A WOLF LAUREL SPECIAL REPORT:

   Living on Mountain Time

You really would be amazed if I told you all the Wolf Laurel area has to offer  -  from luxury, mountainside townhomes at Wolf Laurel near the country club and executive homes in the exclusive Preserve at Wolf Laurel to rustic mountain cabins.  This unique special report offers you an almost unbelievable opportunity to access our most timely and important information on Wolf Laurel activities, lifestyle, mountain homes and homesites plus investment opportunities.   Enjoy.      - Ronald Holland

Big Bald Highlands Handbook - February 15, 2007 - A print and online edition will provide readers everything they need to know about the growing number of unique mountain activities, shopping, accommodations, real estate etc. in the resort area here at Wolf Resorts in Madison and Yancey counties. We will soon be the leading mountain resort area in NC and it is time to explore all the benefits and high mountain lifestyle options available in our resort location just 35 freeway minutes from Asheville. It is time for a fair and balanced guide to the area so get ready!!!


Dear Reader,

I have to admit that I have one of the best jobs in the world here in the mountains at Wolf Laurel Resort, Asheville's High Mountain Resort, and because of it I am able to enjoy the best four-season mountain lifestyle my family has ever experienced. I enjoy traveling around our mountains searching for the best deals and opportunities available for people who dream about living the same high mountain lifestyle.  It was my dream too and it's a wonderful dream--one that you can make come true for yourself.   (Be sure to click on the links throughout this Special Report for more information.)

You Deserve the Luxury of Living on Mountain Time.

Imagine waking up on a cold crisp winter day with a view like this and knowing that the ski slopes are a short walk away.  Do I ski, take the kids on a winter hike or curl up in front of the fireplace and read a good book?

In the summer, I have the same dilemma but with even more options. Do I go play a round of golf with friends at the Wolf Laurel Country Club on one of the highest courses in eastern  America?  Head down to the pool or tennis courts, hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery and the cool mountain breeze.  For the avid hiker remember that the 2,000 mile Appalachian Trail runs along our resort boundary and there are numerous trails inside the resort that access the AT.  

Just mentioning the North Carolina mountains or the major tourist city destination of Asheville inspires a number of images...long-distance mountain-top views that go on for 50 miles over numerous distant mountain ridges, the fast pace of winter skiing, our eclectic downtown Asheville often called "The Paris of the South" with a nightlife, restaurant and alternative lifestyles to match, cool summer hiking, camping, tennis and golf. 

Why are people being drawn to the Asheville area from all over the United States?  Downtown Asheville is sort of a New Age Mecca and makes for great shopping, restaurants and nightlife only 35 minutes away from Wolf Laurel. In addition we are attracting many well known personalities who want to enjoy the benefits of Asheville and our mountains without the public exposure of larger cities. So far I've met Andie MacDowell and Gladys Knight, see MovetoAsheville.net  for more information.

No matter what your budget will allow or your unique mountain ideal location, western North Carolina offers a wide range of options. Actually, more than you could ever imagine. When you discover a true 'insiders' look at the value and lifestyle available here in our high mountain region and compare the prices to where you live now, I believe you will agree with me. The mountains of North Carolina provides more real estate opportunities than virtually any other destination. I know because I've visited almost every major mountain resort in New England, out West, in Canada and throughout the Alps. Let me give you a glimpse of what I've discovered here in the Carolina mountains.

Your Personal Invitation to Explore and Tour the Wolf Laurel Area!

In this Special Report, I would first like to tell you a little more about our rural high mountain region located next door to Asheville which offers an abundance of restaurants, galleries, shopping and entertainment. Then I'll tell you about the many mountain activities available to residents of our Wolf Laurel area.  If after reading this report you feel that this may be your mountain dream, I would encourage you to take my online High Mountain Resort Lifestyle Quiz to see if you are suited for the diverse climate and healthy unique way of life here in our mountains.

If you are ready to make a change to high mountain living year round or considering a second home, home site or investment property then let's discuss Wolf Laurel in detail. From the type of home you are interested in, location and view preference, price range, and timeframe.  Then let's work together to plan your visit to the Wolf Laurel area so you can experience up close and personal what this area has to offer.

You will be amazed how your stress level and frustration drops just by having your own mountain retreat for weekend or summer getaways to rejuvenate in the mountain air.  Historically the Wolf Laurel area has been a mountain summer resort and winter skiing area however today more and more people are either commuting from here to Asheville or retiring here full-time in our beautiful mountains.

My name is Ronald Holland and I want to help you do what so many of my friends here have done. You've been successful, worked hard, saved and invested wisely. Isn't it time to begin to slow down and enjoy life a little more. Have you thought about getting out of the hectic pace and immersing yourself and your family into a slower, more relaxed, healthier and outdoor lifestyle - or in other words "live on mountain time."  Many of you will say, "I'm too busy now", "maybe next year" or "when I get caught up" while property values rise and the stress of the rat race and crowded suburbs gets worse and more destructive to your well-being. Don't wait until it is too late and your health and happiness are at risk before following your dream and creating your mountain retreat.  E-mail Contact Form

An Endless Number of Small Town Attractions in the Wolf Laurel Area!

Hot Springs DiningImagine driving to nearby mountain villages and walking through quaint downtown streets surrounded by beautiful mountains. In Hot Springs you have the opportunity to canoe or raft down the French Broad River or enjoy a soak and massage at the Hot Springs Resort. Maybe you're ready for a cool refreshment and lunch or dinner on the riverside veranda at the Bridge Street Cafe where I've enjoyed the best Italian cuisine in western North Carolina? Or would you prefer the stunning decor and big city atmosphere (in a very small town) of the restaurant and lounge around the corner at the Bright Leaf Junction Hotel and Restaurant?

Owen TheatreHave you ever experienced the magic of live theatre in the mountains? Just down the mountain is historic Mars Hill College home of the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre.

In nearby Burnsville, there is the Garden Deli that looks just like a German beer garden along with great local shopping farmers markets and a surprising number of festivals in Burnsville.

35 Minutes From Asheville, One of America's Major Tourist Destinations

I've lived in Asheville for more than twenty years and I have to tell you that it is one of the most interesting small cities to visit in the entire world.  Asheville is often described as the Santa Fe of the East but many visitors and new residents move here to get away from the stress, congestion and crowded conditions so prevalent in major metropolitan areas and their suburbs. Asheville and the surrounding mountains offer views, seclusion, exciting mountain activities and peaceful relaxation while the eclectic downtown area is balanced by the conservative traditional values and down-to-earth lifestyle present in the small towns and rural communities surrounding Asheville.  Don't just take my word for the popularity of Asheville read what others are saying in this publication from the Asheville Chamber of Commerce.

This area enjoys a delightful change in the four seasons where climate and temperatures are determined by elevation. Within a few short miles, you can choose to live and enjoy an inviting mild Southern climate or by being higher up in the mountains, appreciate snowy winters and cool summer temperatures comparable to southern Canada and the New England states. I live at 4,500 feet in elevation and our temperatures are often 10 or more degrees cooler than the city of Asheville.

This may be the best time ever for you to consider your options in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. No matter what your budget is or your dream mountain location the Wolf Laurel area offers more opportunities than you can imagine.  Wolf Laurel Resort and The Preserve at Wolf Laurel are the largest and most developed resorts in the area with the most amenities however outside our 24 hour gated community are other resorts that also offer a golfing community, a ski resort, and a new village development. Read about the other resorts in our area

Are You Ready For A Year-Round Bonanza of Mountain Activities

There is an amazing amount of mountain activities open to residents and visitors.  You have immediate or close access to mountain biking, hikes and walks, whitewater rafting,  golf, tennis, horseback riding and more in the summer. See our mountain activities directory for more and recommended providers.

As far as winter sports there are eight ski resorts within 90 miles of Asheville and at least six snow tubing locations. Asheville can not be beat for convenience and Interstate highway accessibility for winter sport lovers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. We also have cross-country skiing at Roan Mountain and snowshoeing at Big Bald Mountain adjacent to Wolf Laurel Resort. See Ski Asheville for more information on each ski resort and winter sports in the area.

Escape To Your Mountain Paradise...In Your Car

The Wolf Laurel Resort area is closer and more convenient than ever before with the new I-26 Interstate Highway and our own Wolf Laurel Exit #3 just 4 miles from the security gate. We are the most accessible four-season mountain resort in the South and just getting here makes all the difference in the world.  Read Wolf Laurel: The Accessible Resort for more travel information.

My question is why should you continue to put up with the hot weather, dull surroundings and a hectic, crowded lifestyle a moment longer? Now is the time to think about the western North Carolina mountains and make a second home or permanent move to Wolf Laurel. 

When you visit Wolf Laurel, you can  forget about traffic delays and narrow mountain roads forever. You can get here faster, enjoy the trip more and save money and expense on gas. When flying here and renting a car, Wolf Laurel is located directly between the Asheville Regional Airport and the Tri-Cities Airport in Tennessee (about 45 minutes from either airport.) In addition, a mountaintop airport for private planes is being built just adjacent to our resort. Read Wolf Laurel Resort Where Location is Everything for more information.

Have You Considered Fleeing the Congestion and Hectic Life of Big City Suburbs?

Let me tell you a short story about how I ended up in the mountains of North Carolina.  In the early 1980's, I moved to New Orleans strictly for more money and responsibility. The job was challenging, the food was great, the nightlife a little wild and the culture was sort of like living in a banana republic in Central or South America.  I enjoyed it but there was nowhere to escape the rat race.

After a while, I began to drive up to the mountains on weekends to camp or stay in a rustic mountain inn. Asheville wasn't the tourist draw it is now but the 12 hour drive each way was worth it to escape the heat, flooding, crime and congestion. 

One weekend we were packing up to go back to New Orleans after a wonderful time in the cool mountains and it was obvious no one wanted to return. So we drove back, I turned in my resignation and immediately headed back to Asheville to escape the hectic life and big city problems of New Orleans. We still loved to visit New Orleans but an interesting aside is on every visit, on the first night we always have a great meal, a fun visit to the French Quarter and I would always say to myself, maybe I shouldn't have left. By the second day, although still having a good time, I always know why I left and are ready to come back to my mountains.

My point is, you probably don't realize how much stress and unhappiness your fast-paced, way of life puts on you, your family or your relationships. Occasionly we all need to take some time away from our everyday lives, step back from the day-to-day routine and see our situation for what it is. I did all of this and moved to Asheville and the mountains over 20 years ago. I have absolutely no regrets and I don't think you will either if you are looking for a mountain second home for vacations or a permanent move.

The best thing to do is to plan to visit the mountains for a holiday getaway, rekindle a romance or to simply experience quality time with your children. Then decide for yourself if you are ready to begin living your dream. A relaxed mountain lifestyle and a slower and improved quality of life where your time is to be experienced and savored rather than spent meeting arbitrary deadlines. 

Will This Be the Summer You Finally Escape Florida Heat and Hurricanes

In my opinion we have the perfect four season climate -  free from heat, Southern humidity and the risk of hurricane storm surge and wind damage.

Although most of our residents live here during the cool summer months to escape Southern heat, we are beginning to get more winter sports enthusiasts visiting during the winter season. If you are considering living here year-round just understand that it is a bit more rugged and more of an adventure because at our high elevation we can get a lot of snow on occasion.  This explains is why Wolf Laurel Ski Resort, a popular and expanding North Carolina ski resort is located adjacent to us. As you can see from my jeep and the freshly plowed roads, our road crews do a tremendous job during the winter keeping our roads open for homeowners and visitors.  
 

Other Wolf Laurel Informational Websites

There are certainly many websites describing the Wolf Laurel resort area ranging from the Wolf Laurel Resort, Wolf Laurel Ski Resort and Wolf Laurel News to many other sales and service websites provided by local realtors and other mountain service providers in the area.

We are currently building and editing a wide range of informational websites about Wolf Laurel and Asheville. Each website offers different news and links plus a wide range of articles describing specifics about Asheville and the Wolf Laurel area. We seek to provide a well-balanced view of the area pointing out the vacation activities and benefits of property here as well as addressing any negatives about the area.

The following websites are featured in our Wolf Laurel Informational Website Program and may be of use to you in your general research and personal due diligence on our high mountain region. Read the descriptions at your leisure and review any sites that might meet your needs.

Wolf Laurel Is Not For Everyone

Could it be that western North Carolina and our mountain resort area in the shadow of 5,500 foot Big Bald Mountain is not for you?  To make sure you are a candidate for property or a vacation here at Wolf Laurel, take a few minutes to read What's The Downside at Wolf Laurel.  Because the roads can get dusty during dry summer periods, we can experience heavy snow during the winter and if you're looking for non-stop entertainment, nightlife and a wide selection of restaurants then you must drive 35 minutes down the freeway to Asheville.  Wolf Laurel is not a Gatlinburg, Cherokee or Maggie Valley but more of a peaceful relaxing mountain community.

Take My High Mountain Resort Lifestyle Quiz

Click here to take the High Mountain Resort Lifestyle Quiz to determine if you should consider buying mountain property here at Wolf Laurel Resort.

Your Friends Are Already Enjoying the Summer and Year-round Living On Mountain Time

We currently have over 600 homes here at Wolf Laurel Resort and almost 50 now under construction. In addition, we have an ongoing amenities program, country club and an existing resort infrastructure that does not require trusting in future plans or proposals. Come for a visit and tour the resort and our new 1,300 acre Preserve at Wolf Laurel. See for yourself what we have built and accomplished over our 40 year existence all the while preserving our forest, natural environment and world-class views. Talk with satisfied property owners and your potential neighbors who live here full-time and part-time and find out for yourself if you should become a member of our exclusive, gated, four-season mountain community.

Enjoy the Best in Mountain-Top Living

*** Resale spacious one bedroom condos start under $150,000 and go to over $649,000 for the new luxury townhomes. 

***Individual resale homes start at around $150,000 and climb to near $1,000,000 with spectacular long-range views. They range in style from 1970's style construction, to antique log homes to modern chalets and newly built log cabins and homes. Buyers can choose from ridge top to golf course to ski slope and wooded secluded retreats and with so many mountain ridges running through the resorts, views in every direction are available.

*** Lots and homes are available inside Wolf Laurel Resort and The Preserve at Wolf Laurel on the golf course, ski slopes, near our Wolf Laurel Village or higher up with your choice of view and direction. We have a number of high mountain ridges almost a mile above sea level that offer sunrise, sunset, northern or southern views.

*** Nearby resorts offer property locations near the Mountain Air Golf Course, at Mountain Air Country Club, or at the planned 3,600 foot runway of the planned airport at Scenic Wolf Resort. Other off Wolf Laurel Resort property possibilities are slope-side and near the ski slope at Scenic Wolf, new townhomes, planned condos and village homes in a new town center atmosphere with ski slopes at Breakaway Village.

Buyers and investors have a wide range of properties to choose ranging from mountain-top luxury to laid-back rustic cabins and everything in between.

What's the Bottom Line?

By now you should have a good understanding about Wolf Laurel, Asheville and our surrounding area. I assume you've taken a brief look at either our MLS listings or my Realtor.com listings to get an idea about what is available.  If you are interested in purchasing property and changing your life from stress and hurry to a peaceful, reflective, outdoor mountain time lifestyle then contact me today by phone or email and arrange for your visit and tour of Wolf Laurel properties -  with no pressure or expectations. My final recommendation is NEVER buy property off the internet or sight unseen. In my opinion nothing can  replace an onsite inspection and personal time spent at a mountain resort.

A Conclusion To Your Life's Search For the Perfect Mountain Resort

I hope this Wolf Laurel Special Report has been helpful and beneficial in your search for the perfect mountain home and retreat. As you have probably guessed I love Asheville and the Wolf Laurel area as I've spent over 20 years here except for a year living and working in Switzerland.

A few potential homeowners have asked how they can be assured that Wolf Laurel Resort will remain all that it has been in the past. Change is a necessary part of life, communities and mountain resorts and I'm sure everything will not remain the same. There is a tremendous amount of expanded interest in the Wolf Laurel area because of the new interstate highway and the new resorts being built outside our gated community. Still for over 40 years  Wolf Laurel has remained a tasteful resort development where growth is planned and natural beauty protected. I believe this will continue and if anything environmental awareness and building restrictions and covenants will become even stronger than before. Read A Lasting Vision for Wolf Laurel.

I believe if our area is right for you and your family, we will meet and become friends and neighbors but more importantly, I hope you will find your mountain dream where you too can experience the joy, satisfaction and peace-of-mind of living on mountain time.

Best regards,

Ronald Holland

 


 


©2006 Holland Marketing Group.  All rights reserved.

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Ronald Holland is editor of this website and a broker/realtor with
Wolf's Crossing Realty. For questions, comments or
 lot listings in Wolf Laurel, please use this E-MAIL INFORMATION REQUEST
or call toll-free 800-541-1738 or after hours at 828-689-2148

More of our websites about Asheville, Wolf Laurel & our high mountain area.

Wolf Top News - News. links and headlines about the Preserve and Wolf Laurel Resort.
Asheville's Big Bald Highlands -  Provides info on all mountain resorts in Wolf Laurel area.
Ski Dixie -  Travel, resort and real estate news for Southern skiers. 
Move To Asheville - Info on why Asheville is a major tourist destination & 2nd home market.
Golf Asheville - Asheville is truly a golfing paradise with 19 courses around the city.
Ski Asheville - Learn more about the 8 ski resorts within 90 miles of Asheville.
The Mountain High Club - For mountain lovers who want the best in mountain experiences.
Asheville High Country
- (Under development) with info only on Asheville area mountains.
RonaldHolland.com - More about the Holland's & their marketing & business activities.
Ray's  Weather Station & Forecast at Wolf Laurel - A weather station at our 4,500 ft elevation.
Ron's Web Cam - .See the real time weather, views and conditions here at Wolf Ridge & Wolf Laurel.

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Please click the graphic at the left to receive a free photo tour DVD featuring highlights of the seasons of Wolf Laurel and the Western NC area provided by Wolf's Crossing Realty & a listing of resale mountain lots at Wolf Laurel where prices begin at under $25,000 per lot.

 

Take the Wolf Grand Tour in 2007! - A fun, relaxed, no pressure alternative to see the broad range of of real estate opportunities, homes and lots in Wolf Laurel, Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, Breakaway Village, the Peaks at Wolf Ridge,  the Haw Ridge Summit airport community and the  Preserve at Wolf Laurel including Buck Town, Steeplechase and The Ridges.. What could be better than a  brief private tour of all the resorts together followed by wine or sparking grape juice and cheese on a mountain top with long-range views that seem to go on forever?  We are only 35 minutes from exciting Asheville, NC recently named by Frommer's, the most respected name in travel writing as one of the top 12 destinations in the world for 2007.

Do Your Own Due Diligence! -  No sales pressure, just balanced information as we drive you and your family through the different communities answering your questions on prices, views, winter access, climate and lifestyle as we highlight the unique advantages, differences & amenities of each resort in a fair and balanced manner as we do not represent any particular resort or development. CLICK HERE for more information and to schedule your complimentary private Grand Tour of our resort area.