Lake Lure, NC

Land for Sale Asheville (series)

We ventured out in search of unique LAND for sale between snow storms this week- our objective: to find retreat-like settings for families. That translates to abundant water sources (possibly a swimming pond, streams for trout fishing, and waterfalls for inspiration) trails for hiking, meadows and sunny places for gardens and a community meeting place.

An ideal community might have only 19 or 20 homesites on good-sized (3+acre) lots and be carved thoughtfully into a larger parcel-say of 250 acres or so that could not be developed and would stay forever wild. The protected land would encompass the waterfalls, trails and other outstanding or environmentally sensitive areas. That common land would invite homeowners to be part of a pristine mountain environment simply by taking a walk.

We have been writing about land for sale by owner. So we have been keeping our eye out for such possibilities. But there are cautions when this is the objective. See Part 1 and Part 2 of this series.. So today we set out to investigate an eco-friendly development soon to be listed that came on our radar not too long ago. Curious if we found what we sought??? Stay tuned!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............green real estate Asheville: GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies, socially conscious investing, rolling into a sustainable world. Create it today for tomorrow. Find eco-friendly LAND. Build a green home. GREEN Real Estate, Retrofits and Relocation: ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/ Land for Sale Asheville Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved the green real estate Asheville Journal _______________________

Dateline Asheville, North Carolina, June, 2009
News and Views from Asheville's Greenolina, Real Estate Eco-Steward

THREE CREEKS, CASCADES AND WATERFALLS-

Take a deep breath and imagine yourself inspired by this waterfall.

That's what happened for us on our recent picnic and photo shoot at Three Creeks Preserve. Here we discovered a conservation neighborhood beyond compare.

Less than an hour from Asheville, NC., and just 4 miles from Lake Lure, NC, we also discovered the secret to eco-friendly living at Three Creeks Preserve.

We had checked our map (see graphic) and headed out in high anticipation.

We had heard amazing reports on the Three Creeks conservation neighborhood, one of John and Marilyn Nelson's nature-oriented developments. We had earlier visited (and loved) Creston Eco-community, so were expecting amazing things.

"Our philosophy at Creston and at Three Creeks is quite simple," John Nelson, had told me. "We believe in setting aside equal shares of land for people and for nature in a community that offers the benefits of carefully planned land use. We believe this development philosophy is a sound business model that fairly balances competing interests while insuring that present and future generations can continue to enjoy the natural beauty that attracts people to our mountain region.

In terms of Creston, it's wonderful to be able to permanently protect these lands in conjunction with the Foothills Conservancy and to help protect these mountains' waters, forests and beauty forever."

As real estate professionals, always with an eye out for a special find in the Asheville area, we especially like to visit eco communities so that we can tell our clients about building sites along a creek, beside a meadow, in the forest ,or on a hilltop. Three Creeks turned out to be unique among such communities. Established in 1994, it exudes an aura of subtle elegance inspired by nature.

Before we headed out, we also checked out the Three Creeks Community web site. We learned that this eco development "offers a retreat-like setting for families. Abundant water sources, prominent waterfalls, meadows, forest, swimming pond, trout fishing, trails and a community cabin."

"It's conceptual uniqueness derives from deeding 70% of the land to the owners as common land which cannot be developed. The protected land encompasses waterfalls, trails and other outstanding or environmentally sensitive areas."

Arriving for our picnic and photo we meandered up the paved drive (see photo ) and into the woods drawn by the alluring sound of a distant waterfall. I said to my companion, " To live here must certainly be what aiming high is all about!"

We took a foot bridge and connected to a trail system that winds from the eco community to about 278 acres of diverse terrain and up to the scenic mountain overlook. AWESOME! No wonder there are only a very few building sites remaining here.

This is a place where people can choose to live among caring neighbors, sharing their inspiration and enthusiasm,.Here is a sustainable community that could power the homes by unleashing the renewable energy inherent in the land, the water, the wind and the sun, and a thoughtfully-planned neighborhood.

Here I can see green-built homes designed with natural, non-toxic materials to be safe, healthy, and energy efficient, built to the highest green building standards.

I can see myself building my very own green-built dream home at Three Creeks Eco-community whose very foundation rests on maintaining a healthy, diverse ecosystem. How about you?

_________________________________________________________________________

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

ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS.Serving Asheville's First Time and Relocation LAND and Home Buyers.

Asheville First Time Home Buyers - "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

_____________________________________________________________________________

-------------

©2008 - AmazingVideoTours.com - All Rights Reserved. Any use of this photo, including reproduction, modification, distribution or republication, without the prior written consent of Amazing Video Tours, is strictly prohibited. Amazing Video Tours offers photography and full motion video marketing solutions to Realtors, and other individuals with property to sell, lease, or rent. A departure from the old fashion 360 Virtual Tour, Amazing Video Tours takes online property marketing to the next level.

Lake Lure, NC

Lake Lure is a little gem of a place located southeast of Asheville, and east of Hendersonville. The name Lake Lure applies to both the lake and the town.

We are located in the Hickory Nut Gorge, between the mountains. Many of you will have heard of Chimney Rock Park, located in the Gorge. Scenes from "The Last of the Mohicans" were filmed there. The park has recently become the newest and largest NC state park and we are both proud and very pleased that over a thousand acres will be pristinely maintained for generations to come.

We are a small town wrapped around the lake that is our heart. The mountain views here are superb and the lake has been recognized as one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the country. Our pace of life is, well, a bit slower than in the big city. For instance, if the ducks at the community pond decide to cross the road, traffic stops. We might wonder why they don't simply fly across, but they choose to walk, and we accommodate them.

Early in the 20^th century, Dr. Lucius Morse discovered our corner of western NC and became the driving force bringing development to the area. His vision brought in a hydroelectric power plant, and created both the lake with its nearly thirty miles of shoreline, and the town, incorporated in 1927. Today, the town of Lake Lure owns the lake which means it is its residents who maintain control over it. There is a strong focus on keeping the water sparkling clean and maintaining high water levels for recreational usage.

Chimney Rock Park offers miles of hiking trails, a 400 foot waterfall, and a great view of the entire region from its lookout atop The Rock. The 720-acre lake provides yet more recreation opportunities. Visitors can rent boats, take boat tours, or just relax on the town beach. Water skiing- but not jet skiing- is permitted. Town residents have free access to the beach and a chance to rent a boat slip at the marina. Local riding stables offer horseback riding. North Carolina is golfer's paradise and Lake Lure is no exception. There's the Dan Maples Championship Golf Course at Apple Valley, the beautiful Bald Mountain Golf Course, the Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course, and several other excellent courses nearby.

Getting hungry? Lake Lure offers both casual and fine dining. Don't worry if you forgot to bring a jacket and tie, just make sure you have shoes on your feet. There's also a dinner cruise available and both food and sunset views across the lake and gorge are an event not to be missed.

Visitors and vacationers can find B&Bs, motels, condos, and homes ranging from modest log cabins to luxury lakefront mansions to rent for the weekend or the summer.

From Lake Lure, you can easily explore Asheville, Hendersonville, and the area to the south, Polk County. Tryon offers steeplechase, fox hunting, and dressage events and is the site of the NC Blue Ridge BBQ Festival, home of the NC Championship Cook-Off. There's a public marina at Lake Adger where the NC record-holder Musky, a 41 pounder, was caught. Saluda is another charming Polk County village to explore.

Should you decide to stay forever, if you want to find a second home, or a place to build, Beverly-Hank's Lake Lure office is located across the road from the Lake Lure beach, next door to the 1927 Lake Lure Inn, in the Lake Lure Arcade Building. Come in and say hello. I'll be happy to help you explore Lake Lure further. Joelle (828) 899-4536 cell.

Snug Harbor Retreat - Right on Lake Lure, NC

This brand new Lake Lure home is now available for vacation rentals. Located lakefront, this home is perfectly situated on a quiet cove just 1 1/2 mi. from the beach/marina area. Two large open entertainment areas complete with lcd tv's, comfy couches and fireplaces await your relaxation. Lake views from two of the four bedrooms. This home has a big kitchen so you can feed the crowd easily. The home is fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Outside you have a large screen porch complete with rocking chairs ready for you to sit and enjoy this quiet cove. At the waterfront, you have a huge deck with two sets of tables and chairs, and just below, there is a great swimming or fishing dock, complete with ladder. We have a canoe and life vests for your enjoyment, but feel free to bring your kayak or boat. We have information about boating and fishing licenses. This home is just a short distance from Chimney Rock State Park as well as the Beach/Marina area. Enjoy the SlideShow.

Lakefront home right on the lake, in popular Lake Lure, NC.

This 4 bedroom home is ready for your whole family.

Call Cindy Bock - Bungalow Vacation Rentals - for more info 828.606.1957