WCI Communities – No Longer in Bankruptcy

Written September 23, 2009 by Margie Casey, www.southeastdiscovery.com

WCI Communities is back in the black…

Congratulations to David Fry, President and Chief Operating Officer of WCI Communities!

In addition to successful emergence from bankruptcy, David Fry has appointed five highly respected and highly experienced financial leaders to WCI’s newly formed Board of Directors:

• Patrick J. Bartels – VP of Monarch Alternative Capital LP, now the largest shareholder of WCI Communities
• Michelle M. MacKay – VP of iStar Financial, a publicly traded finance company
• John R. Peshkin – Managing Principal of Vanguard Land LLC, acquisition specialist
• Stephen D. Plavin – COO of Capital Trust, a commercial mortgage REIT
• Mark Porath – President of Hearthstone, financing commercial and resident developments

 

WCI Communities has developed projects for 60 years providing homes to more than 170,000 people. We are happy to see them survive these turbulent times and look forward to watching their success story in the years ahead.

More information can be found at: http://www.wcicommunities.com/about/reorganization

To keep up to date with real estate developer and community news, visit www.southernwayoflife.com

Lake James 1780, Western North Carolina

Written September 22, 2009 by Margie Casey, www.southeastdiscovery.com

Location:

Lake James 1780 is located fifteen minutes from I-40 off Dyartsville Road, Exit 94 in Nebo, North Carolina.

Our first impression:

This visit was our third time to Lake James 1780. Lake James is one of our favorite large lakes in Western North Carolina because of the crystal clear water and picturesque mountains in the back drop. We were greeted by Crawford Caige, Assistant Project Manager. It was early in the morning and the sound of wildlife was just wonderful. The property was meticulously groomed and well maintained. We met at Camp Lake James Social Hall, the centerpiece and hub of activities for Lake James 1780 and Old Wildlife Club.  

The lower elevation of the Lake James region is 1,200 feet to 1,400 feet allowing boat activities 75% of the year. Lakes James has 150 miles of tree lined shore, most protected and undeveloped, and a 6,800 crystal clear lake. Nearby, Lake James State Park has more than 3,600 acres of protected park with historic hiking trails. Crescent Communities, the developer, has done a great job of land planning this project offering a combination of waterfront home sites, lake-access home sites and privacy home sites. Lake-access home sites have a reserved boat slip at the community dock. The community has a wonderful balance of open space and lush forest. Twenty homes are built at Lake James 1780 and 10 homes built at Old Wildlife Club across the lake.New to the community, Camp Lake James Cabins which can be part of the Camp Lake James rental program. These new cabins are pre-determined floor plans, 2,800 square feet and are in close proximity to all amenities.

Amenities include two outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, outdoor Amphitheatre, activity fields, the Camp Lake James Expedition Center equipped with kayaks, canoes and hiking gear, fishing dock, 5 miles of hiking trails, a state of the art fitness center, snack bar-canteen, game room and outdoor social area with a stacked stone fireplace.  Camp Lake James Membership dues are $125 a month which are reasonable.

More observations about Lake James 1780:

The roads are paved and utilities underground. Half of the community is located in McDowell County with real estate taxes at .55 cents per $100, the other half in Burke County with real estate taxes of .52 cents per $100. All sellers of property at Lake James will be required to pay a .5 percent fee to the Lake James Stewardship Fund.  Buyers can build whenever they want and select their own builder.  

Lake James 1780 & Old Wildlife Club has worked diligently to retain a natural blend of colors and textures to retain its rustic Vernacular architecture resembling camps found in the 1920’s. Home sites start at $135K, with waterfront home sites starting at $300K, averaging 2-8 acres. 134 home sites have been sold total to date, Property Owner Association Fees are $1,320 per year.

Muscle Behind The Developer:

Crescent Communities is one of many communities that have reorganized itself through Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. After visiting the property, it is clear to me that they are maintaining the property and fully staffed. More can be learned about Crescent’s Bankruptcy at: http://www.crescent-resources.com/restructuring.asp

Photo Gallery Collection: http://www.southeastdiscovery.com/communities/lake-james-1780-old-wildlife-club

To keep up to date with real estate developer and community news, visit www.southernwayoflife.com

 

Lake James Slogan ‘Explore Life on Lake James’ is just what we want to do again and again.

Preserve at Rock Creek, Western North Carolina

Written September 18, 2009 by Margie Casey, www.southeastdiscovery.com

Location:

Preserve at Rock Creek is easily found off HWY 64 in Cashiers, North Carolina.

Our first impression:

We were pleasantly surprised at the spectacular long range mountain views from every home site at this gated community. We stopped at the Sales Center which is located in a small rustic caboose where we were greeted by Douglas Stevens, Sales/Marketing. We chatted for a moment and headed out to see the property. We drove through the iron entrance gates passing an attractive stocked trout fishing pond on the left. As Douglas drove, he shared with me details about the Preserve at Rock Creek. The Preserve at Rock Creek is a low density new community on the top of Toxaway Mountain, the mountain fully owned by Preserve at Rock Creek, starting at 2,290 feet rising to 4,400 feet in elevation. 200 acres of the 320 acres is preserved and protected by a conservation easement. The community offers 22 large estate lots, 16 of them averaging 5 acres and 7 upper elevation lots, some with 13+ acres.  We were impressed that the developer took the time and expense to build accent fencing scattered along the road to match the front entrance; mountain laurel bordered by timber posts.

Douglas shared with us that estate lots (#1-16) allow for two homes to be built; a guest house and main house allowing the buyer to construct a smaller guest house first. The lots are not allowed to be subdivided.  They call the guest homes ‘Weekend Shelters’. We visited a Weekend Shelter currently for sale; a one bedroom, one bath, screened in outdoor living room showing off long range mountain views accented by a large stone fireplace, just beautiful!  We have yet to see a developer allow a buyer to build a smaller home before building the main home on the same lot and occupy the home with no time line to build the main home. This is attractive because it allows the buyer to enjoy the property part time as a small second home before building their primary residence. This Weekend Shelter home with a 5 acre lot is currently for sale at $695K.  

As we drove up the mountain, granite formations and cascading waterfalls captured my attention. The road is paved and narrow, until you reach lot #18, the beginning of Phase 2, gravel just beyond.  We mentioned to Douglas our concern for narrow roads. He stated plans are already in place to add an additional 18” width to the pavement this winter while paving Phase 2.  Utilities are underground. We stopped at lot #11.  He encouraged us to walk to the edge of the property line, to the edge of the mountain which surprisingly had a flat building envelope. The views from this lot of Whiteside Mountain and Chimney Top are some of the best views we have ever seen in North Carolina.  This lot is for sale at $425K and priced right. We proceed to lot #21 to see the new custom home for sale built by Apple Construction; a 2,800 square foot 4 bedroom, 4 baths home with more breathtaking views priced at $1,950,000. 

More observations about Preserve at Rock Creek:

In addition to long range mountain views, several of the home sites have views of South Carolina and Sapphire Lake. Buyers at the Preserve at Rock Creek have the option of offsite amenities such as a membership to Burlingame at Sapphire Lake, a full golf resort community, just minutes from the Preserve at Rock Creek. Inviting hiking trails wind throughout the community. We adventured off to see Rock Creek Falls, a gorgeous two stage cascading waterfall.  Creeks and streams flow right beside the hiking trails.  Our next stop was a 15 acre parcel adjoining the Equestrian Center. The Equestrian Center is an 8 acre open meadow green fenced reserved as horse pasture, a small covered shelter and a fresh water supply for the horses.  The 15 acre home site above the meadow has picturesque long range views of the mountains in addition to beautiful open meadows below. A horse lover will certainly grab this lot for $975K lot when they discover it. Home Owners Association fees are reasonable at $187.50 per month.  Preserve at Rock Creek is located in Transylvania County with a real estate mileage rate of .42 cents per $100. One more unique feature of the Preserve at Rock Creek is the Caretakers Cabin. This cabin is already built and ready for a resident property manager to occupy. This Caretakers Cabin will be deeded to the association which will entice a property manager to live on site to keep HOA fees under control. A thoughtful future gift from the developer to resident’s of Preserve at Rock Creek.

Muscle Behind Preserve at Rock Creek:

Timothy Bright, Principal of Standard Mortgage Corporation owns the Preserve at Rock Creek per Douglas Stevens. More can be learned about the Bright family at: http://www.standardmortgage.com/content.html?CustomContentID=4966&p=320858&acctid=320858&PVLID=19191

To keep up to date with real estate developer and community news, visit www.southernwayoflife.com

Preserve at Rock Creek’s slogan is borrowed from Albert Einstein: “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” which is thought provoking. We like the other slogan we found in their marketing materials: “Get a lot while you can”.

Catatoga at Lake Toxaway, Western North Carolina

Written September 17, 2009 by Margie Casey, www.southeastdiscovery.com

Location:

Catatoga is easily found off HWY 64 in Lake Toxaway, between Brevard and Cashiers.

Our first impression:

We were greeted at the Sales Center by Jim Staton, Director of Sales for Catatoga. Catatoga is a Merrill Trust Community. Merrill Trust is founded by Harrison Merrill, a self made billionaire based in Atlanta, Georgia. Catatoga has a very attractive entrance with mountain laurel gates, locust rails accenting a stacked stone bridge into the community.  Catatoga elevations range from 2,500 – 3,000 feet.  Merrill Trust Communities bought Catatoga five years ago, upgrading and enhancing the property. Inside the gates is 22 acre Lake Catatoga, Catatoga Falls and Indian Creek Falls.  The community is 308 acres overall featuring less than 100 home sites. To date, 16 cottages have sold and 6 lakefront home sites. Twenty homes are built with four currently for sale at this time. We were particularly impressed with the townhomes in the $300K-$400K range and the 3/3.5 bedroom homes, a great value. Homes are Vernacular designed utilizing mixed textures; popular, mountain laurel, locust and timber materials found locally in Western North Carolina.

We waved ‘hello’ to the construction team as we drove passed them. They are renovating an older home soon to become The Outpost; a convenience store, day spa, and Indian Creek Outfitters right inside the gates of Catatoga. As Jim drove us further along, we passed the former 9 hole golf course which now preserved as open green space which is beautiful. Pinnacle Magazine recently recognized Catatoga as one of the most picturesque communities in the Southern Highlands area of North Carolina. Catatoga amenities are complete and are debt free. Places to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind, can be found at the two story rustic elegant Catatoga Clubhouse which has an outdoor swimming pool surrounding by peaceful waterfalls and colorful flowers, an outdoor Jacuzzi, a complete fitness center, steam room, and sauna. For fun and games inside the Catatoga Clubhouse, billiards, ping pong table, flat screen TV’s, fireplace conversation area, full commercial kitchen for entertaining, and traditional bar area provides an plenty of space for laughs and great conversation. Next to the Catatoga Clubhouse is four Har-Tru lighted tennis courts.

We visited the Lakefront Lodge; a 6 bedrooms 6.5 baths, pure mountain elegance home situated right on Lake Catatoga, now part of The Residence Club of Catatoga, a shared equity ownership program – pure Lock and Leave Luxury. The lake was bordered with canoes, kayaks, a dock, boathouse and hiking trails. The sounds of birds and trees swaying from gentle breezes along the lake stopped us for a moment to ‘experience nature at its best’. Catatoga has over two miles of superb fly fishing streams that meander throughout the community. The lake and streams are stocked with Brook and Rainbow Trout.

More observations about Catatoga:

The roads are paved, some older and need resurfacing. The outdoor swimming pool floor could also use a new coat. We would not be too concerned, for these are normal minor maintenance issues. At this time, privacy home sites are for sale starting at $85K, long range view home sites from $200K-$250K. Lakefront home sites are available from $300K-$400K.  Two more fully furnished 3 bedrooms 3.5 bath homes with high end features are available for $595K which in our opinion would easily sell for $800K-$900K in a normal real estate market.   Families will grab those quickly once they discover them.

Homeowner Association fees are reasonable; $150 per month for homes, only $75 a month for unimproved property, this includes water and garbage pick-up. Utilities are underground except natural gas.  Resident and Non-Resident Social Memberships are $15K plus $675 per quarter. Catatoga is located in Transylvania County with a real estate tax rate of $.42 cents per $100.

Muscle Behind Catatoga:

Harrison Merrill, self made billionaire is founder of Merrill Trust Company based in Atlanta.  In addition to Catatoga, he is turning 1,100 pristine acres near Atlanta into a world class sporting club called Foxhall Resort & Sporting Club. Merrill Trust Company also owns Sky Valley Resort & Country Club in the mountains of Georgia.  You can read more about Merrill Trust Company at:

http://foxhallsportingclub.com/developer

Photo Gallery Collection for Catatoga: http://www.catatogaclub.com/gallery

To keep to date with real estate developer and community news, visit www.southernwayoflife.com

Catatoga’s Slogan “Experience Nature at its Best” is this community’s invitation calling outdoor enthusiasts to explore Catatoga completely surrounded by protected forests. This is an experience you will want to see for yourself.

Burlingame at Sapphire Lake, Western North Carolina

 

Written September 11, 2009 by Margie Casey, www.southeastdiscovery.com

Location:

Burlingame at Sapphire Lake is located on HWY 64 between Lake Toxaway and Cashiers.

Our first impression:
Burlingame at Sapphire Lake is a highly visible community via billboards and the Sales Center location right on HWY 64. We were greeted by Linda Chandler, Property Manager/Broker; an employee of this community for 24 years. She fondly recalls the community at its beginning in 1981, becoming close friends with families over the years that still live at Burlingame today. The project was purchased in 2006 by seasoned local developer, Mark Meadows, and has been completely renovated.  Burlingame at Sapphire Lake was originally called Sapphire Lake. This project has 1,450 acres with 217 homes and 84 condominiums built to date, approximately 70% complete.  Burlingame is not a gated community.

The community is fully amenitized full of recreational opportunities. In addition to the 18 hole Sapphire Lake Golf Course, a picturesque driving range, pro shop, full tennis center (clay and Har-Tru courts), luxurious clubhouse, outdoor heated swimming pool with breath taking long range views of the mountains & the golf course, a top of the line 24 hour fitness center and full service spa from April 1 – Nov 1. When residents work up an appetite and are ready to unwind, the clubhouse is the perfect dining place with three dining rooms choices and two cocktail areas. The golf course will have another 9 holes in the future.  Lake Sequolah itself is inside the community, a 23 acre lake allowing non-combustible engine boats.

Winding throughout the community, beautiful wide Horsepasture River stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Burlingame boasts four miles of groomed hiking trails leading to eleven waterfalls; plus a special preserved Dog Park which is riverfront too.  Burlingame is meticulously landscaped and maintained. The roads are paved, utilities underground. The hardwood trees and lush tropical forest provides a pretty canopy contrasting to the open golf course long range mountain views.  

More observations about Burlingame:

Burlingame at Sapphire Lake is primarily a second home community. Four homes have sold in 2009. The main Sales Center offers new sales and re-sales. Currently,38 homes are for sale from $395K to $1,950,000. 10 Villas are for sale from $308K – $360K. 20 home sites are available from $25K – $895K, most of them in the $300K’s-$400K’s.  In the newest section, Phase II, 18 home sites are for sale averaging $350K-$400K.  This section is 442 acres total, home sites averaging 2 acres. Master Association Annual Dues are $1,315 per year for homes, $1,135 for villas. There are condo/cluster HOA fees , sent by the Board. Linda mentioned the homeowners of Burlingame are in discussions with the developer to take over the association which is normal at this stage of completion.

Residents are not required to be a member. Initiation fees for Golf Membership are $50K, Sport Membership $30K, and Social Membership is $20K.  Annual dues: Golf Membership  $7,800 a year, Sports Membership $5,900 per year, Social Membership $4,500 per year. Non-residents of Burlingame may join the club and enjoy all privileges. All members have minimum dining requirement of $660 per year family, $400 per year single.  Real estate taxes in Transylvania County are .39 cents per $100K.

Muscle Behind the Developer:

Mark Meadows currently owns Highland Properties, a commercial and residential real estate brokerage.

Limited information is available at: http://highlandsproperties.com/  Linda Chandler could not say enough about how honorable Mark Meadows is and happy he bought Burlingame.

To keep up to date with real estate developer and community news, visit www.southernwayoflife.com

Burlingame’s Slogan “Where Nature is Life’s Backdrop” is perfectly chosen.

The Preserve at Wolf Laurel, Western North Carolina

Written September 4, 2009 by Margie Casey, www.southeastdiscovery.com

Location:

The Preserve at Wolf Laurel is located off Exit #3 from I-26 to the right. Billboards indicate ‘follow the signs’. Other than the billboards, there are no signs specifically mentioning The Preserve at Wolf Laurel. When you exit I-26, take a right turn, proceed ½ mile, take left at old large billboard ‘Wolf Laurel Country Club – Ski Area’. Follow the road and take left again when you see Ski Area sign. Follow the road a couple miles,make a right at the fire station/general store. Proceed to the secured entrance gate of The Preserve at Wolf Laurel.

Our first impression:

The Preserve at Wolf Laurel is located inside Wolf Laurel Country Club which was established in the mid 1960’s.  This rustic mountain community comprises 5,000 acres from 3,200 – 5,500 feet in elevation.  We met soft spoken, friendly, Tom Carroll, Sales Consultant inside the Sales Center.  We reviewed the wall size site plan,photo’s of community past events and headed out to see the property.  We stopped at Wolf Laurel Resort Village to see the ‘super –sized’ Post & Timber Outdoor Pavilion connected to an outdoor swimming pool, basketball courts, and three nearby hard top tennis courts.  Residents were gathering tennis gear, laughing and teasing each about who would win this week’s match.  The community is abundant with wildflowers and well maintained. We headed up the paved road to see the Wolf Laurel Country Clubhouse/ Restaurant and Pro Shop.  The Clubhouse is open from May – November. We passed the picturesque golf course, 6,301 yards which is not a Signature Course. Equity family unlimited golf memberships are $24K with annual dues of $2K per year and have today over 250 members.  Social memberships – with ‘pay as you go’ golf privileges are $12K with annual dues of $1K per year.  Beside the clubhouse, there are several condominium buildings, 1 bedroom/1 baths priced from $160K; re-sales. The condominium’s have long range layered mountain views, some with power lines in view.  Villas have 2 bedrooms, 2 baths available for re-sale from $310K. All sales and re-sales are handled through the Sales Center.17 properties/homes have sold so far in 2009 of the 450 remaining. The community will have 1,050 residences in all.  200-250 families currently live at The Preserve at Wolf Laurel year round.

A direct access path to the Appalachian Trail crossing over to Big Bald Mountain is inside the community, pretty awesome for avid hikers. There are two entrances to The Preserve at Wolf Laurel, one on each site of the community. On the older side, where we were, the roads are worn, swales beautifully maintained.  City water, septic systems, and high speed internet serve the community.   As we moved our way through the older section to the newer neighborhoods Buck Town, The Ridges and Steeple Chase, we passed homes and areas that guard rails would have been nice with steep drops. The roads are narrow and worn.  Many of the homes are pedestal homes, cliff style dwellings with absolutely breath taking views.  Once we reached the other side, the roads are new. On this side of the mountain at Mountain Village, another ‘super-sized’ Post & Timber Outdoor Pavilion; amenities proposed include a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, zip line and outdoor lawn/social area.  Home sites range from $60K to $240K including the price incentives offered at this time.  Home Owners Association dues are $1,900 per year, real estate taxes .50 cents per $100. The Buck Town lots are 1-1.9 acres, a great value, the mini log home section of the community; privacy lots, some with views.

More observations about The Preserve at Wolf Laurel:

Inside the community, a public ski resort and public equestrian facility.  During ski season, December-February, shuttles run from outside the entrance gate to the slope all day long. The ski resort is independently managed and has 14 runs with vertical drops up to 700 feet.  The equestrian facility, on the other side of the community, is not a boarding facility. 25-30 horses are available daily for rides, fees from $25-35 per hour.  The Buck House Bed & Breakfast is available for Discovery Packages inside the gates of The Preserve at Wolf Laurel.  Streams and creeks wind throughout the community leading to stocked trout fishing ponds.

Buyers that want an established community and don’t mind being a bit remote,will find The Preserve at Wolf Laurel affordable and find plenty of things to do. Tom Carroll shared with us that the building costs run $130-150 a square foot which is low because of current supply/demand. Many times buyers weigh back and for the cost to build verses buying existing. At The Preserve at Wolf Laurel, building your dream home may weigh more in your favor.

Muscle Behind the Developer:

Willis Williams, developer, is a partner of Evergreen Investment Partners, lives in Connecticut and is a resident of The Preserve at Wolf Laurel.  More can be read about Willis Williams at:   http://www.linkedin.com/profile?authType=name&authToken=UFma&viewProfile=&key=8191868

 To keep up to date with real estate developer and community news, visit www.southernwayoflife.com

Whisper Mountain, Western North Carolina

Written July 24, 2009 by Margie Casey, www.southeastdiscovery.com

New Update August 30, 2009: Southern Living Choose Your Home GiveAway Winner Selects Whisper Mountain – read full story below

Location:

Whisper Mountain is located 19 miles northwest of Asheville, off Highway 63 which, for the most part, is a country road. Department stores, branded restaurants and businesses will be found in Asheville.

Our first impression:

Our drive on Highway 63 from downtown Asheville was uneventful. We were pleased to see signs clearly directing us along the way, updating me with how much further it was to Whisper Mountain. We passed by farms, churches and local Mom & Pop businesses.  As we proceeded through the cypress timber gated entrance, we could see four homes and the 1840’s Canadian Barn which is the restored Sky Lodge Clubhouse. The Clubhouse makes you stop for a moment and take in the breath taking long range views of downtown Asheville & Mount Mitchell.  The community comprises of 270 acres with spring fed creeks winding through the open meadows beyond the entrance. The roads are paved, fiber optic high speed internet and power are underground.  Well and septic systems will serve Whisper Mountain. There are 82 home sites, 25 have sold, from 3-5 acres at 2,700-3,600 feet in elevation.  Home sites start at $99K with most listed in the high $100K’s. In 2008, Whisper Mountain featured the Southern Living Idea Home which I toured and is currently for sale at $995K. This home has more than 5,000 square feet including a detached garage with additional living space. The developer and conservationist, Charlie Ball, described his green choices in each home as we toured them. Whisper Mountain is offering one of the four 2009 Southern Living Choose Your Home Giveaway which is a 1,550 square foot cabin and would be priced at $395K.

More observations about Whisper Mountain:

Whisper Mountain has an amenity called ‘Glamping’ which is their glamorous historic tent camp. The tented camp has queen size beds, hand cut tables, lanterns, fire pits and is located next to the Sky Lodge Clubhouse for bathroom facilities. Babbling streams with rustic bridges and stacked rock wall paths invite exploration. The Sky Lodge Clubhouse is equipped with sophisticated kitchen facilities for entertaining, fireplaces, a fitness center, sauna, and outdoor wrap around decks with spectacular views.  The community has 2 miles of groomed hiking trails and 40 acres of protected parks inside the community. Whisper Mountain is a beautiful property. Although it is a bit remote, we can see residents quickly adjusting to the tranquility having arts, culture and music in downtown Asheville less than an ‘easy’ 30 minute drive. We say ‘easy’ drive because some of the highways such as I-40 & I-26 have high traffic congestion and commercial truckers. Highway 63 is less stressful. Property Owner Association fees are $100 a month.

Muscle Behind Whisper Mountain:

Charlie Ball is from Austin, Texas. He has developed residential and commercial properties for more than 25 years. The amenities at Whisper Mountain are paid for and the project carries no debt. Charlie Ball defines himself as a land steward and has served on Nature Conservancy Boards incorporating conservation easements into many projects.

To see the Photo Gallery: http://whispermountainnc.com/gallery/gallery.php

To keep up to date with real estate developer and community news, visit www.southernwayoflife.com

Whisper Mountain is a secret worth sharing !

Update August 30, 2009 Courtesy of Charlie Ball, Developer

PENNY HAWKES FROM LOUISIANNA WINS THE SOUTHERN LIVING CHOOSE YOUR HOME GIVEAWAY

Birmingham, AL (August 4, 2009)  – Penny Hawkes from LaPlace, La., has won the vacation home of her dreams in the Southern Living Choose Your Home Giveaway presented by MyHomeIdeas.com.

“I didn’t think it was real when I got the phone call, I thought one of my friends was playing a joke,” said an excited Hawkes. “Then I started crying when I got off the phone, I was so shocked.”

Hawkes, who turns 50 in August, entered everyday, and chose the home plan Whisper Creek located in Whisper Mountain near Asheville, N.C.

“I’m originally from North Carolina, and my parents are still there. I never entered to win the other homes, only the one in Asheville,” added Hawkes. “My husband and I have talked about retiring and going back there, so this really is a dream come true.”

 Congratulations Penny Hawkes !

Lely Resort Golf & Country Club, Naples, Florida

Written August 29, 2009 by Margie Casey, www.southeastdiscovery.com

Location:

Lely Resort Golf & Country Club is located off US 41 (Tamiami Trail) west of I-75 towards Marco Island. Enter at the famous monument Lely Freedom Horses, iron statues of thunder bred horses. Lely Resort Golf & Country Club is minutes from 5^th Avenue shopping in downtown Naples, 15 minutes from the beautiful beaches of Marco Island.

Our first impression:

We heard again about this affordable award winning master planned community with three golf courses inside the community, so we made my way across to state to check it out.  We were greeted by Susan Joyce, Sales Associate for Lely Resort Golf & Country Club.  Susan has worked for Stock Development for 6 years and is a 4 year resident at Lely Resort Golf & Country Club, which tells us her belief in the developer and in the project. 

We reviewed the small scale model outlining 13 distinct neighborhoods, more than 3,000 acres of property. Stock Development bought the project from the Lely family back in 2001. To date, 75% of the planned 5,500 homes are sold, 110 homes sold to date in 2009. New sales, re-sales and rentals are marketed at the Lely Resort Golf & Country Club Sales Center. The project is spacious, exceptionally designed, with lakes intertwining throughout the neighborhoods and three signature golf courses part of the development, yet seperately managed. Currently, there are 30 models to choose from and see in these categories:

• Alden Woods luxury coach homes priced from $249K
• Avonlea single family homes from $519K
• Caldecott single family homes from $324K
• The Classics single family homes from $1.149M
• Cordoba single family homes from $437K
• Cottesmore single family homes from $449K
• Covington Place single family homes from $669K
• Legacy coach homes from $319K
• Martinique single family homes from $569K
• Moorgate villas from $314K
• Ole’ flats from $185K
• Ole’ townhomes from $199K
• Ole’ casitas from $224K
• Players Cove coach homes from $304K

 

Buyers have many choices.  Some neighborhoods inside Lely Resort Golf & Country Club are gated, some are not. Each neighborhood has its own Homeowners Association, dues from $226 a month to $486 a month depending on the neighborhood. The Master Association dues are an additional $56 a month. Amenities for residents embellish a resort atmosphere that I would expect to see at a luxury hotel/resort. The Players Club & Spa is a colorful ‘Tommy Bahama’ style 26,000 square foot facility. The swimming pool is a tropical retreat with waterfalls, stone lagoons, palm trees in the center of the pool, a sandy beach, water play area for kids, and separate Olympic lap pool. Residents have pool side food/bar service. The Players Club has an indoor/outdoor restaurant and an outdoor Tiki Bar with 8 TV screens. Inside the club, a business center with 7 computers, a state of the art 3,500 square foot fitness center, steam/sauna facility, full service spa, billiards, and game/movie room. Outside; 7 Har-Tru tennis courts with full service pro shop, bocce ball, and basketball courts.  Residents are required to provide a $6K refundable deposit, dues are $2,050 a year. Ole’s colorful Spanish Mediterranean style neighborhood has its own separate smaller clubhouse/village center loaded with more fun things to do.

More impressions of Lely Resort Golf & Country Club:

Two of the three signature golf courses are public; Flamingo Island – Robert Trent Jones design and The Mustang designed by Lee Trevino. The Classics course designed by Gary Player is private. For the private course: Full Golf Flex Membership has a $45K initiation fee, $8,000 dues/food minimum. Full Golf Membership without golf/social events has a $25K initiation fee, $8,000 dues/food minimum. Social Memberships without golf privileges is $8K initiation fee, $3,000 dues /food minimum. Real estate taxes are 1.125 cents per $100, insurance cost 3% or less.

Muscle Behind Lely Resort Golf & Country Club:

Stock Development is a six generation developer currently led by K.C. Stock, Chairman and Brian Stock, CEO. Stock Development was named developer of the year in 2008 by Lee County. Lely Resort Golf & Country Club is one of several Stock Development projects. More information can be read at Stock Developments website:  http://www.stockdevelopment.com/

Photo Gallery: http://www.lely-resort.net/gallery.aspx

 To keep up to date with real estate developer and community news, visit www.southernwayoflife.com

Lely’s slogan: “Where to Live, Where to Play’” is apropos for buyers looking for a great location and affordability in an established fun development.

Trillium, Western North Carolina

 

Written August 23, 2009 by Margie Casey, www.southeastdiscovery.com

Location:

Trillium is located off Highway 107 South and North Norton Road, at Lake Glenville in Cashiers, North Carolina.

Our first impression:

We almost missed the turn at North Norton Road because there is no sign directing you to Trillium. When you visit Trillium, be sure to look for the Blue Ridge School sign to help you find North Norton Road. The road winds in amongst a forest for 1.6 miles to the attractive main entrance at Trillium.  Trillium is not a gated community, has elevations from 3,800 feet to 4,100 feet directly on crystal clear 100’ deep Lake Glenville, Trillium owning 26 miles of secluded shoreline. Trillium is meticulously landscaped, mature with hardwood trees, sunny and spacious.  Trillium began sales in 1997, has 260 homes built or 66%.  We were greeted at the Sales Center by friendly Guy McKenzie, Sales Consultant for Trillium. Guy reviewed the Master Site Plan, the types of homes available and the neighborhood layout encompassing 1,750 acres. Trillium offers condos, villas, lakeside villas, cottages, patio homes, single family homes and home sites. 90% of sales and re-sales at Trillium are sold through Trillium’s Sales Center. Trillium’s website shows current listings and offerings. Trillium offers buyers options at all competitive price levels. Ten homes have sold in 2009; all were foreclosures, from the spec builder Dan Rice, who sadly passed away. The architectural style for the development is Adirondack and Arts & Craft.

Trillium is loaded with amenities: 18 hole 6,477 yard golf course designed by PGA Senior Tour Player Morris Hatalsky, rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest, a 9 hole garden executive golf course, a pro shop, Trillium Links formal clubhouse/restaurant, Apple Orchard Park – a 6,000 square foot fitness center including indoor & outdoor clay tennis courts, Landings Lake Club – a casual lakeside restaurant, boat rentals, 15 miles of hiking trails and a jammed packed activities calendar for residents. Trillium is clearly a family focused community. As Guy showed us the formal Trillium Links Clubhouse/dining room, we stepped out back for  a minute, on the wraparound porch and lawn, an area pleasing to the eye with stunning long range views, an area perfect for member’s wedding ceremonies.  We could imagine how gorgeous this place must be in the fall, an explosion of color and serenity.

As we drove through the community, we noticed new roads and older roads. Guy said sections of the roads are systematically resurfaced each year.  The swales are beautifully lined with patterned stones and moss helping prevent erosion. We reached The Landings, a casual dining room, outdoor pavilion and bar, the fun refreshing stop for Trillium families enjoying a day on the lake. It is rare to see a lake this size, 1,450 acres, at this high elevation.  Lake Glenville only fluctuates 3’-5’ per year.  Trillium has thirty floating ‘day docks’, shared on a rotating schedule, by Trillium boat owners. Trillium owners can also rent boats, pontoons, kayaks and canoes.

More observations about Trillium:

Trillium is located in Jackson County with low real estate taxes .28 cents per $100. Power and fiber optics are underground. Shared well and septic systems serve Trillium. Master Association Dues are $1,000 per year. All amenities are paid in full, no debt per Guy. Trillium has not been turned over to the property owners.  Buyers at Trillium must provide a $50,000 refundable deposit for unlimited golf privileges,$40,000 for limited golf privileges. Ascending / descending family lines of member’s may enjoy all amenities at Trillium.

In addition to the refundable deposit, full Trillium Membership is $8,600 per year plus an additional $500 for a dining membership.   Trillium charges property owners an assortment of new construction fees totaling $8,250 if owners decide to build.  In addition, each neighborhood has its own association, charging additional dues from $322 per month to $526 per month.  The real estate tax savings in Jackson County pays a good percentage of the annual full Trillium Membership when you compare Jackson to other counties.  Owners at Trillium have the option of offering their homes for rent through Trillium’s sister company, Mountain Vacation Rentals, located in downtown Cashiers.

Nearby sister property, Chinquapin, offers wilderness cabins, equestrian options, mountain biking and fly fishing experiences.  When Guy finished showing us the property, we sensed this community is a place folks just don’t want to leave.

Muscle Behind Trillium:

Rusty Culbreth is CEO of Trillium Land Company and Greg Ward is President. Recent Financial Information dated February 25, 2009 can be viewed at: http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:31UPyFFCXzIJ:mountainforum.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/trillium-fob-report.doc+trillium+land+company+rusty&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Photo Gallery can be viewed at: http://www.southeastdiscovery.com/communities/trillium

To keep up to date with real estate developer and community news, visit www.southernwayoflife.com

Trillium’s Slogan: “Where Families Belong” could not be more perfect!

Wolf Creek Ranch, Western North Carolina

Written August 19, 2009 by Margie Casey, www.southeastdiscovery.com

Location:

Wolf Creek Ranch is located off Wesley Creek Road, 4 miles from Max Patch Road (HWY 209) in the Fines Creek area.

Our first impression:

We met Martha Sawyer, dedicated Re/Max Broker representing Wolf Creek Ranch at Ferguson Supply Store. As we traveled to Wolf Creek Ranch, Martha shared with me information about the property.  We turned onto Wesley Creek Road which is a winding rural road for 2.5 miles, becoming a bumpy unpaved road for the next 1.5 miles to the entrance.  Martha shared with us that the NCDOT has approved $1.5 million dollars to pave the remaining section, hopefully as early as summer of 2010. This road currently is very narrow, worn with erosion. During the paving process, we wondered how will the residents/owners access this community?

We reached the iron gated entrance, attractive with mountain wildflowers. The roads inside Wolf Creek Ranch are wide gravel. There are no plans to pave these roads. Wolf Creek Ranch has 54 home sites within 300 acres, 53 acres preserved as green space.  Since 2004, 15 home sites have sold, 1 home is under construction, 1 home complete with a full time resident, no sales since 2007. As we explored the project, we could see many of the home sites have gorgeous views of Pisgah National Forest and Great Smoky Mountain National Park. One mile of the property borders Pisgah National Forest providing a direct gateway into the forest for residents. Septic/pump and well systems serve the property.  

We reached the Wolf Creek Ranch Equestrian Center. The pastures are over grown, somewhat neglected and the new 8 stall barn is vacant. The barn has hot/cold water shower stalls, tack room, bathrooms and a kitchen.  We were sad to see it empty and lifeless. There must be a non-profit equestrian organization that would cherish using this facility, temporarily, bringing life and exposure to this remote community. Located on a hill above the barn, is a beautiful outdoor pavilion with meadow views, fire pit, outdoor furniture and wooden bridge leading down a running stream.

More observations about Wolf Creek Ranch:

Prices start at $119K up to $795K, most around the $179K range.  The company has an attractive website. I did not receive a brochure, not sure if they have one. When the remaining 1.5 miles of Wesley Creek Road are paved, Wolf Creek Ranch will be less of a hard sell to today’s skeptical buyers.  Property Owner Association fees at $750 per year, Haywood County Real Estate Taxes at .497 per $100.  

Wolf Creek Ranch is a sister property to Brigadoon, The Preserve at Fines Creek, Loughrea Plantation, Flat Branch Hounds and Brigadoon Polo Club.

 

 

Muscle Behind Wolf Creek Ranch:

Wolf Creek Ranch is owned by Edgar Cato, founder of Charlotte based Cato Fashions, a publically traded women’s apparel store, more than 1,000 stores in 31 states. http://www.catofashions.com/

Edgar Cato is also a Championship Regatta sailboat racer. http://nautica.it/notizie/edgar-cato-wins-12-metre-world-championships_2005090195.htm

During the current real estate market, it is not uncommon to see many developers ‘sitting on the sidelines’, instead of improving/maintaining their communities.  Wolf Creek Ranch falls into this category.

Photo Gallery: http://www.wolfcreekranchnc.com/gallery.php

 To keep up to date with real estate developer and community news, visit www.southernwayoflife.com

Wolf Creek Ranch’s slogan “A Ranch Within The Forest” is true, too bad more people and horses aren’t enjoying it.