I am excited about the prospects for Asheville real estate clients, a retired airline pilot and his wife  who refer to themselves as quintessential Baby Boomers, and their relocation to beautiful Western North Carolina— getting settled in a new home here in Asheville. 

 

But they have some special requests:

 

They are serious about downsizing from their current 5,000 square foot equestrian estate to a home of less than 3,000 square feet— they really want a  sunny gardening area, a green-friendly, energy efficient home— and they want to stay living in this home until they are in their 100s.

 

OH! And they need to have enough room to pasture their horses- two Tennessee Walkers.

 

That’s a Tall Order! A Baby Boomers’ “Top-Rated” Asheville Gem

 

1. less than 3,000 square feet
2. eco-friendly and energy efficient features
3. enough space for two horses
4. solar gain
5. universal design elements, No-Step, handicap access 

But, Wait A minute!  I, just happen to know a special gem that checks out for all their Must Haves—  and it is a just 20  minutes from downtown Asheville!

Drovers Road Preserve- 
Today’s Tribute to Days Gone By

Asheville Real Estate Journal 

 

Drovers Road Preserve is an Asheville area conservation-oriented development with historical roots. Aptly named for its still visible trail, Drovers Road celebrates days gone by.

 

When you visit Drovers Road, look for the trail just inside the entrance to the 186-acre eco-sensitive development. (see photo) You will find a perfectly preserved road that once connected drovers to and from the markets of Asheville’s city center.  

 

The historic wagon road is honored with plaques; it’s a story being told as you enter the preserve. And you may also notice that while there is a new, and carefully planned, paved road right beside it, the worn path now serves to connect the development’s residents to a piece of local history. That historical connection continues as you explore Drovers Road Preserve.  It can be found everywhere from streets named after historical and local figures to informational plaques that tell the story of the land.

 

 Insights:  Most homes surprise you as you walk this land—they may be large or small, but they fit into the place and contribute to its beauty. (None are currently for sale.) There are 8 building sites for sale at Drovers Road Preserve.    They range in size from 1.5+ to 10 Acres, and in price from $215K to $695K.

 

Property Details: Drovers Road Preserve

Asheville Real Estate Journal Picnics and Day Trips Series- Southcliff (South face of Cedar Cliff Mountain)

Area/Community::  Southcliff Fairview, NC (Greater Asheville)

Minutes from Downtown Asheville  Amenities and Mission Hospitals:: 18-20

Time of Departure:: 12:45 PM

Time of Arrival at Gate and Security Stop Point:: 1:03PM

Drive Time from Southcliff to Grocery/Drug Store :: 5 Minutes

 

 

Driving out  74A from Asheville, I was reminded why this road is known as the "Scenic Byway." On this bright late December day, the mountains bordering a Carolina Blue sky  and touched at the very top rims with lacy frost were breathtaking. Long ago, farmers drove their livestock to Charleston, Columbia and Charlotte near what is today 74A - the Drovers Road. Southcliff overlooks that site. This development is said to be a private, gated-community, inspired by nature.

Elevations: from 2,675' to 3,950'feet. Lot sizes:  .22 to 4 AC. Price range: 75- 400K (see photo)

Ten (10) neighborhoods from which to select. Attractive homes and townhomes in the "Mountain Style."  200 single residential units planned. 100 townhomes planned.

Pluses::400+ AC. Views of Mt Mitchell, Little and Big Pisgah, Hickory Nut Gap and Bearwallow Mountain.

 Beautiful surroundings with a nod to nature.  Six(6) miles of family-friendly trails crisscross streams with wood bridges. Five (5) park areas.

 

Children's playground. Open air pavilion.  Convenience to shopping, schools and easy drive into downtown Asheville, our " electric city with rich heritage and tradition for all to discover." Minutes to the entrance off of 74A to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Family Camp features fire rings, tent platforms and picnic tables.

Listing STATS Active: Homes: 10  Lots: 6 (As I explored I noticed an announcement that the new phase is now open-possibly a number of lots are not yet shown on the MLS)

Closed: Homes: 42 Lots: 20       Foreclosures: 0

ECO Notes::  The decision to buy landslide-hazardous real estate should be well-considered. Landslide insurance is NOT obtainable and could have an adverse effect on resale /mortgage refinancing. When buying mountain real estate do your homework.  Slope stability can only be determined by state licensed engineers and geologists: Buyers, Sellers and REALTORS® are not qualified to make these assessments. Complete site specific analyses are available and advisable. I am happy to refer you to our team of experts.

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(*)/'(*)   ________Asheville NC Real Estate Journal. " On the Road HOME, CONTACT ME for 
Residential Market Reports::: "Check Asheville "Monthly Special Gems" and Asheville home stats in the top retirement and green-friendly neighborhoods we cover in Asheville.- Asheville NC Residential Market Reports  

NOTE:: A recent McGraw Hill study revealed that  81% of homebuyers would prefer to buy a eco-friendly home rather than a standard home, even in this current down economy. I have the following real estate green designations: NAR GREEN®, EcoBroker®, Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultant.

  LAND:: If stewardship of large acreage is important to you, let's talk about mutually beneficial solutions. IF you are a Cash Buyer, some awesome properties are available at excellent price points.  When buying mountain real estate do your homework.  Slope stability can only be determined by state licensed engineers and geologists: Buyers, Sellers and REALTORS® are not qualified to make these assessments. Complete site specific analyses are available and advisable. I am happy to refer you to our team of experts

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  © 2010. _____________________________________________________________________________________

Asheville real estate clients, a retired airline pilot and his wife  who refer to themselves as quintessential Baby Boomers, are excited about relocating to beautiful Western North Carolina- getting settled in a new home here in Asheville.   

 I, Greenolina  am excited about the prospects for them here in the Asheville area. But they have some special requests: They are serious about downsizing from their current 5,000 square foot equestrian estate to a home of less than 3,000 square feet- they really want a  sunny gardening area, a green-friendly, energy efficient home- and they want to stay living in this home until they are in their 100s. OH! And they need to  have enough room for their horses, two (2)Tennessee Walkers.  

That's a Tall Order! A Baby Bommers' "Top-Rated" Asheville Gem: 

1. less than 3,000 square feet
2. eco-friendly and energy efficient features
3. enough space for two horses
4. solar gain
5. universal design elements, No-Step, handicap access 

But, Wait A minute!  I, "Greenolina,"  just happen to know a special gemthat checks out for all their Must Haves-  Sellers confirm that it is just 13-15  minutes from downtown Asheville in Asheville NC's "horse country," the Fairview Community!    

Take a quick look  these mini-videos (very brief, but descriptive) and let me know if you agree. . ..

Tiny-Videos of Asheville Home and Land  

 

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(*)/'(*)   _______________________Asheville NC Real Estate Journal. " We are on the roll  for   innovation."  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 Baby Boomers Seek Top-Rated Asheville Real Estate  © 2010. _____________________________________________________________________________________

 

MAKE THIS YOUR HOME IN ASHEVILLE (Fairview Community) ! 

OUR ASHEVILLE HOMES ON THE GREENSIDE     
AUTUMN,2010 PICK OF THE MONTH  Fairview is a beautiful area known for it's rolling terrain, fine horse properties, beautiful mountain views, and excellent schools. It is an easy drive from downtown Asheville of less than 20 minutes.

As the owner of this home says, " ... Coming home to reality shows on TV isn't enough. 

The setting provides the sounds of songbirds and bamboo in the wind, the views, the potentially organic garden, possibility of horses, artistic pursuits......and magic! 

  HORSES? Bring them here! "

(see video my walk along the pasture below)

 

Then, judge for yourself...when you tour this home with horizontal skylights above the central atrium that wash the NO VOC painted interior walls and the beautiful tile floors with sunlight.  

Three sets of glass doors lead out to 625sf concrete patio overlooking extensive landscaping w/rare specimens and the 2-stall tack shed and run-in ... the stream that borders the level, groomed and organic-ready land, the fruit trees, outstanding area for dogs....

Take a look at the photos that follow, the video. *I'll let you know when this property hits the MLS... and please DO  let me know if you need me...

  

    

 

VIDEO- Walk With Me Along the Pasture Area --It Comfortably Can Support Two Horses

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You have been invited on a tour of 7 Asheville Second-Vacation Home Locales  you may consider when relocating to Asheville, NC. 

 On this crisp mountain morning, we head out to look at the eco-friendly development -

Drovers Road Preserve  , a sustainable residential community of 190 acres  in Fairview, NC, the third stop on our tour.

Drovers Road is a thoughtfully laid out eco- development.

It  is a special find for Second-Vacation home investors, not only be cause it is beautiful, and populated with a number of Certified Healthy Built ®Homes, but because it is within an easy half hour drive of  downtown Asheville.  (photo shows old drovers trail and historical marker)

When investing in a Second or Vacation property proximity to the amenities of Asheville  such as the Diana Wortham Theater, Early Girl (restaurant that serves locally-grown and harvested organic produce) Mission Hospital and the Asheville Airport, could be important to you. Here you  have convenient access not only to theatre, music, art galleries, and delicious dining experiences, but can also look forward to adventures in the out-of-doors--  walking trails, picnic shelters, and overlooks with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.  

Proximity: Just 2 minutes from a fabulous CSA where you can get locally-grown organic produce, and 6 minutes to grocery stores, Drovers Road offers a feeling of seclusion without the feeling of being remote. It is a 20  minute drive from Asheville.

As We Tour Drovers Road Preserve Please Note the

Careful attention that has been given to the soil. This ensures that it can adequately support septic systems, and slope, to further limit the environmental impact of development.

Obvious evaluation of slope allowed the developers to place the roads to limit impact and removal of trees

  Design elements like innovative stormwater management techniques also speak to the eco-friendly approach of the development.

The amazing constructed wetland used to treat stormwater runoff by allowing the settling of sediment and pollutants contained in the runoff.

The bio-retention ponds (or rain gardens) that use a porous soil mix containing sand to allow excess water to trickle into the depression and become absorbed. 

Other Features and Benefits for the Second and/or Vacation Home Investor:  

Drovers Road Preserve is a place of historical interest. It adjoins the well-worn path  taken by drovers and their animals many, many years ago. (see photo at top) You can read about this on the historical makers that grace the site.   So if you love a sense of history, you have come to the right place. 

For the Horse Lover, here is an interesting feature: Each residential lot adjoins the Preserve lands. This means Second and Vacation home owners not only have easy access to miles of hiking trails, but also to equestrian trails. Equestrian trails can be of great importance to many of our clients, so I am highlighting their availability. You will want  to select horse boarding facilities nearby. 

Before the development was created, Equinox Environmental planned for preserving the history of this place. The Drovers Road Preserve conservation easement held by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy actually  was developed by Equinox Environmental  to protect those 110 acres, and allow specified development  (including deed restrictions and lot size) on the other 76 acres. 

The easement permanently protects a majority of the forested, mountainous terrain from all future development. It is held by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy . Many of the locales we are visiting in this series are protected in this way.

 What a perfect setting for a LEED® Certified home. And we know the perfect General Contractor  who can make this happen for you.  Take this as a clue to what Second and Vacation home seekers can expect in terms of excellence in this Asheville area community. In fact, only  twenty-three (23) homesites where custom homes already are carefully blended into the existing ecosystem can be found here.    

If you are seeking a luxurious but natural lifestyle where mountain views, nature trails, and pristine streams invite you to relax and enjoy the quality of life, you have come to the right place. 

Note:  Considering Drovers Road terms of the business of vacation rentals? Please check out the deed restrictions.     

The home pictured here, a WNC Healthy-Built®  home  with an open floor plan and exquisite custom craftsmanship and details sold for $895,000 in 2009.  No other homes are available for sale right now. However.... there are a number of  unique building sites ranging in price from approximately $215,000 to $700,000 currently available at Drovers Road.

 We are in the business of finding incredible Land and Green-Built Homes for our clients, whether that be Homes and Land for Sale by Owner or listed on the MLS.  So let me know what you think.

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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 Second & Vacation Home Gem : Drovers Road ___________________________________________________________________________________

Are you interested in  Eco-Friendly Development ? One Asheville area eco-community may have some answers for you. Creating an eco-friendly development starts with planning how the site on acreage comes together and will unfold.

There are questions that come up before one home is built that beg to be answered:

 How will this development work with natural resources  by preserving topsoil and trees and reducing storm water runoff?

 How  energy efficient building and an increased use of alternative energy sources lead to sustainable development?

What is the plan for using green building materials?

And is there a plan for educating homeowners and building professionals on the features and benefits of deep-green construction? 

When just yesterday I visited Hickory Nut Forest Eco-Community near Asheville where 225+ AC surrounded by 800+ acres of conservation partners' land and how to carve out a net zero energy community on a small portion possibly these were questions under consideration by this group of thoughtful land owners.
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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............ GOING GREEN: socially conscious investing keeps on rolling into a sustainable  world you can create today and tomorrow with eco-friendly land where you can build a green house and then help the environment by recycling.

GREEN Real Estate and Relocation: OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL  ECO HOMES AND LAND LEARNING TOURS. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..

  The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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David Tuch, VP at Equinox Environmental has a wealth of knowledge and experience. A presenter at the 2009 GREEN HOMES (and Land)  Tour, Tuch is involved in an array of eco-community developments in the Greater Asheville, NC area.

During the presentation time, Tuch, an expert consultant for the Mountain Landscapes Initiative, talked about  how  we can grow local economies in North Carolina's mountain region without threatening the natural assets that attract new people and new investment. He also looked at  how to adjust to change in the mountains without sacrificing community character and sense of place.  

Following that thought he asked . . .  "WHERE is the perfect place to construct the green-built home of your dreams?"

If I were to choose, and it would be hard because Asheville is full of possibility, I  possibly would choose a building site in one of Asheville, North Carolina's  eco-communities.

 "GREEN" is the word here in Western North Carolina's mountains.More and more here in Asheville we are noticing a trend toward sustainable environments, and more and  more. Asheville is becoming the "hub' of green and sustainable development.  Touring various eco-communities in the Asheville, NC areato explore sustainable innovation inour area is what this is all about.    

Eco-Stewards' GREEN LEARNING  TOURS takes you to one of Tuch's masterpieces of planning,  Drovers Road Preserve. (This might just be one of my favorite places. I've spent many happy hours there. Just inside the entrance to this eco-community you can discover a bit of authentic Appalachian history.You can actually see the roadbed that once connected drovers to and from the markets of Asheville's city center. The trail is marked. The mood is set.

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

OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants. Contact janeAnne@janeAnne.com or  give a call at 828-255-1082 . Design your dream. Give us your checklist .

ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Curious about sustainable GREEN real estate possibilities ?  Register for the Eco Stewards' Learning 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 "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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WHERE is the perfect place to construct the green-built home of your dreams? Possibly on a remarkable building site  in one of Asheville, North Carolina's  eco-communities. "GREEN" is the word here in Western North Carolina's mountains.  

More and more here in Asheville we are noticing a trend toward sustainable environments, and more and  more. Asheville is becoming the "hub' of green and sustainable development. 

(Photo to the right of the meadows at Drovers Road Preserve courtesy of David Tuch, VP Equinox Environmental.)

So I have been touring various eco-communities in the Asheville, NC area to find out what this is all about.  We started with Hickory Nut Forest. (Worth your visit!)  Today we are traveling with Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultant, Bill Westel to check out Drovers Road Preserve, a favorite of the Garden Club, and another conservation neighborhood just outside of Asheville in Fairview, NC.. As it turns out, this eco-community is just down the road from Hickory Nut Forest . . .only about 20 minutes from the many amenities in downtown Asheville.  

I'm happy to go into detail about the Drovers Road Community. Talk with me.

Bill likes to say how Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design had a hand in this eco-community. He will tell ya' that   "The people at Equinox really are a dedicated group of professionals that are capable of handling a wide variety of developments from small residential conservation easement subdivisions in urban areas to 1000+ acre multi-family developments. They have a diverse team of skilled people ... an Environmental Land Planner ...a Landscape and Environmental designer... with a Field Biologist, a Botanist, an Environmental Scientist, and a Land Planner/Landscape designer."

" Now this is what I call a Green Team . . ." Bill said recently in a glowing post on his BLOG.. I tend to agree. Many environmentally-sensitive projects I've come to know over the years enjoy the Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design stamp of approval. The one we are visiting today,  Drovers Road Preserve, may be my favorite. That's because I've spent many happy hours here.

Just inside the entrance to this eco-community you can discover a bit of authentic Appalachian history. You can actually see the roadbed that once connected drovers to and from the markets of Asheville's city center. The trail is marked. The mood is set.

This 186 acre conservation residential development has only 23 lots. They range in size from 1.5 to 10 acres. Of the almost  190 acres, 110 have been placed into conservation easement. As we saw at Hickory Nut Forest, the easement permanently protects Drovers Road's natural resources and the majority of the development's forested land from any future development.

(Site map to the left at Drovers Road Preserve courtesy of David Tuch, VP Equinox Environmental.)

 

As stated on the property's website, "The philosophy of Drovers Road Preserve is to develop home sites in environmental and aesthetic harmony with the surrounding landscape." In order to carry out the philosophy, "a carefully conceived set of design guidelines governs all construction, ensuring that the character of the land is maintained and that man-made living spaces are an integral part of the nature preserve." No wonder Drovers Road Preserve has won several awards for sustainable and ecologically sensitive design.

As we tour Drovers Road Preserve please note the

•1.      Careful attention that has been given to the soil. This ensures that it can adequately support septic systems, and slope, to further limit the environmental impact of development.

•2.      Obvious evaluation of slope allowed the developers to place the roads to limit impact and removal of trees

•3.      Design elements like innovative stormwater management techniques also speak to the eco-friendly approach of the development.

•4.       The amazing constructed wetland used to treat stormwater runoff by allowing the settling of sediment and pollutants contained in the runoff.

•5.      The bio-retention ponds (or rain gardens) that use a porous soil mix containing sand to allow excess water to trickle into the depression and become absorbed.

In a review of this eco-community in the New Life Journal , a print publication with a circulation of about 90,000,reflecting the interest in eco-communities in the Greater Asheville and Atlanta areas I stated :

  "It appears that great care was taken to preserve the integrity of the land-road layout and design are such that visitors and residents can still enjoy a connection with nature."

 Whether in an urban environment, or in the rolling regions beyond Asheville's city limits, buyers and investors and sellers of real property are taking note of the sustainable and ecologically sensitive design concept and the development of eco-communities is on the rise around these mountains.

  ....Looking to the Future....  

Asheville, NC eco-community scene is amazing- Asheville, N.C. and the City's healthy impetus for sustainable development,  diverse economic structure based on tourism, services, and  eco-innovative attitudes means  a positive outlook even in difficult times. -Overall education levels, wages and per capita income levels are on the "plus" side here in Asheville.  Standards of living are, too.   

....Greater Asheville, North Carolina's GREEN  real estate market enjoys clients who are hungry for sustainable neighborhoods, energy-efficient design and green-built homes.

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Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved  Asheville ECO Real Estate: Trends, Legacies & The Home Place  

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TALK WITH ME About Drover Road . WE are IN a sustainable  world.    

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