Eco Friendly Real Estate Blog: North Carolina: Mars Hill

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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