WESTERN NC REAL ESTATE INSIDER: 2010

Sapphire Mountain Golf Course For Sale-Now in Bankruptcy

Pre-Foreclosure for Sapphire Mountain Golf Course in Western North Carolina. The latest news!

Formally the Sapphire Mountain Golf Course, now Sapphire National Golf Course. Sapphire National Golf Course is one of the only public golf courses in the Western North Carolina mountains, specifically the Cashiers, Highlands exclusive resort community.

For additional information on the golf course please call 813-784-7744

The latest news posted in the Crossroads Chronical Newspaper in March 2010:

Sapphire National LLC, which includes Sapphire National Golf Club was placed in Involuntary Bankruptcy Chapter 11 by its creditors on March 22-23. The course and adjacent Sapphire Brewing Company remain open and according to co-managing partner Craig Shatto, the struggling business needs local support now more than ever to survive.

More History:

This was an orignal article published in the local newspaper in 2007 explaining the improvements that were going to be made by current owners who now have the course for sale.

By Kelly Donaldson, Editor

The Sapphire Valley Master Association voted 7-0 to approve the plans for the future of the golf course.
"A lot of hard work went into this project over the last 100 days and we were very pleased with the turnout and support that we had from the community and master board," said potential new buyer Shatto. "We're looking forward to the restoration of the golf course and enhancing the play. In doing so, working with the community and all its members on activities and other events."

"I believe it's a win, win, win for everybody," said Mays, the current owner. "It's a great thing for the community. It's a great thing for the golf course to stabilize and make a community that we all want."

Some of the details revealed at last Tuesday's meeting were that over $1.5 million would be spent on golf course improvements over the next year. There are plans for new clubhouse facilities; to honor special annuals and Sapphire amenity holders; first of right refusal and option for SVMA to purchase the course prior to year 2011; small development around the course involving a possible Inn, restaurant, spa, condos or timeshares, and overall improvement of the property."The whole deal is on go," said SVMA board member Jack O'Connell. "What they presented to us, the entire board took a vote and voted 7-0 to proceed with it. We told them we'd cooperate any way we could, within reason. "We the people that came to the meeting if we should proceed, and everyone agreed we should," added O'Connell. "Not one person raised their hand and said we shouldn't. It's for the good of the area and to see if we can make it better."

One noteworthy detail from the public hearing was speculation that litigation by both parties could be exonerated, meaning ongoing legal battles between current owner Danny Mays and the SVMA will end, paving the way for a fresh start for the new owners and the SVMA.

"There's definitely a possibility of that happening," said Mays. "That would be another win for everyone involved." O'Connell also agreed that the lawsuits may be dropped. "I understand that is the way it is, that all the lawsuits are to be dropped," said the board member. "But I can't speak for other people as far as the board is concerned."

The new buyers intend to have a "meet and greet" party sometime in mid-October to present their plans regarding golf course renovations and development, as well as to receive overall feedback from the players and owners. "We'll be discussing the restoration," said Shatto.

The first public meeting was held on July 9, also at the Sapphire Valley Community Center, where about 250 people attended and listened to the potential new owners' introduction and overview of plan.

Overall, O'Connell said changes at the course were almost necessary for progress. "Not to go forward is to go backwards," said O'Connell.

Things to do Memorial Day-Cashiers,Highlands,Sapphire NC

Spring is almost here and Highlands, NC has plenty to do

Highlands Up on the plateau the outdoors mix with the upscale.
A Western North Carolina Resort Town

Highlands is on the west side of a mountain plateau that drops abruptly down on both sides and is surrounded by national forest land. The area has evolved as a high-end resort community, home to upscale boutiques, spas, wine tastings, fine art galleries, professional theater troupes, a summer chamber music series, numerous country clubs and golf courses, and an endless selection of fine dining.

At 4,100 feet in elevation, Highlands is actually in a temperate rainforest and receives about 90 inches of rain a year. The town straddles the Eastern Continental Divide — water falling on one side flows to the Atlantic, on the other to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. The elevation also contributes to the town’s extremely seasonal residency, as once the leaves fall so does the population.

It is said that the town of Highlands was conceived in the late 1890s by two developers, Samuel Kelsey and Clinton Hutchinson. Kelsey and Hutchinson drew two lines on a map, one from New York to New Orleans, the other from Chicago to Savannah. The intersection, they thought, would be ideal for a resort. They thought right.

In the late 1920s, construction of Highlands Country Club put the town on the map. Golfing great Bobby Jones had a summer home at the club, and he still holds the course record.

Attractions
• The Bascom — An independent non-profit art center, this gallery offers a host of workshops, lectures and exhibits for adults and kids, which vary in length. Located at 554 Main Street in Highlands. 828.526.4949.

• Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center — The Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center brings the performing arts to the Highlands. 828.526.2742.

• Highlands Nature Center and Botanical Garden — On the campus of the Highlands Biological Station, a research and educational facility of the University of North Carolina founded in 1927. The WPA-built Nature Center features exhibits, daily programs and weekly summer camps for children, a Thursday evening lecture series exploring environmental topics, and special programs for all ages throughout the summer. The Botanical Garden offers 12 acres of native plants in a diversity of natural habitats, from upland woods to cove forest and wetland. Special features include a native azalea garden, Plants of the Cherokee, a butterfly garden, and the Station’s own self-guided Bartram Trail consisting of 30 native plants associated with 17th century naturalist William Bartram.

Garden tours are given weekly. The Nature Center is open 10 am - 5 pm Mon - Sat mid-May through October, and is available for school groups by appointment the remainder of the year. The Botanical Garden is open year round, dawn to dusk. Admission to the Nature Center and Botanical Garden is free, though some special programs and camps have a small fee. Call 828.526.2623 or see www.wcu.edu/hbs for detail.

• The Highlands Playhouse — Professional theater on the plateau. Season runs July-October. Call 828.526.2695 for shows, times and prices.

• Waterfalls — Driving 64 West will take you past Lower and Upper Cullasaja Falls, Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, some of the area’s most popular waterfalls.

• Whiteside Mountain — Perhaps the most famous site on the Plateau. The rocky face of the mountain is familiar to all who visit the region. The mountain is between Highland and Cashiers and is accessible by a two-mile loop trail that begins off Whiteside Mountain Road.

Dining & Nightlife

• Bistro at Wolfgang’s — Opening at 3 p.m. for small plates and wine in a cozy, relaxed setting. Outdoor seating available. 474 Main St. in Highlands. 828.526.3807.

• Buck’s Coffee Café — Coffee drinks and more with live music on weekends. 384 Main St. in Highlands. 828.526.0020.

• Cyprus Restaurant — Sophisticated international cuisine in a vibrant open kitchen environment. Generous hours, full wine bar. Live entertainment every Friday night. 490 Dillard Rd. 828.526.4429.

• Fressers Eatery at Helen’s Barn — A full service restaurant in Historic Helen”s Barn serving lunch and dinner. Sandwiches, salads, homemade soups as well as fresh seafood and decadent desserts. Complete wine list. 151 Helen’s Barn Ave. 828.526.4188.

• Highlands House of Coffee — Coffee and more. 310 Main St. in Highlands. 828.526.5578.

• Highlands Wine and Cheese — Entertainment on the weekends. 561 Main St. in Highlands. 828.526.5210.

• Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden — Located in the historic Old Edwards Inn and Spa, the 92 seat fine dining restaurant features Carolina High Country cuisine with an exceptional wine list. Winner. Alfresco dining in the wine garden. Menu changes weekly. 445 Main Street. 828.526.5477.

• On The Veranda — American Fusion overlooking Lake Sequoyah. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 1987 and Wine Enthusiast Award of Distinction. Serving dinner 7 nights a week with a wine bar and entertainment nightly. 1536 Franklin Rd. in Highlands. 828.526.2338.

• Peregrine Restaurant — The menu is classic continental American and is entirely handmade. Full service bar overlooking the golf course at Highlands Cove. Reservations suggested. Highlands Cove Drive. 828.787.2465.

• Ristorante Paoletti — Italian dining since 1953. Specializing in veal, chops, pasta and seafood. 1,000 selection wine cellar. 440 Main St. 828.526.4906.

• Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro — New Orleans specialties, house aged steaks, fresh seafood, veal and venison. Featuring daily specials. Wine Spectator Award Winning Wine List. Reservations recommended. 474 Main St. 828.526.3807.

Check out our great Real Estate Deals in the mountains while you are here! It's a BUYERS MARKET!

For more information regarding Homes for Sale, Golf Course Acreage,Large Parcels of Land and Lots for sale in the Western North Carolina Area call

813-784-7744

WNC Golf Courses popular in UK

America is a country of incredible golfing diversity - from the desertscapes of the south-west to the forested parkland lay-outs of the Appalachians to the stunning coastal gems of California and Florida. But one area really stands out for the variety and sheer number of quality courses it offers.

From WESTERN NC REAL ESTATE INSIDER

North Carolina, on the US eastern seaboard to the south of Washington DC, boasts more than 400 golf courses sprinkled from the highest mountains east of the Mississippi to its 300 miles of beautiful coastline.

According to the National Golf Foundation, North Carolina is one of the five most popular destination states for golf travelers - and it's remarkably accessible from the UK.

What's more, golf is just as much of a tradition in this part of the US as it is here in the UK, with courses stretching back to late Victorian times.

North Carolina has more than 70 golf courses ranked by Golf Digest as four star or higher. Pinehurst No. 2 and Wade Hampton Golf Club in Cashiers (near Asheville) both ranked among the world's top 100 courses according to Golf Magazine.

Looking to live on a golf course in Western NC?

For more information regarding Homes for Sale, Golf Course Acreage,Large Parcels of Land and Lots for sale in the Western North Carolina Call 813-784-7744 or email us raecatseo@gmail.com

FiveStone Development Bulk Purchase-WNC Mountains

Land Development for Sale!!

The developers of this unique mountain subdivision in Western NC

are ready to sell!

Total of 18 lots-4 sold

This developement has 45 acres of pristine land remaining at 4,100ft elevation.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to own the whole development packaged turn key.

This is an exclusive listing not advertised anywhere else.

The FiveStone Development is ideally situated in Cashiers, North Carolina. Cashiers is a fast paced growth resort community. FiveStone is easily accessible via two way paved roads with an access gate entry. This trophy property is positioned in a well established location with limited competition. It is the last of the choice properties in the area, with excellent views at a lower price point.

Located within a few hundred yards the community is a Trail Head for 6,300 acres of National Forest known as Panthertown Valley.
FiveStone owners will enjoy the benefits of the Sapphire Valley Resort amenities.
Sapphire Valley Resort includes eight Har-Tru tennis courts, 18-hole championship course, enjoy sailing, canoeing, swimming and fishing on the 55-acreLake Fairfield. Sapphire Valley boasts a ski lodge with 3 ski slopes in the winter and indoor outdoor pools, fitness center and saunas year round. Children’s activities during the summer months.

Within a 30 minute drive of the property, in all directions, owners can enjoy waterfalls, scenic views, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, swimming, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, golfing, tennis, horseback riding, fine dining and shopping.

The major metropolitan hubs are Atlanta within 2 hours and Asheville and Greenville within 1 ½ hours.

The seller is interested in selling the property as a whole; with a possible joint venture.

*The property is vested in NC and septic permits are in place.

For more information regarding Large Parcels of Land and Lots for sale in the Western North Carolina Area call 813-784-7744

High Hampton Cashiers, NC sponsors wildflower workshop

High Hampton sponsors wildflower workshop

High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, N.C., will hold a Wildflower Workshop. Explore 1,400 acres of spring blooms along with experts from the North Carolina Botanical Gardens. Days will be filled with walks, field trips, seminars and demonstrations. Sunday evening, the Inn will host a wine and cheese reception inviting guests to converse with the botanists in a setting outside of the workshop environment.

Local wildflower enthusiasts not staying at the Inn can participate in the six programs for a fee of $110 per person. For information or reservations, call 800-334-2551 or visit http://www.highhamptoninn.com/.

Take advantage of our buyer's market while you're here!

For more information regarding Homes for Sale, Golf Course Acreage,Large Parcels of Land and Lots for sale in the Western North Carolina Area mailto:info@carolinapg.com or call 828-226-8837

Cashiers,WNC makes NC's Top 100 Golf Courses

Golf Course Acreage for sale. Call 828 226 8837 for details

15 WNC golf links rank in NC's top 100
Five layouts among top 14
Keith Jarrett

As usual, the mountains of Western North Carolina are well represented in the annual rankings of the state's top 100 golf courses.

A total of 15 layouts – including five of the top 14 – in the N.C. Golf Panel's 2009 list of top 100 courses are in WNC.

The highest-ranked local course is No. 3 Grandfather Golf & CC in Linville, one of three High Country choices in the state's top 11.
Elk River Club in Banner Elk, Jack Nicklaus' first WNC design, is No. 8 and the Donald Ross classic Linville GC is No. 11.

Buncombe County's highest-ranked course is also a famed Ross layout, Biltmore Forest CC at No. 12.

“We're delighted to be ranked inside the top 15 in the state,” said BFCC president Bill Brazil. “I've played this course for 35-40 years and you never tire of it.

“That's quite a list (of WNC courses). Grandfather is a perennial top five course - I can't think of a better layout in the state - and Linville is a fantastic Ross course.”

World-renowned designer Tom Fazio of Hendersonville built the No. 14 course, Wade Hampton GC in Cashiers.
Arnold Palmer Designs makes its first appearance on the list at No. 24, with Balsam Mountain Preserve near Sylva, chosen by the panel as Best New Course for 2009.

The panel, which consists of about 150 media members (including the author), golf industry personnel, amateur players and business leaders, had an outing at Balsam Mountain last year and came away impressed.

“Not only do I think it's the best new course in the state, I think it's one of the best, period,” said Roger Taylor of Conover. “I rate it with some of the best I've ever played.”

The other WNC courses and their rankings include: Bright's Creek in Mill Spring (No. 21); The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in Avery's Creek (31); Linville Ridge in Linville (39); Lake Toxaway CC (59); Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa (60); Mount Mitchell GC in Burnsville (67); Hound Ears in Blowing Rock (85); Boone GC (94) and Trillium Links in Cashiers (98).
For a complete list of the top 100 courses and a breakout of the top layouts by region, go to http://www.ncgolfpanel.com/.

For more information regarding Homes for Sale, Real Estate,Golf Course frontage, Large Parcels of Land and Lots for sale in the Western North Carolina Area mailto:info@carolinapg.com or call 828-226-8837