Mars Hill, NC

Asheville Real Estate Journal

An eco-minded client once asked me, "Why would I choose to buy acreage?"

Good question! "Land has intrinsic value," I answered. A lengthy discussion of the financial benefits of the environmentally-sensitive land purchase, and the delights of eco-friendly land planning and use followed.

Even though I love the land, my response was not biased. Land is synonymous with natural, social, and economic capital. In terms of the law of supply and demand, think of it, there is only so muchland. Land in our bioregion is appreciating rapidly.

And whether it is a large rural tract, or a single acre or two in town you fancy,prime acreages in the Asheville area, more and more are becoming difficult to locate, especially when land use is a primary consideration.

Let's say you have money ready to invest in land. Before you invest, have you considered what "kind" of land attracts you and how you plan to work with that land? It's always a good idea to evaluate what I call your land use factor.

If you are an eco-minded investor interested in agricultural land, for example, your vision for this land might be to create a working farm, develop co-housing facilities within asustainable eco-village, or to supply organic crops and dairy products.

On the other hand, an Audubon Group could conserve 1,900 of 2,000 acres of rural land to protect a watershed, to create a trail system for hiking and equestrian pursuits, to restrict use on 200 acres of such a parcel for a nature-education center for the public, or a LEED Certified Golf Course, or to designate a 15 acre parcel for a green-built cluster home ecovillage.

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(*)/'(*) ________The Asheville NC Real Estate Journal . Mountain Homes and Land Legacies- Asheville NC Real Estate © 2011. NAR GREEN®, EcoBroker®, Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultant. INFORMED CHOICES. THOUGHTFUL ADVICE.Email me to request a copy of EPA's Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit- janeAnne@janeAnne.com Unauthorized reproduction of any information including photos on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Eco-Friendly Mountain Homes and Land Legacies-
- Asheville NC Real Estate © 2011.
828-776-0773

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"This professional REALTOR® has an eye for extraordinary value
in Mountain Homes and Land Legacies, green-living communities,
and properties of enduring excellence."
~ MS

Heading north from Asheville, NC today, we look forward to stepping, even if only briefly, on the Appalachian Trail when we visit Second and Vacation Homes at The Preserve at Wolf Laurel . Here golfing, skiing, hiking and equestrian pursuits are on the agenda for second and vacation home owners.

Keeping these points in mind,a) proximity to Asheville, b) the exterior and/or interior allure for a second or vacation home, and c) zoning/deed restrictions, we travel about 25 minutes on I-26 to Exit 3. Another 20 minutes takes us to the gates of this eco-friendly development touted as a "a private, gated mountain top community that adjoins Wolf Laurel Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina."

"With an elevation of approximately 4,800 feet, this 1,300 acre master planned community offers long-range views and ... tennis, swimming, skiing, horseback riding, and miles of trails with direct access to the Appalachian Trail, " we read in the brochure.

I ask my clients. Who wants to walk on the Appalachian trail today?"

I am smiling as I hear cheers all around. We may even take in an incredible 360 degree view of the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests from the Big Bald Mountain Trail.

I warn everyone: The roads leading there are somewhat narrow and with the storms this winter, we may experience some tricky potholes!

Arriving in the Preserve at Wolf Laurel area, we remark that this is a mighty fine terrain for skiing. We decide to stop by the ski lodge, an attractive building of native poplar and pine post and beam construction. (Always nice to notice if you are into locally harvested and sustainable construction.)

Later we will take a look at second and vacation homes and condos that border the eighteen hole championship course. This must be one of the highest elevations east of the Rockies.

On the way up the mountain, we see three(3) tennis courts, a stocked trout pond that is just a short walk from the outdoor pavilion.

We stop for a picnic there. We talk about the "must haves". My clients who are avid skiers and outdoorsfolk.

I can see a twinkle in their eyes as the envision the family gathering to ski toether next winter. I ask:

a) Will the Proximity to Asheville NC work for you? It is less than an hour from Asheville, NC, and just 15 minutes to Mars Hill, NC and grocery stores. The Preserve at Wolf Laurel could really appeal to this family as they are interested in the recreational and out-of-doors aspects that second and vacation properties offer.

b) Tell me how you feel about the Exterior Allure? Without a doubt there is the possibility of amazing connections with nature: Homes along the Appalachian trail, the graceful beauty of ski slopes, the shady sanctuary of the forest, or hilltop.. . .My Oh My!

Will they build a log home here? You tell me....

Second and/or Vacation Home Features

Nature Connections: Abundant water sources, forest trails, trout fishing a community center and pavilion.

Eco-Friendly Benefits: This protected land encompasses outstanding environmentally sensitive areas. The potential for excellent healthy enjoyment of the out-of-doors. Stepping right from your own door to a trail that winds from the eco community..

Appropriate for Vacation Rental: Absolutely.

Appropriate for Second Home: We like the newer sections with log cabins overlooking the mountainscapes very much. Asheville's shopping and restaurants are about 50 minutes drive..

We are in the business of finding incredible Land for our clients, whether that be Land for Sale by Owner or Land listed on the MLS.. . and the Greater Asheville area abounds with such special finds.

There are several unique building sites ranging in price from approximately $80K to $350K currently available at The Preserve at Wolf Laurel. The average second vacation home price is around $500K.
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Asheville NC Real Estate: LAND and LOT EXPERTS- Going Green/ Eco-Friendly Properties. Tools for Sellers and Buyers. Mountain Homes, Land Legacies, LOTS and Land For Sale by Owners.

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(*)/'(*) .......... ............" We are on the roll for sustainable innovation." © 2010. Asheville NC Real Estate Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved. Asheville Area Second Vacation Homes - The Preserve at Wolf Laurel

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Madison County is north of Asheville and Buncombe County. It is very rural with lots of mountains, streams and valleys. The French Broad River flows through it along with many tributaries. There are only 3 towns with just 3 zip codes in Madison County

Marshall is the county seat. In town there is the courthouse, a few shops and restaurants and the river. The French Broad River runs through the middle of town and occasionally floods. On the other side of

Main Street it goes straight up a mountain. Beyond the river are mountains and coves with small farms. It is about a 20 minute drive to Asheville from Main St.

Downtown Marshall

Mars Hill is a college town. The college was established in 1856 and it is the focal point of the town. There is at least one big, nice Bed and Breakfast.

A regular of repertoire of plays are performed in the Owen Theatre

The third town is Hot Springs. There really are hot springs there and you can pay to go and relax there. Years ago it was a major resort with a huge wooden hotel. A couple of fires and a bypass by the Interstate slowed business to a crawl. It is close enough to the Appalachian Trail to make it a stop for long distance hikers. The French Broad River runs through Hot Springs also.

The terrain around Hot Springs is mountainous. And the Falls are beautiful.

Web sites with more information on Madison County

Madison County Information

More Madison County Information

Visit Madison County

Henderson County Next

Eunice Pearson, ABR,CRS,GRI,ePRO
2123 Hendersonville Rd
Arden, NC 28704
828-230-4894
eunice@ashevillehome.com
www.ashevillehome.com

The Amazing (though small) MARS HILL Tailgate Market.

It's a mild August Saturday morning, and I'm on my way to the Madison County Tailgate and Artisans Market in Mars Hill, NC .

You may not be able to tell from this photo, but it is right on the campus of Mars Hill College!

This college is a bit of history in and of itself! . It is a liberal arts college founded WAY back in 1856.(For more on the college and Mars Hill, see my college and small towns around Asheville series.)

Summer's here, the mountainsides are blooming and the dear old trees are deepening to even deeper shades of green.

Coming into Mars Hill, I spot the tailgate market just over the hill. Now it occurs to me. . .I love the idea of sustainable agriculture and sustainable practices that bring organic fruits and vegetables to the tailgate markets in and around Asheville.

Today, there appear to be just about twenty vendors down in a sheltered parking lot on Mars Hill College Campus Drive. Small can be good, you know. Gives one a chance to be neighborly. Suddenly, I'm wondering what it looked like back in 1856. ..and who was talking with whom WAY back then.

Speculation aside, it is obvious that this tailgate market, though smaller than those I've told you about in previous posts (Asheville City Market and UNCA sponsored tailgate market), still has much to offer. There is, for one thing, that special quality that gives the market experience a particular and pleasing atmosphere. You could say it is a "human scale" delight. Reconnecting with the land and meeting the people means so much to me...how about you?

FINDS: Good organic produce here-tomatoes, cukes, squash and blueberries, and my favorite-of-all-time chevre from Spinning Spider Creamery. Don't miss this! Outstanding crafts, bedding plants , jams and jellies are here, too...and baked goods that satisfy the hunger for authentic ingredients and baking that feeds the spirit.

Gail Lunsford from Wake Robin Farm Breads is one of the regular vendors. . She does her baking in a wood-fired brick oven on a farm that's been in the family for 150 years. Wake Robin Farm is out in the Sandy Mush Community. (More on this in another post) Good to know that if you live in the Greater Asheville area, or you are visiting, you can find Gail's breads at the tailgate markets at UNCA and at the French Broad Food Co-op.

Tomorrow I'm going to pack a picnic basket for LPS with apples, bread, and an out-of-this-world jam from an "old-timer" at the market. Maybe I'll toss in some decadent cookies and white peaches....

Resources:

All the Asheville area Tailgate Markets are mentioned in the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project's Local Food Guide. the Guide lists:

· 180 family farms
· 38 apple orchards
· 36 U-pick farms
· 20 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms
· 31 farm tourism destinations
· 20 roadside farm stands
· 8 wineries
• 39 farmers' tailgate markets

Madison County Farmers & Artisans Markets : Mars Hill Tailgate Market

Madison County, NC Farms "Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Madison County is home to over 1500 rural, family farms. From farm tours, pick-your-own berries, choose and cut Christmas trees, and horseback riding, Madison County offers many things to see, do and buy...."

RESEARCH--Fascinating Madison County History! It's a good-guess that my friend the well-known author D. Silver will be delving into some research on Madison County...maybe from the College Campus (see photo)

THAT should prove to be a good read on Mars Hill and Madison County history in the not too distant future. The Silvers, by the way, are stewards of 20+ amazing acres in Madison County. I'm thrilled that the ECO TEAM at Our Firm found the acreage with vocal stream and oak barn for them.

Festivals::

Bascom Lamar Lunsford Mountain Heritage Festival The 41st annual Bascom Lamar Lunsford "Minstrel of Appalachia" Festival will take place October 4, 2008 on the campus of Mars Hill College from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m (Look for my post on this event!! Some time in October, 2008)

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Read the latest news about mountain and valley neighborhoods, day trips, picnics, and local ecotourist attractions you'll just love. Check THIS out/. . .Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ? Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

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WE are IN a sustainable world

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This is the time of year when folks head for the mountains and the cool breezes to be found there.

For those of you who are yet to discover the splendor of Asheville's hills that quickly expand into peaks, come on over and visit...and you may just choose to stay. There's some local exploring to be done. So grab your picnic basket, fill it with locally-grown and baked goodies (more on our fabulous eateries later) and discover the art of relaxation all over again.

THIS IS A SERIES ON PICNICS and the sustainable culture that's on the rise in the Greater Asheville area. Check back for a number of day trips you can enjoy in the mountains just to the north of Asheville in and around neighboring towns and villages of Mars Hill, Marshall, and Hot Springs, all located in Madison County, North Carolina.

Today we're off to Mars Hill in Madison county.

Madison County, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, is a rural county. It is only about half an hour or so from Asheville, but with approximately 3,500 small family farms, agriculture is the largest industry in the County. In fact, agriculture accounts for half of the gross income in the County.

When you pack a picnic and head to Madison County, where streams and pastures and coves abound,you may look out your window as you drive the scenic country roads and notice tobacco crops. That's because Madison County is the largest burley tobacco producing county in North Carolina. In fact, there are approximately 2,350 farms with burley tobacco quotas. A decade ago, burley tobacco accounted for $10 to $12 million for agriculture income annually. But recently, as you may suspect, the demand for tobacco has been on the decline.

Not to be defeated, local farmers have become creative. Crops are changing, and farmers are diversifying. You now will find local growers cultivating the most amazing organically-grown crops. Vegetable and organic and nursery crops have increased dramatically in the last 20 years. . Stop by the family-run vegetable, fruit, and flower market just as you come in to Mars Hill, and you will see what I mean.

And/or you simply could stop by a tailgate market at Mars Hill College. Tomatoes are almost in season. Time for the famous lettuce and tomato sandwich on home-baked bread? You can collect the ingredients all right there, then stroll across the street to campus (see photo I took not long ago, just below) for an incredible picnic.

Fresh. Old-fashioned. And sweet. What do you think?

All we need now is a banjo and a fiddle.

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The Eco-Steward Firm, Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants Copyright. © 2008 All Rights Reserved.

~ Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ? Read the latest news about mountain and valley neighborhoods, day trips, picnics, and local eco-tourist attractions you'll just love then ~

Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

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