116 Cowan St, Sylva, NC 28779
SOLD
SEP 3, 2025

116 Cowan St
Sylva, NC 28779

  • 5 Beds
  • 3.5 Baths
  • 4,800 sqft (on 1 acre)

$1,000,000

Last Sold: Sep 3, 2025
$208/sqft
Est. Refi. Payment $5,377/mo*
Refinance Your Home

$1,000,000

Last Sold: Sep 3, 2025
$208/sqft
Est. Refi. Payment $5,377/mo*
Refinance Your Home
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,800 sqft
(on 1 acre)

Local Information

Map showing home location
© Google
-- mins to
Commute Destination

Description

The perfect blend of privacy and convenience. Over an acre of solitude located in downtown Sylva - and still with a million dollar view - and with one of the most historic houses in the region.

The house was built in the 1890s by Hugo Stein, a stonecutter who had his shop on Sylva's Main Street. Stein migrated from Germany, first to New Orleans, and eventually settling in the North Carolina mountains. Hugo Stein carved dozens of local works, including John Brinkley's majestic, final tribute to his mother and the well-known Aunt Sally's Curve monument along Hwy 107 driving towards Glenville and Cashiers. The house has been owned by only three families, purchased from Stein by the Suttons in 1918 and then by the current owners in 1971.

From its windows, its deck, or its covered front porch, the house offers three distinct, extraordinary views: one of Sylva's vibrant Main Street; another of the historic Jackson County Courthouse; and finally, of Pinnacle and Black Rock, all part of the sweeping Plott Balsam Mountain Range. The view OF the house is as remarkable as the view FROM the house, glimpsed from the Courthouse steps, throughout the bowl-shaped valley, and from just about every spot in downtown Sylva.

The house is surrounded by 1.2 acres dotted with dozens of mature junipers, pines, sycamores, oaks, maples, poplars, and sweetgums. Finches, cardinals, sparrows, woodpeckers, and other birds make their homes in the trees and sing from sunup until dusk. Almost a full acre is fenced, providing dogs, cats, and children a place of beauty, safety, and excitement. Felled trees and fallen brush are not discarded. They are mounded to attract squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, and the occasional fox.

No house in Sylva has comparable curb appeal. Built on a flat table atop a sloping hill, the house can be accessed via forty-five steps up from Jackson Street in the front or along a winding drive from Cowan Street in the back.

The 18-room, 4800 sq. ft. house boasts hardwood floors, a metal roof, a sunroom with a wood-burning fireplace, natural gas, 10+ off-street parking places, and bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground and second floors.

A second galley kitchen provides the potential for a separate flat or to support a variety of other residential or commercial possibilities.

116 Cowan Street is being sold as-is and by owner. An October, 2019 full appraisal ($440,000) is available. 828-273-7619

This property is off market, which means it's not currently listed for sale or rent on Trulia. This may be different from what's available on other websites or public sources.

Home Highlights

Parking
No Info
Outdoor
Porch, Patio
A/C
Heating & Cooling
HOA
None
Price/Sqft
$208/sqft
Listed
Less than a day ago

Home Details for 116 Cowan St

Interior Features

Heating & Cooling
Heating: Forced Air, Stove, Gas, OilAir ConditioningCooling System: CentralHeating Fuel: Forced Air
Levels, Entrance, & Accessibility
Stories: 1.5Floors: Carpet, Hardwood, Laminate, Linoleum Vinyl
Interior Details
AtticIn-law unitNumber of Rooms: 19Types of Rooms: Walk In Closet, Dining Room, Family Room, Laundry Room, Mud Room, Workshop, Solarium Atrium, Sun RoomCeiling Fan
Appliances & Utilities
Cable ReadyDishwasherDisposalDryerMicrowaveRefrigeratorWasher
Fireplace & Spa
Fireplace
Windows, Doors, Floors & Walls
Double Paned Windows

Exterior Features

Exterior Home Features
Roof: MetalExterior: Wood, BrickFoundation Type: OtherLawnPatioPorch
Parking & Garage
Parking Spaces: 10Parking: Off Street

Property Information

Year Built
Year Built: 1890Year Updated: 1998
Property Type / Style
Property Type: Single Family HomeArchitecture: Other

Price & Status

Price
Price Per Sqft: $208/sqft

Community

Units in Building: 1

Lot Information

Lot Area: 1 acre

Price History for 116 Cowan St

DatePriceEventSource
09/03/2025$1,000,000Sold
N/A
03/03/2023$875,000Sold
Canopy MLS as distributed by MLS GRID #3923387
11/19/2022$925,000Listed For SaleCanopy MLS as distributed by MLS GRID #3923387
03/24/2021ListingRemovedN/A
06/18/2020$385,000Sold
N/A
04/20/2020$399,000PendingN/A
04/16/2020$399,000PriceChange
N/A
03/28/2020$449,000Listed For SaleN/A

Market trends in Sylva

Last updated May 2026
Buyer'sMarketSeller'sMarket
Avg. sale price
—
Sale-to-List Price
—
Price per sq ft
—
Available listings
128
5MoM
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Property Tax and Assessment

Year2025
Tax$2,888
Assessment$879,847
Home facts updated by county records

Homeowner tools

Estimated monthly rent$2,930/mo
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Homes for rent near 116 Cowan St

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Comparable Sales for 116 Cowan St

Address
Distance
Property Type
Sold Price
Sold Date
Bed
Bath
Sqft
495 Savannah Dr, Sylva, NC
0.33
Single-Family Home
$420,000
03/16/26
3
3
2,302
132 Ridgeway St, Sylva, NC
0.13
Single-Family Home
$451,000
06/08/26
3
2
1,765
41 Kings Creek Dr, Sylva, NC
0.52
Single-Family Home
$345,000
04/27/26
3
2.5
2,082
22 Crossing Ln, Sylva, NC
0.62
Single-Family Home
$465,000
12/08/25
3
2
1,355
124 Dillsboro Rd, Sylva, NC
0.38
Single-Family Home
$275,000
07/16/25
4
1.5
-
43 Amaroo Rdg, Sylva, NC
1.16
Single-Family Home
$600,000
07/14/25
3
2.5
2,367
138 Elm St, Sylva, NC
0.48
Single-Family Home
$307,000
05/27/26
3
2
1,188
166 Amaroo Rdg #5-6, Sylva, NC
1.05
Single-Family Home
$550,000
04/08/26
3
2
2,179
60 Sky Ridge Ct, Sylva, NC
1.21
Single-Family Home
$387,000
07/10/25
3
3
2,230

Nearby homes

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Assigned Schools

These are the assigned schools for 116 Cowan St.
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The GreatSchools Rating compares schools on a variety of school quality indicators including test scores, college readiness, equity and more. Learn more.

What Locals Say about Sylva

At least 68 Trulia users voted on each feature.

  • 81 % Say parking is easy

  • 81 % Say car is needed

  • 76 % Say yards are well-kept

  • 76 % Say there's wildlife

  • 71 % Say there's holiday spirit

  • 69 % Say it's dog friendly

  • 65 % Say people would walk alone at night

  • 64 % Say kids play outside

  • 61 % Say neighbors are friendly

  • 60 % Say they plan to stay for at least 5 years

  • 49 % Say it's quiet

  • 39 % Say it's walkable to restaurants

  • 37 % Say streets are well-lit

  • 32 % Say there are sidewalks

  • 32 % Say it's walkable to grocery stores

  • 32 % Say there are community events

Sourced by Trulia users. Learn more about our methodology.
  • Jason Daniel Clark
    "Alot of Latinos here that have reportedly been following kids and moms around d in stores and parking lots"
    1
    Flag
  • Bethna M.
    "there is a place where I live where people walk their dogs. there is also a dog park 10 minutes away. this town acomidates to dog owners ever well. I love loving here. I am trying to fond a forever home in this location. to be very very honest"
    8
    Flag
  • Kayla C.
    "There are hardly any neighborhood events. We do have Fourth of July celebrations and one for Christmas."
    5
    Flag
  • Ymojic82
    "Every Halloween have a lot activities for kids and adults, the Christmas parade is so beautiful, all the time have something to do in the town or areas adjacents. I love Sylva so peace and tranquility with amazing mountains."
    0
    Flag
  • Sarah K.
    "The local businesses are friendly and have a lot to offer. The town is growing and expanding to make way for lots more. Friendly people and great energy "
    6
    Flag
  • Sweets_925
    "There are a lot of hikes within an hour or so drive that you can bring your dog. You just have to worry about wild animals, even in your front yard."
    2
    Flag
  • Audrey T.
    "Your neighborhood matters! Check your school district before relocating to Sylva. Small town living can be found here. "
    3
    Flag
  • Sweets_925
    "I live near Main Street and it can be very hard to get out of my road bc there is so much traffic. Too many ppl (especially when WCU is in) drive on these tiny roads. Wrecks are common."
    2
    Flag
  • Audrey T.
    "In town there are sidewalks that patrons can safely walk down with their pets. The dog park in Mark Watson park is very small. "
    3
    Flag
  • Allison B.
    "Depending on where you live, it takes me 20 minutes to get to Main Street sylva. Public transportation via transit is an option for people in the community. "
    0
    Flag
  • Kathryn M. R.
    "Most yards are not fenced, but people are generally conscientious about keeping their dogs controlled and safe. "
    2
    Flag
  • Lrwoods13
    "There is only one small dog park for whole town. Lots of trails and hiking to take dogs on with a leash of course."
    1
    Flag
  • Trulia User
    "dog friendly, beautiful scenery. Friendly community. Home town feel. nestled in the beautiful smokey mountains. "
    0
    Flag
  • Bethna M.
    "it is becoming a college town. With the popularity of WCU this small town is growing fast while maintaining its hometown feel within its heart"
    0
    Flag
  • Karenhassett65@gmail.com
    "beautiful views...beautiful small towns....several breweries....great restaurants....peaceful...small town living is great"
    0
    Flag
  • Deatra C. S.
    "it is peaceful and great neighbors beautiful view well taking care of properties. quite place to live"
    1
    Flag
  • Amanda Z.
    "Big college town but everyone is really nice. Traffic is kinda rough on the main streets but bearable. Lovely views and friendly town with a lot of festivals. "
    1
    Flag
  • Deatra C. S.
    "i raised to boys here and i wouldn’t change it for anything great teachers and the community really supports the students"
    0
    Flag
  • Bobbi S.
    "Small college town within 45 minutes of Asheville. Safe! wonderful place. Developing area downtown is nice. "
    0
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  • Sara B.
    "Sylva is a small Beautiful quaint town. I moved here to raise my family. There doesn’t seem to be too much violent crime nor druggies here. I feel very safe here."
    0
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  • Bennie M. .
    "I’ve lived here for a year and absolutely love this area! Friendly people everywhere you go, great local restaurants, and very family friendly!"
    0
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  • Amanda Z.
    "It gets a little slammed in the mornings and early evenings. It’s a college town so it stays busy in town. "
    3
    Flag
  • Krystal
    "We frequently have free live music events, street fairs on Main Street, a farmers market, and always a great small town vibe."
    0
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  • Ashlee
    "We've lived here one year and now almost every family on the block, some of whom have become friends. It's safe for our toddler daughter and close to some of the best offerings in Sylva. We moved from Chicago, and while we miss our city, we'll absolutely be staying here as long as we can. "
    2
    Flag
  • Malbee2317
    "I've lived here for 16 years, and it's a great place to live. Not only are the neighbors friendly, it's an ultimately safe place to raise a family."
    3
    Flag
  • Jimmy V.
    "Beautiful house in a beautiful area. Just enough yard to keep you off the couch. Nice garden area. Low Mtc. house..Almost everything is new with recent renovation and addition. No restrictions. Horses.etc. O.K...Excellent, friendly neighbors. Convenient to Town, restaurants, medical facilities, entertainment and great Smoky mountain attractions. Only 20 min. from the Cherokee Casino."
    0
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  • london m.
    "The area is absolutely extravigant with beautiful houses in the mountains without all the congestation of Wayensville and Asheville. With a beautiful scenery. Sylva still has a lot of its older buildings and a absolutely beautiful library !!!!"
    0
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Homes for sale near 116 Cowan St

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Off Market Homes Near 116 Cowan St

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116 Cowan St, Sylva, NC 28779 is a 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 4,800 sqft single-family home built in 1890. This property is not currently available for sale. 116 Cowan St was last sold on Sep 3, 2025 for $1,000,000. The current Trulia Estimate for 116 Cowan St is $1,043,800.