If you want room to ride without giving up the comforts of a private residential community, McLendon Hills deserves a closer look. Many buyers love the idea of an equestrian lifestyle, but they do not necessarily want the upkeep of a large farm or the isolation that can come with it. In McLendon Hills, you can explore a horse-centered way of life with flexible ownership options, scenic amenities, and access to Moore County’s broader horse culture. Let’s dive in.
Why McLendon Hills Stands Out
McLendon Hills is an officially branded gated lake-and-equestrian community in West End, NC 27376. According to the official community website, it spans more than 600 acres and includes the 80-acre Lake Troy Douglas, custom homes, and an on-site equestrian center.
Its setting gives you a balance that can be hard to find. The community is located on Highway 211, about 10 miles from Pinehurst and 2 miles west of Seven Lakes, so you get a more rural feel while staying within a reasonable drive of daily services, recreation, and dining.
Equestrian Living Without a Full Farm
One of the biggest draws here is that you do not need to own a full agricultural property to enjoy an equestrian lifestyle. McLendon Hills offers several ways to make horse life fit your goals, budget, and preferred level of involvement.
The community’s official materials point to three practical paths. You can board at the on-site equestrian center, buy a larger mini-farm-style parcel, or choose a residential lot or home that still gives you access to trails, lake amenities, and the area’s strong horse culture.
Option 1: Board at the Equestrian Center
The McLendon Hills Equestrian Center sits at the front entrance on a 23-acre site. It is open to both residents and non-residents, which is useful if you want access to lessons or boarding while exploring whether the community is the right long-term fit.
For many buyers, this setup offers convenience. You can enjoy the lifestyle and ride regularly without having to manage a private barn on your own property.
Option 2: Choose a Mini-Farm Parcel
If you want more independence, McLendon Hills also markets 3 to 5-acre mini-farm options for owners who want their own stable. The community notes that lots generally range from 1 to 5 acres, with categories that include equestrian, lakefront, and vista homesites, and that larger lots may also support private gardens, detached workshops, and small stables on mini-farms.
That flexibility matters if you want a property that supports your horse interests while still fitting within a planned residential setting. It gives you more room to tailor the property to your daily routine and long-term plans.
Option 3: Live in the Community and Ride
Some buyers simply want access to trails, open space, and a horse-friendly atmosphere without keeping horses at home. McLendon Hills supports that lifestyle too, with existing homes, custom-build opportunities, and land options that let you choose a setup that feels manageable.
If you want a gated setting with outdoor amenities and equestrian access, this can be a strong middle ground between a traditional neighborhood and a dedicated farm property.
What Daily Riding Can Look Like
The equestrian center offers more than a barn and a few paddocks. Its public information describes a substantial riding setup with a 23-stall barn, tack lockers, wash rack, trailer parking, a farrier bay, a covered arena, an outdoor arena, a jumping ring, and turnout pastures that are 1 to 2 acres each.
Boarding services are designed around full care. The center says boarding includes daily turnout, blanketing, twice-daily feedings, supplement handling through SmartPaks or owner containers, and Bermuda Coastal hay. It also hosts lessons, guest trainers, clinics, a schooling show, and continuing-education sessions.
Private Trails Add Everyday Appeal
Trail access is one of the community’s strongest lifestyle features. The equestrian center says riders have private access to miles of trails around the perimeter of the gated community through woods and across streams, while the community site notes there are 8 miles of bridle trails and a 2-mile paved walking trail around the lake.
That kind of access can shape your day in a meaningful way. Instead of hauling out every time you want a trail ride, you may have riding opportunities built into the rhythm of daily life.
Homesites and Property Options
McLendon Hills appeals to buyers who want choices. According to the community website, you can purchase an existing home, custom-build from available plans, or bring your own plans.
That creates options for very different types of buyers. You might be looking for a move-in-ready home, a custom home with room for your hobbies, or a land purchase that lets you create a more personalized setup over time.
Inventory Shows a Broad Range
The official sales page, effective 3/1/2026, shows a mix of property types and sizes. Current examples include lakefront lots of 0.69, 0.79, 1.4, and 2.07 acres, a 4.20-acre vista lot, a home on 2.25 acres, and a larger home on 7 acres.
That range suggests you are not limited to a single property style. Depending on availability, you may find smaller waterfront parcels, larger estate-style tracts, or homesites that better suit horse-friendly uses and additional outbuildings.
The Lake Lifestyle Adds More Value
While the equestrian amenities lead the conversation, the lake component rounds out the lifestyle. Lake Troy Douglas is presented by the community as a place for boating, swimming, fishing, and enjoying wildlife, with features that include a boat ramp, dock, and Lakeside Pavilion.
For many buyers, that mix is part of the appeal. You are not choosing between horse amenities and water access. In McLendon Hills, the community is designed around both.
Moore County Supports Horse Culture
McLendon Hills does not exist in a vacuum. It benefits from being in a county with a strong equestrian identity and longstanding riding traditions.
The Moore County 2025 Land Use Plan describes the county as an equestrian destination with foxhunting, western riding, trail clubs, private farms, training facilities, and riding schools. It also notes that large-lot residential development helps preserve the rural and equestrian character that attracts many buyers to the area.
Nearby Equestrian Destinations
The equestrian center also highlights useful regional access. It says the Walthour-Moss Foundation is about 30 minutes away and offers more than 4,000 acres of protected land for equestrians, while Carolina Horse Park is about 35 minutes away and Pinehurst is about 15 minutes away.
It also notes that veterinarians, farriers, tack providers, trainers, and other equine professionals regularly work in the area. For riders, that kind of support network can make everyday ownership and training much easier.
Who McLendon Hills May Fit Best
McLendon Hills can be a smart option if you want an equestrian setting but do not want the full demands of a standalone farm. It may also appeal to you if you want a gated environment, custom-home potential, and outdoor amenities beyond riding alone.
This community may be especially worth exploring if you are looking for:
- A private community with equestrian access
- A boarding option within the neighborhood
- Trail riding as part of everyday life
- A mix of lake and horse amenities
- Land or homesites with room for a more tailored setup
- Proximity to Pinehurst and other Moore County destinations
What to Keep in Mind as You Search
As with any lifestyle-driven purchase, clarity matters. You will want to think through whether you prefer boarding at the center, owning a mini-farm parcel, or simply living in the community for access to trails and amenities.
It also helps to review current inventory, lot sizes, and build possibilities with your long-term plans in mind. If your goals include a custom home, extra storage, or horse-related improvements, the right property size and placement can make a big difference.
If you are considering McLendon Hills or other lifestyle communities in Moore County, I can help you compare property options, understand the setting, and narrow in on what best fits the way you want to live. When you are ready to take the next step, connect with Kelly Ward KW Realty for thoughtful, local guidance.
FAQs
Is the McLendon Hills Equestrian Center open to non-residents?
- Yes. The equestrian center says it is open to both residents and non-residents.
Do you need a mini-farm to enjoy the equestrian lifestyle at McLendon Hills?
- No. Buyers can choose from existing homes, custom-build opportunities, 1 to 5-acre lots, and larger mini-farm options depending on their needs.
Are the riding trails at McLendon Hills private?
- Yes. The equestrian center says riders have private access to maintained trails around the perimeter of the gated community.
What equestrian amenities are available at McLendon Hills?
- The equestrian center lists a 23-stall barn, tack lockers, wash rack, trailer parking, farrier bay, covered arena, outdoor arena, jumping ring, turnout pastures, lessons, boarding, clinics, and guest trainers.
What is near McLendon Hills for horse owners and riders?
- Nearby resources mentioned by the equestrian center include Walthour-Moss Foundation, Carolina Horse Park, Pinehurst, and a local network of veterinarians, farriers, tack providers, trainers, and other equine professionals.
What other amenities does McLendon Hills offer besides equestrian features?
- The community also includes Lake Troy Douglas, with amenities and activities described as boating, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, a boat ramp, dock, and Lakeside Pavilion.
