History of Little Switzerland, North Carolina by Timberline Properties

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History of Little Switzerland

"Little Switzerland Real Estate...
A Godwin Family Tradition......"

Julian Davis Godwin, Sr. of Orlando, Florida was the first licensed real estate broker and developer of the Little Switzerland area in the 1950's.

THE TRADITION CONTINUES...

Jann Godwin, Real Estate Broker; specializing in Little Switzerland vacation rentals and real estate sales.

We offer two office locations to better serve you. Feel free to stop by our Spruce Pine office at 89 Walnut Avenue, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 or our Little Switzerland office located in the Switzerland Store and Cafe building directly beneath our live web camera at 9422 Hwy 226 A Little Switzerland, NC 28749.

With breathtaking views around every corner, waterfalls, wildflowers, gem mines, unique lodging and dining and with many things still handcrafted and homemade, we're one of the last true escapes for relaxation, cool temperatures and clean mountain air. We're located between Asheville and Boone at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 331.

Little Switzerland received its name from early summer residents of the area who thought the scenery resembled that of the Swiss Jura Mountains.

We've provided some basic information and quotes about Little Switzerland below.

"There may be new occupants of old houses or owners of new homes; the faces at Geneva Hall or the post office may have changed. But, whether we came to Little Switzerland in 1910 or 1980, we all have in our hearts the misty blue hills, the white clouds over Linville, the play of light and shadow valleys, the passionate love of wildflowers and galax leaves and hummingbirds, and -- always -- a feeling of peace and quiet and foreverness when the sun shines down and the "clean winds of heaven: sweep over the mountaintop." Louisa DeSaussure Duls

The Blue Ridge Parkway . . .
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a unit of the National Park System, extends the length of our area and provides splendid views around every corner. A visitor information center is located at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals at Gillespie Gap, Milepost 331.

Scenic Attractions . . .
You'll find many points of interest around our area. At 6,684 feet, Mt. Mitchell is the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River, and offers spectacular views, scenic hikes, a museum, concession stand and restaurant open seasonally.

Other attractions in the area or within easy driving distance include Crabtree Meadows & Falls, Emerald Village, Dellinger Grist Mill, Grassy Creek Falls, Biltmore Estate, Lake James State Park, Penland School of Crafts, Linville Caverns, Roan Mountain Gardens, Linville Falls, Craggy Gardens, Grandfather Mountain, Appalachian Trail, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, Moses Cone Estate, Chimney Rock, Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area, Mountain Gateway Museum.

Recreation . . .
With over 100,000 acres in national forest and hundreds of miles of trout streams, our area is an outdoors paradise. Hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting and white-water rafting are very popular and there are several fine North Carolina golf courses nearby. Several gem mines offer the opportunity to pan for gemstones (a rockhound's dream!). Winter sports include cross-country skiing, and there are several ski resorts within easy driving distance.

Climate . . .
Our area enjoys 4 distinct seasons with cool summers and moderate winters. Temperatures and snowfall vary with elevation and exposure. Around Little Switzerland, January average temperature is 34 degrees and July average is 70 degrees. Average rainfall is 56 inches and normal snowfall is 10 to 20 inches annually.

Education . . .
Our area schools are well rated and include a Montessori school, community elementary and middle schools, and one high school in each county. There are 2 community colleges in the area and several private schools.

Health Care . . .
Numerous doctors and dentists serve the area and there are several medical centers & nursing homes. Spruce Pine Community Hospital is an 85-bed facility. Asheville, a major medical center, is one hour away.

For your convenience we have included "quick choice" options in many of the pages of our website. You can use this feature to quickly view real estate, vacations rentals, or to ask us questions. You may also search our online database of properties.

We invite you to browse our website, and if you don't see just what you're looking for, please contact us by phone at 828-766-8900, email us or Use Our Online Request Form.

You are also invited to visit our office located at:
89 Walnut Avenue, Spruce Pine, NC 28777