Balsam Mountain Preserve

SYLVA, NC – July 20, 2010 – A 5,800-square-foot vaulted timber-framed home recently completed at Balsam Mountain Preserve is only the second project in Western North Carolina to gain a prestigious LEED-H Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council as well as earn the highest statewide accreditation point count of any N.C. HealthyBuilt Home Gold project in history.  The LEED designation certifies the home as one of the nation’s most energy and water efficient, using building strategies that reduce carbon emissions, and improve indoor environmental quality.

Conceived by its owner/developers Dave and Jean Walters, the house features structurally superior SIP walls and ceilings, hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic energy systems, as well as geothermal heating and air conditioning with radiant floor heat.  In addition, all posts, beams, flooring and siding are reclaimed species. The construction also uses local stacked stone in interiors and exteriors. “When we purchased our lot, we were taken by Balsam’s unmatched location and commitment to protect most of its land in conservation easements,” said Dave Walters, who sold a successful metro Atlanta home furnishing and interior design business and now consults on green residential building projects. “Our new home fits beautifully with Balsam’s environmental ethos and exceptional community setting.”   

Balsam Mountain Preserve has only 354 lots across 4,400 acres—vast swaths can never be developed and are preserved for forever wild nature trails and forest lands. At present only 120 of Balsam’s home sites remain left to purchase. “We’re seeing interest pick up significantly as the economy slowly rebounds,” says Balsam’s President Ken Costanzo. “Our buyers realize the opportunity to buy here and create dream homes in an outstanding setting like the Walters did is an opportunity that won’t last much longer. And this is the time to take advantage as the luxury housing markets begin to recover.”

Set deeply in the dense forests adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Balsam Mountain Preserve offers over 3,000 acres of protected land, 38 miles of streams, 34 miles of trails and elevations climbing to over 5,400 feet, as well as amenities that include:

• The 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature golf course
• Ruby Valley Sports Camp, complete with fitness center, tennis courts, pool and activity pavilion
• Horseback riding on 34 miles of private community trails
• Dark Ridge Camp with pavilion, bunkhouse, numerous camping sites, and trout fishing
• Boarding House includes ten mountaintop cabins, a timber-framed restaurant, lounge and rustic living room with large stone fireplace
• Nature Center featuring an in-house team of Naturalists, nature displays, and educational programs

About Balsam Mountain Preserve:

A 4,400-acre private community nestled in the Western North Carolina Mountains near Asheville, Balsam Mountain Preserve features an Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, dining and lodging facilities, and other amenities, all of which have been completed. Homes constructed at Balsam represent some of the finest examples of high-end mountain architecture in the country. Seventy percent of the property has been placed in a permanent conservation easement to protect its present park-like state.   Balsam has been recognized by Links Magazine and Travel + Leisure Golf Magazine as one of the top private golf communities in the state of North Carolina. For more information visit:  www.balsammountainpreserve.com

For Balsam Mountain Preserve:

Mary Beth Ryan

Miller Ryan LLC

203-268-0158

In cooperation with our new relationship, we are excited to extend to Gateway members a day at Balsam to enjoy our amenities! 

Scores of Balsam members have received their orientation to the many social and business opportunities available at the Gateway facilities in nearby Waynesville. Tuesday night dinners, which include live music at Gateway, have shown to be especially well attended by our membership with as many as 25 of our members attending on any given Tuesday!

This Monday, July 12^th Gateway members will have the option, as paying customers, to participate in golf, tennis, horseback riding, hiking, etc. at Balsam.  These Balsam amenities will remain open and available for our members as well on the 12^th.  Our ownership group, Vestlyn, will be providing some complimentary items for Gateway members during the day, which we are certain will be filled with fun and friendships for all involved!

http://www.thegatewayclub.com/

Dave and Jean Walters have built their very own certified “green home” here at Balsam Mountain. Though just recently completed, the home has earned the highest statewide accreditation point count of any NC HealthyBuilt Home Gold project and is one of the first homes in western North Carolina to achieve LEED-H Gold status from the US Green Building Council.

Congratulations to the Walters! Click here for the full story and images of the Walters’ home.