World-famous evangelist Billy Graham preached the gospel to more people than anyone else in the history of Christianity. Known as “America’s Pastor,” he served as a spiritual advisor to every U.S. President from Harry Truman to Barack Obama. Beloved by millions, he had friendly relationships with luminaries from Queen Elizabeth to Martin Luther King Jr. Sometimes criticized for his inclusivist views, Graham preached against segregation and apartheid and urged unity between Catholics and Protestants. He wrote dozens of books, many of which became bestsellers and received numerous awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He first rocketed to national prominence with his “Crusades” – revivals held first in tents and later in stadiums across the world. He died in 2018 at the age of 99.
The Montreat, North Carolina cottage in which Graham and his family lived during his monumental movements is now on the market for the first time at $599,000. Under the current ownership of Graham’s daughter, Ruth, it has served as a vacation rental in which guests could experience the Grahams’ family life through a collection of original furnishings, books, photos and mementos. Unfortunately, Ruth’s own daughter is gravely ill, and she has made the heartbreaking decision to sell the residence to pay for her medical treatments.
The four-bedroom, two-bath home sits on one-third of an acre of beautifully manicured grounds with mature trees and a paved patio for entertaining or relaxing with family. Stone steps lead to a stream with a wooden bridge and walking paths through the surrounding forest. The house’s charming stonework exterior matches the garden walls. Inside, stunning blonde hardwood floors and wall paneling provide an atmosphere of rustic charm. The living room features a fireplace with more lovely stonework. Big windows bring in lots of light and picturesque forest views. Unique built-in furnishings match the wood paneling. With two levels of living space, the home has been lovingly maintained.
“This cozy cottage presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of history. Showcasing the legacy of Billy Graham, it maintains a historic charm while offering modern comforts,” says agent Brian Etheridge.
Montreat, a portmanteau of “mountain” and “retreat,” is a secluded village in the Asheville, North Carolina area with about 700 residents and no stoplights. Much of the retreat’s funding came from John S. Huyler, who in the late 1800s was the largest chocolate-candy manufacturer in the country and where Milton Hershey worked for several years. Many of the town’s buildings date to the early 1900s, and it has no commercial development. The area is best known for the Presbyterian-affiliated Montreat Conference Center, Montreat College, and the Graham home. More than half the town’s land is under a conservation easement, with 30 miles of trails winding through the wilderness as well as ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including paddle boating, canoeing and fishing.
The listing is held by Brian Etheridge of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Asheville office. Photo Credit: Single Point Media