About Asheville's Montford

WALKABLE "The road to profitability may be a foot path!" (2)

Real Estate Journal: Asheville Walkable Neighborhoods

Montford -The MONTFORD NEIGBORHOOD in Asheville, North Carolina not only is Historic and Happening…but it is SO walkable!

Montford, a neighborhood of about 300 acres, offers a diversity of architectural styles. A good number of the homes such as you see in the photo here, were constructed between 1890 and 1920. Montford, like its residents, is a place of complex overall character.

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As you walk make your way from street to street on the sidewalks, you may notice that a certain romance is in the air.

You may even " feel" the artistic” influences.” You may see residents of this sustainable community strolling down a tree-lined boulevard, possibly stopping to gaze at one of the majestic homes that never fail to catch your attention.

And Yes! There are wondrous architectural details including those from such trendsetters as Bruce Price, Bernard Maybeck, the prominent Arts and Crafts architect, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The Arts and Crafts style made popular in Asheville by noted society architect, Richard Sharp Smith, supervising Architect to Biltmore House is well-represented here in Montford.

Here is a walkable community where neighborhood parks greet families, the coffee shoppe is close at hand, and so are friends and families.

ReGreening. - “If you’re here, you probably already know that green homes are healthier places to live, are better for the environment and can save money…” But, REALTORS®, did you know that the US Green Building Council (USGBC) is busy developing best practice guidelines for sustainable residential improvement projects?

REALTORS ® who hold the NAR GREEN Designation, may find the effort and results of regreening not only fascinating, as I do,
but a trend with a positive impact on our real estate markets as,

according to the USGBC, “REGREEN fosters sustainable renovation practices and benefits by providing quality resources, including REGREEN Residential Remodeling Guidelines, numerous case studies, educational offerings, a Certificate of designation for green remodel professionals, a green strategy generator that specifies green measures based on project scope and goals and much more.” So...does this point to a trend..or is this just so much marketing hype?

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Trends and Green Measures. - As we look into it, we find that communities and individuals, including a number of REALTORS® are indeed working together to develop programs and initiatives to reconnect all of us with nature and wellness in our own neighborhoods. Here at Active Rain, Dena Stevens and I began the Eco-All-Stars Group back in 2007, for example, and watched it grow from just the two of us to over 1,200 real estate professionals (so far!) (You're invited) ...

Green measures nationally may bring awareness. Green measures locally could mean that everybody wins.

->REGREENING - An emerging trend? -Quite Possibly....

Regreening is taking place all across the USA.

Asheville, NC joins “regreening” efforts taking place in Chicago, Philadelphia, LA, and Seattle. where investing in sustainable urban ecosystems that can improve quality of life makes sense.

...you can see one of Asheville's most charming historic regreen neighborhoods, Montford- known for holding solid residential real estate values and community regreening HERE.

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Resources

1. The Regreen Program: “If you’re here, you probably already know that green homes are healthier places to live, are better for the environment and can save money. They have better air quality than non-green homes, cost less to operate and significantly decrease the negative impact of the home on the environment. Green homes are also an immediate and measurable way individuals can make a difference in the environment.”

http://www.regreenprogram.org/

2. Lovely Reading : Last Child in the Woods. A book that might impact how we build neighborhoods.

Derek Thomas, founder and chief operating officer of Newland Communities, the nation's largest privately owned residential developer, has committed his company to changing its design approach. "We need to find more ways to integrate community into nature," he told CBS News.

3. EDENS LOST AND FOUND
http://edenslostandfound.org/

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(*)/'(*) .......... ............Asheville NC Real Estate Journal for Mountain Homes and Land Legacies- Asheville 1031 Realty© 2011. My Designations: NAR GREEN®, EcoBroker®, Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultant, ePRO®. Unauthorized reproduction of any information including photos and graphics on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved.

* INFORMED CHOICES* THOUGHTFUL ADVICE* DATA INTERPRETATION*

Email me janeAnne@janeAnne.com or give a call at: 828-776-0773

-Timely Real Estate Talk- Asheville 1031 Realty, Inc © 2011.

A vacation home can also become an early retirement income. Take, for example, the small Bed and Breakfast (B&B) as a possibility. For some, there is nothing like a creative challenge to fuel the mind and spirit and keep you on your toes. And this a B&B supplies. Of course you will want to consider factors such as the tourist industry in the area, (Asheville’s is very

strong,) and proximity to amenities, resources, and medical facilities and your own financial planning, and the fact that

Asheville, NC is #1 on the 2010 TopReirement.com’s list of most popular towns in which to retire (as it has been since 2007.)

A poll – “ What draws people to Asheville?” of the Carolina Mornings Team revealed: Asheville’s mountain vistas• Carolina Blue skies and colorful seasons• Recreational opportunities • Cultural opportunities • The incredible music scene • Tailgate Markets with locally-grown produce

TopReirement.com’s answers: Water everywhere for fishing, boating, swimming • Wide range of upscale housing opportunities for seniors • Interesting, walkable and dynamic downtown • Mild climate year round • Blue Ridge Mountains and Parkway • Biltmore Estate • Trolley tours

Asheville’s wonderful combination of all of these and more have made it a perennial favorite not only for retirees, but for tourists. In fact, the local economy is driven to a significant degree by tourism.

NOTE: One of the best ways to understand the daily adventure of the life of the owner of a B&B scene is to try inn-sitting.

Currently there are several B&Bs on the market here in the Asheville area. Please contact us for more information.

Asheville NCNeighborhoods -MONTFORD HISTORIC DISTRICT:
From the Neighborhoods We Love READ ABOUT Series. (Part 2b)

MONTFORD'S Bed & Breakfast (B&B) Business.

Montford is home to about a dozen B&B's.

Our out-of-town (and even quite a number of local) clients tell us that they look forward to their time at one of those B&Bs.

Who doesn't anticipate enjoying the many amenities in and around Asheville-- Art Galleries, Gourmet Vegetarian or French 'comfort food", Live Music, a Ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Horseback Riding at the Biltmore Estate, , or a Raft-ride on the French Broad River ... and then returning to inspired lodging?

What do I mean by "inspired lodging"? ....possibly simply listening to traditional Appalachian music, attending a "social", or walking in lush gardens. And in the morning? A gourmet breakfast served on fine china, crystal and heirloom silver and organic coffee. You can expect the Montford B&Bs to bring you hospitality with a warmth and graciousness that is typical of the Asheville area and the Montford neighborhood.

For those who choose to amble into downtown, many of the following B&Bs are within walking distance ... Check out photos (such as the one just below)that we took of a number of Montford's B&Bs one sunny winter's day at the Photos link.

Here are a few B&B linksyou might explore.

Abbington Green

Applewood Manor

Carolina B&B

Katherine's Place

The Black Walnut B&B

The Lion & The Rose B&B

The Wright Inn

And here are a few interesting Montford Community Links

The Montford Arts Center
Historic Montford Tours
Annual Montford Arts and Music Festival -
Montford Area Historic District
The Montford Park Players NC's Longest Running Shakespeare Festival

Topography: Here is a link to a map that will give you a "bird's eye view" of Montford in terms of the topography, or land contour, by means of contour lines.
Montford Topography TOPO Map

Pet -Friendly: Yes!

Price Range: $189,00 (due for Green Renovation) to $1,390,000

Homes Available : 32

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__~o
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............

Asheville NC Favorite READ ABOUTS - 2009 .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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A Note to Buyers and Investors.

FOR OBJECTIVE REAL ESTATE COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants contact our Eco-Friendly Team via email links here, or at 828-255-1082 . ... design your dream , give us your checklist , or start by simply seeing Asheville, North Carolina on one of our GREEN ARROW "Just Looking" "green" LIMO Tours .

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind

Asheville NC Neighborhoods We Love -MONTFORD HISTORIC DISTRICT:
From the Favorite READ ABOUTS Series. (Part 2)

Montford,This Historic Asheville Neighborhood is HAPPENING!

"...Few neighborhoods express the rich architectural heritage and vitality of Asheville better than the Montford Historic District. During an era of remarkable growth in Asheville and in an environment of a few powerful individuals with enormous personal wealth, Montford grew as a residential neighborhood for middle-class people. Businessmen, lawyers, doctors, architects and the retired all came home to Montford," says the National Park Service Register of Historic Places.

Homes: Thoughtful design signifies this "Close In" neighborhood of about 300 acres with a lovely and rich diversity of architectural styles.

Most of the homes, many currently enjoying "green-upfitting" were constructed between 1890 and 1920. Even with the variety of designs throughout Montford, consistent patterns and use of materials like shingles, stucco, pebbledash and half-timbering comprise a cohesive Montford impression." .

Much of the Montford neighborhood was designated as an Historic District and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Since that time, historic restorationhas been on the rise. Today the Montford community is home to several businesses (see photos) and the neighborhood has developed a new business, centered around the historical restoration projects of a number of devoted stewards of fine buildings.

Neighbors: Like most neighborhoods in Asheville, NC, the folks who live here (many of whom are "Cultural Creatives -- architects, designers, teachers, authors, doctors, poets, lawyers, and gallery artists) are known for old-fashioned neighborliness.

Indeed, we can assure you, it is the people in the Montford neighborhood, through their vibrant sustainable community spirit, that make this neighborhood a great place to visit and an even greater place in which to live.

Atmosphere: Montford, like its residents, is a place of complex and intriguing character.. .

Romance and history are in the air, so expect to " feel" the artistic influences. Even residents of other neighborhoods in and around Asheville find themselves drawn to Montford. Maybe you will see them strolling down a tree-lined boulevard. Maybe you will notice how often they stop to gaze at the majestic homes that grace the streets

There are wondrous architectural details including those from such trendsetters as Bruce Price, Bernard Maybeck, the prominent Arts and Crafts architect, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The Arts and Crafts stylemade popular in Asheville by noted society architect, Richard Sharp Smith, supervising Architect to Biltmore Houseis well-represented here in Montford. According to the National Park Service, "Smith's preference for pebbledash, shingles, high-pitched roofs and heavy stone foundations contributed to an overall form for the neighborhood.

Neighborhood Parks, Greenspace & Hangouts: Located in the heart of the Montford neighborhood, the Montford Center Has an outstanding Climbing Wall and gymnasium and ..a view of the mountains from the playground, tennis court, lighted ball field and amphitheater.

Or walk over to Montford Park (see photo).Bring your tennis gear, or a picnic basket. For those of you who appreciate the Arts, check out The Montford Arts Center and don't miss The Montford Park Players NC's Longest Running Shakespeare Festival,

The Neighborhood BUZZ: We sent our furry-friends (see photo) out to communicate with neighbors and let us know what they love about the MONTOFRD neighborhood ....here is what they told us the buzz on the street is...Top 10 favorite things about living in this neighborhood:

1. The stories behind the people and houses

2. You can imagine history

3. Friendliness of neighbors

4. Variety of architecture

5. Riverside cemetery

6. Walking tours

7. Newsletter

8. Neighborhood events

9. The Music and Arts Festival

10. Diversity of residents

Pet -Friendly: Yes! (for sure)

Price Range: $189,00 (due for Green Renovation) to $1,390,000

Homes Available : 32

_________________________________________________________________________________

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............

Asheville NC Favorite READ ABOUTS - 2009 .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

A Note to Buyers and Investors.

FOR OBJECTIVE REAL ESTATE COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants contact our Eco-Friendly Team via email links here, or at 828-255-1082 . ... design your dream , give us your checklist , or start by simply seeing Asheville, North Carolina on one of our GREEN ARROW "Just Looking" "green" LIMO Tours .

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind