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 horse farm search in North Carolina. 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.”
Mini Farm with 3 beds 2 baths Farm house and 10.48 acres of land, partially fenced. Bring your horses and chickens. Enjoy Country living within an hour approximately to ...
Gorgeous setting and Lovingly maintained farm house located on 41 (+/-) acres with an idyllic large red barn and two out buildings. Surrounded by beautiful farm land with...
20 acres land zoned AR-40 in Franklinton/Granville County. Picturesque pond and fully remodeled 3 bed/ 2.5 bath home. Permitted and new CO in July 2023. Rebuilt from fram...
103 Beautiful acres of country living, 33 of which are cleared and being farmed with a current lease that is about to expire. There is also a month to month tenant lease ...
20 acres in Franklinton/ Granville County zoned AR-40. Private Pond and 7 cleared acres. Approximately half of the property is wooded and private with all that nature ha...
Peace and tranquility is what you will find on this 100+ acres. Property has ponds, creeks, barns, covered areas to park your farm equipment and a workshop. Property is o...
This is a court ordered sale. Sold ''As IS, WHERE IS.'' No repairs will be made. All Offer to Purchases will be submitted to Ronnie Watt & Associates, Inc. @ ronniewatt4...
This gorgeous 10 acre horse farm is perfect for you and your horses. The home boasts an open floorplan with soaring ceiling in the great room, stone fireplace, gleaming ...
Escape the hustle & bustle and find your peace in this gorgeous Custom-Built Home & Mini Farm! Plenty of room for your cows, pigs & chickens! Approx 14.47 acres, some fe...
Simple Solitude ~ Three bedroom, two bath modern metal-roof farmhouse on 34+ acres ~ This special homestead includes approximately 8.5 acres of fenced pasture, a 2-acre b...
Immerse yourself in the rustic allure of this 10-acre homestead, nestled within the gated community of Shartree Farms. A scenic farmhouse unfolds across expansive pasture...
Come Visit this Rolling Chatham County Farm that sits on 65 Acres! Enjoy Fresh Grapes as You Walk the Wooded Trails or Pasture! The Property Has a 3 Bed 2 Bath Brick Ran...
Explore a unique Sandhills gem! This 46.99-acre equestrian estate, a dream for horse enthusiasts, is just one mile from Carolina Horse Park. Impressive features include a...
Built in 1864, this 17-acre Old McKee-Miller Farm compound/estate gem is a slice of another era. Large, grand main 2700 SF house (plus 646 SF extra usable heated rooms!) ...
RARE!! 17 acres w/approx 3 acres cleared with Pond in gated community of mini farms. Cleared acreage is surrounded by wooded privacy. Custom Ranch Style Home w/4Bedrms & ...
Great opportunity for potential development, or for your horse and cattle farm! Just outside city limits of Coats. Sewer on Williams, county water available. 2 large sto...
Wonderful 43+ acres of nearly flat land ready for your new subdivision, homestead or continue to farm and enjoy the preferred tax status to save money. Property has more...
THIS QUIET COUNTRY ESTATE is tucked away on 32 acres in Wake County. The property features a custom home with 20 acres of beautiful old-growth hardwoods and pine, and 12 ...
Tucked away at the base of Bass Mountain in southern Alamance County near both the Research Triangle and the Triad is LeftFork Farm, a tranquil 82 acre parcel that featur...
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...
Working organic farm with 22,500ft of woven wire fencing & cross fencing that lines the entire perimeter of the property & an automated gate entrance with cell phone call...
STUNNING 96 Acre FAMILY FARM in Wake Forest and Close to Falls Lake! 3 Bedroom Home + study, 3 Bay Garage with Storage Upstairs, Extra Storage Building, RV Storage, Multi...
Experience the epitome of luxury living in this stunning 34-acre gated estate, bordering the tranquil Little River. Expand your possibilities with an additional 41+ acres...
Huge Private Estate! Enjoy the unique, quiet and privacy this estate farm setting has to offer! This huge 75.58-acre farm estate is located inside the city limits of Cl...
Welcome to Cavallino Ranch, where you'll build a magnificent main house ready to be constructed alongside the existing English-style barn/luxury apartment. It's nestled o...
They aren't making land anymore!! Especially land as amazing as this approximately 84 acres in Wake County! It is only about a mile as the crow flies to White Oak Shoppin...
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2024 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .