Blowing Rock Real Estate-Boone Real Estate-Meris Gantt-Buyer's Agent

Boone has a wonderful NAHB Green Building Committee. I'm so thrilled to see people in this area coming together to make something happen. I'm just trying to keep up with everything that they're doing. Now, more than ever, it's relevant to the real estate industry. They have a great website with a blog, local resources, and upcoming events. A fun event to check out if you're in the area is Green Drinks at Boone Saloon every first and third Thursdays at 5:30. It's an informal laid back gathering for anyone interested in networking and brainstorming.

Often times before Green Drinks, the group will hold walk through's of homes that are built in the area with "green" elements. I finished my EcoBroker designation recently and am currently facing the "now what? stage" of my green journey. Seeing the actual elements that were discussed in class put into practice really helped solidify some otherwise abstract concepts.

The beautiful home located just outside of Boone features radiant heating throughout. One thing that I think is really unique is that much of the wood used on the project was salvaged from trees that were cleared off of the lot. Some of the furniture, if it wasn't already second hand, was also made from reclaimed wood. There were some passive solar elements as well, mainly consisting of dark slate on the floor of the sunroom. Other aspects were dual flush toilets, energy star appliances and rain water collectors. These are just a few highlights. Next time I'm at a walk through I'll be sure to take better notes so that I can elaborate.

The project is working on getting classified as a NC Healthy Built Home. If you're not familiar with that certification it is a unique program. The way it works is that there is an extensive checklist made up of all different building practices and you can pick and choose which ones you want to use. The final product is scored by a point system. There are 4 different levels of certification: certified, bronze, silver and gold. (I hope I've explained that right. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong).

" A Healthy Built Home is a comfortable, healthy and affordable home that reduces energy and water usage and protects the environment. Building materials and processes are selected to reduce pollution and the waste of natural resources both during the manufacturing and construction phases and throughout the life of the home." -NC Healthy Built Homes Website

Sun Room

Master Bath

You guessed it, it's that time again. The Blue Ridge Food and Wine Festival will be held Downtown Blowing Rock this year. The festival starts Thursday, April 16th with "Uncork" the festival at the Meadowbrook Inn.

Friday is full of fun activities. A Downtown Scavenger Hunt will go on all day. Also, there will be different cooking and wine seminars throughout the day such as "pairing cheese and wine" and "wine making 101". See the schedule for exact times, locations and pricing. Friday evening, John McEwen (of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame) will be gracing the halls of the Hayes Performing Arts Center. There's also a downtown Gallery Stroll and a VIP Wine Gala. Another highlight is the Late Night Pastry Party with Carla Lyons Hall (Top Chef Finalist) at Crippen’s Restaurant.

Saturday is always the big day of the festival starting with the preliminary rounds of the Fire on the Rock Chef's Challenge. This is an exciting event featuring local chef's competing for the title. The "Grand Tasting" also takes place on Saturday. There will be tons of North Carolina wines featured as well as others from around the world. I'm hoping for a nice weekend with all of the outdoor activities that are planned. The Grand Tasting will be held on the corner of Main and Maple and is 45 dollars at the door. The Downtown Scavenger Hunt continues Saturday as well.

As if the weekend isn't action packed enough, Sunday is the final round of the Fire on the Rock Chef's Challenge. There will also be Champagne Brunches at local restaurants (the list of locations will come out later).

Trying to park downtown will be crazy so there will be a shuttle running from Shoppes on the Parkway to the Arts Center to Downtown. I would highly recommend it.

As you can see, there's definitely something for everyone whether you just want to come for tasting, food, classes and meet and greet or great entertainment. I'm looking forward to the tasting on Saturday myself. Cross your fingers for beautiful weather.

After a long gorgeous weekend to start off the month of April, Old Man Winter is about to strike again. That's what April is all about up here in the High Country. We go from 70 degrees and sunny to 25 degrees with a blizzard and winds howling in 24 hours time. The spring teaser is a cycle that takes some getting used to. On one hand,it brings a much needed reprieve from the long winter months. On the other, it strikes back again so hard that it's depressing because you realize there's at least a month till it's time to pack up the parkas and open up the house for good. Usually you can count on being safe by the 2nd week in May.

Trout fishing opened this past Saturday. Blowing Rock marked the event with the annual Trout Derby. We had some friends and family over to cast out a few lines in the creek and grill out some dogs. It was a perfect day to enjoy the outdoors. I'm glad we enjoyed it while we could because as we speak, not even a whole day later, I'm starting to see flurries out of my office window.

The forecast on Ray's Weather says that we're supposed to get 1-3 inches by Wednesday morning with 3-7 inches in the higher elevations towards Tennessee. The temperatures will be in the 20's to 30's until Thursday and then warming just a touch. Easter Weekend looks like it's going to be pretty messy and rainy but possibly looking up on Easter Sunday. You'll still have to bundle the kids up for Egg Hunting but hopefully the rain will hold off.

The sky was ominous this morning so I snapped a few pictures. Here are two taken in the same spot but 180 degrees difference. The first is the last little patch of blue sky disappearing. The second one is the dark front moving in. I'll post up some more pictures once I can get out and get some of the snow. Cross your fingers it's the last one but that's probably just wishful thinking for this beach girl.

I thought I'd post up pictures of this awesome listing that our firm has in Blowing Rock.

The pictures really don't do it justice but I figured I'd put it out there anyway. The stonework is incredable!

Features include: heated tile floors in the bathroom, radiant heat throughout, wired for music and security throughout, elevator, teak flooring, fireplaces on all 3 levels, fountains and water features...the works.

I had an open house there a couple weeks ago. It was a beautiful day and I had a wonderful turnout. I didn't sell the house that day (not that I expected to) but met a lot of buyers as well as friendly neighbors. I'd call that a good day.

Located on Main Street in Historic Downtown Blowing Rock, NC.

Kitchen

My Open House Helper

Well I've never been one to blog listings on ActiveRain but I feel compelled to put the Riverstone Condos that our company has listed out to the universe. The condo's are located right outside of Boone on Hwy 421. They are great for a small family, second home or students. Phase I is already sold out and the builders are about to break ground on Phase II. They are currently preselling them and the projected completion is August of this year. There are two different floor plans but all units are 2 bedroom 2 bath. .

These are extremely affordable condos ranging in price from 149K to 179K. A great price for the Boone and Blowing Rock area. Upgrades to granite and hardwood floors are also available.

Here are a few pictures but I've got plenty more if anyone wants to see them.

Feel free to contact me with any further questions.

There are also Riverstone Townhomes available that are 3 bedroom 3 bath.

Kitchen

Main Living Area