Earth-Sheltered ‘Hobbitat’ in Asheville Is an Eco-Friendly Marvel for $1.6M

An extraordinary home built into a hillside—a “hobbitat,” if you will—in Asheville, NC, recently got a price cut.

First listed in June for $1.7 million, the two-bedroom residence has a newly lowered ask of $1,595,000.

Built in 1978, the earth-sheltered dwelling’s sustainable architecture was entirely modernized by its current owners, who bought the place four years ago for $405,000.

‘Earthy elements’

“The home’s midcentury modern vibe is accentuated with earthy, sophisticated elements,” says listing agent Dave Cash, of Unique: A Real Estate Collective. “Its energy-efficient block construction naturally regulates temperature, keeping the space cool in summer and warm in winter. It is very energy efficient.”

Dubbed “The Remington,” the 1,634-square-foot abode was originally designed by local architect Richard A. Webster and commissioned by Dr. & Mrs. Lloyd Remington in the 1970s, according to the listing.

The hillside location and steel-reinforced walls reflect the practical, sustainable design principles Remington taught during his time at University of North Carolina, Asheville (UNCA).

Eco-friendly attributes

“Since it was built in the ’70s, it already had a midcentury modern vibe; but the sellers wanted to accentuate that while staying true to its original design,” Cash explains.

The home’s open floor plan blends contemporary aesthetics with eco-friendly details, offering a truly unique living experience.

A 48-foot, continuous skylight illuminates the interior. Meanwhile, more than 200 tons of fluted concrete walls create a distinct architectural statement, complemented by organic shapes and materials such as metal, wood, and concrete. There is also a solar attic extending the length of the entire home to flood the space with even more natural light.

One bedroom serves as a private retreat, featuring a glass wall that opens to a secluded patio—a delightful place to enjoy Asheville’s mild climate.

Just a few minutes from downtown and near the UNCA trails and Asheville Botanical Gardens, “The Remington could be used as a primary residence, a chic secondary home, or even as a potential rental property,” Cash notes.

He believes the next owner will likely be looking for something a little different.

“The ideal buyer will appreciate the home’s unique character and prime location,” he says. “It’s perfect for those who enjoy entertaining and want to be close to everything Asheville has to offer.”