191 Mississippi Road

In 1939, Florence Byam Illidge, a nurse from Massachusetts engaged in Presbyterian mission work in western North Carolina, built 191 Mississippi Road and the house directly behind it. Her original A-frame design is historic yet timeless, with additions expanding it in the 1950s and 60s by its next owners—two generations of the Hopper family, missionaries to Korea. In 2015, the home was bought by the current owners who fully restored and remodeled the home, its gardens, and outdoor spaces. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is move-in ready, offering plentiful storage, a new screened porch, iron rhododendron railings handcrafted by Black Mountain Iron Works, beautiful rocks walls, and native plantings. Follow the rock steps down to the year-round stream. Sit on the front porch and watch the morning sun rise over the ridge; see the ridge glow as the sun sets. The gardens welcome bees, butterflies, and a variety of birds while visiting does with fawns occasionally amble through the level front yard. The gently-sloped driveway offers plenty of parking. This artistic home offers the warmth and peace of a classic Montreat home blended with midcentury elements in keeping with its architectural angles and lines.