
$447,700 $286/sqft
2 Watsell Drive
Leicester, NC 28748
3 bd · 2 ba · 1,568 sqft · 1.8 ac · 2023 · 2 mo ago
Highland Hills in Leicester reads like a mountain-edge retreat with room to breathe.
Community overview based on MLS listing data for Highland Hills, Leicester
Highland Hills in Leicester reads like a mountain-edge retreat with room to breathe. The setting is defined by long-range views, generous acreage, and a distinctly rural feel that still keeps Asheville within an easy drive. Homes here tend to sit on larger parcels, and many properties are framed by open yards, gardens, mature trees, and layered outdoor spaces that make the landscape part of the living experience.
"Mountain views, privacy, and usable land define the everyday rhythm here."
Architecture in Highland Hills leans toward detached single-family homes, with a mix of older ranches, contemporary updates, and custom builds spanning from the late 1910s through 2020. The neighborhood’s character comes through in practical, spacious layouts: main-level living, walk-out lower levels, bonus rooms, workshops, and detached garages or outbuildings appear often enough to shape the overall feel. Many homes feature wood stoves or fireplaces, covered porches, decks, and vaulted or cathedral ceilings that emphasize light and the surrounding views. Lot sizes are a major part of the appeal, and the extra land invites gardens, hobby space, and outdoor projects without crowding the house itself.
This is a place where the outdoors naturally becomes part of daily life. Wraparound porches, back decks, and covered front entries encourage slow mornings and long evenings, while the acreage supports everything from vegetable beds to small-scale homesteading. Several homes include workshops, studio space, or extra storage, and garage space is common. The neighborhood does not present a pool-centered lifestyle; instead, it offers open ground, privacy, and a stronger connection to the mountain setting. Recent remarks also point to easy access to shopping, dining, and local Leicester stops, which helps balance the rural feel with everyday convenience.
"It feels spacious and self-directed, with land, views, and flexible home spaces taking center stage."
Highland Hills sits in the Leicester area of Buncombe County, with New Leicester Highway nearby and Asheville close enough for regular trips into town. Public remarks place downtown Asheville about 20 to 30 minutes away, West Asheville around 15 to 20 minutes, and Weaverville less than half an hour from the community. Specific nearby destinations mentioned include Worley Flower Farm, Montgomery Sky Farm, Grateful Roots Deli and Grocery, and the Leicester Farmers Market, along with broader access to Asheville’s shopping, dining, and cultural amenities. School assignments commonly point to Leicester/Eblen Elementary, Clyde A Erwin Middle, and Clyde A Erwin High, placing the community within a familiar Buncombe County school pattern.
Palmetto Park Realty Team · Leicester
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30 recently sold in Highland Hills, Leicester
| Property | Sold | Sold Price | Days on Market | Size | Sold to Ask | Sold $/SF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Dec 2 2025 | $465,000 | 89 | 1,496 sq ft | 97.9% | $311 |
| | Oct 11 2024 | $565,000 | 36 | 1,982 sq ft | 101.8% | $285 |
| | May 23 2024 | $650,000 | 35 | 1,504 sq ft | 100.0% | $432 |
| | May 26 2023 | $519,400 | 34 | 2,825 sq ft | 98.0% | $184 |
| | Feb 17 2023 | $42,500 | 138 | — | 86.7% | — |
| | Feb 14 2022 | $46,000 | 164 | — | 92.0% | — |
| | Oct 22 2021 | $45,000 | 49 | — | 90.0% | — |
| | Jun 1 2021 | $47,500 | 23 | — | 100.0% | — |
| | Apr 6 2021 | $409,900 | 35 | 3,232 sq ft | 97.6% | $127 |
| | Dec 10 2020 | $38,500 | 42 | — | 85.6% | — |
| | Jun 29 2020 | $249,500 | 167 | 2,081 sq ft | 92.4% | $120 |
| | Mar 10 2020 | $325,000 | 16 | 3,562 sq ft | 94.2% | $91 |
| | Feb 28 2020 | $325,500 | 130 | 3,110 sq ft | 100.2% | $105 |
| | Dec 18 2019 | $44,000 | 612 | — | 88.2% | — |
| | Oct 29 2019 | $27,000 | 44 | — | 108.0% | — |
| | Oct 28 2019 | $300,000 | 111 | 2,181 sq ft | 98.4% | $138 |
| | Jul 25 2019 | $295,000 | 44 | 2,795 sq ft | 90.8% | $106 |
| | May 13 2019 | $106,200 | 289 | 1,828 sq ft | 106.3% | $58 |
| | Jan 23 2019 | $275,000 | 302 | 3,465 sq ft | 88.7% | $79 |
| | Jan 4 2019 | $35,500 | 95 | — | 76.3% | — |
| | Nov 15 2018 | $257,500 | 160 | 1,730 sq ft | 99.0% | $149 |
| | Nov 21 2017 | $312,500 | 82 | 3,915 sq ft | 89.3% | $80 |
| | Sep 15 2017 | $23,000 | 170 | — | 86.8% | — |
| | Aug 24 2017 | $242,000 | 34 | 2,076 sq ft | 98.8% | $117 |
| | Jun 21 2017 | $365,000 | 88 | 2,026 sq ft | 97.3% | $180 |
| | Apr 15 2016 | $270,000 | 63 | 2,034 sq ft | 90.0% | $133 |
| | Dec 14 2015 | $250,000 | 65 | 3,711 sq ft | 89.3% | $67 |
| | May 13 2015 | $194,000 | 58 | 1,793 sq ft | 97.5% | $108 |
| | Dec 30 2014 | $245,000 | 43 | 3,390 sq ft | 98.1% | $72 |
| | Jun 27 2013 | $39,500 | 370 | — | 99.0% | — |
Closed sales from MLS history for Highland Hills, Leicester
Below trend-line threshold — city median shown for context
+3 outside price range.
The Highland Hills real estate market shows buyer's market conditions. Homes typically sell within 73 days. With 2 active listings and 1 home sold in the past year, buyers have more negotiating power and time to decide.
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