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New Homes & Homesites

Mountain living in the heart of downtown Franklin, NC
Quick Facts

• 24-acre neighborhood
• Approximately 40% preserved green space
• Walk to Historic Main Street
• Custom homes and homesites available

A different kind of neighborhood

Welcome to Sanctuary Village, a carefully planned mountain neighborhood in Western North Carolina. We’re redefining community living in our region with enduring design, a strong sense of community, and homes built to last.

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sanctuary Village combines a prime location in downtown Franklin, North Carolina, with beautifully crafted homes and inviting public spaces—a place where life feels natural, comfortable, and connected.

Explore available homes and homesites

Everyday Life at Sanctuary Village

  • Relaxed afternoons connecting with neighbors on welcoming front porches.

  • Evenings just blocks from Franklin’s shops, restaurants, and local breweries.

  • Easy access to outdoor experiences with mountain views all around.

  • Year-round community events that bring neighbors together.

The Vision Behind Our Community

A story of discovery, reflection, and a vision for a more connected living.

While vacationing in North Georgia, Tim Ryan and his family weren’t searching for a new place to live. They were simply looking for something to do with their two youngest sons—who were in elementary and high school at the time—and came across gem mining just over the line in Franklin.

That small, spontaneous detour led them to discover Franklin—and eventually, a 99-acre farm high in the mountains. Remote, private, and peaceful, the property offered a kind of quiet they hadn’t experienced before.

What began as a chance discovery became home, and they spent the next five years living on the farm. During that time, Tim was introduced to the principles of New Urbanism, which sparked a deeper question: what would it look like to create a place designed for connection, daily interaction, and a true sense of community?

That vision became Sanctuary Village—a Traditional Neighborhood Development in downtown Franklin, designed to bring people together while remaining rooted in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Franklin aerial view
Sanctuary Village Master Plan
Sanctuary Village Master Plan

A Place That Feels Connected—In Every Way

Experience it for yourself

From Sanctuary Village, everything is within reach. With easy access to major highways, exploring Atlanta, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Asheville is simple.

Closer to home, you’re right in the heart of Franklin—just minutes from local shops, restaurants, and everyday conveniences.

Designed to Bring Neighbors Together
Front porches, connected streets and shared outdoor spaces create natural, everyday opportunities to connect.
Small-Town Charm at Your Doorstep
Franklin’s Main Street shops, restaurants, farmers markets, and local events are just steps away.
Surrounded by Nature
Nearly 40% of the land is preserved as green space, with parks, trails, and quiet pockets woven throughout. The Little Tennessee Greenway just steps away expands your access to miles of trails and natural surroundings.
Thoughtful Design
Built on the principles of Traditional Neighborhood Development, our master plan and design guidelines bring homes, green space, and shared places into harmony. The result is a community that feels beautiful, welcoming, and deeply connected to the land.
Flexibility to Build Your Dream Home
With no minimum size requirements, you have the flexibility to create a home that reflects your needs, priorities, and vision. Our design guidelines help preserve the character of the community while protecting the value of your investment.
Aging in Place
Whether you’re simplifying, starting a new chapter, or planning for the years ahead, Sanctuary Village supports a lifestyle that can evolve with you. Here, comfort, familiarity, and community remain close at hand.

Our Story Unfolds

A new chapter is taking shape at Sanctuary Village. With the first homes already built and early elements of the neighborhood—from the lower park entrance and Mews to sidewalks and gas lamps—beginning to define the landscape, the vision is becoming tangible. Each new home, gathering space, and detail is thoughtfully considered to reflect a neighborhood rooted in connection, charm, and enduring character. As the community continues to grow, Sanctuary Village is becoming a place where meaningful moments and lasting traditions can take root.

Properties Available

Phase I offers a limited collection of homesites, with a select number of thoughtfully designed homes available.

Explore available homesites, view current availability, and find the setting that feels right for you.

Browse available properties

Lot 46 Mews Lane, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

$98,000
Lot 46 Mews Lane, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

Lot 46 at Sanctuary Village offers the perfect blend of...

Lot 46 Mews Lane, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

23 Market St, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

$525,000
23 Market St, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

Home for Sale in Downtown Franklin, NC | The Cowee...

2 beds
2 baths
23 Market St, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

Lot 44 Village Circle West, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

$95,000
Lot 44 Village Circle West, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

Nestled on a wooded corner, Lot 44 at Sanctuary Village...

Lot 44 Village Circle West, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

Lot 32 Village Circle West, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

$130,000
Lot 32 Village Circle West, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

Lot 32 at Sanctuary Village: oversized creek side homesite in...

Lot 32 Village Circle West, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

Lot 14 Market St, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

$75,000
Lot 14 Market St, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

Discover the charm of Lot 14 at Sanctuary Village —...

Lot 14 Market St, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

49 Village Cir E, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

$549,000
49 Village Cir E, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

3/3.5 Home for Sale in Downtown Franklin, NC | The...

3 beds
3 baths
1450 sq ft
49 Village Cir E, Franklin, NC 28734, USA

Community Features

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

Sustainable Design

Building a future
we can
all be proud of

Welcome Center

The heart of our neighborhood's
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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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