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About The Community

Connected Mountain Living

Downtown Franklin, NC

Sanctuary Village is a thoughtfully designed, master-planned community  that combines beautiful architecture, inviting outdoor spaces, and walkable access to Historic Main Street. Designed as a multi-generational neighborhood, Sanctuary Village welcomes families, professionals, retirees, and seasonal residents who value thoughtful neighborhood design, walkability, and a strong sense of place.

As you explore this page about Sanctuary Village in Franklin, NC, don’t miss the short videos to learn more about the community and the town of Franklin.

Sanctuary Village at a Glance

  • Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains
  • Just a few blocks from Historic Main Street
  • Not age-restricted
  • Designed for multi-generational living
  • Build-ready homesites for custom homes
  • Front porches and shared outdoor spaces
  • No minimum home size requirements
  • Thoughtful architectural guidelines
  • Community-wide underground utilities
  • Property Owners Association (POA)  

The Vision Behind Sanctuary Village

In this series of short videos, developer Tim Ryan shares the inspiration behind Sanctuary Village’s thoughtful design and the principles that continue to guide its growth.

Tim invites you to experience the community firsthand and discover the charm of downtown Franklin by staying in our on-site Guest Cottage.

Photos and videos can tell part of the story, but experiencing Sanctuary Village firsthand is the best way to discover whether it’s the right fit for you.

Multigenerational group gathered on a front porch, chatting and spending time together.

What Sets Sanctuary Village Apart

Sanctuary Village was created with a clear focus on long-term planning and how people actually live. Every element of the community has been developed deliberately—from layout and home placement to shared spaces and architectural guidelines—to support a cohesive and lasting neighborhood.

Life at Sanctuary Village

Morning coffee on front porches that face neighbors instead of garages

Shared green spaces designed for gathering and everyday use

Walkable streets and sidewalks with easy access to Main Street for dining, errands, and events

People seated at a restaurant listening to a chef. There are lots of wine glasses and wine bottles on the tables. A lady is standing in a corner observing.

Franklin, NC — A Mountain Town with Everyday Access

Sanctuary Village is located in Franklin, North Carolina, a small mountain town known for its natural setting and relaxed pace of life. Residents are just minutes from local restaurants, shops, and daily essentials, while still surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and outdoor recreation.

Homes Designed for Connection

Sanctuary Village already offers a variety of thoughtfully designed homes, with additional home types planned to expand housing choices while remaining true to the community’s vision of connection and neighborhood living.
 
Currently Built:
  • Cottages – Small single-family residences with or without built-in garages
  • Village Homes – Medium to large single-family residences with built-in garages, carports, or carriage houses
 
Planned for Future Phases:
  • Mansion Flats – Multi-unit residences with private living spaces within a shared structure
  • Live-Work Units – Homes designed to integrate a small business or workspace at street level
  • Tree Houses – Narrow-footprint, vertically designed homes that maximize space and light on smaller lots

People-Centered Living

At Sanctuary Village, homes are oriented around inviting front porches rather than front-facing garages, with alleys allowing garages and carriage houses to be placed discreetly behind. Shared streets, parks, and gathering spaces encourage everyday interaction, creating natural opportunities to get to know your neighbors.

This intentional approach to neighborhood design fosters connection across generations and lifestyles, making Sanctuary Village an ideal choice for:

  • Families who want their children to grow up knowing their neighbors
  • Remote workers who value reliable internet and nearby amenities
  • Empty nesters and retirees seeking an active, connected lifestyle
  • Those who seek the flexibility to design a home that fits their lifestyle
People gathered around the community fire pit at Sanctuary Village in Franklin, NC, illustrating the welcoming community featured in the frequently asked questions and answers about Sanctuary Village.

The Bigger Picture

Phase I covers a large portion of the nearly 24 acres that make up Sanctuary Village, creating the foundation for 64 residences and thoughtfully integrated commercial spaces in a mixed-use village setting.:

  • 8 completed single-family homes
  • 37 build-ready homesites
  • 3 mansion flat buildings (12 residences total)
  • 4 live-work residences with commercial space below
  • A sales center with an apartment above
  • A future restaurant location with two residences above

All roads, utilities (water, gas, sewer), and high-speed internet are already in place—allowing homeowners to build and move forward without delay.

Sanctuary Village Master Plan

Phase I - Availability

An initial release of 10 homesites is now available, part of 37 build-ready homesites in Phase I.  

There are also two move-in ready homes available in the cottage courtyard.

Color-coded map of Phase I in Sanctuary Village showing availability
Aerial view of Phase I at Sanctuary Village showing roads, homes, sidewalks, and trees

Our Commitment to Franklin

Sanctuary Village was created with a long-term commitment to Franklin and the people who call it home. Every decision is guided by a desire to strengthen the community while respecting the land and the character that makes Franklin special. We believe thoughtful neighborhood design should contribute to the town’s future, creating opportunities for residents, local businesses, and generations to come.

Building More Than Homes

Sanctuary Village is about more than homes. It's about creating a neighborhood where beautiful architecture, thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces, and walkable streets encourage people to slow down, connect, and enjoy everyday life. From quality craftsmanship to long-term planning, every decision is guided by a commitment to creating a place that will serve both today's residents and future generations.

Quality

From quality materials to expert craftsmanship, every home is thoughtfully designed to provide lasting value, comfort, and timeless appeal.

Sustainability

Thoughtful planning preserves natural spaces while creating a walkable neighborhood designed to endure for generations.

Community

Parks, trails, front porches, and shared outdoor spaces are designed to encourage connection and enrich everyday life.

Innovation

Inspired by New Urbanism, Sanctuary Village combines timeless neighborhood design with modern infrastructure and conveniences.

Begin Your Sanctuary Village Story

If you’d like to learn more about Sanctuary Village in Franklin, NC, contact us to schedule a community tour or ask about staying in our on-site Guest Cottage for a firsthand experience.

We’d love to connect, answer any questions you may have, and help you explore whether Sanctuary Village is the right fit for you.

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