Franklin, NC: The Perfect Place for Your Third Act
The Third Act: A Great Way to Think About Life After Work Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down or stepping away from life’s best moments. Instead of “retiring,” imagine
Sustainable. Connected. Timeless.
Traditional Neighborhood Development in Western NC
Live in a front-porch community designed for connection and wellness — just a few blocks from Main Street Franklin, NC.
What we offer
Welcome to Sanctuary Village, a Groundbreaking Traditional Neighborhood Development in Western North Carolina! We’re redefining neighborhood living in our region with a focus on thoughtful design, a strong sense of community, and homes built to last. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sanctuary Village combines an ideal location with beautifully crafted homes and vibrant public spaces. Everything we offer is designed to help you feel right at home—naturally, comfortably, and connected.
What we offer.
Where Community and Connection Flourish
Imagine a life where connection thrives, active living is a joyful part of every day, and you feel at home in the heart of a quaint small town. That is life at Sanctuary Village – where modern convenience meets timeless mountain living.
Sanctuary Village isn’t just a place to live; it’s a place to live well. Picture this:
- Lazy afternoons spent chatting with neighbors on welcoming front porches.
- Evenings exploring a vibrant community, just blocks from charming shops, delicious restaurants, and local breweries.
- Refreshing outdoor experiences, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains.
- Year-round events at your doorstep that bring you together with friends and create lasting memories.
What we offer.
The Vision Behind Our Community
When Tim and his family moved to Franklin from Miami, they were seeking privacy and tranquility—something they found on their 99-acre mountain farm, tucked away in peaceful seclusion. But everything shifted when Tim began developing Sanctuary Village. They moved into The Quarters, the first home built in the community, and they discovered the richness of connection and the joy of living in a place where community comes first.
As a Traditional Neighborhood Development, Sanctuary Village offers the rare chance to enjoy both—the natural beauty and calm of the mountains, and vibrant, everyday connection—in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Location, Location, Location! Franklin, NC offers you easy access to major highways, making it simple to explore popular destinations like Atlanta, the Great Smoky Mountains (Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Cherokee), and Asheville. Sanctuary Village is perfectly situated in the heart of Franklin, putting you steps away from the charm, amenities, and opportunities that this thriving small town has to offer.
Our Community Design Sparks Connection
Front porches and outdoor spaces bring neighbors together, fostering a sense of community and friendship.
Small-Town Charm at Your Doorstep
Downtown Franklin's shops, boutiques, restaurants, Farmers Markets, and community events are just a few blocks away.
Natural Sanctuary
About 40% of our land, including our ridgetop, are dedicated to parks and green spaces, and we are surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Thoughtful Design
Rooted in the principles of Traditional Neighborhood Development, our master plan and design guidelines thoughtfully balance community, nature, and architecture to promote resident well-being and comfort.
Flexibility to Build Your Dream Home
With no minimum size requirements, you're free to build the home that's right for you. Our guidelines protect your investment and ensure that the community's character and charm are preserved for generations to come.
Aging in Place
Whether you're downsizing after a life event, transitioning to an empty nest, or navigating a new chapter, you'll find support and familiarity in our community. Here, you can build a life that evolves with you, staying rooted in the relationships and community that bring joy and meaning.
What we offer.
Our Story Unfolds
Sanctuary Village is currently writing its next chapter. As we develop our community, we’re carefully crafting each element to ensure it reflects our vision of a connected, sustainable neighborhood. From the first homes under construction to the planned community spaces, every detail is designed to foster the kind of community where memories are made and traditions begin.
Properties Available
Phase I offers 32 ready-to-build homesites with underground utilities, natural gas, and internet connectivity. To keep things simple, we highlight just four homesites here. With Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) zoning, you have the freedom to design a home that truly fits your lifestyle. And if you’re ready to experience mountain living now, we have two beautiful move-in ready homes waiting for you! We invite you to schedule a tour or explore the community at your own pace, taking in the front-porch charm and creek-side scenery as you discover the spot that feels just right for you.
Sanctuary Village is thoughtfully designed for flexibility, offering a range of home sizes to suit your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a larger home to host family gatherings or a cozy cottage with just enough space for you and an occasional guest, you’ll find options that balance beauty, comfort, and a strong sense of community. Here, you can choose what feels right—without compromising connection or quality of life.
Green Spaces
Lush parks and inviting courtyards where kids play, neighbors gather, and community spirit thrives.
Nature Trails
Connecting homes, hearts,
our parks, and the
downtown we love
our parks, and the
downtown we love
Sustainable Design
Building a future
we can
all be proud of
we can
all be proud of
Welcome Center
The heart of our neighborhood's
social life (to be built in an upcoming phase)
social life (to be built in an upcoming phase)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Sanctuary Village different from other mountain communities I could call home?
Sanctuary Village offers a fresh take on mountain living in the heart of Franklin, North Carolina. Our master-planned community combines small-town charm with modern comfort, surrounded by natural beauty. Here you’ll find a welcoming neighborhood feel, nearby access to the Little Tennessee River Greenway, and convenient proximity to downtown shops, dining, and events. It’s mountain living with a heartbeat—connected, accessible, and full of life.
Can I build my own home here, or do I have to buy one that’s already built?
Sanctuary Village isn’t a spec-home community, so most homes are built to suit. You can bring your own builder or work with one of our approved builders to design your dream home—just make sure both your plans and builder are approved by our town architect. Occasionally, previously owned homes become available, so be sure to check our website for resale listings.
How close is Sanctuary Village to shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities?
We are just a few blocks from historic downtown Franklin, North Carolina, where you’ll find local dining, shopping, and entertainment. The Little Tennessee River Greenway is also nearby, along with plenty of parks and trails to explore. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, outdoor adventures—like hiking, kayaking, and scenic drives—are all within easy reach.
What’s it like to live in Sanctuary Village?
Sanctuary Village is designed to foster genuine connection and a true sense of belonging. Thoughtfully planned features like welcoming front porches, shared green spaces, and neighborhood paths make it easy to enjoy time outdoors and get to know your neighbors. It’s a community where neighbors look out for one another and can easily connect with the vibrant Franklin community.
If I’m looking to downsize or simplify, is this the right place for me?
Absolutely. At Sanctuary Village in Franklin, North Carolina, we’ve designed the community and home sites with comfort, convenience, and lasting quality in mind. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle in a beautiful mountain setting—without giving up connection, character, or the feeling of home.
Our Blog
Sanctuary Village Featured in The Franklin Press 🏡
Our growth has not gone unnoticed! We’re excited to share that Sanctuary Village was recently featured in The Franklin Press! The article, written by Mia Overton, beautifully captures the heart
A Love Letter to Bagels — and to Brooklyn Bagels in Franklin, NC
If ever there was a food that combines simplicity, tradition, and pure delight, it’s the bagel. That golden‑crusted ring, crisp on the outside, chewy and tender within, has journeyed from
Essential Tips for Building a Custom Home
If you’ve already taken the exciting step of choosing your homesite and dream floorplan—perhaps inspired by our recent post on building your dream home in the North Carolina mountains—then congratulations are
The Importance of Landscape in Building a Home
How Hardscapes Define the Space and Why You Should Hire a Landscape Designer When it comes to building a home, most of the focus tends to be on the structure
Barbara McRae: A Legacy of Kindness and Community in Franklin, NC
If you’ve spent any time in Franklin, NC, chances are you’ve come across Barbara McRae’s name. Whether the interpretive signs on the Women’s History Trail (WHT), the Barbara McRae Cherokee