Country paradise in the Falls Lake watershed, just 20 minutes to DPAC or Brier Creek. The ranch-style home features 2 bedrooms, a den, an open floor plan, a spacious kit...
Welcome to Brezzy Bottom Farm! This spectacular piece of paradise located on 13+ acres of land in rural Bear Creek with so much privacy & views. Outdoor living consists o...
This 11.8 acres features a 3 bedroom brick ranch home, a large 8 stall barn and fenced perimeter with fence sections for livestock or farming. This is a two lot parcel co...
Live the dream in this rare, exceptional and picturesque farmhouse on 20 beautiful sprawling acres. Bring the horses, donkey, goats or plan your next crop or garden nurse...
Pristine home! Gorgeous 5 acres with fenced garden & 3-6x36 raised , organic garden beds. Each with own water hydrant. 3 more hydrants around property. Open land could ...
Searching for Seclusion? This rustic Kuhn's Brothers rustic White Pine Log home sits on nearly 2 acres overlooking open undeveloped farm land. The views are AMAZING! Th...
Welcome to 465 Gianna Dr in the prestigious Portofino equestrian gated community! This stunning ranch-style home boasts 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, providin...
Wow!! Convenience of city living and peacefulness of country living in the heart of Reidsville. This beautifully updated brick ranch, ~3000 sf partially heated shop and a...
Rare find!! Secluded country living on gorgeous 6 acre horse farm. Large wrap around porch welcomes you to this very open, spacious floor plan. Bright, sunny kitchen with...
Farm Living at Its Finest! Bring your horses & enjoy country living! A 1-story farm house (being sold as-is) with a welcoming front porch & beautiful views of the big pon...
Build the Charleston or CHOOSE another plan on this gorgeous 2.4 ACRE level lot in beautiful Silk Hope. PROPOSED Home- Hard To Find NEW HOME at this price point with land...
Have you been craving that peaceful retreat away from the hustle & bustle but only a short drive to Chapel Hill? With over 4 acres you'll be checking all your boxes! Your...
One-Of-A-Kind 9-Acre Mini-Farm Property Less Than 15 min. to Downtown Raleigh! Large Ranch On A Hill Overlooking Your Huge Pasture & Barn. Horses Allowed! Updated Ranch w...
Own a piece of history w/this amazing farm house built in 1885! You'll LOVE the beautiful private 2607 sq ft home w/detached 4-car garage/apartment w/additional kitchen &...
Magnificent custom built home in quiet gated community with rare 10 acre lot. 5 BRs, 4.5 baths, newly completed bonus room. Master is down, features double walk in closet...
The Riverstone at Fox Oak on 4+ wooded acres is a pre-sale new home (including the lot) in pre-construction process on a cul de sac in a new Pittsboro countryside custom ...
BRING HORSES!!! So much to say about this property-Open Floorplan-HDWDS throughout downstairs-Separate Dining has wainscotting & Tray Ceiling-Kitchen w/ Custom Cabinets, ...
*Bring your horses* Gorgeous 3 bedroom/3.5 bath brick home with finished bonus rm & horse! Buck, the horse, has grown up on the property & would love to stay! This homes ...
Two private lots have been combined into 14.5 acres of serene breathtaking oasis. This one of a kind log cabin with water views and fenced horse pastures is move in ready...
Gorgeous & immaculate privately gated horse farm with modern 3-bed, 3.5-bath home with large bonus room. 4 stall center-aisle barn, pro riding arena, tucked away for tota...
BRING YOUR HORSES-5.4 acres-private lot - NO HOA! This Farmhouse home plan is perfect! Private country setting! 3 bed + Bonus! Upgraded kitchen cabinets, granite countert...
Mini Farm with stunning newly renovated BARNDOMINIUM. 6.5 acres! Rare find. The stable on the ground level features a concrete center aisle with 8 stalls, tack room, hay/...
Make your own little Yellowstone a reality with this rare opportunity! Amazing find, gated and fenced 4.27 secluded acreage, Ranch home with saltwater pool, outside showe...
On of a kind find located on 3.67 unrestricted Acres!! All Brick updated transitional style home plus sep guest house w/2 BRS & 2 full baths! Updates to primary: Fresh in...
Take a look at this beautiful home! Over 30 acres of land located in Marston, NC! This home offers a long private drive that brings you to a fenced in front yard with 2 s...
Approximately 39 acres. Historic Branch Grove circa 1828 is very significant in NC local and state history. One of only a few remaining tripartite houses, it’s been home ...
Proposed Construction build your dream home on a 25 Acre lot which stretches through hardwoods, pines, blue skies and meadows. Build this home with a 3 CAR GARAGE Ranch H...
FABULOUS 5+ ACRE RETREAT with beautiful custom-built brick home. Bring your horses & livestock or simply enjoy the serene country setting. Elegant features, extensive tri...
Welcome to this amazing country retreat! Experience luxury, elegance, and unmatched living in this stunning custom-built masterpiece, boasting 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths wi...
Beautiful custom built home to include just over 8 acres in Angier just one mile from city limits. Welcomed by a 3 car garage, covered front porch and several updates thr...
Welcome to your future private oasis on over 43 acres featuring a sprawling ranch that was custom designed by Frazier Home Design! There's a detached heated/cooled worksh...
Peace and tranquility with acres to roam! This rural retreat offers a private pond with covered dock, barn, and pasture with shelter. When it's time to retire after a day...
Island Drive Oasis! 1.5 Story Luxury Home on 6 Acres Outside of Greensboro. Main Level 5 Bedrooms/4 Full Baths. Large Bonus & Half Bath Upstairs. Upgraded Features Includ...
This is an opportunity to own an exquisite piece of Carolina country! Nestled in the heart of Johnston County, 30 minutes to downtown Raleigh, 45 minutes to RDU, 15 minut...
SHOWINGS BEGIN FRIDAY, 4/14 Situated just 8.5 short miles from downtown Pittsboro - on 15-501, sits the opportunity of a lifetime! Looking for a gathering compound where...
Live the dream on this large 78.2 acre farm. Enjoy open pastures, multiple ponds, and an outstanding view throughout. Charming farmhouse renovated in 1994 with over 3400...
So many possibilities with this property! 15.847 acres of property and surrounded on 3 sides by US Army Corps Land on Jordan Lake. Property features 3 separate fields, 2....
One of a kind, custom built home on 10, River-front acres, in a beautiful, gated community. The owner/builder is a floral design professional and invested in creating low...
Buyer's house did not sell so this unique property is back on the market! Come home to historic charm plus more contemporary living spaces, the best of both! The restore...
Beautiful Spanish style estate on a 46 acre equestrian facility. 12 stall barn w/2 tack rooms, feed rm, wash rm, 100x200 arena, 17+ acres of pastures, riding trails. Home...
Incredible opportunity to build this stunning modern Farmhouse with Dunning Homes, one of the finest Custom Builders around! This 4 Bed spacious home can be placed on the...
Do you dream about serenity and gentle country living in a prestigious enclave close to town? Come to Hickory Downs, a 40 Homesite Community, . This gorgeous under-const...
16 Acres! Excellent location in Chatham! Drees Homes TO BE BUILT Ballentine Plan has every detail & you can still make ALL your selections prior to construction. 10’Ceili...
CAN BE DIVIDED! (1) 4 acres w/ 15 MHP lots w/private septic tanks and one well; (2) 10 acres w/ 1937 two-bedroom house, one bath, barns, out buildings & field to fence in...
Incredible 70 acres with 1300 sq.ft. ranch. Imagine YOUR OWN custom home, horse farm, game preserve and piece of heaven. Very productive hunting featuring deer, turkey,...
One-of-a-kind estate situated on 20.44 beautiful acres! Attention HORSE LOVERS! 10 Stall Horse Barn Shed & Riding Ring! Spend time relaxing by the Salt Water Pool with Po...
It's all in the details & this CUSTOM newly remodeled home has them on 31.86 acres w/ pond! Gorgeous eat-in kitchen w/ two islands, double ovens, gas 5-burner cooktop, qu...
This luxurious estate home is tucked away in nature’s sanctuary in Wake County, bordering West Cary and Apex, and backing up to the Corps of Engineer Land for Jordan Lake...
Authentic farm house and 64 Acres!! Big front porch perfect for rocking chairs. This home is full of character and the renovations done provide efficiency. Beautiful wo...
Lover of history? Old houses are your jam! Welcome to Elgin Plantation circa 1837. Listed in National Register of Historic Places* Incredible Estate w/ private, gated en...
Exquisite Georgian Colonial Estate located in Wake County nestled on nearly 17.5 acres for a secluded and private lifestyle. Majestic stone exterior stands out among the ...
RARE opportunity to own this stunning home on 13.88 acres w/4332 sq.ft. 2-car garage, & a serene pond in desirable Cary 27519. Sellers obtained permits to bring this 198...
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Bella Woods: Beauty, Privacy, Quality, Security. Situated deep within 187 acres of mature hardwoods. 3BR/6.5BA, w additional bed/bath above garage. Constructed from 100+ ...
The pinnacle of luxury living awaits beyond the gates of this incredibly private 14-acre estate in a premium north Raleigh location. Built for hosting, this special prope...
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