A stucco dome perched above the clouds in Weaverville, North Carolina, just hit the market for $3,495,000. The property, known as Azura Gardens, includes two guest cottages on 28.2 wooded acres and challenges conventional ideas of mountain luxury. The dome's spherical shape is not only visually striking but also energy-efficient: it minimizes heat loss and withstands strong winds better than traditional structures, a key advantage in a region prone to mountain storms. The sellers, who describe themselves as artists, have created a space that is both a work of art and a functional home.

The Big Picture

The main residence is a two-bedroom monolithic dome built in 2022 by the current owners, who bought the land in 2016 for $260,000. The transformation includes custom woodwork, arched doorways, expansive glass, a lofted living room with a wood stove for off-grid heating, and a built-in observation beehive. The estate is just 17 minutes from downtown Asheville, a cultural and tourism hub. The dome's interior features a open floor plan with high ceilings, creating a sense of spaciousness. The wood stove provides supplemental heat, reducing reliance on the main HVAC system and lowering utility costs.

Listing agent Dylan Glasgow of Looking Glass Realty says the sellers "describe themselves as artists, and the home is their version of a painter's painting." The property features an artesian well, natural springs, a year-round creek, pollinator gardens, a rose garden, fruit trees, and walking and biking trails. Two guest cottages—a Moroccan-inspired Stone House and a Japanese wabi-sabi Creek House—add versatility. The Stone House features intricate tile work and a fireplace, while the Creek House offers a minimalist aesthetic with large windows overlooking the stream. The property also includes a two-car garage and a workshop, making it practical for those seeking a self-sufficient lifestyle.