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Horse Farms for Sale in NC - What You Need to Know
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 farms for sale in the Raleigh / Durham area, please scroll to the bottom of this page!
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 in North Carolina, 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.
A horse farm located in Chapel Hill, NC
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.
A 4 acre property with horse facilities in Raleigh, NC
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 in NC to find the property best suited to your needs.
Planned Communities
These neighborhoods are established as equine communities in North Carolina. 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 we have in North Carolina.
Building
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.
Your Personal Concierge for Horse Farm Ownership
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.”
Horse Farms for Sale Around Raleigh / Durham
ULTIMATE COUNTRY LIVING on more than 3 Acres! Convenient to GASTON and KERR LAKES. NO HOA or DEED RESTRICTIONS!!! Don't miss this 3+ ACRE PARCEL w/ both open & wooded are...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2475214 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Just what you have been waiting for. Beautiful 8 acre horse farm with 5 stall barn ready for your horses. No HOA/Restrictions! New home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, flex roo...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2473489 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Bring your Horses to this lovely property on 5 acres. Great Barn with stalls and hay storage, Dressage ring, fenced pasture, additional outbuilding/workshop. Easy one sto...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2475540 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Bring your horses to this beautifully updated ranch home tucked away on its own 4.48 acre retreat. It gets better - you are just 2 miles from Kerr Lake public boat ramp. ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2460076 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Situated on more than 2.5 acres, this contemporary style home was quality built and is ready for your personal updates. The stone front and covered front porch invite you...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2476903 MLS
- COMING SOON Status
Quality built 2.5 story, 4-bedroom home nestled on a 0.96 acres wooded lot in the peaceful Bahama neighborhood of Black Horse Run. It features an open kitchen with islan...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2471518 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Price Adjusted! Amazing updated home in Black Horse Run! Bring your HORSES!! Private cul-de-sac lot w/over an acre & room for stables. New roof, new windows, freshly pain...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2474573 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
We are now building in our last phase! Enjoy spacious living in this one level ranch style home. 4 beds with one being a guest suite, screened in porch, and gourmet kit...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2470991 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Last Phase! Starting in October we will be building this 4 bed, 3.5 bath, 1st floor den w/full bath, screened in porch, huge gourmet kitchen, on about a half an acre lot...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2470943 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Our last phase! Seller pays UP TO 3% (19,398) of purchase price towards all closing costs,rate lock,and/or rate buydown, w/preferred lender and attorney. This desirable g...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2463539 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Remarkable Portofino Luxury Home! Gated Equestrian Community w/Resort-Style Amenities-Scenic Trails, Salt Water Pool, Clubhouse & Golf Cart Friendly. Custom Millwork & D...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2465972 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Incredible open-concept ranch with finished walkout basement on 2.45 wooded acres in beautiful North Raleigh! Completely remodeled modern farmhouse style throughout with ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2468383 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Our last phase! Seller pays UP TO 3% ($20,399) of purchase price towards all closing costs,rate lock,and/or rate buydown, w/preferred lender and attorney. We are offering...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2463744 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Our last phase in Stunning Portofino! Seller pays UP TO 3% of purchase price towards all closing costs,rate lock,and/or rate buydown ($20,619), w/preferred lender and at...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2448877 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
HORSE FARM!! with Charming, 3 Bedroom/2 Bathroom RANCH on approx. 30.2(+/-) Acres in Caswell Co. Fenced Pastures, 19.5x12.7 Equipment shed, 4 Stall horse Barn and 3 stall...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2470222 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Our last phase! Seller pays UP TO 3% ($21,154) of purchase price towards all closing costs,rate lock,and/or rate buydown, w/preferred lender and attorney. Portofino has m...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2463823 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Come see this beautiful lot in a wonderful Neighborhood, Portofino! We are getting ready to start building this mostly 1st floor living home, w/ a 3 car garage, 3 bed, 3...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2470468 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful Equestrian Estate Home in Black Horse Run. Having its own riding ring, stables and tack barn, this 5 Bed 3.5 ba home is beautiful and waiting for the next owner...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2474860 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Our last phase! Seller pays UP TO 3% ($22,504) of purchase price towards all closing costs,rate lock,and/or rate buydown, w/preferred lender and attorney. We have large l...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2463799 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
LAST PHASE! Scheduled completion in November. Looking for a home on a large wooded lot, in a gated community, and in a cul-de-sac? Come visit us in highly sought after P...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2442569 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Equestrian paradise beautifully set on 10.29 acres fully fenced with a 6 stall horse barn equipped with water and electric, feed and tack area, storage shed plus an addit...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2459263 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
TOTALLY UPDATED 4 sided brick North Raleigh classic. One of the NICEST homes you will see anywhere close in size or price. Everything inside meticulously replaced or refu...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2467595 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Bring your horses/alpacas/chickens...! Huge 6-Stall Barn w/Upper Hay Chute! Lovely Home Nestled on 7.44 Ac overlooking Lg Pond! 1st & 2nd floor Masters, Office, Kitch w/ ...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2442952 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Peaceful country setting on 2.33 acres nestled among adjacent farm & pasture lands creating a slice of heaven mins to a sophisticated & growing DTWN Holly Springs. The ba...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2450910 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
REDUCED!! AN EQUESTRIAN DREAM, LARGE HORSE FARM W/2,000 SQFT LUXURY CONDO RESIDENCE INSIDE. Indoor Stable is 150'x300' (45,000 sqft) w/115x200 Indoor Riding Arena. 42.79...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2449748 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Luxury Equestrian Property w/ BRICK Ranch 3300 Sf in Main House & 4 Full Baths+ Sep 614 sf Guest Home w/ Full Bath/Office Situated on almost 27 gorgeous Acres~3 LG Pastur...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2435875 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Own a piece of Dunn History! Family Farmstead has Country Charm and City Convenience. 60+ acre spread includes Jernigan Pond with Mill House, 4 bedroom custom...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2439756 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful home on over 65 acres w Horse Barn. Main house w Formal DR, Great Room w built-in cabinetry, Eat-in Kit w gas stove and wooden cabinets, MS w dual vanities & wa...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2459419 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
46 acre equestrian farm, appraised at 2m by lender in June. Spanish Villa with theatre rm, steam rm & bonus/exercise rm. 2X6 construction on house and barn. Inground pool...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2461050 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
The beautiful 4 bedroom and 2.5 bath home sits on 14 acres of land includes a 5 stall stick built barn with heated tack room, feed room/storage with stairs to hayloft, wa...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2474652 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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...
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2476884 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Looking for a farm lifestyle? That's it! The Magnificent Estate Castle home nestled in a pristine 13.15 acres of land with a horse barn, in ground pool , water fountain...
- 5 Beds
- 8 Baths
- 2433399 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Your "castle" awaits on 122 ACRE FARM .This Custom 3+ Bedroom, 4.5 Bath home features a 6 sided turret to truly make your fairy tale ending come true! The Farm features P...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2452415 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Enjoy your morning coffee from the wrap around porch of this personal home of a high end custom home builder. Included are several high-quality structures: 12-stall hors...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2458743 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
A true one of a kind opportunity to own a rare and extraordinary "Landmark Historic Property." This sprawling 23-acre estate in the heart of Haw River is truly a magical ...
- 5 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2462554 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Do you love Old Houses?History buff? Welcome to the Elgin Mansion circa 1837 in National Register of Historic Places* Incredible Estate w/ 308 acres, completely restored...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2419003 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
A Must See--Your own private upscale retreat on Jordan Lake! Gated community, 10 acres, backs to protected Army Corps land. Custom 6-stall Horse Barn (2-story, like new)!...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2472604 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Executive Farm w/Custom Renovated Home, Barns, Cabins, Shop, Fenced Pastures & NINE Acre Lake! One-of-a-Kind Chatham County Dream Property now used as a Camp with Substan...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2475080 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Famed Butler Farm, known for its world class Arabian horse facilities, is for sale! Includes stately custom main residence and 66-stall, state-of-the-art brick & block ba...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2446564 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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+...
- 4 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 2451912 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2022 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .