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Horse Farms for Sale in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the Surrounding Areas
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 make sure you consider all the variables involved in choosing the right property for both you and your animals.
Finding What You Need
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 arena with 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, be sure to check the following:
Zoning and Permits
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:
- Do you need a permit to keep privately owned horses?
- If you plan to board horses or conduct a training center, will you need to submit a conditional use permit? Permits may depend on acreage, how many horses you own, and the services you offer.
- Does the city or county have minimum acreage requirements dependent on the number of horses you plan to keep?
- Are there any Covenant restrictions for horse keeping?
- Do the stables, barns, and other buildings have to meet specified aesthetic standards?
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.
Water and Drainage
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.
Investigate water features and waterways to understand water rights and easements for this property. Protections may be in place for natural bodies of water that will require certain setbacks and fencing regulations.
Community
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.
Buildings
The number of outbuildings will depend on your plans for the farm. Here are some options to consider:
- Run-in shed: Each pasture should have a run-in shed for shade, protection from rain, and shelter from intense wind.
- Stable or barn: If you need to build your own, check up on the county permitting process. And find out if your neighborhood has a design review board you have to go through before finalizing your plans.
- Tack room: You'll want adequate storage for feed, saddles, bridles, blankets, and all the other equipment required for grooming and riding.
- Equipment shed: Storing farm vehicles and equipment separate from the animals can minimize the risk of fire and injury to your horses.
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 residences on horse farms. You're only limited by local regulations.
Where to Look for Horse Property
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 to find the property best suited to your needs.
Planned Communities
These neighborhoods are established as equine communities. They foster a country feel while maintaining close-to-town convenience.
Black Horse Run
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
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 as well.
Current Homes for Sale with Horse Facilities
Charming Farmhouse with Wrap-Around Front Porch & Red Metal Roof on Hard to Find Horse Farm on 2 Acres with No HOA! 2 stall barn, riding rink and pastures in place. Addit...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2327956 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Private abode situated on 22+/-AC offering a charming ranch floor plan, pasture area & wooded acreage. Home features 3 bd/2ba w/open concept, covered front porch, screene...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2315276 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Come take a look at this 4 bedroom 2 and a half bath home in Saddle Run. Your future home is secluded and private situated on .73 acres. Relax in the living room with a...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2329473 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Happy Trails Farm in Wake Forest! A Perfect Mini-Farm with Horse Facilities in a Prime Location! Previously Run as a Business, the Retiring Owners have Enjoyed the Camp L...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2322515 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
In the sought after Black Horse Run Equestrian Community, this beautiful custom built brick home is all about location. Home sits at the highest elevation in the communit...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2322604 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
In the sought after Black Horse Run Equestrian Community, this beautiful custom built brick home is all about location. Home is selling with 2 additional "percable" lots,...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2305052 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Black Horse Run is North Raleigh's premier equestrian-friendly & socially active neighborhood, and this modernized classic home delivers a big win. Renovated for an open ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2328845 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Over 4 acres overlooking the Piedmont in the desirable Silk Hope School district. Situated in Broadlands subdivision which offers horseback riding trails for your equine ...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2305164 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
HARD TO FIND!!! 6.4 ACRES IN THE COUNTRY AND NEAR I 40! 5 BEDROOM 4 BATH HOME WITH 2 APARTMENTS IN BASEMENT. 3 SIDES OF MAIN FLOOR HAVE LARGE DECKS AND WALK OUT BASEMEN...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2295699 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Breathtaking entrance btwn 2 pastures, w/ board fencing on secluded 10.01 acres. Lovely 3 bed, 2.5 bath home with 3 stall barn, separate tack room, riding ring, and ridin...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2324405 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Gorgeous spread on nearly 6 acres in private yet convenient location nestled in the heart of Holly Springs. No restrictions, HOA, or city taxes, 2 tobacco barns with wate...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2327136 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Bring your horses to this gorgeous property! 11.08 private acres with amazing views! This property features over 4100 sq ft home with 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, Formal LR and...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2329613 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
Beautiful 41 acre Horse farm/animal farm with log cabin in Chatham county. Contains state of the art Equestrian facility: fully lit arena, attached MD Barnmaster barn wit...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2267858 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful HORSE property in prestigious Fox Hill Farm!! 11 acres of rolling pasture, board fencing & 3 stall barn w tack rm. All brick custom estate home w/ bright open f...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2300151 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Impressive & rare equestrian, residential & recreational property in popular Chatham Co. Infrastructure includes stunning timber frame home w/ heart pine floors, detache...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2328768 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Your own gated community! Stunning private & secluded horse ranch nestled on approx 15 acres minutes from Wake Forest & Raleigh. 4 pastures, 4 stall insulated barn, tackr...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2329345 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
County living at its best on this gorgeous 25 acres of rolling pastures & woods. Maintenance-free, energy efficient, custom brick home w/all bedrooms on main. Large maste...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2294411 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Lovely horse farm on 5.36 acres close to Chapel Hill. One level 3 bed, 2 bath home, 3 stall barn with tack room/lounge, wash stall, bathroom & storage area, 2 stall run-i...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2320725 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Idyllic, secluded horse property 1/2 hour from Durham & Chapel Hill. 26 Acres, 3,000 sq ft, 2+ car detached garage, 4-stall barn. Interior is wide open: soaring ceilings...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2330009 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
Privacy meets proximity in this rare Wake County 10 acre property near Apex, I-540 access and Apex schools. Take a .25 mile private drive to the 2000+ sq ft updated custo...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2319404 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Walk to East Chapel Hill High School! Custom, updated brick home w great proportions, open floor plan, lavish millwork, porches, screened porches. Spectacular Kitchen w m...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2311251 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Everything you could want in country living! Builders home is loaded with features. In law suite, full daylight walkout basement, finished game room with fireplace, large...
- 5 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 2308235 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
1ST FLOOR MASTER, FLEX SPACE & SUNROOM! HWDs Thru Main Living! Kit: Quartz Ctops, Tile Backsplash, Cstm Cabs, SS Appls, CenterIsland w/Brkfst Bar & Pendants! Master: w/Si...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2326090 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Stunning horse farm on 11 acre estate close to Duke & Carolina. With 3 pastures, Pond, 3 stall 48X36 Barn tack room, Hot water wash stall, feed room. Porches on both sid...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2250271 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Heaven On Earth. All brick executive home perfectly nestled on exceptionally well, professionally manicured 24+acres. 4900+ sq ft 4bed/3.5bath home with all the bells and...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2280849 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Stunning home with 4 stall barn, arena, pastures, pool, apartment and in Chapel Hill Schools on 12+acres! 5 BR, FrenchCountry home with full finished basement, 2 garages....
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2315711 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Rolling Hills, Amazing Views, New Home, & Multiple Home Sites! Totally Renovated 150+ Acre Farm in Silk Hope! Fenced Pastures Ready for Animals, Multiple Outbuildings, Si...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2318871 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Stunning working horse farm features main house, grooms quarters, barn office, two rental homes, Main barn with 23 stalls, breeding lab and hayloft, separate mare/foaling...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2284082 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Incredible opportunity to be so close to Duke and Chapel Hill with room to play. Modern day luxury Farm House on sprawling 10 acres overlooking peaceful pond! 800 sq ft f...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2303571 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Breathtaking 30 acre North Wake County estate. Nestled in the rolling countryside across from protected State land. 5,346 SF custom-built home features an open floorplan,...
- 3 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2312875 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
An exceptional 23.68 acre property neighboring Duke & UNC. Thoughtfully designed FEI calibre facility presents a winding entrance to an unparalleled 10 stall barn & wash ...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2290006 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2020 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .