7456 A P Carter Hwy Hiltons, VA 24258

OVERVIEW:
Mendota Farms is a rare offering in Southwest Virginia, encompassing 415 acres of scenic landscape that rises from a rich valley floor to a high point near 2,900 feet on Clinch Mountain. This expansive mountain holding blends privacy, regional heritage, and an uncommon diversity of natural features, all set within a dramatic valley framed by iconic Southern Appalachian ridgelines.

Central to the property sits a beautifully restored 1820s log cabin, thoughtfully preserved with hand-hewn logs, historic joinery, and period character. Broad porches and an elevated deck overlook the Holston River, creating an unmatched vantage point for quiet mornings, wildlife watching, and evening gatherings. The cabin currently serves as a successful short-term rental, boasting a perfect record of 94 five-star reviewsan impressive testament to both the propertys charm and its hospitality appeal.

The landscape offers nearly a mile of river frontage, with more than half located on both banks, and includes two ponds, 125 acres of pasture, and mature hardwood forest. A private steel-truss bridge with viewing platforms establishes a memorable arrival experience and secure access across the river. Agricultural and operational improvements include a large enclosed equipment barn, a wood barn with cattle handling infrastructure, and a separate hay barn, supporting both recreational and agricultural pursuits.

Location enhances this offering further: the property lies just minutes from the celebrated Carter Family Fold and within easy reach of Bristols entertainment, dining, and airport access. The result is a mountain retreat that feels deeply private yet remains connected to some of the regions most storied cultural and outdoor destinations.

THE LAND:
The property occupies a classic Appalachian valley, where fertile soils and open pastures transition naturally into forested slopes climbing toward Clinch Mountain. The setting is defined by dramatic elevation changes, long views, and the course of the Holston Rivera bold, clear mountain river known for exceptional smallmouth fishing. There are also two small ponds, one aerated and stocked. To the southeast, the landscape opens toward the distant Smoky Mountains, reinforcing the sense of scale and regional continuity. This blend of productive low ground, protected mountain habitat, and scenic water features makes the land equally compelling for recreation, conservation, and long-term land stewardship.

The Location:
Southwest Virginias Hiltons area occupies a storied corner of the Appalachian Highlands, where mountain culture, music heritage, and scenic beauty converge. Nestled in Scott County along the Holston River, Hiltons is best known as the home of the Carter Family Fold, the legendary venue honoring the First Family of Country Music. The landscape here feels timelesspastoral valleys framed by wooded ridges, winding country roads, and a pace of life still rooted in land, tradition, and community. This region offers quiet seclusion without sacrificing access to modern conveniences and cultural touchpoints.

Just over the ridge lies Bristol, VirginiaTennessee, a twin-city destination anchored by a dynamic mix of entertainment, dining, and outdoor energy. Bristol is home to the renowned Bristol Motor Speedway, the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and a thriving music scene celebrating the citys status as the Birthplace of Country Music. Museums, boutique shops, and chef-driven restaurants line State Street, offering a vibrant complement to the rural calm of the surrounding countryside. Closer to Mendota Farms, historic Blountville, Tennesseejust west of Bristolfeatures a preserved town square, local eateries, and the Tri-Cities Regional Airport, providing convenient air access. Nearby Kingsport adds another layer of appeal with outdoor destinations like Bays Mountain Park and Warriors Path State Park, as well as everyday amenities, shopping, and healthcare. Together, these neighboring towns blend cultural richness, recreation, and accessibility, positioning this area as a true gateway to the Southern Appalachians.

Beyond culture and music, outdoor recreation defines this region. Some of Virginias most compelling natural experiences sit nearby, including The Channels Natural Area Preservefamous for its labyrinth of sandstone corridorsand the nationally beloved Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile biking and hiking route winding through forests, farm valleys, and mountain streams. Fly fishing, paddling, horseback riding, and wildlife observation are woven into daily life across this corner of the state. Together, Hiltons and greater Southwest Virginia / Northeast Tennessee offer a rare blend of authenticity, natural beauty, and access to both quiet retreat and world-class Appalachian attractions.

CLIMATE:
Southwest Virginia enjoys a mild, comfortable climate with four distinct seasons. Spring arrives in March with cool nights and pleasantly warm days, bringing fresh growth across the valley. By late May, temperatures rise into the 80s, marking the start of a warm but not overly humid summer. July is typically the warmest month, and the region averages about 47 inches of annual rainfall, most of it occurring during the summer growing season. Fall brings crisp mornings, vibrant foliage, and mild afternoons, while winters are generally short and moderate, with daytime highs in the 40s and 50s and occasional light snow.


IMPROVEMENTS:
Historic Cabin
The property features a beautifully restored 1820s log cabin with one bedroom and one bathroom, showcasing original hand-hewn logs, traditional chinking, and notched corners, thoughtfully updated by the current owners for comfort and functionality. A covered porch wraps around two sides of the cabin, complemented by an expanded open deck that overlooks the river, while a wood post-and-rail fence encloses the yard. A firepit perched above the river creates a perfect place to gather and enjoy the views. The cabin also performs exceptionally well as a short-term rental, boasting a flawless record of 94 five-star reviews out of 94 stays.

Enclosed Metal Barn
The 90' 50' enclosed metal barn offers versatile equipment or storage space, featuring four roll-up doors for easy access and an extended lean-to along one side that provides additional open-air storage.

Gated Entrance & Steel Bridge
A gated entrance with stonework and lighting sets a welcoming tone on arrival, leading into the propertys interior road system and across a private steel-truss bridge that spans the Holston River. The bridge features viewing platforms on both sides, offering a memorable crossing and an elevated vantage point over the water as you enter the heart of the farm.

Cattle Infrastructure
A 48' x 80' wooden barn anchors a functional cattle working area, which includes a chute, power, and an adjacent grain bin, while a separate wooden hay barn sits at the base of Clinch Mountain.

BROKER'S COMMENT:
This property is exceptional. The Holston River meanders through the farmwith ownership on both sidescreating an incredible natural water resource thats both beautiful and engaging. Set in the stunning mountains of southwest Virginia just across the Tennessee state line, it includes 130 acres of fertile pasture ideal for a family homestead and mixed-use interests. The land offers the most sought-after trifecta of expansive views, rich water resources, and a perfect mix of land types (open pastures and hardwood forests) all while only being 30 minutes to the vibrant town of Bristol, Tennessee.

THE FACTS:
Serene and beautifully maintained 415 acre riverfront farm in Southwest Virginia stretching from the rich valley floor up the slopes of Clinch Mountain, offering privacy, elevation, and panoramic views
Approximately 4,900 feet of frontage along the 150-foot-wide Holston River, of which mile includes both sides of the river
Private steel-truss bridge with viewing platforms on either side provides great