The Cashiers Highlands Plateau

Cashiers, Highlands, Glennville - Is the Fed going to Bail out the Real Estate Market

2008-12-04T11:32:00.001-08:00

This is a special update courtesey of Jim Mullen, at Metro Citi Mortgage. This will make it the ideal time to purchase your secound home.... Come to the Cashiers, HIghlands, Glennville area and experience the beauty that is the Plateau..... 4.5% that would be nice!!!

SPECIAL UPDATE

Government officials have been under enormous pressure to help stabilize home prices and prevent foreclosures. At the same time, they don't want to appear to be using taxpayer money to bail out undeserving individuals and institutions. As Fed Chief Bernanke stated, the solution may involve a "full range of coordinated measures" aimed at different aspects of the problem.The government has already put many programs in place, and others are under discussion. The Fed and the Treasury have used billions of dollars to provide financial institutions with capital to make loans. Last week, they instituted a program to buy MBS to push mortgage rates lower. Yesterday, the Treasury announced that it is considering a plan which would offer below-market mortgage rates for some loans used to purchase homes. The program being discussed involves the Treasury investing in MBS guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac, which contain purchase money loans at a specified rate (4.5% was the initial proposal). The lower rates will not be available for refinancing loans. There has been no indication that these loans will have special underwriting or eligibility requirements.Keep in mind, the timing and the final form of this latest program is not known. As we have seen recently, most notably with the $700 billion TARP rescue plan, government programs can change significantly before their implementation. The incentive to execute such a plan is compelling, however. Lower mortgage rates make homes more affordable. As more people purchase homes, prices will stabilize more quickly and new home construction will pick up, giving the overall economy a much needed boost.See Live MBS prices and analysis at www.mbsquoteline.com (800-627-1077)

For information on how to become a member of the Highlands, cashier community call Mathew S. Kowal at O:828.743.7077 C:404.394.7144

For more information on the mortgage market contact Jim Mullen:

Jim MullenLoan Consultant 828 743-7073 Office Mountain Village Mortgage, 828 200-9168
Cella Division of Metrocities Mortgage, LLC 828 743-9830 Fax3065 Hwy 64 jmullen@metrocitiesmtg.com E mailSapphire, NC 28774

Building Christmas Tradition in Cashiers North Carolina

2008-11-24T09:08:00.001-08:00

As Christmas approached last year I found myself without a tree... but from this dilema a tradition was started.... I found my way to the Tom Saweyer Tree Farm in Cashier North Carolina on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau and tradition was found. FOr an experience unlike anyother take your family to the Tom Sawyer Tree Farm this year for the finest in choos and cut trees, garland, and many other christmas needs. The smell of the hot cider, and friendly staff will be sure to provide you and your family an afternoon of fun, as you search for that perfect tree. I have attatched some additional information I found on the tree farms website, enjoy! The tree farm is open beggining November 22 from 9-5 and closed on Thanksgiving.

One of the special things about the Christmas holidays is tradition, events and customs that are handed down from generation to generation. It can be your favorite Aunt’s homemade apple pie she brings every Holiday, dad’s reading of The Night before Christmas after Christmas Eve dinner or even lighting the angel on top of your tree and remembering the true reason for the season.
It doesn’t matter if you are newlyweds sharing your first Christmas or a family with children, come visit our farm and let us help you start another family Christmas tradition; an annual trip to Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farms to find that perfect tree.
See the anticipation build as your children explore the farm full of excitement at what they will find. Share in their joy as they grab your hand to show you the ‘perfect tree’. Take in the memory and tuck it away in your heart as your family surrounds the tree that you have all agreed is the one!
It could be a cold and windy day when you visit Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farms but we’re sure the thrill of finding the right Christmas tree for your home will not only warm your body, but your heart as well.
At the most joyous time of the year, create a memory that will last a lifetime!

Tom Sawyer's Christmas Tree Farm is located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, sixty miles south of Asheville and just twenty miles north of Franklin, North Carolina.
We have over eighty acres of farms dedicated to growing the finest Fraser Firs. Sizes of trees range from three feet to twelve feet in height so there is sure to be something for even the most discriminating Christmas tree lover.
The farm looks across Lake Glenville at 3800 feet elevation and is open come rain, shine or even snow. Our hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm beginning the Saturday before Thanksgiving. We are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
We invite you to make this a wonderful family experience. Bring the kids. Bring the dog too! Don’t forget to pack a lunch and sit at one of our many picnic tables. Enjoy the view of the area with its ponds, barns and of course, a seemingly endless selection of Christmas trees just waiting to be discovered.
From our family to yours, may the peace and joy of the holiday season stay with you all year long.

So come on out and create lasting memories for you and your family to share for many years....

HOW TO GET THERE

From AtlantaTake I-85 North to I-985. I-985 turn into 441 North.Take 441 Through Dillard Georgia .Just past Dillard Take a right onto 106 at the Chevron towards Highlands .At the light in Highlands take a right and then a left at the first light onto 64 East.Go 10 miles to Cashiers and take a left at the light onto 107 north.(At the Exxon)Go 6 miles and turn left on Lakeside Circle Drive. There will be a Sign and is across from Happs Place Restaurant.Go about 1/2 mile and farm is on your right.

From CharlotteTake I-77 North to I-40.Take I-40 west towards Hickory .Go to Asheville and take I-26 East.Go to Exit 40 (Airport Exit) and turn right toward Brevard.Go to Brevard and take 64 West towards Cashiers.Go to Cashiers and take a right onto 107 North.Go 6 miles and turn left on Lakeside Circle Drive. There will be a Sign and is across from Happs Place Restaurant.Go about 1/2 mile and farm is on your right.

From AshevilleTake I-26 East. Go to Exit 40 (Airport Exit) and turn right toward Brevard.Go to Brevard and take 64 West towards Cashiers.Go to Cashiers and take a right onto 107 North.Go 6 miles and turn left on Lakeside Circle Drive. There will be a Sign and is across from Happs Place Restaurant.Go about 1/2 mile and farm is on your right.

From GreenvilleTake 123 towards Easley and Clemson. Stay on 123 to Seneca.In Seneca take a right on 28 towards Walhalla. Go through Walhalla to Mountain Rest.In Mountain Rest bear right onto 107 North.Take 107 North to Cashiers. At the intersection go straight 6 miles and turn left on Lakeside Circle Drive. There will be a Sign and is across from Happs Place Restaurant.Go about 1/2 mile and farm is on your right.

For more information on how to build your permentant mountain memories Contact Mathew S. Kowal with The Blue Ridge Summit Group at O:828.743.7077 or C:404.394.7144

Real Estate in Cashiers, Highlands, and Glennville North Carolina

2008-11-22T13:34:00.001-08:00

Originally from cleveland, I have been coming to the Cashiers area since 1997 as a volunter for the National Ski Patrol. I have been ablsolutley in love with the area ever since. In 2005 I decided to make Cashiers my home. We have recently formed The Blue Ridge Summit Group. We are a new developer team specializing in "Turn Key" operations. We offer full service listing agents offering staging/interior decorating, comprehensive proactive marketing plans, and anything else you may need. We also have exclusive buyers, agents for estate homes, lots, and large tracts of land. Whether its the dream of building a cozy cottage tucked amidst the natural wonders of the mountains, a weekend getaway from the stress of the city or your dream estate with endless mountain veiws, let us take you there.
Contact Mathew S. Kowal O:828-743-7077
C:404-394-7144

Christmas on The Cashiers Highlands Plateau - Cedar Creek Farms

2008-11-20T08:04:00.001-08:00

If you have ever visited the Cashiers Highlands Plateau, then you have surely seen the Christmas Tree farms. One of the most popular is the Cedar Creek Farm. I found this information on their website and hope that you will consider brightening your holidays with a tree from the Cedar Creek Farm.... If your in the market for wholesale trees there couldn't be a better place.

Cedar Creek Farms - Cashiers, NC

Looking for the perfect addition to your home's Christmas decorations? What could be better than a Wholesale North Carolina Fraser Fir Tree from Cedar Creek Farms in Cashiers, NC!
Cedar Creek Farms, located in the Western North Carolina mountain city of Cashiers, NC, has been providing individuals and businesses with high quality, low cost North Carolina Fraser Fir Trees for over four decades. Over time, Cedar Creek Farms has remained the premier provider of premium Fraser Fir Trees in North Carolina and the Southeastern United States.
Fraser Firs, the "Cadillac of Christmas Trees", are known for their needle retention and strong boughs. The history of these resilient Christmas Trees is almost as old as Christmas itself, so don't miss out on these high quality Wholesale Christmas trees.
North Carolina Christmas Trees are known worldwide, and Cedar Creek Farms provides the best Wholesale Christmas Trees available! Due to the high elevation, cool climate, and frequent rainfall, North Carolina Trees experience the perfect natural climate for tree-growing. Our trees, ranging from 3 to 10 feet tall, are hand planted, and maintained for up to 12 years for maximum health. At Cedar Creek Farms in Cashiers, NC, we have been providing quality North Carolina Trees for over forty years!
If you want the perfect Wholesale Fraser Fir Christmas Trees for your home or business, make sure to visit Cedar Creek Farms in Cashiers, NC for all your Wholesale Christmas Trees help!

Cedar Creek Farms is located in Cashiers, NC in Jackson County, near the touching points of North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina. To contact us for more information about pricing and delivery, please contact Adrian Fowler at (828) 743-2347, or (828) 399-0326. We look forward to doing business with you!

For more information on how to visit our beautiful community or if your interested in becoming a part of this magnificent mountain community contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group O:828-743-7077

Westmark Development - Western North Carolina Communities

2008-11-19T10:23:00.001-08:00

Westmark is a multi-state enterprise involved in real estate development and related businesses. Westmark's principal office is located in Dubuque, Iowa and maintains satellite offices in Vero Beach, Florida, Cashiers, North Carolina, and Livingston, Montana. Westmark has been in the development business since the early 1970's and has a well earned reputation for developing quality, well received properties in both the residential and commercial arenas. Residentially, Westmark concentrates on unique, one-of-a-kind properties, principally in the second home, recreational market, involving itself in everything from land sales to condominiums. Commercially, Westmark has developed medical parks, corporate parks, marinas, warehousing facilities, and office buildings. Westmark's affiliates, Matherne Construction, Signature Kitchens, and NexTec, Inc., provide Westmark with a presence in the high-end construction, cabinetry, and environmental industries. Westmark Development first began real estate development in the 1970s with the construction of a condominium complex. Westmark continues to develop commercial and residential real estate in Dubuque, Iowa, Vero Beach, Florida and the surrounding area, Cashiers and Sapphire, North Carolina and Big Timber, Montana.

FloridaPalm Island PlantationLocated in Vero Beach, Florida, Palm Island Plantation offers magnificent homes and luxurious condominiums styled with an appreciation for outdoor living. The architecture of the British West Indies evokes a charming and nostalgic ambiance, while inviting the exuberance and vibrancy of the lush landscaping indoors with the use of verandas, porches, balconies, and large windows. The luxury gated community of Palm Island Plantation includes, 64 single-residence carriage homes, 6 splendid riverfront homes, 18 luxury condominiums, 17 well-appointed estate homes and our newest addition of our luxury townhomes. For more information visit http://www.palmislandplantation.com/ or contact us today.Matherne Construction CompanyRecognized as one of the leading builders in Vero Beach in such notable communities as Palm Island Plantation, the Estuary, Indian River Club, the Moorings, Marbrisa and Oyster Bay, Matherne understands that building a custom home is one of the major decisions a family makes and one that is filled with excitement as well as anxiety. This is why Matherne dedicates itself to making the entire process - from beginning to end - as satisfying and pleasurable an experience as it should be. For more information visit http://www.matherneconstruction.com/ or contact us today.Signature Kitchens of Vero BeachThe premiere name in quality kitchen and bath business. Signature Kitchens offers three quality cabinet lines featuring custom options and finishes including Dynasty, Omega and Plain & Fancy (exclusive to the Treasure Coast). Signature Kitchens' designers will take your floor plan, ideas and wish list and make your vision a reality. Whether you are a weekend gourmet or a professional chef, our design spaces feature the latest in organizational components: roll outs, pantries, sectioned drawers and exotic wood tops. For more information visit http://www.signatureofvero.com/.For more information about one of our developments, contact us today.

Montana - Crazy Creek RanchesJust outside the town of Big Timber, Montana, lies 1,826 acres which make up Crazy Creek Ranches, Westmark's latest real estate project and the first for the company in Big Sky Country. With exceptional views of the Crazy Mountains and the Absaroka-Bearthooth Mountain ranges, each ranch consists of lush irrigated hay lands, wooded riparian meadows, and wooded creek bottom pastures that are filled with whitetail and mule deer, wild turkeys, pheasant and other wildlife. Fishing enthusiast will find "blue ribbon" trout fishing of cutthroat, rainbow, brown and brook trout on over one mile of Big Timber Creek and Swamp Creek that run through the ranch. The ranches are perfect for the fisherman, sportsman, rancher, or horse enthusiast.The property consists of four distinct ranches in varying sizes from 243 acres to over 600 acres and are conveniently located within one hour of Billings and Bozeman, and 35 miles from Livingston, the northern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. You can find more information on "Crazy Creek Meadow Ranch," "Crazy Creek Silo Ranch," and "Crazy Creek Cliff Ranch" by visiting our sales partner at http://www.newfrontierranches.com/ or by contacting us directly
Contact us at 404-394-7144 or 828-743-7077

The Old Edwards Inn and Spa - Holiday Wine Tasting in Highlands

2008-11-18T10:35:00.001-08:00

These select wine tasting at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa are sure to delight even the most refined of palates... Come join us for an evening to remember this Holiday Season.

Holiday's In The Himmingbird at Old Edwards Inn

Enjoy sumptuous hors d’oeuvres amid
the festive fireside atmosphere of
Hummingbirds Piano Bar. In addition to
great wines, we’ll feature designer gift
baskets with selections from our Spa
and Acorns boutique. Old Edwards Inn
and Spa gift cards will also be available,
so you can give the gift of comfort & joy.

Valet Parking
Arrive at the Front Entrance of
the Inn for Free Valet Parking

Aprés Shopping Wine,
Hors D’oeuvres & Good Cheer
Holidays in the Hummingbird
at Old Edwards Inn
Tastings from 2 pm to 4 pm
$20 at the door, applies toward purchase
Free to Inn Guests

Saturday, 11/22 Italian Wines
Friday, 11/28 Wines of Burgundy
Saturday, 12/06 Sommelier’s Choice
Saturday, 12/13 Opus Event
Saturday, 12/20 Wines of California
For dinner reservations at Madison’s
following the event, call 828-526-8008.
Old Edwards

Contact Mathew S. Kowal to learn how to become a member of our wonderful mountain community O: 828.743.7077 or C: 404.394.7144

Trillium - Where Families Belong In The Western North Carolina Mountains

2008-11-16T10:21:00.001-08:00

When Purchasing a secound home in the Western North Carolina Mountains one should certainly check out the gorgeous and family oriented Trillium.... Come enduldge your senses in a Club experience unlike any other... This is Trillium

Where “getting away from it all” feels like finally coming home

Trillium, a private community nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, offers your family a stunning blend of mountain, lake and golf course living. This is the place where you and your family can return to the things that truly matter.

Trillium Lifestyle

Where life is about people and style is about being neighborly.
Trillium is that place you return to when it's time to reconnect, to feel like yourself again, to feel like you're among friends.
It's that place where kids can just be kids. And parents can too. Even the staff members at Trillium start to seem like old friends. And with more amenities and lake activities than any club in the Cashiers/Highlands area, Trillium homeowners have plenty of opportunities to experience our staff's personal service.

For More information Contact Mathew S. Kowal O:828.743.7077 or C:404.394.7144

Visit this link to explore Trillium's endless options....

http://www.trilliumnc.com/?gclid=CL_NmuahhJcCFRLoxgod4kbudg

The Highlands Cashiers Mortgage Market....

2008-11-15T10:41:00.001-08:00

Here is a copy of Jim Mullen's Weekly update. Jim is gracious enough to update us on a weekly basis on how the mortgage market is shifting... If Jim can ever help you or ansewer questions just give hima call... Or contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

30 year conforming rates are 5.875% and 15 year are 5.5%. About were we were last week. The week was very volatile again with the economic news.

Mortgage TimeMortgage Market News for the week ending November 14, 2008
Compliments of Jim Mullen Mountain Village Mortgage Loan Consultant
PHONE:(828) 743-7073
FAX:(828) 743-9830
https://mail.kendallhunt.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ncmountainvillagemortgage.com
jmullen@metrocitiesmtg.com
3065 Highway 64 EastSapphire, NC 28774
Cell: (828) 200-9168
Events This Week:
Retail Sales Fell
Import Prices Lower
Manufacturing Down
Sentiment Higher
Events Next Week:
Mon 11/17 Industrial Prod.
Tues 11/18 PPI
Wed 11/19 CPI Housing Starts FOMC Minutes
Thur 11/20 Philly Fed

Rescue Plan Changes Direction
For mortgage markets, the biggest news of the week came from Treasury Secretary Paulson during an update on the $700 billion TARP rescue plan. Paulson surprised investors with the news that the Treasury has scrapped the original plan to purchase troubled assets from banks and will use the funds in other ways to support the still "fragile" financial system. Lawmakers and investors were provided few details about the anticipated future use of the funds, and this abrupt shift in plans added to the uncertainty confronting investors in recent weeks.
While mortgage rates ended the week nearly unchanged from the prior week, daily volatility remained high. During October and November, movements in mortgage rates have been much larger than usual, primarily due to the high degree of uncertainty facing investors. Will there be a second major government stimulus package and what form will it take? What will be the impact of the extra debt issued to fund the government programs? Will other countries such as China have less money available to invest in US bonds, including mortgage backed securities, while they stimulate their own economies? Finally, how will the Treasury use the remaining funds from the $700 TARP rescue plan (discussed above)? Once investors have answers to these and other questions, we should see less volatility in mortgage rates.

Also Notable:
China will provide up to $580 billion in fiscal stimulus to boost its economy
October Retail Sales fell a record 2.8% from September
President Bush called for modest financial reforms which would avoid excess regulation
Oil prices fell to $56 per barrel, down from $147 per barrel in July

Average 30 yr fixed rate:
Last week:
-0.49%
This week:
+0.02%
Stocks (weekly):
Dow:
8,600
-250
NASDAQ:
1,540
-100

Week Ahead
The inflation data will highlight the Economic Calendar next week. The important Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation report will come out on Wednesday. CPI looks at the price change for those finished goods which are sold to consumers. The Producer Price Index (PPI) will be released on Tuesday. PPI focuses on the increase in prices of "intermediate" goods used by companies to produce finished products. In addition, Industrial Production, an important indicator of economic activity, will come out on Monday. Housing Starts and the detailed minutes from the October 29 Fed meeting will be released on Wednesday. The Philly Fed index and Leading Indicators will round out the schedule on Thursday. The G20 economic summit, a meeting between large industrialized nations, will take place over the weekend.

To learn more about news impacting interest rates and mortgage markets, go to https://mail.kendallhunt.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.mbsquoteline.comTo learn more about the newsletter, please call 800-627-1077All material Copyright © Ress No. 1, LTD and may not be reproduced without permission.
This email was sent from Jim Mullen at Mountain Village Mortgage. To unsubscribe, email jmullen@metrocitiesmtg.com.

The Blue Ridge Summit Group O: 828.743.7077 or C: 404-394-7144 ask for Matt

Bald Rock and The Divide at Bald Rock

2008-11-12T08:12:00.001-08:00

The best testement to a developer is when people begin building, and make a [lace their new home.....

To anyone who wants to find the perfect place to live:

My husband and I bought our first lot in Bald Rock in 1999 and built and moved into our home in October of 2000. We have since bought another lot and have built another home. (Bald Rock is part of The Divide at Bald Rock.) You ask why? First of all, not all developers are equal. David Bauer with Westmark Development is a man of integrity and he “walks the walk”. He is a “steward” of the land and does everything he can to protect the beautiful natural forested and mountain views that we have, by protecting and preserving. And what you have are beautiful mountain properties that are pristine that also backs up the Panthertown, a 6200 plus, preserve. He made sure that everyone felt welcome and everyone made friends quickly by all the hosted and scheduled events he initiated, that still go on today and throughout the season.

There is something for everyone here, even if you are not a horse owner. You will soon become a horse lover by seeing all the beautiful breeds of horses that some of our owners have. We have bi-monthly horse games at the community barn with lunch provided. We have families of all ages that come together for all the events. Children are always included if they wish to attend. Many neighbors come to just admire all the different antics that go on with the horses. There are community Pavilion dinners. The Pavilion is a beautiful post and beam structure building in The Divide with drop curtains for inclement weather that Dave Bauer built for all to enjoy. There are 2 beautiful fireplaces, naturally shed chandeliers, kitchen for catering and we have had many, many bands there from blue grass to all the latest dances. We also have Gator/Mule/Polaris rides several times a month riding around different properties and this is a “happy hour” motif. In addition, there are many parties given by the individual owners where all are invited. We usually have a New Year’s Eve party as well.

Life is magic at this altitude that can go as high as 4500 feet. We have miles and miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking and riding. We have young families and grandparents with their grandchildren visiting all meshing together. You can see birds soaring, see bear, deer, wild turkeys, watch a beautiful sunrise or sunset, actually see all the stars at night, and you will know and say, “I am finally back home”.
With sincerity, Joe and Shirley Insoft

For information on how to become part of our lovely community contact Mathew S. Kowal at: O:828.743.7077 C:404.394.7144

Western North Carolina Communities...

2008-11-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

Bald Rock is an equestrians haven....Come experience the peace and tranquility that is Bald Rock

775 Gated acres with the most pristine mountain views in all of cashiers. This full service equestrian community is bordered by 6500-acres of Panthertown Valley National Forest. At a breathtaking 4100 feet Bald Rock carefully blends a limited number of estate lots with the natural beauty of a secluded wilderness. If it's a second home, a mountain retreat, or just escaping the city life come visit "Bald Rock".
For information on how to become a member of this magnificent community contact Mathew S. Kowal with The Blue Ridge Summit Group at O:828.743.7077 or C: 404.304.7144

www.baldrock.com

www.divienc.com

Social Gatherings In The Western North Carolina Mountains - The Divide at Bald Rock

2008-11-08T13:43:00.001-08:00

Whether you want to be a social butterfly, or find true peace in the serenity of the mountains, it is The Divide at Bald Rock you have been searching for.....

The Pavilion at The Divide is the spot to gather. Bordered by 6500 acre Panthertown valley national forest, this is the ideal setting for you next gathering. The pavilion hosts events galore all year long. From the monthly pot-luck dinners to the gorgeous fall weddings, the setting is surreal. With a full social calender you can be as active as you choose, or just relax surrounded by 1000 acres of "civilized wilderness". At around 3600 square feet of covered space, there is plenty of room for you and your closest friends. With a full size catering kitchen featuring top-of-the-line appliances and plenty of storage space you event can be as big or as small as you wish.Our Fourth of July Party Epitomizes relaxed mountain living. We gather with our friends, and enjoy the most authentic dishes in good ole' down home American style. With the pavilion draped in red white and blue, the smell of peach cobbler wafting in the air, and the giggle of children in the background, this is a party not to be missed.The annual chili cook-off is always one of our more spicy events.... Each resident is invited to enter a recipe, and then we all gather for a lovely tasting and awards. These and many more events resemble the lifestyle that is The Divide at Bald Rock and Bald Rock. For more information on any of these events or to learn how to become a member of our "Civilized Wilderness" contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group: C:404-394-7144O:828-743-7077http://www.dividenc.com/http://www.baldrock.com/

Bald Rock: The Perfect Place to Live in Western North Carolina

2008-11-06T09:46:00.001-08:00

The best testament to a developers work is when people begin to build and the community come to life. Bald Rock has arrived as the premier equestrian community of the Western North Carolina Mountains...

To anyone who wants to find the perfect place to live:

My husband and I bought our first lot in Bald Rock in 1999 and built and moved into our home in October of 2000. We have since bought another lot and have built another home. (Bald Rock is part of The Divide at Bald Rock.) You ask why? First of all, not all developers are equal. David Bauer with Westmark Development is a man of integrity and he “walks the walk”. He is a “steward” of the land and does everything he can to protect the beautiful natural forested and mountain views that we have, by protecting and preserving. And what you have are beautiful mountain properties that are pristine that also backs up the Panthertown, a 6200 plus, preserve. He made sure that everyone felt welcome and everyone made friends quickly by all the hosted and scheduled events he initiated, that still go on today and throughout the season.

There is something for everyone here, even if you are not a horse owner. You will soon become a horse lover by seeing all the beautiful breeds of horses that some of our owners have. We have bi-monthly horse games at the community barn with lunch provided. We have families of all ages that come together for all the events. Children are always included if they wish to attend. Many neighbors come to just admire all the different antics that go on with the horses. There are community Pavilion dinners. The Pavilion is a beautiful post and beam structure building in The Divide with drop curtains for inclement weather that Dave Bauer built for all to enjoy. There are 2 beautiful fireplaces, naturally shed chandeliers, kitchen for catering and we have had many, many bands there from blue grass to all the latest dances. We also have Gator/Mule/Polaris rides several times a month riding around different properties and this is a “happy hour” motif. In addition, there are many parties given by the individual owners where all are invited. We usually have a New Year’s Eve party as well.

Life is magic at this altitude that can go as high as 4500 feet. We have miles and miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking and riding. We have young families and grandparents with their grandchildren visiting all meshing together. You can see birds soaring, see bear, deer, wild turkeys, watch a beautiful sunrise or sunset, actually see all the stars at night, and you will know and say, “I am finally back home”.
With sincerity, Joe and Shirley Insoft

For Information on how to become a member of this pristine mountain community contact Mathew S. Kowal with The Blue Ridge Summit Group

828.743.7077

404.394.7144

Real Estate In Highlands, Cashiers, and Glennville

2008-11-04T12:38:00.001-08:00

The Blue Ridge Summit Group

A Cashiers Halloween

2008-11-03T08:26:00.001-08:00

It was a spooky Friday all across the Highlands Casheirs plateau.... We saw all the creepy crawlies coming out of the woodwork. Landmark Realty Group hosted their annual open house and left none disappointed.... As the Adam's Family they put out an impressive spread of gouhlish eats and spooky treats, as well as displayed a gorgeous home.

The Plateau was decorated from Sapphire to Highlands and the annual trick-or-treating on main street in Highlands was a hit as usual. This event provides the kids with a great safe place to do their trick-or-treating as well as gives mom and dad a chance to check out the local stores.

The Library Club, Sapphire Mountain Brewery, and Mica's all had their respective Holloween bashes as well.... The Brewery's bash was one of food and fun with some rather impressive costumes. Mica's had their traditional Scary-O-Kee, and everyone had a great time.

And then was the Library's always talked about halloween extravaganza. The stage was set and the band rocked the Library Club till the wee witching hours of the morning. Chef Eric's new

menu has been a hit so far as he is elevating the cuisine at the Library to a new level. Wether it's a fine dinning plate your looking for or his sumptous twists on the old bar classics you can always find a great meal at the Library Club of Sapphire Valley. For more information on the Library or on how to become
a member check out http://www.carolinagetaways.net/product_info.php?products_id=30 or stop by when your in the area...

Halloween was a hit on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau.... For more information on how to become a part of our lovely community contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group and ask for Matt at O: 828-743-7077 or C: 404-394-7144

http://www.dividenc.com/

http://www.baldrock.com/

The Divide at Bald Rock - Western North Carolina

2008-10-30T12:36:00.001-07:00

Divide Your Time... Define Your Life...

The Western North Carolina Mountains offers a beauty all its own. It is a way of life... a place of peace and tranquility that can only be described by living it.

Creekside at The Divide:

Creekside lots nestle up to the bold fresh mountain stream of Little Hogback Creek. With its waterfall backdrop, lush forest, and stunning rock formations this is the hidden gem you have been looking for. If your desire is to experience mountain living the way it was meant to be, you owe it to yourself to experience mother nature at her finest... The Divide At Bald Rock.

Panther Ridge:

Panther Ridge boasts lots at the highest elevations in the community. At around 4500 feet this phase posses views overlooking Panthertown national forest, signature mountains such as Whiteside and Chimney Top, and vistas as far away as Georgia, South Carolina , and the Blue Ridge Parkway. These views simply must be seen to be believed. With only six homesites left this phase is a must see.

Contact Mathew S. Kowal O: 828-743-7077
C:404-394-7144

The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

2008-10-29T08:12:00.001-07:00

"The mission of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is to preservethe natural areas, scenic beauty, and green spacesof the Highlands-Cashiers Plateaufor the enjoyment and benefit of the public."

Disappearing Land
In North Carolina more than 155,000 acres of farm land and open spaces are lost each year to development. That's an average of 427 acres of open space a day, or 17 acres an hour lost forever. That is a land area the size of Charlotte, North Carolina, gone each year that will never be restored. Only you can help us protect our natural lands, water quality and wildlife.

How we Work
A land trust works privately with property owners who have a deep love for their land and want to protect it from intrusive development. Some of the ways we conserve natural areas are through:
-Fee simple donations of land to be owned and protected by the land trust forever
-Conservation easements in which property owners donate certain development rights to the land trust forever, while retaining ownership
-Bargain sales of property to the land trust at a reduced price.
All these protection methods may bring considerable tax benefits to property owners.
The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust exists to help property owners and their community save something they love Please contact us to learn how you can leave a natural legacy for the future.

THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT

The conservation agreement is an effective means of conserving land in North Carolina. A conservation agreement or an easement, have been used to protect lands as varied as mountain ridge tops, piedmont river corridors, farms, Christmas tree farms, and coastal beaches. Nearly half of the 225,000 acres protected by Land Trusts in North Carolina are conservation easements. In Highlands and Cashiers, easements have led to the protection of nearly 1,000 acres.
Because conservation agreements have only recently become popular, most landowners are unaware of how useful this land protection tool can be. Conservation agreements enable landowners to preserve their land, maintain ownership of it, and usually realize significant tax savings and reduced property taxes.
What is a conservation agreement? A conservation agreement is a written agreement between a landowner and a qualified conservation organization such as a Land Trust in which the landowner promises to keep the land in its natural condition and the land trust is granted the right to enforce the agreement and to monitor the property.
The conservation agreement is similar to a declaration of restrictive covenants in a subdivision. It contains a series of restrictions relating to various uses of land.
Conservation agreements are intended to preserve property in its natural, undeveloped condition providing a benefit to the public by conserving open lands, forests, farmland, streams and significant natural resources. Because of the public benefit, there are federal, state, and local tax incentives for the landowner who donates a conservation agreement.
On August 17th, 2006, President Bush signed into law significant new tax incentives for conservation agreement donations that increase these incentives. The new law raises the deduction a landowner can take for donating a conservation agreement from 30 percent of their adjusted gross income in any year to 50 percent and up to a 100 percent for farmers and ranchers; increases the number of years over which a conservation easement donor can take those deductions from 6 to 16 years, and these incentives are in effect for only 2006 and 2007.

For additional information on the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust you can contact them directly or contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

Let it Snow on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau...

2008-10-28T11:13:00.001-07:00

In a place where it rarely snows in the dead of winter we had a beautiful fall dusting last night. It has been a friged week as we in the Western North Carolina Mountains got our first taste of winter this week. The funny part is it was probably colder than it will get all winter. We traditionally have very mild winter here on the Plateau and can enjoy days in the mid 60's even in January.

To miss the fall color of Highlands area mountains is a personal tragedy, it is a time of such beauty that it is hard to describe. Hues of oranges, yellow, red flame from the forests, hills and valleys. Mother Nature's artistic talent at her finest. Fall typically makes a gentle transition into winter, but this year we have been blasted with some cold. Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Years week are very popular times for area inns and restaurants. Winter is also a great time to see the scenic character of property that you might be interested in. During the winter months more and more retail stores, restaurants and inns remain open as the number of visitors to Highlands and Cashiers have increased greatly during these months. The Cashiers-Highlands plateau is quickly becoming a year round destination....

For more information on how to become a member of our lovely mountain community contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

www.dividenc.com

www.baldrock.com

Bald Rock - Equestrian Community in Western North Carolina

2008-10-27T10:06:00.001-07:00

775 Gated acres with the most pristine mountain veiws in all of cashiers. This full service equestrian community is bordered by 6500-acres of Panthertown Valley National Forest. At a breathtaking 4100 feet Bald Rock carefully blends a limited number of estate lots with the natural beauty of a secluded wilderness. If it's a second home, a mountain retreat, or just escaping the city life come visit "Bald Rock".

For information on how to become a member of this magnificent community contact Mathew S. Kowal with The Blue Ridge Summit Group at O:828.743.7077 or C: 404.304.7144

Is the housing market on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau near bottom??

2008-10-26T17:18:00.001-07:00

Here is a great article I found about the housing market. Remember the the Cashiers Highlands market is always a bit ahead of the curve. I hope you enjoy.....

Bottoms Near in Housing Market

By Mike ColpittsEditor

The big question everyone seems to be asking these days is when will the bottom of the housing market hit? The toughest aspect of forecasting any real estate or financial market for that matter is this proverbial age-old question.
The bottom of the real estate market will hit the over-whelming majority of U.S. housing markets beginning in mid-2009 and slowly move across the country through mid-2010, according to the newly issued Housing Predictor forecast. The bottoms for local housing markets won't happen all at once. Instead, they'll occur in stages and slowly spread in domino fashion across the country from one market to another.
The majority of local housing markets are still working through their downturns and won't see lower pricing levels flatten until sometime in 2009, close to what we forecast last April.
In April we also forecast an up tick in home sales in many markets across the country, which developed during late summer as a result of the epidemic of foreclosures. Pent up demand played a part, and now we project lower interest rates will combine to trigger an increase in home sales by late spring, 2009.
The massive $700-billion plus bailout, efforts by special interest groups to limit the number of foreclosures and interest rate cuts will all be part of the effort to stabilize the housing market. Additional efforts by the Fed and Treasury will also act to aid the marketplace.
But the real question consumers might be more concerned about these days is just how long it will take for improving market conditions to develop in the overall housing market. Housing Predictor analysts have examined our data to determine just how many years it will take for the market to show an overall sign of improvement, and at this point in the economic cycle we just aren't sure of how many years it will take for conditions to improve. Our best guess is that that conditions might begin to show overall economic enhancements sometime by 2011.
Although still in housing depressions, markets in California, Florida, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan are showing signs that some markets are nearing their bottoms, despite many of these areas being the hardest hit in the real estate crisis.
The Housing Predictor forecast is based on studies of more than 250 markets regularly tracked by researchers.
As forecast by Housing Predictor, the national mortgage crisis triggered by Wall Street bankers working in conjunction with mortgage companies to sell loans as securities on Wall Street seized credit markets around the globe, to become the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
As government efforts across the world increase to stabilize nation's economies, efforts to stabilize housing markets should develop into improving overall economic conditions in coming months and at least return local housing markets to be more attractive to real estate buyers.

For more information on the Cashiers or Highlands markets, contact Mathew S. Kowal with The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

Are you retiring in Highlands or Cashiers???

2008-10-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

Medical Care on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau should be a concern if your looking to retire to the area.... We have a fantastic facility, The Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. Here is some food for thought when it comes to your health on the Plateau.

The Mission Statement

For more than half a century, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital has been dedicated to serving the medical needs of the people of southern Macon and Jackson Counties. In recent years we extended quality medical care to people in western Transylvania County and to residents of the Sky Valley and Dillard communities in neighboring Rabun County, GA.
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital is a modern 24-bed hospital and 80-bed long-term nursing center (the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center) staffed by highly qualified, dedicated physicians and a caring team of medical professionals.

The hospital continues to expand its services to provide you with the widest possible range of quality heath care. Our full-time medical staff and roster of associated physicians continues to grow.
In fact, medical specialties usually found only in much larger, metropolitan areas are now available locally. We've also expanded the range of diagnostic procedures available "on the mountain" by adding important new equipment and also utilizing a variety of mobile services, including bone density testing, nuclear medicine scans, and stereotactic breast biopsy.
And through our series of community health screenings, we're bringing heath care practically to your doorstep.
Although we've grown in recent years, we still go the extra mile to make you feel special every time you pass through our doors. Whether you are a patient, a family member, or a visitor, you're among friends who care about you as well as for you.

How do I get to the Medical campus????

Highlands-Cashiers Hospital is located just off US 64 between Highlands and Cashiers, NC -- approximately four miles east of Highlands and eight miles west of Cashiers.

From the South, travellers should take GA 246 to the right just north of Dillard, GA (which becomes NC 106) and follow it until it intersects with US 64 in Highlands (turn right at the first stop light and continue on US 64 east until you reach the Hospital campus).

If you need to phone the hospital....

Main Switchboard..................(828) 526-1200
For All Emergencies, Call 911

For more information on how to become a member of our gorgeous mountain community contact Mathew S. Kowal with The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

The Highland Hiker - A staple of the Highlands and Cashiers Area

2008-10-21T07:57:00.001-07:00

When your traveling in the Western North Carolina Mountains, and you find that you have forgotten something, the Highland Hiker is the place to go. With locations in both Highlands and Cashiers you are sure to find what you are missing. The Store is filled with the mountain essentials from socks and shoes, to climbing gear, camping equipment, you name it they've got it. One of my favorite things they sell is the guide to day hikes. It breaks it down for you with difficulty levels, and even how long the hikes take. When you here on the Plateau, don't forget to stop at the Highland Hiker or visit their web-site at http://www.highlandhiker.com/

For more information on how to become a member of our mountain community contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at O:828-743-7077 C:404-394-7144

Highland Hiker Day Hike Guide

The purpose of this trail guide is to provide information to visitors on many of the local hiking trails that can be completed in one day or less. It covers a large area encompassing parts of 3 states, 3 National Forests, and some state and private lands.
The guide includes a general location map to show the approximate location of the trails. It can be used to determine which trails are closest when time is limited. An appendix at the end of the guide lists the trails in the approximate order of their length and severity. The shortest and easiest trails appear first.
Several of the trails detailed in this guide have hand drawn maps to help orientate you before, during, and after your hikes.

Carving up the Highlands Cashiers area....

2008-10-20T19:35:00.001-07:00

A South Africans First Halloween....

As he explained to us that he wanted to carve a pumpkin, we replied, "go ahead". Little did we know or even realize that he was from South Africa and had never carved a pumpkin before. We showed him all different types of Jack-O-Lanterns. Well Floris decided he had the artistic ability to carve some pretty intricate designs. Now keep in mind he is a builder by trade so we thought he would be savvy enough to accomplish his seemingly lofty goals.

So he begins to gut the pumpkin and make an awful mess.... I guess we forgot to tell him about newspaper.... After carefully drawing his design on the pumpkin he began carving. The carving was slow going. A few moments later from in the house we heard a loud noise, what could it be??? It was just Floris carving his pumpkin with a jigsaw to make it go faster. A great time was had by all and we got to see Floris carve his first ever pumpkin with a jigsaw.

For more information on how to become a member of our fun-filled mountain community contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at O: 828-743-7077 C: 404-394-7144

Highlands and Cashiers a True Haven

2008-10-20T09:31:00.001-07:00

I found this article in the New York Times and it seems to really give some insight into what exactly is happening on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

HAVENS Highlands and Cashiers, N.C.; On the Blue Ridge, Twin Towns Draw a Younger Crowd

By DENISE KIERNAN
Published: September 30, 2005
HIGHWAY 64 rises on the one-hour drive from Asheville, N.C., to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As it climbs, the cool mountain air and the wide expanse of sky offer a sense of refuge for those arriving from hot, sticky cities like Atlanta and Charleston.
That sense of refuge has drawn Southerners to homes in the twin towns of Highlands and Cashiers for well over a century. But now, with more and more part-time residents staying beyond the summer and a younger, more active set of homeowners over all, it may no longer be true to say that Highlands-Cashiers is one of the best-kept second-home secrets in the nation.
Once, the towns' trademark feature was their several golf communities for retirees, said Ann McKee Austin, a local real estate agent. But now, she said, you're likelier to see ''the S.U.V. with the Labrador in the back and the kayak on top.'' Or, as Cathy Garren, another real estate agent, put it: ''It used to be retirees from Florida. Now it's working people from Atlanta.''
They come for the mild weather and for the lush forests and waterfalls set amid stunning mountain silhouettes. But despite the climate and the setting, relative distance from big cities has helped to keep real estate prices from skyrocketing; local agents say that in the last five years, prices have increased from 12 to 20 percent. ''This is not a boom or bust area, where you have windfall years and then slack years,'' Ms. Austin said. ''It's consistent and steady. We like it that way. It's not some kind of new, made-up town on the coast of Florida.'' The Scene
Highlands and Cashiers (pronounced CASH-ers) are equally affluent fraternal twins, nestled in the midst of the Nantahala National Forest. The area has been used as a summer retreat since the mid-1800's, when wealthy families from the Low Country of South Carolina began putting up summer cottages and modest Greek Revival houses there. The town of Highlands was founded in 1875 by Kansas developers who, the story goes, drew two lines on a map, one from Chicago to Savannah, the other from New York City to New Orleans, believing that the intersection would be ideal for trade.
Today, if there is a difference between the two towns, it is that Cashiers is a little bit country, Highlands a little bit country club. Highlands, fittingly, is also higher, at an elevation of 4,113 feet to Cashiers's 3,500 feet. New homes in both towns tend to be large houses located either in gated communities or on estate lots of five acres or more.
Highlands has a proper Main Street, which draws strolling day-trippers in khakis and polo shirts. But both towns offer plenty of boutique shopping and local crafts. For activities, there's a lot to do, from pampering to playing in the rugged outdoors. You can indulge in a massage at the spa of the Old Edwards Inn on Main Street in Highlands or play croquet on the lawn of the Chattooga Club in Cashiers. Or you can climb the sheer face of Whiteside Mountain, hike to the 411-foot-tall Whitewater Falls or fish on Lake Glenville.
Mike Hays, who owns an insurance agency in Sarasota, Fla., lived between the two towns for five years and is buying a new home in Cashiers.
''I like living in Cashiers and going to Highlands,'' said Mr. Hays, a 36-year-old father of two young children. ''We've got a mountain double-jog-stroller, and we take the kids hiking with us. We go out for ice cream, We play in the yard. We're at home.'' Mr. Hays's family comes back to the area in the fall for the colors and at Thanksgiving.
Sue Gail, originally from England, lives most of the year in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and found herself at Highlands Falls Country Club in 2001, after her husband, a developer, began working on projects in the area.
Ms. Gail, 60, started the Highlands Film Festival, which just completed its second year. She and her husband spend several months in Highlands in the summer; she says many residents she knows are spending more and more time there. ''It's beautiful,'' she said. ''People are so wonderful up here. It's a rejuvenating getaway.'' Pros
Property taxes vary but are relatively low (an example: $1,485 a year on a $1,675,000 house on 6.94 acres). Views are long, summers are mild and breezy, and fall features a mind-boggling palette of colors.
There are many golf courses of distinction in the area. Bobby Jones spent several summers at the Highlands Country Club, and he still holds the course record. The Wade Hampton Club, designed by a golf course guru and area resident, Tom Fazio, was ranked 17th in the United States by Golf Digest in 2005.
Outdoor Magazine ranked Cashiers one of America's ''top dream towns'' in 2004.
If exerting yourself is not a priority, there are plenty of shops and restaurants in both towns, or you can hop into your car and go for a scenic drive. Cons
Anything that travels to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau takes the same twisting drive, and getting stuck behind a land-yacht can add time and nausea to your trip.
Unincorporated Cashiers is dry, though brown-bagging is permitted practically everywhere. Alcohol can be bought in Highlands, which is incorporated, but laws there are complicated (some restaurants can serve wine, but not beer). Nevertheless, many club communities have stocked bars and restaurants, and private restaurant clubs (membership fees range from a dollar a year to more than $100) have full permits.

Some of the restaurants and shops shut down during the winter, and even in summer, things close early. ''We do have some great restaurants,'' said Debi Dickson, an Atlanta resident who spends four months a year in Highlands. ''Just don't expect to eat at them at 10 p.m.'' The Real Estate Market
Expect to spend at least $700,000 to buy into one of the high-end, full-amenity gated communities. (Many of the club amenities in those communities close in the winter.) Houses at that price will probably not include a view or a fancy kitchen. At about $900,000, you can begin to have a house with everything: views, granite countertops, extensive decks, three bedrooms, an acre of land. Styles vary, but variations on Adirondack, Shingle-style and English cottage are popular.
Bargains can still be found in some of the smaller, older cottages in the woods, especially if you're willing to be 10 to 15 miles outside town. With some searching, you can perhaps find a little bungalow, a ranch or an A-frame in the $200,000-to-$400,000 range with two or three bedrooms, depending on the condition and age of the home.
It's not unusual for a house to stay on the market for six months because of the seasonal nature of home sales. Ms. Austin recently sold a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath, 1,962-square-foot Shingle-style house on 3.47 acres in the Chattooga Club. It had another 1,069 square feet in porches and decks, views and included many antiques. It was listed at $2,295,000 and sold 35 days later for $2,245,000.
Ms. Garren recently sold a 30-year-old three-bedroom, three-bath house on .81 acres in a subdivision for $440,000. It was on the market for 64 days.
There is a good deal of new high-end construction in the area, more than 3,000 acres in and around Cashiers alone. But agents suspect that the out-of-the-way location of Highlands-Cashiers, although attractive, keeps prices and development from spiraling out of control.
''We don't want the fudge factories, the T-shirt shops and water slides,'' Ms. Austin said. LAY OF THE LAND POPULATION -- The Highlands area has about 3,000 year-round residents and about 20,000 in season. The area around Cashiers has 1,700 year-round residents and about 10,000 in season. LOCATION -- Western North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains, roughly 80 miles southwest of Asheville. WHO'S BUYING -- Retirees with a love of golf who park themselves there for the summer and wealthy pre-retirees from nearby Atlanta who use their homes throughout the year. Still a favorite of Southerners, but Midwesterners are starting to stop in. GETTING THERE -- Asheville's airport is the closest at about 60 miles, roughly an hour and a half drive. The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is a two-hour drive away in South Carolina. Atlanta is a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. WHILE YOU'RE LOOKING -- The Old Edwards Inn and Spa (445 Main Street, 866-526-8008) on Main Street in Highlands offers Swedish massage packages, upscale shops and fine dining in Madison's Restaurant and Wine Garden. Its 30 rooms, suites and cottages start at $235. COMPARABLES Mountains Where Weekenders Find Reasons to Stay All Week Information on properties was supplied by the listing companies. WHAT -- 3-bedroom house HOW MUCH -- $435,000 This 2,200-square-foot house in Highlands was built in 1995. It has three bathrooms, decks and mountain views. The property is 4.66 acres. Agent: Cathy Garren, Century 21 Mountain Lifestyles, (828)743-7999; www.c21mountainlifestyles.com. WHAT -- 3-bedroom house HOW MUCH -- $745,000 This 3,400-square-foot house is within walking distance of Main Street in Highlands. It was built in 2001 and has two gas fireplaces and three and a half bathrooms. The property is .68 acres and has a small stream and an artificial waterfall. Broker: Wick Ashburn, Coldwell Banker Ashburn Real Estate, (828)526-4151; www.ashburnrealestate.com. WHAT -- 4-bedroom house HOW MUCH -- $1,999,999 This 5,374-square-foot Cashiers house was built in 2000 and expanded in 2003. It has six fireplaces, including two gas ones in the master suite; a greenhouse; and four full and two half bathrooms. The property is 3.49 acres at an elevation of 4,350 feet. Agent: Terri Hammond and Beth Townsend, McKee Properties, (828)743-3411; www.mckeeproperties.com.
Correction: October 7, 2005, Friday A picture caption with the Havens column last Friday about Highlands and Cashiers, N.C., misidentified a golf course in the area. It was the Highlands Falls Country Club. (The Highlands Country Club is nearby.) A property tax example cited in the column, for a house priced at $1,675,000 on a 6.94-acre lot, was in error. The house in the example has not been assessed since it was completed. The figure $1,485 was for the tax on the land before the house was built.

For more information on the Highlands Cashiers area or to learn how to become a member of one of our astonishing communities contact Mathew S. Kowal, The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

The Divide at Bald Rock - Chili Cookoff

2008-10-19T20:21:00.001-07:00

On a cool fall evening, residents of The Divide and Bald Rock begin to show up at the community pavilion for the annual Chili Cookoff.

The fires roared, but not as hot as some of the chilli's.... It's a good thing they where giving out free Alka-Seltzer. A Big thanks to

Michelle Styring and friends as she spearheaded the event this year and made it one to remember with her spicy decorations and great chili's. The annual chili cookoff is just one of many community events held at the

pavilion each year.

For more information on how to become a member of our gorgeous community contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at O: 828-743-7077

C: 404-394-7144

First Place - Linda Pinch

People's Choice - Chad Obrien

A BIG THANKS to our celebrity judges as well......

Western North Carolina - Catamounts

2008-10-17T15:32:00.001-07:00

WCU

Just minutes from Highlands and Downtown Cashiers is the town of Sylva, Home to Western North Carolina University. Just qa quick trip north and down the mointain you can enjoy the life of a great mountain school. The "Catamounts" have provide us with a host of activities from the arts to colleges sports. For a list of calanders and sporting activities check out http://catamountsports.cstv.com/index-main.html .

The Catamounts....

The Moniker since 1933

What is a Catamount?????

This article courtesy of the WCU website... Check out great fun at an excellents institution, Come support the Cataounts Golf Team as the compete in the catamount classic at The Country Club of Sapphire Valley in Cashiers the begginging of November.

Western Carolina University's unique mascot and nickname for its athletics teams seems to always bring about the same question when the Catamounts play on the road ... "What exactly is a Catamount?"
Webster's Dictionary defines "catamount" as "any of various wild cats such as a cougar or lynx." Cats of the catamount variety, including the bobcat, have roamed the southern Appalachian Mountains, where Western Carolina University is located, for years.
The nickname evolved from a contest that was held on the Cullowhee campus in 1933. At the time, the school was called "Western Carolina Teachers College" and its teams were known as "the Teachers."
Everyone on campus was invited to participate in the naming of the teams. The usual names were suggested -- Bears, Indians, Panthers. However, the college wanted an unusual name, a name that few others had and that everyone would not copy.
The contest came down to Mountain Boomers, a small ground squirrel that scampers about the woods and is extremely difficult to catch, and Catamounts. The latter was the favorite of Head Football Coach C.C. Poindexter and was the nickname chosen. Poindexter wanted his players to be Catamounts with "fierce spirit, savage attacks, and lightning quick moves."
Western Carolina University is the only one of two NCAA schools playing under the Catamount moniker. Western is the only football-playing school in the nation using the nickname "Catamounts," with the University of Vermont being the only other school using that nickname.

For more information on WCU or it's affiliated events Check out the web or call The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077

http://www.wcu.edu/

Market Statistics - Highlands, North Carolina

2008-10-17T15:14:00.001-07:00

A big thanks to Traci Morreale Strub for posting this great article about the Highlands Market. Traci has been visiting the area for years and will vouch for the untouched natural beauty of the area.

Traci Morreale Strub

HIGHWAY 64 rises on the one-hour drive from Asheville, N.C., to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau (including Lake Glenville) the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The sense of refuge has drawn Southerners to homes in the twin towns of Highlands and Cashiers for well over a century. But now, with more and more part-time residents staying beyond the summer and a younger, more active set of homeowners over all, it may no longer be true to say that Highlands-Cashiers is one of the best-kept second-home secrets in the nation.
Once, the towns' trademark feature was their several golf communities for retirees, said Ann McKee Austin, a local real estate agent. But now, she said, you're likelier to see ''the S.U.V. with the Labrador in the back and the kayak on top.'' Or, as Cathy Garren, another real estate agent, put it: ''It used to be retirees from Florida. Now it's working people from Atlanta.

''They come for the mild weather and for the lush forests and waterfalls set amid stunning mountain silhouettes. But despite the climate and the setting, relative distance from big cities has helped to keep real estate prices from skyrocketing; local agents say that in the last five years, prices have increased from 12 to 20 percent. ''This is not a boom or bust area, where you have windfall years and then slack years,'' Ms. Austin said. ''It's consistent and steady. We like it that way.
Sun rise in Highlands, NC
The Scene - Highlands is nestled in the midst of the Nantahala National Forest. The area has been used as a summer retreat since the mid-1800's, when wealthy families from the Low Country of South Carolina began putting up summer cottages and modest Greek Revival houses there. The town of Highlands was founded in 1875 by Kansas developers who, the story goes, drew two lines on a map, one from Chicago to Savannah, the other from New York City to New Orleans, believing that the intersection would be ideal for trade.
Today, if there is a difference between the two towns, it is that Cashiers is a little bit country, Highlands a little bit country club. Highlands, fittingly, is also higher, at an elevation of 4,113 feet to Cashiers's 3,500 feet. New homes in both towns tend to be large houses located either in gated communities or on estate lots of five acres or more.
Highlands has a proper Main Street, which draws strolling day-trippers in khakis and polo shirts. But both towns offer plenty of boutique shopping and local crafts. For activities, there's a lot to do, from pampering to playing in the rugged outdoors. You can indulge in a massage at the spa of the Old Edwards Inn on Main Street in Highlands or play croquet on the lawn of the Chattooga Club in Cashiers. Or you can climb the sheer face of Whiteside Mountain, hike to the 411-foot-tall Whitewater Falls or fish on Lake Glenville.
Pros - Property taxes vary but are relatively low (an example: $1,485 a year for 6.94 acres). Views are long, summers are mild and breezy, and fall features a mind-boggling palette of colors.
There are many golf courses of distinction in the area. Bobby Jones spent several summers at the Highlands Country Club, and he still holds the course record. The Wade Hampton Club, designed by a golf course guru and area resident, Tom Fazio, was ranked 17th in the United States by Golf Digest in 2005.
Outdoor Magazine ranked Cashiers one of America's ''top dream towns'' in 2004. If exerting yourself is not a priority, there are plenty of shops and restaurants in both towns, or you can hop into your car and go for a scenic drive.
Cons - Anything that travels to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau takes the same twisting drive, and getting stuck behind a land-yacht can add time and nausea to your trip. Unincorporated Cashiers is a dry county, though brown-bagging is permitted practically everywhere. Alcohol can be bought in Highlands, which is incorporated, but laws there are complicated (some restaurants can serve wine, but not beer). Nevertheless, many club communities have stocked bars and restaurants, and private restaurant clubs (membership fees range from a dollar a year to more than $100) have full permits.Some of the restaurants and shops shut down during the winter, and even in summer, things close early. ''We do have some great restaurants,'' said Debi Dickson, an Atlanta resident who spends four months a year in Highlands. ''Just don't expect to eat at them at 10 p.m.''
The Real Estate Market - Expect to spend at least $700,000 to buy into one of the high-end, full-amenity gated communities. (Many of the club amenities in those communities close in the winter.) Houses at that price will probably not include a view or a fancy kitchen. At about $900,000, you can begin to have a house with everything: views, granite countertops, extensive decks, three bedrooms, an acre of land. Styles vary, but variations on Adirondack, Shingle-style and English cottage are popular.
Bargains can still be found in some of the smaller, older cottages in the woods, especially if you're willing to be 10 to 15 miles outside town. With some searching, you can perhaps find a little bungalow, a ranch or an A-frame in the $200,000-to-$400,000 range with two or three bedrooms, depending on the condition and age of the home.
It's not unusual for a house to stay on the market for six months because of the seasonal nature of home sales. Ms. Austin recently sold a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath, 1,962-square-foot Shingle-style house on 3.47 acres in the Chattooga Club. It had another 1,069 square feet in porches and decks, views and included many antiques. It was listed at $2,295,000 and sold 35 days later for $2,245,000.
There is a good deal of new high-end development in the area, more than 3,000 acres in and around Cashiers alone. But agents suspect that the out-of-the-way location of Highlands-Cashiers, although attractive, keeps prices and development from spiraling out of control.''We don't want the fudge factories, the T-shirt shops and water slides,'' Ms. Austin said.
LAY OF THE LAND POPULATION -- The Highlands area has about 3,000 year-round residents and about 20,000 in season. The area around Cashiers has 1,700 year-round residents and about 10,000 in season.
WHO'S BUYING - Retirees with a love of golf who park themselves there for the summer and wealthy pre-retirees from nearby Atlanta who use their homes throughout the year. Still a favorite of Southerners, but Midwesterners are starting to stop in.
GETTING THERE -- Asheville's airport is the closest at about 60 miles, roughly an hour and a half drive. The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is a two-hour drive away in South Carolina. Atlanta is a two-and-a-half-hour drive away.

For More Information Contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

http://www.dividenc.com/

http://www.baldrock.com/

The HIghlands Cashiers Mortgage Market

2008-10-16T10:40:00.001-07:00

Mountain Village mortgage sends out weekly updates on the Cashiers Highlands mortgage market. These are Jim Mullen's latest findings and his opinion on what is happening and what we can expect here in the western North Carolina Mountains.

This has been another wild week. The 30 year conforming fixed rate is now 6.250% and the 15 year rate is 5.875%. This is up from last week but still at a historically low rates. The experts feel the markets will level out soon.

The current market conditions make it more important than ever for your purchasers to discuss their mortgage needs with a trusted mortgage counselor as early as possible. I can be reached at night and on weekends on my cell 828 200-9168.

Mortgage Time Mortgage Market News for the week ending October 10, 2008
Compliments of Jim Mullen Mountain Village Mortgage Loan Consultant
PHONE:(828) 743-7073
FAX:(828) 743-9830
https://mail.kendallhunt.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ncmountainvillagemortgage.com
jmullen@metrocitiesmtg.com
3065 Highway 64 East Sapphire, NC 28774
Cell: (828) 200-9168
Events This Week:
Fed Funds rate cut
Pending Sales rose
Trade Deficit lower
Import Prices fell
Events Next Week:
Wed 10/15 PPI Retail Sales
Thur 10/16 CPI Industrial Prod.
Fri 10/17 Housing Starts Sentiment

Stocks Fall Further
This week the stock market fell to the lowest level since 2003. Normally mortgage markets improve during a stock market decline, since Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae mortgage backed securities (the vehicles through which most mortgages made today are sold) are considered a relatively safe haven. This week, however, the prices paid for these securities moved lower as well. One reason is that some investment funds have been forced to reduce their leverage and sell nearly every asset class in their portfolios. Another factor is investor concern that the supply of debt will increase significantly as the government funds its rescue actions. Mortgage rates ended the week moderately higher.
Investors viewed the $700 billion rescue plan passed last week as a necessary first step, but not an immediate solution to the credit crisis. Governments around the world took a variety of additional steps during the week to support the banking system. A historic coordinated interest rate cut from many central banks took place on Wednesday. The Federal Reserve lowered the Fed Funds rate by one half point to 1.50%, citing reduced inflationary pressures due to an economic slowdown and falling energy prices. The Fed Funds rate heavily influences short-term interest rates, but its impact on long-term mortgage rates varies based on inflation expectations. In this case, the Fed rate cut most likely helped move mortgage rates a little lower, but the factors described above had more influence.
The decline in home prices was a major cause of the credit crisis, and stabilization in the housing market will be important to resolve the problems. Little noticed this week, August Pending Home Sales jumped 7% from July, far above the consensus for a small decline. They were 9% higher than one year ago and were at the highest level since June 2007. Pending Home Sales are a leading indicator for the housing market, meaning that the next Existing and New Home Sales reports may show increases. Investors will be closely watching future housing market data to see if the trend continues.

Also Notable:
Fed Chief Bernanke predicted that inflation will moderate "pretty significantly"
In August, consumer borrowing declined for the first time in more than a decade
The Dow was down about 40% from the record high levels seen in October 2007
Oil prices fell to $80 per barrel, down from $147 per barrel in July

Average 30 yr fixed rate:
Last week:
+0.03%
This week:
+0.20%
Stocks (weekly):
Dow:
8,216
-2,470
NASDAQ:
1,581
-438

Week Ahead
The Economic Calendar will be full next week. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation report will come out on Thursday. CPI looks at the price change for those finished goods which are sold to consumers. The Producer Price Index (PPI) will be released on Wednesday. PPI focuses on the increase in prices of "intermediate" goods used by companies to produce finished products. Retail Sales is also scheduled for Wednesday. Industrial Production, an important indicator of economic activity, will be released on Thursday. Housing Starts will come out on Friday. Consumer Sentiment, the Philadelphia Fed index, and the Fed's Beige Book will round out a busy week. Investors will also be watching for additional government actions to ease credit markets. Mortgage markets will be closed on Monday in observance of Columbus Day.

To learn more about news impacting interest rates and mortgage markets, go to https://mail.kendallhunt.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.mbsquoteline.comTo learn more about the newsletter, please call 800-627-1077All material Copyright © Ress No. 1, LTD and may not be reproduced without permission.

Cashiers and the Chattooga River

2008-10-14T13:38:00.001-07:00

Here is a great article by Buzz Williams talking about the Cashiers Quadrangle. The Chattooga watershed area has some of the most amazing natural wonders you could ever hope to see. Wether your just coming to visit or your looking to make the Cashiers area you home you will surley want to read this.

Buzz Williams

It has often been said by the folks who really know Chattooga country that one could spend a lifetime exploring the places in the watershed that have cultural, geological, aesthetic, or environmental significance. We thought it might be more practical for our quarterly publication to take it a little bit at a time. This installation marks the first in an ongoing series that will examine an area in the watershed as defined by the standard U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) “quad” maps. The 200,000 acre Chattooga River watershed is covered by 10 USGS quads. We hope you enjoy this first installment in the Chattooga River Quad Discovery Series, featuring the Cashiers Quadrangle.
The U. S. Geological Survey is a federal agency founded in 1879 with the mission to classify the public domain by surveying the geological structure, mineral resources, and products of America’s vast public lands. Today the U. S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and almost all other federal and state agencies as well as most conservation groups use U. S. Geological Survey maps. These quads are also the base maps of choice in most Geographic Information Systems (GIS) used by everyone from land management professionals to amateur explorers. Standard USGS maps cover one eighth of one degree of latitude and longitude, or a rectangular area encompassing six miles by eight miles. The scale of a quad map is 1:24,000.
The Cashiers Quad, General Description
The northeast corner of the Chattooga River watershed is covered by about one-third of the Cashiers quad, roughly bounded by Chattooga Ridge on the east as it zig-zags its way north, connecting the dots of eight mountains all around 4,000 feet in elevation, and finally connecting with the Blue Ridge Divide at the extreme northwest corner of the map near the resort village of Cashiers. The eastern two-thirds of the Cashiers quad covers the headwaters of the Whitewater, Thompson, and Horsepasture Rivers, which along with the Toxaway and Eastatoe Rivers further to the east in the Reid Quad, make up the spactacular Jocassee Gorges. Highway 107 roughly follows the Chattooga Ridge on the road’s winding way from Walhalla, South Carolina, in the south to Cashiers, crossing at low points at Heady Gap and then back across Chattooga Ridge near Cashiers. Here, the Chattooga Ridge brackets Cashiers to its east along the tops of Chimneytop Mountain (4,618 ft.) and Rock Mountain (4,300 ft.), both of which exhibit sheer granite faces to the southwest. Highway 107 t-bones into Highway 64 in Cashiers with the left fork leading 10 miles to Highlands, and right to Sapphire Valley, Rosman, and eventually to Brevard, North Carolina. Two secondary roads lead west off of Highway 107, the Whiteside Cove Road to the north just out of Cashiers and the Bull Pen Road at Mulkey Gap. These two roads leave the Cashiers quad, heading west but soon merge near Horse Cove leading to Highlands. The Chattooga River winds its way down the west side of the Cashiers quad from its headwaters above Cashiers Lake to the old iron bridge on Bull Pen Road just on the southwest corner of the quad. The state line between North and South Carolina runs from the east just below Upper Whitewater Falls diagonally to the west to the Chattooga River at Ellicott Rock. Here, the river south of the 35th parallel becomes the boundary between Georgia and South Carolina. A large part of the 9,012 acre Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area is shown in the south west corner of the Cashiers Quad at the boundary along the Bull Pen Road and down Highway 107.
The Chattooga River and Its Tributaries
The most prominent of the six small mountain streams that make up the headwaters of the Chattooga River emerges as a small spring at the crest of the Blue Ridge Divide about a mile northwest of Cashiers, North Carolina, where it tumbles onto a plain at about 3,000 feet in elevation above sea level. A small resort lake in Cashiers briefly restrains the fledgling headwaters stream for about one-half mile before releasing it to plunge away for another .8 miles and then down the 150 foot Silver Slipper Falls into the deep woods of Nantahala National Forest. The strengthening headwaters flow boldly for about one-quarter of a mile, merging with other streams flowing from beneath the foreboding Devil’s Courthouse looming above on the north side of Whiteside Mountain. For three quarters of a mile or so, the young stream—now a large creek—passes through young forests growing in old abandoned fields before tucking under a ledge against a steep cliff on the right and cascading for a sheer 75 feet to a pool below. Ribbon Falls, as it is called, offers a dramatic view of the eastern side of Whiteside Mountain. The large potholes lying in a row down the left side of the smooth, worn precipice at Ribbon Falls, some three feet across and eight feet deep, testify to the age and power of the Chattooga landscape, among the oldest geologic forms in the world. The Chattooga River gains its true identity here and for the next three-quarters of a mile, the river flows swiftly through old forests gaining volume, crossing into private property and then emerging in a wide, green valley of pastures and old fields about one-half mile above Grimshawes Bridge on the Whiteside Cove Road. The sheer 2,000 foot face of Whiteside Mountain to the northwest comes into full view in the open terrain here at the mouth of Whiteside Cove, offering some of the most stunning scenery in the Southern Appalachians.
The cultural history of both native American and European settlers runs deep in these ancient fields and fording places near Grimshawes Bridge. The old Norton Cemetery is located on the south side of the Whiteside Cove Road, about a mile to the northeast of Grimshawes Bridge. Buried here are some of the Norton family who first settled Whiteside Cove in the early 1800’s. The Forest Service has acquired a small parcel of land on the river just north of Grimshawes Bridge called Sliding Rock that has been a favorite swimming hole for generations. Grimshawes community is located only about one half mile to the west on Whiteside Cove Road, where once stood an old inn dating back to the turn of the century, and where still stands a tiny building that has the distinction of once being the smallest post office in America. Another old cemetery, Whiteside Cove Cemetery, is located a few miles west the on the Whiteside Cove Road. A short distance further west is the site of Whiteside Church, once an old school house at the juncture of an old road that crossed the river below Grimshawes community.
Below Grimshawes Bridge by about three-quarters of a mile, the river merges with Fowler Creek coming in from the river left. Fowler Creek heads up in Cashiers near Wade Hampton Country Club. Heavy logging along Fowler Creek at the turn of the century is evident all along its length where a “dummy line” was used to pull logs to a saw mill near Grimshawes community. A steam-driven tramcar was used to pull the lumber up Fowler Creek to Cashiers, where it was taken via ox cart to the railhead in Toxaway, North Carolina. About a mile below Fowler Creek, just above the confluence with Green Creek coming in from the river right, is Corkscrew Falls dropping vertically for 25 feet, the largest single drop on the Chattooga River. Just below Green Creek, the river crosses back onto federal land where it continues for another 1.5 miles along a moderate descent, to Norton Mill Creek coming in from the right.
A short distance above its confluence with Norton Mill Creek, an old ford crosses the Chattooga River that once connected the old Bull Pen community with Whiteside Cove (mentioned above). On the east side are the ruins of an old cabin that was built by one of the first settlers in the upper Chattooga headwaters known as the Monroe cabin. Downstream, the river flows beneath Chattooga Cliffs, which tower 400 to 600 feet above. Many rare plants occur in these unique outcrops above the upper Chattooga narrows, including rock clubmoss (Huperzia porophila), fir clubmoss (Huperzia selago), Biltmore sedge (Carex biltmoreana), divided leaf groundsel (Senecio millefolium), dwarf filmy fern (Trichomanes petersii), and sword moss (Bryoxiphium norvegicum). This 2 mile section of the river to the old iron bridge on the Bull Pen Road includes spectacular scenery, treacherous rapids, large tree-topped boulders, and swirling potholes.
The Chattooga River turns east below Bull Pen Bridge, flowing for another 2 miles over rapids and cascades interspersed with deep green pools between steep ridges to Ellicott Rock. Notable in this section is scenic Scotsman Creek, that tumbles into the Chattooga about 1 mile below Bull Pen Bridge on the left side. Similarly, the second Fowler Creek enters the river about three-quarter of a mile further down. Here ends the coverage of the Cashiers quad.
Wild and Scenic River Classification
The Chattooga River as required by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act is classified by section according to its level of wildness. Sections with no impoundment, unpolluted, and which are inaccessible except by trail are classified as wild. Scenic sections are primitive in nature but may be accessible in places by roads. Recreational sections are readily accessible by roads with some shoreline development and may have had some impoundments or diversions in the past. The section of the Chattooga River from .8 miles below Cashiers Lake to .2 miles above Norton Mill Creek is classified as recreational. The next two miles along Chattooga Cliffs is classified as wild. From one-quarter mile above to one-quarter of a mile below Bull Pen Bridge, the river is classified as scenic. The Ellicott Rock section of the river, from one-quarter mile below Bull Pen to one-quarter of a mile above Burrells Ford Bridge, is classified as wild. The part of the Ellicott Rock section below the Cashiers quad description in this article will be covered when we get to the Tamassee quad.
Trails
There are four major developed trails in the Cashiers quad: the Upper Chattooga River Trail, the Bull Pen Bridge Trail, the Bad Creek Trail, and the Sloan Bridge Trail. Only part of the Bull Pen Bridge Trail and most of the Upper Chattooga River Trail lie within the Cashiers quad but will be described in full here.
The Chattooga River Trail runs south from a parking lot in the Nantahala National Forest near the Whiteside Cemetery on the Whiteside Cove Road, descending to the river below Green Creek down to connect with the Bull Pen Bridge Trail. This 6 mile trail offers spectacular views of Bull Pen Mountain and Chattooga Cliffs.
The Bull Pen Bridge Trail is a 1 mile loop trail from and then returning to Bull Pen Bridge on the west side of the river. The first part of the trail near the bridge is a rough, up-and-down hike, and then descends along the river for some spectacular scenery along the narrows. After about one-half mile, the trail turns back west and up to an old logging road, and then south back to the parking lot at the bridge. The trail has an elevation change of about 200 feet.
The Bad Creek Trail is a 3.5 mile trail that follows a ridge to the Ellicott Rock wilderness boundary, where it intersects the Sloan Bridge Trail and then descends to the river, intersecting the Chattooga River Trail. From this intersection it is only a short distance to the famous Ellicott Rock. The elevation change on the Bad Creek Trail is 800 feet.
The Sloan Bridge Trail is a 6.3 mile trail from Sloan Bridge at a parking lot on Highway 107, about one mile below the North/South Carolina state line, to the intersection with the Bad Creek Trail, and then onwards 1.2 miles to Ellicott Rock. The trail is moderate, and passes north of Fork Mountain (3,294) in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area. Sloan Bridge is also the origin of the Foothills Trail that runs northeast, 4.4 miles to Whitewater Falls, and southwest for 3.3 miles to the road leading from Highway 107 to the Walhalla Fish Hatchery. The elevation change on the Sloan Bridge Trail is also 800 feet.
History
The rich human history of Cashiers Valley, Grimshawes, Bull Pen, or the Pleasant Grove communities can not be covered adequately in this Cashers quad overview. Look for future articles in the Chattooga Quarterly about early settlers including the Norton, Alley, McCall, and Zachery families. Also planned are articles about famous early visitors to the area such as Andre Michaux, who was sent to America in 1788 by King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antionettee to gather seeds and plants from the New World for the famous Parisian gardens of the Park of Rambouillet, explorer naturalists Ben Grosscup and Wilber Ziegler, who visited the Grimshawes homestead in 1883, the travels of geologist George Featherstonhaugh in 1837, and the raid on Whiteside Cove by Colonel George Kirk, who led a band of renegade Union soldiers and Confederate deserters known as “Kirk’s Raiders.” Other topics exploring the natural history and geology of the area will be addressed in a regional context in future articles. For more information about the natural and cultural history of the Cashiers area, see past articles in the Chattooga Quarterly including “General Wade Hampton III” (spring 1999), who established a summer retreat in the Cashiers Valley prior to the Civil War, “Green Salamander” (spring/summer 2001), that describes a rare disjunct population of salamanders that inhabit the Chattooga River watershed, and “The Walton War” (winter 2005), about the “Orphan Strip” where in the early 1800’s lawlessness prevailed in a disputed strip of territory of about 12 miles along the border of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, until the famous survey by Andrew Ellicott.

For more information contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

www.dividenc.com

www.baldrock.com

Christmas In Cashiers.... But It's October???

2008-10-06T15:07:00.001-07:00

The Divide at Bald Rock is bringing Christmas to the Mountains just a bit early this year. Our model home is being furnished for Christmas. We will be hosting the Lynn Monday Designer Christmas Showhouse through the end of the year. Just follow the road signs for your early slice of Christmass this year. It is a home that is sure to get you in the Christmas Spirit.

Come enjoy fresh baked cookies and hot apple cider any time Wednesday through Sunday in October. Just follow the "Fall into Christmas" signs.

We are expecting a spectacular leaf season this year with all the reds, gold's and oranges flaming bright. Come join us for an early Christmas this year....

LYNN MONDAY DESIGNER CHRISTMAS SHOWHOUSE

For More Information Contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

Western North Carolina - Woman to cooperate with feds, admits stealing $12-milion

2008-10-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

Woman to cooperate with feds, admits stealing $12-milion
By Lucy Morgan, Times Senior Correspondent In print: Friday, October 3, 2008

This article appeared in the St. Pete Times about some shady happenings in the Western North Carolina Mountains. I hope all of these people see jail time. This is NOT how we do buisness in the Western North Carolina Mountains.

Yolanda Serrano, 44, agreed to help in the case involving N.C. real estate.
]A Brevard County woman who bought property in a questionable North Carolina real estate development has agreed to cooperate with federal investigators as part of a plea agreement.
Yolanda Serrano, 44, pleaded guilty to wire fraud during a court appearance in Orlando on Tuesday, for a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. She admitted stealing more than $12-million from her employer, Southeast Petro Distributors of Melbourne. The money was transferred through internal computer systems at SunTrust.
As part of the bargain, Serrano promised to testify in investigations against others who are not named in the 18-page agreement.
Serrano was arrested by Brevard County sheriff's deputies, but the case was transferred to federal court because some of her transactions involved land in North Carolina and other cities and states.
Serrano used some of the stolen money to buy eight lots in Blue Ridge Mountain Estates, a development about 10 miles north of Cashiers, N.C. The property is being developed by Domenic Rabuffo, a resident of Miami and New York, who went to federal prison on mortgage fraud charges in 1994.
Rabuffo, buying most of his property in a former wife's name, says he is putting in a first-class development with houses that would normally sell for more than $2-million. The houses, all more than 4,000 square feet, are being sandwiched onto 1-acre lots on steep slopes. Neighbors say the project is an eyesore.
All of the lots and the 16 houses under construction are heavily mortgaged, with SunTrust holding about $34-million in outstanding mortgages. SunTrust has foreclosed on two of the lots Serrano owned and has filed suit against 13 other property owners, saying they lied about their income when applying for loans.
Serrano has signed deeds conveying all of the real estate she owned in Florida and North Carolina to her former employer. Her plea agreement requires her to make full restitution of the $12-million.
Times researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report. Lucy Morgan can be reached at lmorgan@sptimes.com.

Cashiers.... A Top Ten Retirement Destination

2008-10-02T09:54:00.001-07:00

Top Ten Small Towns To Retire To

A great article shedding some light onto Western North Carolina's active retirement scene...

Elizabeth Lewis, Feature Writer

When the time comes to retire, many people dream of retreating to the quiet life of a small town--preferably one conveniently located near the amenities of a larger city. For people looking for just such a situation, North Carolina is a haven. The state offers a slew of choices that can fulfill any prerequisite hopeful retirees might have: quiet life, outdoor activities, good weather, top-notch medical care, cultural events, easy access to major highways...you name it. What follows below, and in the related college-town feature, is our look at just a few of the many options that await you in North Carolina.

Highlands/Cashiers

Legend has it that, in 1879, developers Samuel Kelsey and Clinton Hutchinson took out a map and drew two lines--one connecting New York to New Orleans, the other connecting Chicago to Savannah. The men believed the spot where the lines intersected would be the ideal location for a vacation town. That spot was Highlands, N.C.
It turns out Kelsey and Hutchinson were right. And all the things that make it a wonderful place to vacation make Highlands, and nearby Cashiers, the perfect place to retire.
Located at the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near the point where North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia meet, Highlands and Cashiers offer a pleasant climate, clean air, fantastic shopping and the natural beauty of the mountains and numerous waterfalls.
The Highlands Country Club features a world-renowned Donald Ross golf course, which has been played by many golf legends. The course record is still held by Bobby Jones, who maintained a summer home at the club. Highlands also is home to the Highland-Cashiers Hospital, recognized for its excellent staff and modern facilities.
Cashiers, which has only one stoplight, is home to the High Hampton Inn and Country Club. The rustic retreat features cabins covered with shaggy chestnut bark, horseback riding, water sports on Lake Hampton, mountain climbing and gold.
Currently Highlands has a permanent population of about 2,000, but each summer that number jumps to 25,000. (In Cashiers, those numbers are 1,250 and 9,000 respectively.) During their summer vacation, those tourists can expect cool temperatures. During July, the average low is 56 degrees; the high 76 degrees. The residents who stick around for winter can expect an average low of 24 degrees and an average high of 42 degrees in January.
The great weather is perfect for outdoor activities of all kinds and the Nantahala National Forest provides ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and more. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway also are within driving distance of Highlands.
If you're interested in more cultural pursuits, each summer Highlands is home to an annual music festival and the Highlands Playhouse has performances throughout the season. If you're interested in continuing your education, Western North Carolina University is in nearby Cullowhee and Elderhostel offers a summer program each year.

For more information about how to make the Cashiers Highlands Plateau your retirement haven contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

www.dividenc.com

www.baldrock.com

What Is A Conservation Easement???

2008-10-01T10:15:00.001-07:00

Rae's blog, The Cashiers Real Estate Insider. Helps ansewer the question; What is a Conservation Easement? We have many conservation easements throughout the Cashiers Highlands Plateau and they are an important and integral part of sustaining the natural beauty of our area.

The view of Laurel Knob and Cow Rock from Lonesome Valley's new 26 acre conservation agreement.In Cashiers, just off of Highway 64, there is a remarkable box canyon with a view that extends to Laurel Knob, the tallest granite face in the Eastern United StatesThis place is known as Lonesome Valley and has been owned by the Jennings family since 1895. This nearly 800 acre tract of land has enjoyed a rich history as a farm, mink ranch, trout farm and today is an innovative, family-friendly, conservation-oriented community.At the very heart of the community the Jennings family has established a 26 acre conservation easement that encompasses six different habitat types including the vast main meadow, a cove forest, and a southern Appalachian bog.In a conservation easement or conservation agreement, owners give up certain rights to future development within the easement area. They still own the property, and in exchange for development rights, they may receive a federal income tax deduction and a North Carolina tax credit. Most importantly, the easement are is forever preserved and protected from future development. The easement must be received and monitored by a qualified entity such as a land trust.The Lonesome Valley conservation easement is held by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and protects important open space, wildlife habitat and an incredible scenic view of Cow Rock and Laurel Knob.The landscape of western North Carolina has become increasingly fragmented over time as development has progressed. In Jackson County alone, the number of new parcels in the last 10 years exceeds 5,000. The ecological result of this fragmentation is the loss of habitat, along with isolating remnant habitat patches from each other. This fragmentation potentially inhibits the movement of wildlife and plant dispersal.The Conservation Easement at Lonesome Valley avoids this isolation effect by being connected to approximately 250 additional acres of designated greenspace within Lonesome Valley including streams, wetlands, rock faces, and forests that will never be developed.More than 30 percent of the entire development is committed to greenspace selected specifically to maintain the ecological integrity and connectedness of the Lonesome Valley landscape. Additionally, Lonesome Valley's green corridors also connect to Panthertown Valley, a 7,000 acre portion of the Nantahala National Forest and wildlife sactuary.To learn more about Conservations Easements, contact the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust at (828) 526-1111.

For more information on the cashiers Highlands area contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at O: 828-743-7077 or C: 404-394-7144 or check out The Cashiers Real Estate Insider

What is the Cashiers Real Estate Market...

2008-09-29T14:49:00.001-07:00

I Found this article posted by T.C. and Company Properties and I hope it will help you understand what and where the Cashiers Market is.

The real estate in Cashiers, as in many areas of the Appalachian Region of Western North Carolina, has been on a steady rise for many years, and nothing seems to be able to derail it. For investors and people looking for second (third, fourth) homes, this place is a gold mine. You can always expect a return on your investment in the coming years. And, don't be surprised if you see a movie star or the head of a Fortune 500 company in any of the restaurants in Casheirs, Highlands, or nearby Sylva.

ZIP Code: 28717Approximate

Location Boundaries: Southern Jackson County in North Carolina

Location Characteristics: Combine the drastic granite dropoffs of the Blue Ridge escarpment with more than 80 inches of rain a year and something dramatic is bound to happen. Around the town of Cashiers (pronounced CASH-ers), perched at 3,500 feet on the Eastern Continental Divide, the jackpot shows up in the form of waterfalls—everything from tiny cliffside seeps to 400-foot-plus cataracts that roar into deep gorges. The downtown is little more than a crossroads, the junction of U.S. 64 and North Carolina 107, and a mile or so radius of antique shops, high-end restaurants, and second-home clusters discreetly tucked into the woods. The thousand-foot cliffs of Whiteside Mountain provide the kind of hairy, multipitch, huge-exposure climbs that would almost make you swear someone had trucked the place out from Yosemite.If you're ready to get away from commercialized areas, a town in the Blue Ridge Mountains "finger" of the Appalachians, Cashiers is your place. There are no chain restaurants or unsightly billboards and enormous signs. Cashiers is protecting the natural beauty and integrity of the area, and it has been a secret, second-home destination for the rich and famous for many years. The extremely private, but convenient location to nearby airports and major interstates to metropolitan areas (Asheville, Atlanta, Greeneville, etc.) make it a "no brainer" destination.

For more information on how to purchase a home or for additional information on the Highlands Cashiers Real Estate Market contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at O: 828-743-7077 or C: 404-394-7144

The Divide at Bald Rock
Bald Rock

Is it time to move to the Carolinas???

2008-09-27T11:39:00.001-07:00

I found this article about how the North Carolina Real Estate Market is holding up better than anywhere in the country.... With charlotte emerging as the anchor the rest of North Carolina is following in its footsteps. For more about this article check out TIME LIFE Magazine.

In 1791, George Washington called Charlotte, N.C., a "trifling place." In 1941 an author scoffed that the city had as much use for high-rises "as a hog has for a morning coat." By 1991, Charlotte was still a minor-league city without major-league sports, a cultural wasteland with a central business district that died every weekday after work. "No restaurants. No nightlife. Nothing," recalls seven-term Republican mayor Pat McCrory. "You could lie down in the street and never have to worry about getting run over." A local planner gained notoriety by proving it was impossible to find a Snickers bar downtown after 5 o'clock.
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But there's no longer anything trifling about Charlotte. With $2 trillion in assets being managed from the glossy bank towers of Tryon Street, the city is now the nation's No. 2 financial center behind New York City. In early September, Bank of America, the behemoth of North Tryon and the largest U.S. bank, swallowed the beleaguered investment firm Merrill Lynch, while Wachovia, its competitor on South Tryon, considered a merger with Morgan Stanley. And while the rest of the country is sinking, Charlotte is soaring, with 28 construction cranes downtown. It's got the nation's least-battered metropolitan-housing market, lowest office-vacancy rates and fastest-growing airport. It hosts the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats and the NFL's Carolina Panthers. Its center-city population has doubled since 2000, and its light-rail system, just a year old, is already approaching its ridership goal for 2025. Meanwhile, ribbon-cuttings are scheduled for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, three museums, a theater and an African-American cultural center by 2010.
"To understand Charlotte, you have to understand our ambition," says chamber of commerce head Bob Morgan. "We have a serious chip on our shoulder. We don't want to be No. 2 to anybody." Civic leaders often compare their city to New York, Chicago, and even London. On Sept. 11, 2001, McCrory notes, with a sly grin, that local banks swiftly evacuated their skyscrapers: "Everyone in Charlotte assumed we were next."
The business of Charlotte was always business. The city began as a trading post at the intersection of two Indian trails, hosted America's first gold rush and first mint, and later blossomed into a transportation and textile hub. Charlotte's white leaders agreed to desegregation relatively early, concluding that turmoil was bad for business. And local banks exploited North Carolina's liberal acquisition laws to build the conglomerates that now dominate headlines. Today Charlotte's nine FORTUNE 500 companies help run the city, not only by writing checks--Bank of America and Wachovia have pledged $15 million apiece to build new cultural centers--but also by helping to write plans. "We're a pro-business city like none I've ever seen," says Center City Partners head Michael Smith. "It's true about Southern hospitality, but there's a real hunger here."
It can be jarring to hear Charlotte's power brokers explain that it's important to improve their city not for its own sake but for the sake of its businesses, which need high-quality culture to attract high-quality talent. But even if they sometimes make Charlotte sound like a New South wealth-generating machine that happens to contain people, their boosterism is producing real progress. Charlotte still has problems with smog, schools and sprawl, and a few condo projects have stalled in the credit crunch. But Charlotte's mix of climate, cheap housing, new urban amenities and old habits of materialism are attracting a new generation of workers, including a reverse migration of black professionals from the North. "If you have a solid résumé and you're willing to work hard, you'll be rewarded here," says Keith Parker, a 41-year-old African American who runs the city's wildly successful transit system. "It takes away the stereotypical fears about Southern cities." Charlotte might not be New York or London yet, but it's over its Snickers problem. "We don't mind when the competition thinks we're Mayberry," says McCrory. "We're happy to be America's best-kept secret."

For additional information on the North carolina Real Estate Market or to find out how you can become part of the Western NC Mountains community contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group
O: 828-743-7077 C: 404-394-7177

The Cashiers area and Fun Activities For the Whole Family...

2008-09-25T12:42:00.001-07:00

The love of nature and our beautiful mountain surrounding has long been a magnet for attracting visitors and second home owners to the Highlands Plateau. Here are some of the outdoor things to do in Highlands, Cashiers and Sapphire Valley.
Posted at the Highlands Chamber of Commerce website

Adventure Depot, TheRentals of mountain bikes, canoes, & kayaks. Conceirge services like arranging rafting-horseback riding, Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, rock climbing, rappeling, transportation, & hiking tours.Phone: (828) 743-2052Address: 2091 Yellow Mtn Road, Cullowhee, NC Highlands NCWebsite:

Arrowmont Stables and CabinsArrowmont has one of hte best trail programs in the southeast, perhaps even the country. Plus there are comfortable vacation cabins with fireplaces and views. There is also a charming rustic lodge for weddings, receptions, parties, meetings, and fun.Phone: 828.743.2762Address: 276 Arrowmont Trail Cullowhee NCWebsite:

Great Smoky Mountains RailroadA variety of vacation packages are available from romantic getaways to Mystery Theatre Dinners to Polar Express.Phone: (800) 872-4681Address: 119 Front Street Bryson City NCWebsite:

Jackson Hole Trading PostCleanest gem mine around. Large gift shop and snacks. Covered for all weather fun. Handicap accessible. We cut gemstones and create jewelry. We are 9 miles from Highlands on Highway 64.Phone: (828) 524-5850Address: 9770 Highlands Rd Highlands NCNantahala Outdoor CenterFull service outdoor center featuring whitewater rafting on the nantahala, French Broad, Pigeon, Ocoee, Chatooga, Nolichucky, and Cheoah rivers.Phone: 888.590.9266Website:

Primitive Outback, Inc.We offer kayaking on the Little Tennessee River. It"s a 3 hour trip on a class I+ river section. It offers nature, animals, and bird life in its natural habitat. We also offer limited primitive tent camping. Our prices include pickup service at end of trip. See our website.Phone: 828-349-1717Website:

Rolling Thunder River CoWhitewater Rafting - Camping - Bunkhouse - For Groups - Also Have Retail Store. www.RollingThunderRiverCo.comPhone: (800) 408-7238Website:

Sapphire Valley Ski AreaA four-season resort nestled in the pristine Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. We offer skiing, boating, dining, special activities, and attractions. During the summer we offer "Tubby"Phone: 828-743-7663Address: 207 Sapphire Valley Rd. Cashiers NCWebsite:

Scaly Mountain Outdoor Sports ParkWe are a 4 season destination featuring snowtubing.Phone: 828-526-3737Address: 7420 Dillard Road Highlands NCWebsite:

Southeastern ExpeditionsSoutheastern Expeditions is a whitewater outfitter on the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River. We run guided rafting trips and offer kayak and canoe instruction.Phone: 706-782-4331Address: 7350 HWY 76E Clayton GAWebsite:

T.J.'s Water Adventures, LLCWe are offering half and full day canoeing and kayaking trips on Cedar, Bear, and Wolf Lakes and tubing and funyaking from East Fork to La Port Park on the Tuckasegee River.Phone: (828) 293-5110Address: 10223 Hwy. 107 Tuckasegee NCWebsite:

The Fun Factory In The SmokiesOver 100 arcade games, go-carts, inside/outside mini golf, ferris wheel, carousel, kid's play area, laser tag, bowling, meeting rooms, Pizza Factory, Dessert Factory, Boiler Room Steak House- Family Entertainment Center.Phone: (828) 349-8888Address: 1024 Georgia Road Franklin NCWebsite:

WhiteWater Equestrian Center - WhiteWater GroupEnjoy horseback riding and gem mining at WhiteWater Equestrian Center near WhiteWater Falls . Kayren Hinkle will share local history, plant and animal life information, as well as local Indian stories while riding through the woods on old Indian tra...Phone: (828) 966-9646Address: 6420 Whitewater Road Sapphire NCWebsite: see also golf courses
Labor Day Getaways
Lake Glenville Boat Rentals

For More information contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group: 828-743-7077 404-394-7144
or Check out The Cashiers Real Estate Insider

Bald Rock
The Divide at Bald Rock

Western North Carolina - Relocating To The Mountains

2008-09-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

Relocation Information for the North Carolina Great Smoky Mountains of Jackson County.Of course Jackson County is a wonderful place to plan a getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, but it also serves as a wonderful place to live for its residents.If you want to settle in a wonderful mountain locale, then we have just what you are looking for here in Western North Carolina, including a pleasant climate and the scenic beauty of the mountains. Jackson County was founded in 1851, in the heart of the North Carolina Mountains, nestled among the Great Smoky Mountains, and features a nice balance between peaceful forests and vibrant downtowns.Since we are already here, we have listed the Top Four reasons why you should relocate1. Central Location - Jackson County is 50 miles from Asheville, 111 miles from Knoxville, 50 miles from Gatlinburg, and only 150 miles from Atlanta. It's also convenient to Upstate South Carolina, and less than three hours from North Carolina's largest city, Charlotte.2. A River Runs Through It - The picturesque Tuckasegee River flows 40 miles throughout Jackson County. A moderate current makes it one of the best white-water rivers for beginners and families, and it is considered Western North Carolina's best stream for trout fishing.3.Booming Business - With a 24 percent increase in population in the 1990s, economic growth abounds. The county is also a popular tourist destination, which has fueled growth in the downtowns of Sylva, Dillsboro and Cashiers.4. Lovely Landscape - The county's 491 square miles encompass some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Southeast. Elevations range from 2,000 feet to more than 6,000 feet. The landscape is highlighted by waterfalls, rocky peaks and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.The new 'Our Town ' magazine is here! This magazine is FULL of beautiful scenery and helpful information. Our Town can be accessed instantly online by going here!

For Information on how to join our wonderful community or if your just passing thorugh contact Mathew S. Kowal at The Blue Ridge Summit Group 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

Check out Rae's Blog at The Cashier Highlands Real Estate Insider
http://cashiersrealestate.blogspot.com

http://www.dividenc.com/

http://www.baldrock.com/

Western North Carolina: Bald Rock Testimonial

2008-09-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

Bald Rock is a truly exceptional place to own a home and to live. It isa place with spectacular mountain scenery, moderate climate and friendlyfolks.One visit will be sufficient to capture your heart and your imaginationand to keep you here. If you are looking for a magical place to live,Bald Rock will surpass your expectations.

Gene and Marge Ragland

To Visit our magnificent community call Matt Kowal at 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

The Cashiers Highlands Plateau.... What a wonderful place for fall!

2008-09-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

Weekly Fall Color Update 11/09/07

Fall color remains good in the protected valleys and lower elevations of the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. The recent dry weather coupled with warm days and cool nights has led to an extended fall color season in western North Carolina this year. While many of the maples, poplars and hickories have started to fade, the area's oaks are now showing peak color.

One recommended drive in western North Carolina is US Highway 74A from Asheville to Shelby. Forests in this "isothermal" zone tend to hold onto their color later into November than the higher elevations north and west of the eastern continental divide.

In North Carolina's Piedmont on the Uwharrie National Forest, fall color is making its mark on the forest. Maples and sourwood are showing bright red and orange.

Western North Carolina has a wide range of elevations and many different hardwood tree species, so "leaf lookers" are almost always able to find good color here in the Carolina mountains from early October into early or mid November. Check out some of the links below to get the latest recommendations on other good color spots in NC.

Cotact Matt Kowal at The Blue Ridge Summit Group 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

The Cashiers Highlands Plateau

2008-09-16T09:03:00.001-07:00

Head for the Hills
By Kathy Becker

A change in climate with a change of pace -- the same thing that draws many people to Southwest Florida -- is proving to be an irresistible lure for some working Neapolitans, who find themselves heading for the high hills of Georgia and North Carolina.

In the jargon of the development real estate business, they are called half-backs or boomerangs, because many of them originally came to Florida from the north. Now they are landing about halfway back to their birthplaces, seeking getaways well above sea level.

"We moved down here from the north and find ourselves halfway," says Michael Vranek, vice president of sales at Lely Resort for Stock Development, who has a getaway place he visits nearly every other weekend in Blairsville, Ga., just south of the North Carolina border. "There are four seasons up there, but none of them are so harsh. It's so delightful in the summer. The golf courses are open 12 months of the year. There is some snow or ice, but it's gone in a few hours or a day. And there's unbelievable, true beauty. My wife's family is in Baltimore and Cleveland, and everyone can meet there. We had 13 people for Thanksgiving there last year."

June Mueller, former president of the Naples Area Board of Realtors in 1999, is semi-retired and selling real estate to Neapolitans in Cashiers, N.C. "It's the same issue that drove the baby boomers to Florida looking for a simple, safe place," she says. "They like that kind of lifestyle. It's so similar to Naples. I could see it blossoming in the same way as Naples."

Neapolitans are helping fuel North Carolina's boom. Mueller says about 25 percent of the members of the Country Club of Sapphire Valley near Cashiers are from Naples. "When I built my house three to five years ago, it was $140 a square foot to build," Mueller says. "Now it's between $200 and $450."

This is an article that was published Nov 2006 in the Naples Ilustrated Magazine.

The Blue Ridge Summit Group 828-743-7077
www.DivideNC.com
www.BaldRock.com

It's time to invest in Cashiers...

2008-09-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Investing In Western North Carolina....

If you've been looking for a secure investment, mountain property continues to be perfect choice as it increases in value each year. It can also provide a residual income by renting to others when you are away as well as a much needed family getaway when you are in town. We have extensive residential and commercial listings in the Highlands, Cashiers and Sapphire, North Carolina real estate market.
If you find a particular community, mountain view property or lake front home that you find interesting or perhaps you would like to build a log home on your own mountain acreage or maybe a commercial investment is closer to your dream, click the email link next to the listing and we'll send you some free information.
We can meet all of your needs in the Highlands, Cashiers and Sapphire North Carolina real estate market. We welcome you to our piece of heaven and hope you enjoy the wealth of information offered here.

We will be happy to help you with anything you need from activities to accomodations and finding your peice of heaven on the continental divide..... Contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077

http://www.baldrock.com/
http://www.dividenc.com/

The Cashiers area Humane Society

2008-09-13T13:26:00.001-07:00

Our MissionTo Provide Humane care and treatment for all dogs and cats needing protectionTo secure safe, permanent homes for all adoptable animalsTo promote and subsidize spay/neuter programsTo advocate for proper care, treatment, and welfare of all animals
Recent Media Coverage of CHHumaneSociety:Two locale publications, THE HIGHLANDER and THE CROSSROADS CHRONICLE, feature weekly stories on CHHumaneSociety. Pick up a copy or today or visit their websites for exciting news.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Parking lot pups
By Carol Childs
Two pups with inauspicious starts in shopping center parking lots are hoping to find more promising futures as beloved pets with forever families of their own. Toby and Miley are young, playful, eager to learn and please, and are wagging and wiggling at Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society (CHHS), waiting to be adopted this week.
Toby is a long and lean dachshund mix, a medium-energy boy who loves to play almost as much as he loves belly rubs. Rescued from a parking lot a few months ago, Toby is about a year old and gets along great with kids and other dogs. He never messes in his kennel overnight, comes when he’s called, and is learning to walk on a leash like a champ. Toby needs a second chance and a family to love and trust for life.
Like Toby, Miley met her first family at a shopping center, one of a litter of pups being given away out of the back of a truck. Fostered for a few weeks while on the shelter’s waiting list, Miley is a high-energy Jack Russell terrier mix, who spent most of her four months of life tied up in the yard. She’s a smart and sassy pup in need of time, attention and training, but Miley loves kids, other dogs, clowning around and having a good time. She’d be a great agility dog, which would be the perfect outlet for her boundless energy.
Visit Toby and Miley at CHHS this week, take them for a romp in the dog park, and come ready to play and get lots of puppy kisses.
Bringing Home a New Dog: Crate Facts. According to the Paw Rescue organization, housetraining problems are the top reason people surrender dogs. Crates aid in housetraining because of dogs' den instincts; they avoid messing where they sleep. Crating is not cruel, but should be limited to 4-5 hours maximum a day.
Teach your dog that good things come in the crate, like toys and treats. Stay in the room awhile and praise when the dog rests calmly in the crate. Resist letting the dog out if she cries. Over the transition period, gradually open the crate door and increase the number of rooms to which she has access. Do not keep dogs in dark, damp basements, garages, or non-family areas; this undermines your efforts to raise a socialized, well-behaved, house-trained pet (http://www.paw-rescue.org/dog_guide.php).
Spay/Neuter: Coupons for free or discounted spay/neuter surgeries by your veterinarian are available at the CHHS shelter in Cashiers, Cashiers Village Veterinary Clinic (743-5656), Cashiers Chamber of Commerce (743-5191), at Bryant Art Glass in Highlands (526-4095), Highlands Chamber of Commerce (526-5841), and in Sylva at Cope Creek Animal Clinic (586-3584). Call the shelter for more information (743-5752).
Lost & Found Pets: If you lose a pet or find one, immediately alert the local radio station (WHLC FM 104.5 FM), which broadcasts lost-and-found pet information as a public service. Inform CHHS, and place a notice with the pet's photo on the bulletin boards at Ingles in Cashiers and Hudson Library in Highlands. Both the Crossroads Chronicle and The Highlander will publish one free lost or found pet ad.
Location: Visit our shelter in Cashiers on Highway 64, 2.3 miles east of the crossroads, behind Reid Real Estate. Hours are 10–4 Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday. Visit us online at our NEW web site: www.chhumanesociety.org.
Donations, memorials and memberships are greatly appreciated and can be mailed to the CHHS, PO Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717. We accept donations online (see below) and by credit card. All donations are tax deductible and go a long way toward supporting the CHHS animals.
All our animals have been spayed or neutered and receive inoculations, veterinary care, and preventiative treatment for fleas, ticks and heartworms, and all our dogs also have been microchipped. For more information about animals available for adoption or opportunities to volunteer or foster, please phone the Shelter at 743-5752.

Photo by Marty MacMillan
Let the good times roll! Four-month-old Miley is a high-energy Jack Russell terrier mix, bound to fill the life of her forever family with years of love, laughter and fun, fun, fun.

Photo by Marty MacMillan
Slender in the grass: Toby is a sleek, sweet and gentle little guy, a year-old dachshund mix who’s great with kids and other dogs. Toby needs a loving home and playmates for life.

Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society
Laurel Magazine - September 2008

Kudos to the organizations and individuals who donate their efforts and resources to help the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society animals. Atlantic South Power stepped up when lightning struck our generator causing the pump to fail. We now have a new surge protector thanks to their generosity to prevent that from happening again. Wildcat Cliffs Country Club recently had a dog show and raised $2,028 for our shelter. Four Wildcat artists – Patti Foster, Emily Buskirk, C.B. Jennings, and Ruth Getzen -- agreed to paint pet portraits which were raffled, plus the Wildcat Cookbook Committee kicked in proceeds from the sales of their book. 45 dogs participated, and a howling good time was had by all.
We also appreciate the volunteers who walk the dogs every Friday morning, as well as the individuals and groups who come on other days to assist with shelter operation and pet socialization.
Join the CHHS staff and volunteers Saturday, September 6 and October 4, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the Village Green in Cashiers, for the opportunity to meet and adopt some of our wonderful pets. Hosted by Dan Allen of Coldwell Banker, Dr. P.J. Boatwright will be on hand to vaccinate and micro chip your personal pets for a small fee.
Don’t give up your pets because you can’t afford to keep them. The CHHS maintains a free pet food pantry and offers basic veterinary care to owners who are struggling to keep their pets. We also offer coupons for affordable spay/neuter surgery.
If you have feral cats in your neighborhood, phone the CHHS to learn about our Spay/Neuter/Trap/Release/Return program. We can help.
The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a private No Kill shelter, supported by individual donations and grants, which can be mailed to CHHS, PO Box 638, Cashiers, N.C. 28717. Donations can also be made by credit card and on the newly redesigned webpage, www.chhumanesociety.org. The CHHS is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. Telephone us at (828) 743-5752, or visit us in Cashiers on Highway 64 East, 2.3 miles past the Crossroads.

Rachel Marcus and her father Brad recently volunteered at the shelter while visiting from Orange, CT. Rachel is 11 years old and hopes someday to be a veterinarian. Harley the dog, pictured, and all CHHS pets have been spayed or neutered and have received necessary inoculations, flea and tick preventatives, and veterinary care. Dogs are micro-chipped as well.

For more information contact the Humane Society Directly or Call the Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077 and ask for Matt Kowal

Moving Into Leaf Season on The Casiers Highlands Plateau

2008-09-12T13:34:00.001-07:00

The "Indian summer" days of autumn, when the days are clear and sunny and the nights cool and crisp, provide an almost irresistible lure to those who enjoy the outdoors. This type of weather is also the most favorable for a spectacular show of autumn colors, making this season of the year still more delightful.

Scientist don't yet fully understand all of the complicated actions-and even more complicated interactions-involving pigments, sunlight, moisture, chemicals, hormones, temperatures, length of daylight, site, genetic traits, and so on that make for a perfect autumn color display. As research probes deeper and deeper into the basics of life, and more and more answers will be forthcoming.

But full understanding is not necessary to the enjoyment of the lovely days of autumn in forest, city, and countryside. Americans are blessed with many opportunities to see this yearly splendor.

The roads, trails, lakes, streams, and recreation areas of the National Forests are available for your pleasure.

The forest roadsides of autumn attract by far the greatest number of sightseers. But trails, often winding deep into forest solitude, offer special closeness to nature for hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.

Streams and lakes add special enchantment in the fall for fishermen and boaters, and colorful backgrounds for photographers. The surfaces of quiet forest lakes double the colorful mantle of their surrounding hills.

Hunting in eastern forests often coincides with the peak of the color season, and the pleasure of just being out-of-doors in the golden days rivals the thrill of the hunt.

And even along city streets the colors blaze forth, delighting residents of towns fortunate or farsighted enough to have retained some trees.

A GREEN LEAF IS GREEN because of the presence of a group of pigments known as chlorophylls. When they are abundant in the leafs cells, as they are during the growing season, the chlorophylls' green color dominates and masks out the colors of any other pigments that may be present in the leaf. Thus the leaves of summer are characteristically green.

The chlorophylls have a vital function: they capture some of the sun's energy and utilize it in the manufacture of the plant's food - simple sugars which are produced from water and carbon dioxide. These sugars are the basis of the plant's nourishment-the sole source of the carbohydrates needed for growth and development.

In their food-manufacturing process, the chlorophylls themselves break down and thus are being continually "used up." During the growing season, however, the plant replenishes the chlorophyll so that the supply remain high and the leaves stay green.

But as autumn approaches, certain influences both inside and outside the plant cause the chlorophylls to be replaced at a slower rate than they are being used up. During this period, with the total supply of chlorophylls gradually dwindling, the "masking" effect slowly fades away. Then other pigments that have been present (along with the chlorophylls) in the cells all during the leaf's life begin to show through. These are carotenoids they give us colorations of yellow, brown, orange, and the many hues in between.

The reds, the purples, and their blended combinations that decorate autumn foliage come from another group of pigments in the cells called anthocyanins. These pigments are not present in the leaf throughout the growing season as are the carotenoids. They develop in late summer in the sap of the cells of the leaf, and this development is the result of complex interactions of many influences - both inside-and outside the plant. Their formation depends on the breakdown of sugars in the presence of bright light as the level of a certain chemical (phosphate) in the leaf is reduced.

During the summer growing season, phosphate is at a high level. It has a vital role in the breakdown of the sugars manufactured by chlorophyll.

But in the fall, phosphate, along with the other chemicals and nutrients, moves out of the leaf into the stem of the plant. When this happens, the sugar-breakdown process changes, leading to the production of anthocyanin pigments. The brighter the light during this period, the greater the production of anthocyanins and the more brilliant the resulting color display that we see. When the days of autumn are bright and cool, and the nights are chilly but not freezing, the brightest colorations usually develop.

Anthocyanins temporarily color the edges of some of the very young leaves as they unfold from the buds in early spring. They also give the familiar color to such common fruits as cranberries, red apples, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, and plums.

In our autumn forests they show up vividly in the maples, oaks, sourwood, sweetgum, dogwood, tupelo, black gum and persimmon. These same pigments often combine with the carotenoids' colors to give us the deeper orange, fiery reds, and bronzes typical of many hardwood species.

The carotenoids occur, along with the chlorophyll pigments, in tiny structures - called plastids - within the cells of leaves. Sometimes they are in such abundance in the leaf that they give a plant a yellow-green color, even during the summer. But usually we become aware of their presence for the first time in autumn, when the leaves begin to lose their chlorophyll.

Carotenoids are common in many living things, giving characteristic color to carrots, corn canaries, and daffodils, as well as egg yolks, rutabagas, buttercups, and bananas.

Their brilliant yellows and oranges tint the leaves of such hardwood species as hickories, ash, maple yellow-poplar, aspen, birch, black cherry, sycamore, cottonwood, sassafras, and alder.
In late summer the veins that carry fluids into and out of the leaf are gradually closed off as a layer of special cork cells forms at the base of each leaf. As this cork layer develops, water and mineral intake into the leaf is reduced, slowly at first, and then more rapidly. It is during this time that the chlorophyll begins to decrease.

Often the veins will still be green after the tissues between them have almost completely change color.

Individual leaves, even of the same species, turn color in many different ways.

These maple leaves show both a complete change across an entire leaf (top), and partial change (bottom), with blocks of tissues turned brilliant red while adjacent areas still remain green.

Or, each leaf may be two or more colors at the same time. The yellow from the carotenoid pigments blends with the red from the anthocyanins.

When conditions of temperature, moisture, and the amount and strength of sunlight are all in the right combinations, we will be treated to spectacular fall colorations.

The entire trees blaze forth in vivid hues, along city streets as well as across the open countryside.

For More Information on how to enjoy the spectacular parade of colors that is Fall on the Plateau, contact Mathew S. Kowal, The Blue Ridge Summit Group at 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

www.DivideNC.com
www.BaldRock.com

Casheirs area Freinds For Life Benefit at The Divide Pavillion

2008-09-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

HORSES HELPING CATS & DOGS

"Friends For Life Benefit"

Don't miss this unforgettable benefit at The Divide Pavillion Sunday September 28, 2008.

Join us from noon until 4:00pm at The Divide Pavillion

Come see Gypsy Vanner Horses, eat great food, enjoy music, a free raffle, silent auction, and fun for all ages.... 100% of proceeds go to benefit the cats and dogs of friends for life.

Friends for Life fosters and finds homes for special needs and senior animals.

The Blue Ridge Summit Group

828-743-7077

404-394-7144

www.dividenc.com

www.baldrock.com

Western North Carolina Building Permit Report....

2008-09-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

The Western North Carolina Residential Building Permit Report has been released.
As of 6/30/2008 building permits were down 38.6% in Jackson County, N.C. (Cashiers)
versus the same time last year.
In Macon County, N.C. (Highlands) permits were also down 21.4%.
As a whole, the entire Western North Carolina Region was down an average of 45.1%
for building permits.

The Blue Ridge Summit Group
828-743-7077
404-394-7144
www.dividenc.com
www.baldrock.com

The Cashiers Highlands Real Estate Market...

2008-09-07T13:09:00.001-07:00

Outpacing the rest of the Nation...

Continued strength and resistance to the national trends seems to be the order of the day. While we have seen some impact to segments of the market here in Raleigh, there are still segments that seem to continue to chug forward.At a recent economic summit here in Raleigh the Chief Economist for the National Home Builders Association had this to say:"Seiders projected that national home sales will hit their nadir in the current quarter, and that housing starts will begin to rise in the third quarter of this year.But, he added, the housing market in North Carolina will continue to outpace the nation's. Housing starts across the country this year should fall about 20 percent, but in North Carolina, the decline should be about half that, Seiders said. North Carolina didn't experience the "runaway housing appreciation" that occurred in markets such as Las Vegas and Florida. So now it's cushioned somewhat from the steep declines in housing prices and housing starts happening elsewhere, Seiders said.Likewise, Custer[CEO of RBC Centura, Raleigh based bank] noted that North Carolina was one of only a handful of states where housing prices appreciated 4 percent or more last year."We're very fortunate to live and be able to do business in North Carolina," he said.

For more information on where to invest contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group... We are not just waiting for these opportunities to come to us, we are creating them.

828-743-7077
404-394-7144
www.dividenc.com
www.baldrock.com

For more on this article see: http://www.narreia.com/newsadvice/news_detail.php?blog_id=1054

Dinning Out On The Cashiers/Highlands Plateau

2008-09-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

The plateau is full of local flavors to tempt the palate. One of the newest spots to dine on the plateau is The Zookeeper Bistro. Two seasons ago the twin talents Chef Kristian Murphy and His Brother Jake descended on the cashiers area and took it by storm. Their inovative cuisine and casual yet rustically elegant setting will certainly create a dinning experience to be remembered. The Zookeeper Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, everyday except Monday. As you enter the Bistro your always greeted with a friendly smile and the smells of the days fresh creations. Chef Kristian's daily creations are inspired by not only the fresh local produce and seafood, but by local mountain traditions. Chef Kristian adds his own intercontinental flair to create dishes unparralleled by anyone else on the Plateau.

The Murphy brothers have created a place to not only to dine, but it has captured the essence of what it means to be in the Western North Carolina Mountains. Chef Kristian boasts and impressive resume spending his first seven years traveling from NYC to Naples, to Detroit as a Sous Chef at the Ritz Carrolton. From there he took his experience to Atlanta as the Corporate Chef for Apres Diem, Carpe Diem, and the Carrol Street Bakery. From Atlanta Kristian traveled to Savannaha Georgia to take a position as a Chef at the Nationally acclaimed Gottlieb's. It was not to long after this that Kristian was offered the Executive Chef position at The Ocean Plaza Resort on Tybee island. Kristian has been featured in Bon Appetite Magazine and has also won two Gold Medals at the Taste of Savanah with his famous chocolate sushi.

His brother Jake brings the ideal compliment to their relationship. Jake has traveled the country spending his time not only in the kitchen, but mostly in the front of the house. Jake epitomizes fine service. Jake has spent time behind some of the most popular bars in the United States and traveled seasonally working in five star resorts. Jake creates memories like no other, his quick wit and expansive knowledge of food and wine make hime the ideal tour guide for your dinning experiance.

The Zookeeper serves three meals a day, making it hard to choose a favorite dish. The Brunch menu is classic and elegant with a slight mountain flair. It's hard to beat the "Murphy's Omelet", perhaps their cornerstone omelet it will make your taste buds dance. This egg white omelet is stuffed with bacon, vidalia onion, baby spinach, diced figs, local cullowhee goat cheese, and fresh parmesan reggiano, and at only $10.00 you will leave full, happy, and still have money left for lunch. Breakfast specialties also include their famous chicken and waffles, a lovellkentucky hot brown, and of course their Maine Lobster butter roll.

Lunch is and eclectic mix of old favorites and new standards. Start with a house made hummus trio, and an order of Thai Shrimp toast. Work your way to one of the always healthy and fantastically delicious fresh salads, and then choose from an array of lovely sandwiches. If your not in the mood for all this food then try a cup of the She crab soup and a half portion of Kristian's own dried fruit salad with mountain apple vinaigrette. Check out the lunch menu below and plan your next meal.

Dinner at the Zookeeper is one to remember. With a slight mountain flair Kristian and Jake have taken their dinner menu and raised the standards for food in Cashiers and all across the Plateau. A broad mix of intercontinental cuisine along side some classic favorites will satisfy the taste buds of the biggest "foodies", or the pickiest of eaters. I like to begin with the Vidalia onion, served over rissotto, regiano cheese in a brocolini, butter puree. I then like to move onto the Bitter Greens. Endive, radichio, arugula, chippollini, onion, and a blue cheese viniagretter. If I am particularly hungry, wich is most of the time I will even throw in a cup of their award winning crab bisque. The entree is always a tough choice, so look below and pick yours.

THE ZOOKEEPER BISTRO

CASHIERS, NC

If you have private party or catering needs the Zookeeper can help you too. Kristian and Jake can create a custom menu and theme for the most informal occasion, or a Black Tie Affair. Below are some pictures from a recent private event. The menu was set for eight people and eight courses where served tapas style, finishing with an adaptation of Kristians award winning Chocolate Sushi. This time he serves it over a sweet kahlua syrup. Next time your in Cashiers remember to dine at the Zookeeper Bistro, or call them to host your private event....

JOIN US AT THE ZOOKEEPER BISTRO

FOR THE FINEST AND MOST MEMORABLE MOUNTAIN DINING EXPERIENCE

The Blue Ridge Summit Group

828-743-7077 404-394-7144

www.dividenc.com www.baldrock.com

The Cashiers Farmers Market...... Oh so good!

2008-09-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Cashiers farmers Market is a staple of mountain life. Every day people descend on the market to find the best of local produce, homemade jams and jellies, and any good ole' home canned things you can think of.

The old world charm of this rustic building will throw you back to a finer time of daily shopping. Not only will you find Western North Carolina's Finest produce, but also the Charleston Seafood Connection. fresh seafood is brought in fresh from the docks and sold throughout the weekend. No trip to the Market would be complete without a stop by the "On the Side BBQ" that serves up the best BBQ on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau. These old family recipes will leave your taste buds tickled with joy. The next time yo

ur in the Cashiers area don't forget to stop by The Cashiers Farmers Market for a taste of old world mountain charm.

The Blue Ridge Summit Group

828-743-7077

404-394-7144

http://www.dividenc.com/

http://www.baldrock.com/

Lake Glenville Estate Parcel For Development or Personal Use...

2008-08-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

French Style Chateaux With Acreage on Lake Glenville....

This 40+/- estate has it all. As you can see from the breathtaking aerial shot at right, this estate sits in the middle of all the action. Just minutes from Cashiers and Highlands, and right on the lake this estate parcel boasts every creature comfort you could want. From the grand entry ways to the seclusion of a stately wine cellar this is the perfect estate for a weekend getaway, full time living or the chance to develop a premier lake side development. Click the link below to take an unforgettable journey through this gorgeous estate... http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?sk=13&t=1041511

This estate will make your dreams come true. To get more information on this home or the development opportunity that lies within, contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group: 828-743-7077 or C:404-394-7144

http://www.dividenc.com/

http://www.baldrock.com/

Note: If interested in development this piece has already had much due diligence completed. Contact us to request any information you may need. This Piece is being offered at 4.9 Million

October in the Mountains... How will the leaves Change???

2008-08-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

Dry summer good for fall color?
As a Real Estate agent in Cashiers, Highlands and Glenville areas, I have many clients ask "when will the leaves change" This is the busiest time of year and they want to make sure they plan their vacation to
experience the brilliant colors of fall.

I found an article posted by The Smoky Mountain News that I thought you would enjoy.
SMNIf there’s a silver lining to be found in the drought across the mountains this year, it may come in the form of above-average leaf color this fall.
That’s the word from Katherine Mathews, Western Carolina University’s fearless fall foliage forecaster and an assistant professor of biology specializing in plant systematics. Typically, drier weather during the spring and early summer results in a colorful fall leaf season beginning in October, said Mathews.
“This should be a pretty good year for leaf color change,” she said. “Although there was enough rainfall this spring to keep the trees healthy, we are still in drought conditions in the western part of the state, which, surprisingly, is good for fall color. Fortunately, the summer temperatures have not been as consistently hot as we had last year, so we should not experience the early leaf drop we had last fall. It all adds up to a nice, long progression of fall color.”Historically, below-average rainfall during the spring and early summer means plant growth is stunted by a lack of sufficient water, Mathews said.
The final factor in the equation is climate during the first weeks of autumn, she said.“If the temperatures in September and October cooperate and cool down, contributing to the breakdown of chlorophyll, we should expect to see some brilliant fall colors this year,” Mathews said.
Chlorophyll is the chemical that gives leaves their green color in spring and summer. As chlorophyll breaks down, yellow pigments – always present in the leaves, but masked by the green of chlorophyll – are revealed, and new red pigments are produced.
Mathews also said leaf-lookers should not worry about any negative impact on fall color from the emergence of periodic cicadas in some spots across the mountains earlier this year.
The annual color show will begin first in the higher elevations of the northwestern sections of North Carolina, like the Cashiers, Highlands and Sapphire Valley areas, typically in early October, and progress southward and down slopes through mid-October and early November. Yellow birches, red sourwoods, red and yellow maples, yellow pin cherries and yellow poplars will be the first colors to show, Mathews said.
They will be followed by the yellow and red of oaks and sweet gums, yellow of hickories, yellow and brown of beeches, and a variety of other color shades in the vines, shrubs and smaller trees beneath the forest canopy. Peak fall color should arrive five to 10 days after the first frost at any particular location, Mathews said.
“Last year, there was not much of a peak, although we did see some brilliant color. This year, the trees should be on a more typical color schedule, peaking in mid-October in the mountains,” she said. “And a sharp cooling of temperatures in September and October would really cause the colors to burst, as this stimulates the production of anthocyanin, or red pigments.”

This information provided by: http://cashiersrealestate.blogspot.com/ Check out Rae's blog for other exciting articles about the Cashiers Highlands Plateau or contact us directly....

The Blue Ridge Summit Group

828-743-7077

404-394-7144

www.dividenc.com

www.baldrock.com

Lots For Sale

2008-08-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

The Divide at Bald Rock... Lots For Sale

Welcome to our "civilized wilderness". The Divide at Bald Rock is the perfect wilderness paradise to call home. Whether it's a second home or just an investment this is the spot to be on the Cashiers Highlands Plateau. With only a hand full of lots left don't miss your opportunity to own a piece of the continental divide.

If it is pure seclusion your looking for our cabin lots that are bordered by 6500 Panthertown Valley National Forrest are perfect. If it's big views you are craving then come visit Panther Ridge at 4500' where the endless mountain vistas will take your breath away. If the tranquil sound of a bold stream is your desire then Creekside at The Divide is just right. When nature is calling you, you can find your mountain paradise in The Divide at Bald Rock.

The Divide At Bald Rock

The Divide at Bald Rock
Available Westmark Properties

LOT ACRES PRICE 3 4.3 $529,000.00 *
7 3.1 $343,500.00
8 4.3 $331,000.00
19 2.5 $250,000.00 *
20 3.6 $325,000.00 *
21 2.25 $225,000.00 *
23 3.3 $335,000.00
33 4.37 $330,000.00 *
34 1.3 $159,000.00
35 2.73 $255,000.00
36 3.4 $312,000.00
37 3.5 $399,000.00
39 3.59 $499,000.00
40 3.75 $475,000.00
41 4.35 $475,000.00
43 1.42 $399,000.00
44 2.19 $399,000.00
45 1.9 $399,000.00

A 1.8 $185,000.00
E 1.5 $149,000.00
H 1.35 $160,000.00
I 1.0 $215,000.00 *
J 1.0 $225,000.00
K 1.2 $157,000.00
L 1.0 $185,000.00
N 1.0 $189,000.00
O 1.0 $199,000.00
P 3.1 $259,000.00
Q 1.9 $189,000.00
S 1.55 $137,500.00

* not on market

BALD ROCK

BR11-1 3.6 $299.000
BR11-3 5.1 $249,000

For more information contact the Blue Ridge Summit Group O: 828-743-7077 C: 404-394-7144

www.dividenc.com

www.baldrock.com

Waterfalls in Bald Rock and The Divide at Bald Rock

2008-08-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

If it's the natural beauty of water your looking for be it a 200 +/- foot fall or just the tranquil sounds of a meandering creek the this is the place for you. As the water drops below this magnificent deck, one can sit and enjoy the sounds with a nap or indulge in a fine glass of wine as the sun sets in the distance.

To the left is one of our many rock faces where the water gently cascades before dropping into a beautiful clear pool. At right is a 6 roadside fall, just one of the many natural beauties to be shared by all.

Below left is another roadside fall. This fall meanders through Creekside at The Divide. This particular fall is a great example of the many types of foliage that grow in, on and around the many falls of Bald Rock and The Divide at Bald Rock.

As you cross this rustic bridge in Bald Rock you can not help but be overcome from the sounds of the cascading fall below. There are many bridges like this one in Bald Rock each with a unique purpose and design.

Here a split rail fence creates a gorgeous back drop for yet another on of the many cascading creeks that run throughout both Bald Rock and the Divide. The fall below is situated in one of the many common areas in Bald Rock. Whether it is a simple hike with the family or just reading a book with an ideal background you can find it all in Bald Rock and The Divide at Bald Rock. This particular fall is one of my favorite spots to eat lunch.... It is the perfect setting for a quick lunch or a full on 5 course picnic.

Above is the bottom section of the falls pictures at right. In the summer you can find many of the neighbors relaxing by these falls and they make the perfect spot to get your feet wet on a beautiful summer day. To the right is continental falls. This fall boasts a drop of 200 +/- feet and is a sight to behold any time of year. Many lots in both Creekside at The Divide as well as above the falls have fantastic views of this monstrous waterfall. Below is the bottom section of continental falls.

For more information on these falls or to come visit on of our many other falls contact the Blue Ridge Summit Group at: O: 828-743-7077 or C: 404-394-7144

http://www.dividenc.com/

http://www.baldrock.com/

The Rain Has Come to the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

2008-08-26T10:21:00.001-07:00

Rain on The Plateau....

Let the heavens open and the rain pour down upon us....

After one of the driest summers the plateau has ever seen it is finally raining on us. It started late Sunday evening and has been consistently raining since. Our rivers are rising back to normal levels, the trees are flourishing from a much needed drink, and the animals can finally take a bath.

One of the major concerns has been fall. A dry summer with little or no rain usually translates into the trees changing early and quick. This was evident in the fact that many of the trees where already showing signs of changing color. This large drink should allow the trees the reserve supply of water they need and thus push the peak leaf season back into the second and third week of October. The water should also help prolong the fall with multiple weeks of breathtaking color.

Many of the dried up ponds and rivers are now again showing their magnificent beauty. The forecast is calling for rain the rest of the week, which should allow a proper drink for all of nature. Pictured at left is the bottom 50 or so feet of continental falls. This 200+/- foot waterfall is usually flowing in a magnificent splendor water flowing from every crack and crevice. In the past couple of weeks this poor old fall has actually almost completely dried up. With the generous rain we are now getting the always lovely continental falls shall be restored to her full glory. For your opportunity to come see the natural beauty the Highlands Cashiers Plateau has to offer contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at: O: 828-743-7077 or C: 404-394-7144

http://www.dividenc.com/

http://www.baldrock.com/

Fall on the Cashiers Highlands Plateau

2008-08-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

Fall is upon us! With the ever cooling temperatures and the smell of fall in the air we are on the way. The morning mist has arrived, and the breathtaking fall sunsets are beginning. It is the perfect time of year to find your mountain retreat.

After the rain,

the empty mountain

at dusk

is full of autumn air.

A bright moon

shines between the pines;

The clear spring water

glides over the rocks.

Bamboo leaves rustling —

the washer-girls bound home.

Water lilies swaying —

a fisher-boat goes down.

Never mind that

spring plants are no longer green.

I am here to stay

my noble friends!

by Wang Wei

The draw of "leaf season" i hard to explain. The natural beauty of a vivid fall is something that must be seen. So come join us this fall in cashiers and let us show you how fall was meant to be enjoyed.

Contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group

O:828-743-7077

C:404-394-7144

http://www.dividenc.com/

http://www.baldrock.com/

Westmark Development

2008-08-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Florida

Palm Island Plantation
Located in Vero Beach, Florida, Palm Island Plantation offers magnificent homes and luxurious condominiums styled with an appreciation for outdoor living. The architecture of the British West Indies evokes a charming and nostalgic ambiance, while inviting the exuberance and vibrancy of the lush landscaping indoors with the use of verandas, porches, balconies, and large windows. The luxury gated community of Palm Island Plantation includes, 64 single-residence carriage homes, 6 splendid riverfront homes, 18 luxury condominiums, 17 well-appointed estate homes and our newest addition of our luxury townhomes. For more information visit http://www.palmislandplantation.com/ or contact us today.

Matherne Construction Company
Recognized as one of the leading builders in Vero Beach in such notable communities as Palm Island Plantation, the Estuary, Indian River Club, the Moorings, Marbrisa and Oyster Bay, Matherne understands that building a custom home is one of the major decisions a family makes and one that is filled with excitement as well as anxiety. This is why Matherne dedicates itself to making the entire process - from beginning to end - as satisfying and pleasurable an experience as it should be. For more information visit http://www.matherneconstruction.com/ or contact us today.

Signature Kitchens of Vero Beach
The premiere name in quality kitchen and bath business. Signature Kitchens offers three quality cabinet lines featuring custom options and finishes including Dynasty, Omega and Plain & Fancy (exclusive to the Treasure Coast). Signature Kitchens' designers will take your floor plan, ideas and wish list and make your vision a reality. Whether you are a weekend gourmet or a professional chef, our design spaces feature the latest in organizational components: roll outs, pantries, sectioned drawers and exotic wood tops. For more information visit http://www.signatureofvero.com/.

For more information about one of our developments, contact us today.

Montana - Crazy Creek Ranches

Just outside the town of Big Timber, Montana, lies 1,826 acres which make up Crazy Creek Ranches, Westmark's latest real estate project and the first for the company in Big Sky Country. With exceptional views of the Crazy Mountains and the Absaroka-Bearthooth Mountain ranges, each ranch consists of lush irrigated hay lands, wooded riparian meadows, and wooded creek bottom pastures that are filled with whitetail and mule deer, wild turkeys, pheasant and other wildlife. Fishing enthusiast will find "blue ribbon" trout fishing of cutthroat, rainbow, brown and brook trout on over one mile of Big Timber Creek and Swamp Creek that run through the ranch. The ranches are perfect for the fisherman, sportsman, rancher, or horse enthusiast.

The property consists of four distinct ranches in varying sizes from 243 acres to over 600 acres and are conveniently located within one hour of Billings and Bozeman, and 35 miles from Livingston, the northern gateway to Yellowstone National Park. You can find more information on "Crazy Creek Meadow Ranch," "Crazy Creek Silo Ranch," and "Crazy Creek Cliff Ranch" by visiting our sales partner at http://www.newfrontierranches.com/ or by contacting us directly

Social Life - The Divide at Bald Rock

2008-08-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Pavilion at The Divide is the spot to gather. Bordered by 6500 acre Panthertown valley national forest, this is the ideal setting for you next gathering. The pavilion hosts events galore all year long. From the monthly pot-luck dinners to the gorgeous fall weddings, the setting is surreal. With a full social calender you can be as active as you choose, or just relax surrounded by 1000 acres of "civilized wilderness". At around 3600 square feet of covered space, there is plenty of room for you and your closest friends. With a full size catering kitchen featuring top-of-the-line appliances and plenty of storage space you event can be as big or as small as you wish.

Our Fourth of July Party Epitomizes relaxed mountain living. We gather with our friends, and enjoy the most authentic dishes in good ole' down home American style. With the pavilion draped in red white and blue, the smell of peach cobbler wafting in the air, and the giggle of children in the background, this is a party not to be missed.

The annual chili cook-off is always one of our more spicy events.... Each resident is invited to enter a recipe, and then we all gather for a lovely tasting and awards. These and many more events resemble the lifestyle that is The Divide at Bald Rock and Bald Rock. For more information on any of these events or to learn how to become a member of our "Civilized Wilderness" contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group: C:404-394-7144
O:828-743-7077
http://www.dividenc.com/
http://www.baldrock.com/

Rocky Top Lodge - Bald Rock Estate

2008-08-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

As Featured On The Cover Of Florida Trend

The Rocky Top Lodge features the best of the mountains. Just steps away from 6500 Panthertown Valley National Forest, this home boasts veiws as far as South Carolina and Georgia. A luxurious water feature greats you with the sounds of nature as you cross the bridged entry way and approach the rustic modern double doors.

The breathtaking veiws from the three levels of what is seemingly neverending deck space will render you speechless. This space allows for the finest in outdoor entertaining and being surounded by the peaceful civilized wilderness that is Bald Rock creates a place where memories are made. The large great room with floor to ceiling stone firpleace, windows galore to let in plenty of natural light creates the ultimate setting for you and your guests or a place for the entire family to relax.

For more information on the Rocky Top Lodge or other properties on the Cashiers Highlands Plateau contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at:

O: 828-743-7077

C:404-394-7144

http://www.baldrock.com/

http://www.dividenc.com/

Bald Rock - "A Civilized Wilderness"

2008-08-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Divide at Bald Rock

2008-08-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

Divide Your Time... Define Your Life...

The Western North Carolina Mountains offers a beauty all its own. It is a way of life... a place of peace and tranquility that can only be described by living it.

Creekside at The Divide:

Panther Ridge:

Contact Mathew S. Kowal O: 828-743-7077

C:404-394-7144

The Blue Ridge Summit Group

2008-08-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Contact Mathew S. Kowal O:828-743-7077

C:404-394-7144