Spacious bucolic living amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains
Laurel Fork, Virginia, got its name from English settlers who mistook the blushing rhododendron bushes for the laurel shrubs they were familiar with. Today, the saturated pink blooms still color the roadsides, pastures and woods of the Southwest Virginia community, which offers a tranquil slice of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Carroll County. “One of Laurel Fork’s main attractions is that it’s the prettiest part of the county because of its houses, land and pastoral views,” says BJ Watkins, a Carroll County native and real estate agent with Fancy Gap Mountain Realty. “There’s not much out there except rest, relaxation and small-town living.” Spacious properties cradle established, charming homes that serve as mountain retreats for folks wanting a countryside respite while enjoying proximity to modern-day conveniences. Anchored by U.S. Route 58, Laurel Fork sits just 13 miles from Hillsville, where residents can access shops and restaurants and connect to major interstates.
Mountain retreats on generous lots with scenic views
A tapestry of woodlands and farmlands unfolds through Laurel Fork’s terrain, dotted with rural homesteads that offer country living. Single-family homes range in size, from charming countryside cottages and bungalows to modest ranch-style homes and spacious mountain retreats on generous acreage. Broker Paul Burnett of Fancy Gap Mountain Realty emphasizes that Laurel Fork’s appeal lies in the community’s spaced-out properties. “Homes are a lot further apart than in Woodland or Galax,” he says. “It has a true countryside feel because of the larger properties and views.” Price tags for single-family residences typically range between $168,000 and $875,000, depending on property size, which may range from 2 acres to over 70. Watkins says outliers include rare finds that fetch over $1 million. Lots are available for purchase and range considerably in parcel size.
Strong academics in Carroll County schools
Carroll County Public Schools serve students in Laurel Fork. Kids may start at Gladesboro Elementary School, which earns a B-minus from Niche, before advancing to Carroll County Middle School, which gets a B. Carroll County High School receives a B-minus and offers a slew of extracurricular clubs, activities and athletics programs alongside a robust academic curriculum. The high school’s career and technical education program is especially strong, with education emphasizing experiential learning through pathways such as agriculture, information technology, manufacturing and more.
Mountains, creeks and more offer bounteous outdoor recreation
Laurel Fork’s natural setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains puts residents at the doorstep of abundant outdoor recreation. The community sits a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, a meandering scenic route that bobs and weaves through the mountain range extending from Virginia to North Carolina. The road is the National Parks system’s most-visited unit and draws thousands of visitors annually. Hikers can enjoy the moderate 2-mile out-and-back trail up the Buffalo Mountain, named after its hump-like shape. The mountain’s peak sits at just shy of 4,000 feet of elevation, offering sweeping vistas and panoramic views of neighboring Floyd County. The many creeks that flow through the area, including Big Reed Island Creek, are a source for fishing, tubing and kayaking.Closer to home, Olde Mill Golf Resort features an Ellis Maple-designed golf course and other amenities and offers daily rates and memberships for golfers. “It’s a high caliber golf course that attracts a lot of visitors,” Watkins says. Used as a community gathering space, the Laurel Fork Community Center is centrally located on Route 58 and gives residents the opportunity to take part in fitness classes, educational workshops and social events like Bingo nights.
Proximity to Hillsville, nearby attractions in Meadows of Dan
U.S. Route 58, or Danville Pike, houses the local establishments of Laurel Fork, which include conveniences like Dollar General, a bank and a gas station. Most daily shopping needs are fulfilled in nearby Hillsville, less than 13 miles away. The small town has locally owned eateries, like B&P Drive-In and The Hillsville Diner, fast-food chains and a Food Lion for groceries. For dining, Maples Restaurant is tucked within the Olde Mill Golf Resort and is open to the public, serving elevated dishes in its dining room that overlooks the golfing greens. Closer to Hillsville, Crooked Oak Restaurant is a diner with a menu chock-full of American comfort foods, including subs and burgers. Other attractions in the area include Mabry Mill in Meadows of Dan. The historical mill offers reenactments and cultural demonstrations, including apple butter making and basket weaving. "People also stop through Meadows of Dan for the mom-and-pop shops," Watkins adds. Wineries dot the landscape as well, with popular destinations including Chateau Morisette and Villa Appalachia in Floyd County. Laurel Fork is also close to Interstate 77, a major thoroughfare in Southwest Virginia that links to Charlotte, North Carolina.
GreatSchools:
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ATTENTION HOMESTEADERS - Welcome to Laurel Fork House, a stunning Award Winning Passive Solar design mountain home situated on an expansive 72.37-acre property in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia. This exceptionally well-built, 1.5-story farmhouse-style home offers 1,965 sq. ft. of heated living space, combining modern amenities with rustic charm and breathtaking
This exceptional home overlooks the 14th hole and beautiful lake of Olde Mill Golf Course featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 and 1/2 baths, and a 2 car garage! The main level features a nice entry foyer, open concept living room with cathedral ceilings, a welcoming spacious kitchen with all major appliances, solid oak cabinets, a dining area that opens out onto the front deck, a half bath, a large master
Unrestricted 5.8264 +/- acre tract ready for the dream home or put the camper on! Land has roads cut throughout with nice building sites, access from paved road frontage, power available, and so much more! Don't miss out on this nice tract just minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Meadows of Dan!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Katrina Compton,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,053
Median Age
53
Population under 18
17.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
33%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$43,552
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$61,506
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
78.9%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
24.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.2%
% Population in Labor Force
58.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
7''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
4/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
2/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
