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Here at the Asheville Realty Team, our goal is to help you find your dream home or land in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. We will make this process easy for you. All you need to do is complete the client profile. This will give us the information we need to complete your search.

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You will automatically receive emails updating you on newly listed properties that meet your search criteria. Be the first to preview the properties that match the features you indicated you are looking for! When you see something you would like preview, just call us and we will be happy to schedule a showing for you. If you would rather complete this process over the phone please feel free to contact our office at 828-450-5882. There is no charge to you and you may terminate the alerts at any time by contacting us.

We look forward to helping you make your dreams of the mountains become a reality!

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Living in Asheville

Put down permanent roots in diverse Asheville | By Laurel Hyatt
Articles Provided by The Original Relocation Guide – Western, NC

National Geographic Adventure magazine said it best: “If you’re tempted by stunning mountains, awesome river access, and a lifestyle that mixes play into each day, then be warned: These photos may move you to relocate.” They called it “Asheville Envy” and there seems to be only one cure – pack up and move closer. Some cities may make the claim but Asheville, with out a doubt, has something for everyone. That’s why the magazine named Asheville No. 1 of 10 “Great Adventure Towns.” It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, what your income, what mode of transport you used to get there, or how long you plan to stay – Asheville will not only fill your expectations; it will overflow them!

With a population of over 70,000, this unassuming southern city at first glance seems ordinary enough. Quaint shops lining the funky Lexington Avenue downtown, careful restorations in the Battery Park and Grove Arcade areas, and of course the redesign of downtown greenways and parks that have become iconic in nearly all American cities; but that’s where the similarities to other cities end.

Asheville is truly the place whoever penned the word “melting pot” had in mind when they created it. It’s not just a melting pot of people but of ideas, cultures, tastes, arts and crafts. It’s a potpourri of music, poetry, film and sculpture. Seemingly just a step off the sidewalk and the visitor is enveloped in the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, cool clear mountain streams, rolling farmland, and inviting hiking paths are just minutes away.

This low-paced “country living” in an urban setting has captured the imagination of several developers such as native Chuck Strum. “More than 11 generations of my family have lived in Western North Carolina. There is some special magic that brings people here as well as makes them stay. The natural beauty is without question.” Strum went on to talk about the special care companies like his take to preserve character of the mountains. “Now that more people are coming to work or retire, it is the responsibility of us who have been here through the generations to ensure the mountains are protected from unscrupulous developers. Our company is a family company. We understand how to build mountain communities that will bring a sense of neighborhood to the development as well as protect the integrity of the mountains; an area we call home. Our communities are small; typically less than 50 home sites. And they all fit comfortably within the environment.” Strum’s most recent community, The Farm at Bradshaw Lane, allows for the natural beauty of the land as well as its proximity to downtown Asheville. “It’s allowed us to let it become what it was intended to be; a small neighborhood with trails and ponds, a clubhouse for social gatherings and a pavilion to sit and let the days cares melt away.”

Hot Spots

Of course, not everyone comes to the mountains to get away. Many come to experience Asheville’s vibrant downtown atmosphere – the clubs, the festivals and fairs, and all the other excitement that goes into making the downtown area the unique stop along the eastern seaboard that it is. First of all the music – the plethora of clubs, bars and restaurant featuring live entertainment is seemingly endless and so is the variety. A well-rounded aficionado can eat and drink in a different establishment every night of the week and never sample the same type of food or music twice. From jazz to rock, blues to bluegrass, country and western to hip hop – it’s all in Asheville and all easily accessible; much of the time on foot. This brings us to another endearing quality of this big/little city. When the sun sets behind the Blue Ridge and the street lights come up, a magical thing happens in downtown Asheville. Couples start strolling the avenues looking for that perfect candlelit spot, street musicians and performers pull out all the stops in their routines, and even the restaurants with “window kitchens” add a little more showmanship. It’s all part of the charm. It’s all part of the fun. It’s all part of Asheville.

If a visitor is lucky enough to hit Asheville during one of its many street festivals the rewards are even greater. Bele Chere, held the final weekend in July, is the granddaddy of them all. Over 350,000 people pack the downtown over a three-day period as festival goers peruse some 200 vendors’ wares, sample a wide variety of international foods and hear from over 80 local and national music groups. If you can’t find something interesting at Bele Chere – it probably doesn’t exist. Just about a month later toward the end of August, a festival known as Goombay – sponsored by the YMI Cultural Center, the Asheville Parks and Recreation Department, the North Carolina Arts Council, the Community Arts Council of WNC and the Friends of the YMI Cultural Center – once again fills the streets of Asheville. Asheville’s Goombay is one of several worldwide variations of the centuries-old celebration. Goombay emerged during slavery days in Bermuda. Both music and rhythm were brought from Africa and the West Indies. The festival brings a variety of entertainment from steel drums, African-America dancers, local gospel groups, and contemporary rhythm bands with all activities geared to delight families. The festival-goer can enjoy an authentic Caribbean meal at Island of Delight Café or search out one of the many vendors that line the streets with everything from ice cream to Third World Crafts.

There are too many other festivals and shows to mention but seemingly each month another treasure is unveiled in Asheville; another treasure of art, another treasure of craft, another treasure of music.

Housing

Asheville’s real estate market is as varied as its cultural diversity. With one of the nation’s strongest real estate markets, Asheville has become one of the Southeast’s most livable cities. The variety of real estate opportunities includes mountain-view homes, riverfront, and golf course property not to mention vacation homes. Asheville offers residents abundant living options, from urban town homes to luxury downtown condominiums, from family-friendly neighborhoods to expansive estates overlooking the city skyline and the surrounding mountains.

In January 2007, Unique Homes magazine listed what it expected to be the top 25 luxury markets in 2007. Collectively, the communities that made it on the list represent where the market is heading, according to the magazine. Asheville wound up at No. 2, sandwiched between Annapolis, Md., and Aspen, Colo. The magazine said of Asheville, “…eclectic ambiance draws the upscale to an outdoorsy, low-key lifestyle.”

Considering all of the recent upscale developments in the Asheville area coupled with accolades such as was bestowed by Unique Homes magazine, one would think that housing throughout the city was geared totally for the rich and famous – not so says Robert Rice of Orion Realty.

“We purchased an apartment community in Asheville that we are converting to condominiums. We have tried very hard to give our owners upscale amenities at an affordable price. There has been a lot of criticism of developers in Asheville who have taken affordable housing off the market and converted it to high-end condos. We have tried to create an affordable product with some high-end features. We believe in the American dream of homeownership and are proud of being a part of making it happen.”

Rice is just one of the developers who are reacting to a changing landscape in the population of America today. Baby boomers are living longer and staying active longer, therefore their “empty nest” stage is much longer than before. Many boomers are also moving their parents into their own home for care, thus changing the home dynamic once again. Affordable housing has become much more of an issue as these new factors are worked out among households. Rice says, “We felt that by locating in Asheville we could reach first time homebuyers, vacation homebuyers and empty nesters looking to downsize. We have not been disappointed. Located on a hillside, the property offers a view of the surrounding countryside including a distant view of the Biltmore House. At the same time, we are less than 10 minutes from downtown and all that it has to offer.”

No Matter What Name

Over the years, the city has earned numerous tributes including the “Best Place to Reinvent Your Life,” the “Best Place to Retire,” “Paris of the South,” “Jewel of the Blue Ridge,” and the list goes on and on. The praise is well deserved, with Asheville’s beautifully preserved art deco architecture and its unique urban-rural style. The city is alive with distinctive eateries, more than 100 eclectic shops, galleries, studios and museums. Its music weaves web of warmth around the downtown and its people welcome outsiders as kin. Come visit for a day and stay for a lifetime.B

Living in Hendersonville

Like to stay busy? Give Hendersonville a Try | By Marie Gardner,
Articles provided by The Original Relocation Guide – Western, NC

The village of Hendersonville received its charter from the General Assembly as the City of Hendersonville and was officially recognized as the county seat of Henderson County on Jan. 7, 1847.

Since that time, the city has undergone quite a transformation: from a sleepy little city to a progressive and forward-thinking area that’s proud of its rich history and small-town feel.

“Many people are relocating to Hendersonville because the area has a great climate with four distinct seasons,” said Karen Baker, communication specialist for Henderson County Travel & Tourism. “Another reason why people are moving here is because of the area’s natural beauty.”

Hendersonville also offers excellent medical care and facilities, top-rated public and private schools, colleges and universities, a variety of churches, and many leisuretime that are sure to keep your calendar quite full.

Things to Do

If you like to stay busy, then Hendersonville is definitely the place for you. The only problem may be finding enough time to fit in all of the fantastic activities that the area has the offer. From outdoor recreation, to shopping, to visiting museums, Hendersonville’s got you covered.

“One of the most popular attractions in the area is the DuPont State Forest, and half of it is located in Henderson County,” said Baker. “DuPont State Forest used to be a part of the DuPont Company when they were here, so the area was private. Now that DuPont is gone, it has opened up the area to visitors. One of the reasons why the DuPont State Forest is so popular is because it has many spectacular waterfalls, such as Hooker Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls.”

In fact, more than 10,000 acres of forest, trails, and waterfalls are located between Hendersonville and Brevard, according to the DuPont State Forest’s Web site at www.dupontforest.com.

The area’s rolling terrain is also perfect for those who like to walk, hike, and bike, and Hendersonville also has many athletic fields, basketball and tennis courts, and golf courses.

Children and teens in Hendersonville might also have a new place to skateboard. The City of Hendersonville and the Hendersonville Kids Alliance to Skate have unveiled plans for a new public skatepark, which will be located in Patton Park.

If you prefer to shop and dine in the quaintness of a historic downtown area, then chances are Hendersonville’s bustling business quarter will be a frequent stop for you. Downtown Hendersonville features many delicious eateries, galleries, and small boutiques and specialty shops.

If you like educational activities, then be sure to check out the Mineral and Lapidary Museum, which features minerals, fossils, and fluorescent minerals and gems; the Western North Carolina Air Museum, which showcases award-winning restored and replica antique and vintage airplanes; and the Holmes Educational State Forest, which offers well-marked trails that are accented by exhibits and displays that teach visitors about ecology.

Another draw to Hendersonville is the Historic Johnson Farm, which consists of the elegant 19th century home, smokehouse, and granary that were made from bricks that were fired on site from French Broad River mud. The farm also consists of newer structures, such as a barn, boarding house, and a tool shed/blacksmith shop.

“Hendersonville also offers many cultural activities that are perfect for people of all ages,” said Baker. “For instance, we have a community theater, which offers little theater productions; a symphony orchestra, which offers performances throughout the year; and the Hendersonville Community Band, which plays at many different local events.”

Home Sweet Home

If you’re looking for your own private sanctuary, then Pinnacle Falls might be the community for you. Located just minutes from Hendersonville, one of the major draws to this spectacular gated community is the stunning beauty of the local landscape, which features slow-rolling mountain streams and lush woodlands.

Prospective residents can choose from home sites in three neighborhoods that comprise Pinnacle Falls, The Meadows, The Ridges, and The Forest.

The Meadows, which offers elegant front-porch home designs, are at an average elevation of 3,000 feet, most home sites face southeast, the minimum square footage of the homes is 1,500 square feet, and the home sites range in cost from $115,000 to $255,000, according to the neighborhood’s Web site at www.pinnaclefalls.com.

The Ridges, which features larger custom-built mountain estates, are at an elevation range of between 2,400 and 3,000 feet, the minimum square footage of the homes is 2,000 square feet, and the home sites range in cost from $192,000 to 300,000, according to the Pinnacle Falls Web site.

The Forest, which offers hand-crafted cottage designs and low-maintenance living, will be the perfect mountain retreat because the average elevation is 2,400 feet, the minimum square footage of the homes is 1,000 square feet, and the home sites range in cost from $100,000 to $150,000.

Plus, the home sites in The Ridges, The Meadows, and The Forest are surrounded by land that will remain untouched, which will help protect the pristine natural beauty of the area.

Those who like amenities will be pleased to learn about all of the fantastic things that Pinnacle Falls has to offer. Residents can take advantage of three miles of hiking trails that wind near streams, a waterfall, and over footbridges. The clubhouse features a fitness area with sauna, an outdoor pool and hot tub, a covered front porch, a screened porch with a fireplace, an outdoor terrace for grilling out, a catering kitchen, a great room with a fireplace, and elevator access.

Summit Springs is another popular neighborhood that features new homes in a natural setting. Located just off of Interstate 26 and the Highway 25 connector just south of Hendersonville, Summit Springs is a strikingly beautiful area that showcases many different floorplans that are priced in the $200,000s, according to the neighborhood’s Web site at http://liveatsummitsprings.com.

Homes in Summit Springs feature Hardiplank siding, cedar accents on the siding, pressure-treated wood decking and railings, concrete block crawl spaces, brushed concrete sidewalks, 30-year architectural shingles, an engineered roof truss system, double-hung insulated windows, and a two-car garage, according to its Web site.

The interior of Summit Springs homes feature Moen plumbing fixtures; carpet in the living, dining, bedrooms, halls, and closets; vinyl tile in the kitchen and bathrooms; smooth-finish 8-foot tall ceilings throughout the home, six-panel interior doors, high-efficiency electric heating and air conditioner, spacious walk-in closets, a 52-gallon electric hot water heater, GE appliances in the kitchen, cultured marble vanity tops, and a stainless steel kitchen sink.

One of the major draws to Summit Springs is that the neighborhood’s proximity to major roads makes it an easy drive to big cities, such as Asheville and Spartanburg and Greenville, SC. Plus, healthcare and shopping are just seven minutes away, the Asheville Airport is only a 20-minute drive, and Greenville, SC, is only 40 minutes away.

For more information about this fantastic city, log on to the Henderson County Travel & Tourism’s Web site at www.historichendersonville.org.B

Living in Maggie Valley

Friendly people, quality of life keys to Maggie Valley’s allure | By Heather Farr
Articles provided by The Original Relocation Guide – Western, NC

Named after one of the daughters of a local settler, Maggie Valley is a perfect blend of local Southern hospitality and tourism. The area is so inviting that many people who visit the area as a tourist later purchase a home here.

“I think what has made Maggie Valley a popular location over the years is our wonderful people. They’re incredibly friendly,” said Maggie Valley Mayor Roger McElroy. “Plus, we’re also 30 minutes from Asheville, and we’re close to Charlotte and Knoxville, Tenn. Our temperate climate is also a draw for tourists and newcomers because we have mild summers and absolutely beautiful springs and falls, which if perfect for those who want to participate in year-round activities.”

Because Maggie Valley is nestled in the mountains, the rolling hills provide an additional challenge for beginners to the most seasoned golfers.

One of the premier places to rest, relax, and hit the links is the Maggie Valley Club, which is where guests are welcomed with five-star treatment and first-class amenities.

The club features a 6,500-yard top-notch golf course that is surrounded by centennial trees and includes 30 acres of fairways leading to large bent grass greens. Plus, the area’s temperate climate and the course’s native foliage, perennial gardens, and creek-fed ponds make it a great place to play golf all year round.

The front Valley Nine allows players to warm up before tackling the significantly more challenging Mountain Nine, which features an elevation rise of 800 feet and panoramic views of the valley and beyond.

The cornerstone of the Club is a magnificent 18,000-square-foot clubhouse that features stacked stone accents, rustically elegant timber beams, and an incredible new dining room called Renaissance. Whether you stop by the club for a quick bite or for a first-rate dining experience, the stone fireplaces and original artworks help Renaissance exude a unique and ideal ambiance.

Beyond Renaissance, the clubhouse hosts an array of amenities, including the Pin High Bar and Grille, the golf shop, and the fitness center.

“Maggie Valley also has the Cataloochee Ski Resort; Eaglenest, which offers musical entertainment in a variety of genres, such as bluegrass, oldies, and gospel and Christian; The Stomping Grounds, which features top cloggers from the area; and the Wheels Through Time Museum, which features an extensive collection of vehicles that are a part of American history,” said McElroy.

Just to show how popular the museum has become in the last five years, Wheels Through Time reached a milestone when the 250,000th visitor passed through its doors in August.

If you’re looking for a little retail therapy, the shops in Maggie Valley are ready to help. Many of the shops are independent and locally owned, and shopkeepers make sure locals, tourists, and newcomers feel right at home.

The town is also home to Ghost Town in the Sky, which is a western-themed amusement park that’s perfect for people of all ages. The amusement park showcases staged gunfights, saloon shows, can-can dancers, delicious food, and many rides for people of all ages. Ghost Town in the Sky visitors can also learn about the history of the Wild West and Western North Carolina at Heritage Town Square.

You won’t find a shopping mall with trendy stores in Maggie Valley. Instead, you’ll find a lot of specialty shops that are tourism related, said McElroy.

Maggie Valley is chock full of one-of-a-kind boutiques, art galleries, and plenty of places to recharge your batteries, such as stores that will allow you to sample delicious freshly made fudge.

“Just in the last year, we’ve seen many new businesses open in town,” said McElroy. “We have a new restaurant, a couple motorcycle-related businesses, and a couple photography places opened.”

With an estimated 810 residents in 2006, Maggie Valley’s stunning beauty and wealth of recreational opportunities have made the area a popular choice among newcomers. To help meet the demands of growth and to provide a variety of housing options, many new homes are currently under construction.

“The Maggie Valley Club is building beautiful high-end, single family homes, cottages, and condominiums,” said McElroy.

Scarlet Oaks home sites start in the upper $100,000s and they are area is awash with color thank to spectacular 200-year-old chestnut groves that surround the homes. The homes feature underground utilities, including water and sewer, and the property sizes range from .75 to 2 acres, according to the Maggie Valley Club’s Web site at www.maggievalleyclub.com.

Home sites in The Cottages are three bedrooms, they start in the upper $400,000s for the approximately 2,000 square feet homes, and they feature screened porches, hardwood floors, and vaulted ceilings, according to the Web site.

The second phase of Persimmon Point, which is called Persimmon Woods, is now featuring nine luxurious two- and three-bedroom condominiums with magnificent valley views. With three floor plans ranging from 1,474 to 1,786 square feet, Persimmon Woods condominiums also include main-floor walkouts. Persimmon Woods condominiums start in the low $300,000s, according to the Web site.

For more information about the town and all that it has to offer, check out the Maggie Valley Area Visitors Bureau’s Web site at www.maggievalley.org.