Asheville ECO-GREEN Real Estate

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** IS A FABULOUS HORSE FARM IN YOUR FUTURE?**

If you love horses and horse country, you will love a special place I know of near Asheville, North Carolina.

I guess it's no secret that just under an hour's easy drive from Asheville, in Polk County, you will find some of the best land for equestrian pursuits imaginable.

And almost everything you might need for those pursuits awaits you. Just look at this list I've alphabetized for you... 

APPAREL - ENGLISH/WESTERN
BLACKSMITH/FARRIERS
BREEDING
DRIVING HORSES/LESSONS
EQUINE ACUPUNCTURE/ ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
EQUINE DENTISTRY
EQUESTRIAN ORGANIZATIONS
EQUESTRIAN SCHOLARSHIPS
EVENTING
FARM/ANIMAL SUPPLIES                                                        
ARM EQUIPMENT
FEED SUPPLIES/FEED MILL/SHAVINGS
GROOMING
HORSE BOARDING FACILITIES
HORSE SALES
HORSESITTING/HORSE CARE
HORSE TRAINING - DRESSAGE
HORSE TRAINING - HUNTER/JUMPER/EQUITATION
HORSE TRAINING - FIELD HUNTER/FOX HUNTER
HORSE TRAILERS
INSTRUCTION
JUMPS - CROSS COUNTRY/STADIUM
PASTURE MAINTENANCE
TACK/SADDLE REPAIR
TRAILER SALES
TRANSPORTATION HORSE HAULING LOCAL/LONG DISTANCE
VETERINARY CARE

Amazing, eh? No wonder horse lovers love our neck of the woods... Of course,  horse lovers are not the only ones who love the Western North Carolina foothills. Small towns, historic sites, fine art and craft, scenic vistas, and friendly  attract visitors who end up staying!  Noteworthy people such as: F Scott Fitzgerald,  (who lived and wrote in Asheville, NC,) Ernest "Papa" Hemingway , and David Niven recognized the special allure of this area and were regular guests.

A Few Interesting Facts
About This Equestrian Dream Area:

Located in the central Blue Ridge Mountains and foothills, the area is known for its mild climate due to the "isothermal belt."

Of this gift of nature, W. N. Hutt, one-time horticulturist for the State of North Carolina wrote:

"Practical men who make their living from Mother Earth in fruits, vegetables, grains or other products are close observers of nature and her laws. They may not always be able to correctly interpret her ways and define her laws, but if they have observed any phenomenon and formulated any practice from it you may be pretty sure there is something in it, and you will be unwise if you disregard it without investigation."

Mr. Hurt    described the thermal belt as being similar to "a will-o'-the-wisp, which always seemed to elude his grasp, but he did draw the conclusion that thermal belts are a reality and that North Carolina seems to have a monopoly on them..."

 Polk County was formed in 1855 and named in honor of Colonel William Polk . The courthouse. is almost as old as Polk County, itself. I wonder what the old-timers would say if they heard that  Polk County was recently named as one of the Top 10 Rural Areas to Live in the U.S.A.

Three municipalities, historic Saluda, Tryon, and Columbus, and six townships make up the heart of the 234 miles of rural Polk County. I cover stories about all of these in my BLOG. Like the noteworthy individuals I mentioned, I happen to LOVE it here!

Does this look like  a place where YOU belong?

Maybe a look at just one incredible horse farm you could call Home would help you decide...So...with that in mind, I've scattered a few photos throughout this post to let you see what horse country in North Carolina might offer you....Maybe you will find a horse farm that could make your dreams come true.

HOW ABOUT... Panoramic Mountain Views, Rolling Acres a Private Lake, State Road Access,
Ample Pasture, 3-Board Fencing, a 6-Stall Barn, a large,  Equipment Building...and just over 5 minutes to schools?  

HOW ABOUT... Being near the famous Lake Lure?

HOW ABOUT...An incredible  Equestrian Estate, nestled in the isothermal belt,  just waiting for the "right" stewards with many possibilities: It could be an exceptional private estate, family farm, or seasonal retreat. To your delight, as an  eco-developer, who also wants to create an equestrian haven, this property can be divided. But wait...I haven't finished!

HOW ABOUT...A custom built, hilltop, Lodge Style home that offers phenomenal mountain views over your own private lake and rolling pasture...Huge log beams, tongue & groove wood, vaulted ceilings, rustic wood walls, knotty pine, and hardwood floors greet you.  The hand milled interior doors are custom built of solid cherry.  Stunning exterior stonework from local stone of the Pacolet River basin. 

If this is the kind of life you have been waiting for...wait no longer.

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As a REALTOR, seems to me that getting inside a different perspective (that of the client) is a valuable skill... Let me know what you think...as in this verse written on Memorial Day.

I remember today the young people.
For thousands of years they have gone off to war,
surrendered their lives for  the advantage of others,
And have not wavered on the way.

I think about the human drama-  where we fit in.
I wonder what would happen if we could find the place, in all of this,
where stillness flows as it does when we sing at the altar,
as it does when twilight settles in.

Where is that stillness that comes from open hearts,
that stillness that dissolves the rage and the clatter?
Where is that stillness that drowns out the sounds of battle,
keeps the lives of sons and daughters safe?

If only we could turn to the great trees,
so alive as they stretch to greet the light before the coming winter days,
ask them to reveal the secret of quietude, 
let their whisper run through the pounding voices of war,

so that within the angry chant, the life roots of energy might appear
as an infant, and breathe, and love,
and let each one of us see,
that the blood we shed belongs to all of us...........

Wind-in-the-Feather

~^~

STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITY

          Picture the charm of a graceful Asheville, North Carolina neighborhood in the early nineteen hundreds. It's a Spring day in Asheville, a hundred ago, and you are relaxing on your side porch, sipping a lemonade, and listening to the laughter of children playing in the yard.

      Tonight you and the family will "take your constitutional" (walk) over 
to the nearby Biltmore Estate built just a few years before your own home.  Maybe you'll retrieve your brand new  Model T from the carriage house  and ride there, instead. You just love the spiffy style.

                     Photo of Ford Motor Company's Model T courtesy of Wikipedia

        A Colonial residence, stately and symmetrical, carriage house to the rear and huge trees shading the grounds awaits you today. With variances, it could be a perfectly situated Homestay.

 The kitchen is bright and inviting.
Just entering this room could inspire
even a timid chef.

  Have breakfast there, or step   outside  for coffee and sweet  rolls on the deck shaded by trees.

                                                                                                             Majestic trees & inviting decks, 
                                                                                                          as you can see the photo(above).

You will be so pleased that your 3,000+ sq. ft. MASTER CRAFTED century-old Colonial already has been the recipient of tender care, as evidenced in every room in this historic home. From the wall coverings to the light fixtures, the stewards of this property have spared no expense to dignify this gem. This amazing residence is in EXCELLENT SHAPE and while updated, maintains its original character... HARDWOOD FLOORS, ANTIQUE FIXTURES, PLASTER CROWN MOLDING.

 We were so impressed with the quality of this property, that we could hardly wait to get to our offices to let Y'All know that it is now on the market and ready for your creative touches.  There's a BIG side lot, and plenty of room to create  Guest Quarters upstairs at the carriage house.  Close to the Biltmore Estate and to Alt 25, it has much to offer the lover of historic residences.

A RARE FIND.       $889,000.

 TELL US What is Most Important to YOU in Asheville Real Estate Properties of Character

You Can Target Features That Matter to You Here for Asheville area real estate
ECO investment properties, 1031s, Historic properties, Horse farms, B&Bs,
and one-of-a kind residential properties.
Design Your Dream.

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We are a vocal community here in Asheville, very much involved in what is happening in the way of development and plans for positive futures for all concerned. One example,  the Downtown Association just released this item: 

News Release Urban Advisors Lecture of Economic Growth for Downtown Asheville For Immediate Release

In an effort to support the Downtown Commission's goal of crafting a  Downtown Master Plan, The Downtown Association, City of Asheville and Quality Forward are offering a free seminar May 24, 2007 at 5:30 pm at The Asheville Community Theater for all interested parties.

Ed Starkie with Urban Advisors, LTD from Portland Oregon will be the guest speaker.Mr. Starkie has received three awards from the American Planning  Association in the areas of main streets and downtown revitalization.

 Mr. Starkie has 25 years of experience as a financial advisor for private and public  development. Key elements for discussion regarding downtown  Asheville are:

* Downtown Planning
* Determining feasibility of infill and redevelopment
* Re-use of historic places and structure
* Comprehensive Planning
* Transit and pedestrian-oriented urban development
* Main street revitalization
* Corridor and strip redevelopment
* Land analysis for under-used properties

 This lecture will provide important information to assist in a better  environment to live, work and play in Downtown Asheville. For more information regarding Urban Advisors, LTD, please visit  www.urbanadvisors.com

I plan on attending. How about you?

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Critical issues face horse men and women in North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture these challenges include: "loss of areas to ride, zoning laws limiting horse ownership, liability problems of riding stables, and rapid development."  Still horses are a way of life for thousands of people in our beautiful State with its rolling hills and inviting terrains. Remember, North Carolina historically has been a horse-loving State, from the sea to the mountains.

So the challenges at hand can be overcome with creative  planning and determination, I am told.  And knowing my horse-loving clients, I believe that is true. In fact, it seems that there is mounting interest by equestrians from across the nation in our horse-friendly State, so I am expecting more and more interest in sustainable planning.

As a real estate professional specializing in making dreams come true for horse people, I have noticed this interesting trend. It appears that horse-people in significant numbers are relocating to North Carolina.  Possibly this is because North Carolinians are a friendly group. Possibly the attraction of a large  the number of major (there are over 500 shows held in the state each year), contributes to the migration. Here are a two of my favorite events for example: TRAIL RIDE & SUPER TRAIL HORSE CHALLENGE - May 19-20 a and the SOUTHERN HORSE FESTIVAL HORSE SHOW -December 1-2 .

Possibly the horses whispered the secret
of beautiful living here in North Carolina to their fanciers. 
 Trail riders have noticed that North Carolina offers "101 amazing experiences" on incredible trails.
See this list!

"Today, the Tar Heel horse industry is valued at $750 million annually, providing jobs through the many breeding, training, and boarding stables; the equine related fields such as veterinarians, farmers, feed dealers, tack and equestrian wear stores ... " reports the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. There are over "15,000 4-H horse projects here and untold numbers of pleasure riders."  

Certainly,  many equine educational opportunities exists in our State. North Carolina State University's  Animal Equine Studies and  large Equine Educational Center,  and the College of Veterinary Medicine at N.C.S.U. devote energy to equine work.  

And the North Carolina Horse Council serves individual owners, associations, clubs, trail riders, stables, acedemies, therapeutic groups, veterinarians, research groups, 4-H programs, educational facilities and equine related businesses.

Equine therapeutic riding facilities are among my treasured stops as I travel in search of excellent eco-friendly horse properties for my client/investors. I have had the honor of meeting people like Karen Head who  offers an intensive four-day Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning(EFEL) workshop designed for any level of rider seeking to improve the quality of their riding experience. "By opening your heart to the wisdom of the horse, you will form a deeper connection to, and enhance the partnership with your horse, " she points out. " The connection with your horse improves as you rely on your inner wisdom and insight to know what both you and your horse need. The intuition of horses is their primary resource for survival; they are fantastic teachers when we can slow down and learn on horse time."

Photos were taken at Karen's Facility near Asheville.

Resources:
 North Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association
 North Carolina Hunter Jumper Association
The North Carolina Horse Council
Mountin' Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center 

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, we enjoy fresh produce here in North Carolina. Farmers' markets and tail gate markets make locally-grown foods  from our neighbors' farms readily available.  

However, as our population surges and development moves out toward rural lands, farm prosperity and farm transition are more and more on the minds of all concerned.

According to the National Resources Inventory, North Carolina is converting over 30,000 acres of prime farmland to development each year.

To address the resulting concerns, the Farm Prosperity Project, led by NC State University in partnership with Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy,  Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy,  American Farmland Trust,  Land of Sky Regional Council, Warren Wilson College, (where REALTORS® in North Carolina do much of their hands-on training for the ECO designation)  and the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project,  provides public outreach via educational workshops.

The Project  looks at solutions to the loss of farmland by combining new and promising crops with land protection measures such as those offered by local land trusts.  "The overarching goal of the project is to save farms and farmland ...by directly aiding farmers in increasing their economic prosperity," reports the Project.

The Farm Prosperity focuses attention on North Carolina farmland and farm heritage. The Farm Prosperity Project will identify crops and farmland preservation methods that help sustain the longevity of farmlands.

 A few topics of particular interest to real property investors include: 

• Developing a Farm Transition Plan
• Understanding Estate Planning Tools and Tactics
• Managing Risk through Conservation Programs

If you want to help shape positive futures, attend any number of workshops that address remedies and solutions. You will be joined by Agricultural Educators, Community Leaders, Concerned Citizens, Farmers, Foresters and Ranchers, Farmland Protection Program Managers, Government Officials and Policymakers, Land Owners and Managers, Land Trust Staff and Volunteers, Natural Resource Professionals,  Researchers,
and Eco-Friendly REALTORS®, (I'm smiling).

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Love really fresh food that is really, really good for you? Here's information about a safe and nutritious food supply produced, marketed and distributed in a eco-wise way; that adds value to rural and urban communities, alike, right here in North Carolina. The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP),  a nonprofit organization, supports farmers and rural communities. The Project provides education, mentoring, and community development. Follow the link to a partial list of local growers you may want to get to know!

Blue Hill Organic Farm
Fullam Creamery
Green Toe Ground Farm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Let It Grow Organic Gardens
Palmer Ford Organics
Sunburst Trout
Whistlepig Farm
Yellow Branch Farm
Zimmerman Berry Farm

IF you would like to stay at a B&B where local produce from local growers is on the menu, here are a few you might enjoy:

Princess Anne Hotel   
301 East Chestnut Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 258-0986
info@princessannehotel.com

Hawk and Ivy Bed and Breakfast    (Top)
133 North Fork Road
Barnardsville, NC 28709
(828) 626-3486
info@hawkandivy.com

Inn on Main Street B&B    (Top)
88 S. Main St.
Weaverville, NC 28787
(828) 645-4935
relax@innonmain.com

Gather a dozen or so people for ideas on managing mountainside development, and they're likely to come up with a dozen or so different ideas.

The Land-of-Sky Regional Council found out as much  as a group of government planners, builders and landowners met for the second of five meetings on the issue.

State legislators and local governments have been wrestling with ideas for steep-slope development rules under pressure from the rapid pace at which builders are putting up homes on mountainsides...

Here's the full story

Yesterday, in Part 1  of this series,  I wrote about the consequences of ill-considered development and  what that could mean in terms of the fiduciary responsibility of the REALTOR®.  An example: Take a look at the photo to your left, courtesy of the NC Geological Survey  One of the consequences of ill-considered development  could be increased risk of landslides. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior,   This holds true no matter where you live.

"Landslides constitute a major geologic hazard because they are widespread, occur in all 50 states and U.S. territories, and cause $1-2 billion in damages and more than 25 fatalities on average each year. Expansion of urban and recreational developments into hillside areas leads to more people that are threatened by landslides each year. Landslides commonly occur in connection with other major natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, wildfires, and floods...."

Recent Landslides in the News

 U.S. and Canada

•·             Falling Boulder Crashes into Home, Eldorado Springs, Colorado (posted 05/03/2007)
•·             Landslide Blocks Interstate 29 in Iowa (posted 04/26/2007)
•·             Landslide in Kodiak, Alaska (posted 04/25/2007)
•·             Fatal Mill Valley, California Landslide - One Year Later (posted 04/13/2007)
•·             Homes Evacuated - Mission, British Columbia, Canada Landslide (posted 04/13/2007)
•·             Landslide Threatens Buildings in Streator, Illinois (posted 04/03/2007)
•·             Oregon Landslide of March 29, 2007 Caught on Video (posted 04/02/2007)
•·             Slide blocks access to Mount St. Helens visitor centers (posted 03/28/2007)
•·             Astoria, Oregon Landslide On the Move (posted 03/15/2007)
•·             Landslide Closes Road Between Sacramento, California and South Lake Tahoe (posted 03/01/2007)
•·             Landslide Causes Train Derailment in Pennsylvania (posted 01/08/2007)
•·             Heavy Rainfall Causes Flooding, Landslides in New York (posted 11/17/2006)
•·             Utah Debris Flow Forces Evacuations (posted 04/10/2006)

The photo above,s courtesy of the NC Geological Survey. shows the result of a rock slide  the Fire Department in Buncombe County (Asheville, N.C.) dealt with not long ago .According to the team, this slide " caused severe damage [and] ...Water infiltrating along these planes probably triggered the rockslide."

In another article I wrote..."In the past two years, 120+ landslides occurred in western North Carolina [alone], claiming five lives and destroying 27 homes.

Given such in-your-face stats, I've been wondering about what's happening in the other States, and venturing on over to the U.S. Geological Survey for more resource info.I found In Your Backyard and went a little deeper to  find real-time information ...

TELL ME about your view on your level of responsibility as a real estate professional, on researching hazards and hazard assessment information for the area in which you practice.

Talk to me about your market ...

If you make your home in North Carolina, you will find many a grassroots organization at work in communities across the State. Most promote stewardship in the form of "Smart Growth, sustainable development and/or the protection and to preservation of  natural habitats, land, water and air resources.  

Most recognize and offer educational opportunities. Weaving threads of possibility into the fabric that nature and personal responsibility provide, they groups hope to achieve positive futures. Here are just a few of the issues in which grassroots organizations, local governments and neighborhood activists involve themselves.

1. Air Quality
2. Energy
3. Forest management
4. Hazardous Waste
5. Land Use Planning
6. Nuclear Waste
7. Mountain Slope Development
8. Sustainability
9. Water Quality

With this kind of care for the environment, the real estate market in North Carolina is strong, as you might expect.

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UPDATED 5/8/2007 ..development-related story
Hungry bears attack dogs in mountain backyards
(see below)

This is the first in a 3-part series on VIEWS.

I'll start by asking you a question. When you leave your abode, be it a youthful yurt or a lofty lodge, does what you see as you walk out the door matter to your clients (and you)?

Certainly, the ever-changing panorama beyond my door stirs me. To the East, just this morning, a poet's study in pure potential. (photo to your left) painted itself on the sky.

 Twelve hours later, to  the West, Ursus americanus blasted complacency  to the rising moon when I stepped outside, camera in hand, abruptly  to come within reach of this recalcitrant 200-pound bear at my front door.

Helloooo! Talk about "in your face"!!! But I had been warned.
An article in the Asheville Citizen Times  reminded readers that it'snow  bear feeding season.

 Development just over the ridge to the North of our home crowded the bears out of their neighborhood and into our backyard.  Clearcutting 30 acres (to expose a view), re-directed the bear path South and travelers along it, three cubs and Mama Bear, toward the ants in our woodpile. In case you didn't know it, bears love to munch on ants.

"Development is rapidly replacing bear habitat with human habitat in many forested areas. Newcomers often move here to be close to and enjoy nature, but it never occurred to them that a bear might visit their yard," reported the Asheville Citizen-Times.  

REALTORS® BEWARE. While bears may be a matter for REALTORS ® in our neck of the woods to take up with relocating clients, these neighborhood sleuths are not  the only challenge.  In-the-know  REALTORS®  must be alert.  

REALTORS®  need to learn about factors that could contribute to the safety of  clients, no matter where we practice. Here in Western North  Carolina we must take into account the very real   possibility of landslide. ( I wrote a bout this in an earlier article) According to the North Carolina Geological Survey's analysis of the risk of slides, reports an Op Ed in the Citizen Times "...on slopes of 40 percent or more, the risk rises... dramatically. ...

Construction of homes on steep slopes, whatever the elevation, needs to be regulated to protect the safety and the investment of those who buy the homes - and to protect those who live down-slope ...ensuring that homes built on slopes of 25 percent or greater, or in areas identified by the NCGS as prone to slides, be constructed safely.

EXAMPLE: A 50 ton boulder in a rockslide caused severe damage
to this 4-year old Broad River Fire Station                                             
Buncombe County,(Asheville)  North Carolina

For additional information about landslide hazards in North Carolina, please contact Mr. Richard Wooten with the Asheville Regional Office.

Other factors that contribute to the stability of a slope, the type of soil, the depth of bedrock, the presence or absence of a spring, and the amount and type of vegetation -real property investors need to consider.  Here, a professional REALTOR® with an ECO designation can be the "resource for the resource."

Scenic views rank very high on the list of "Must Haves" in our area.
(See my photo at the beginning of this article) But building on a steep slope is not without consequences.
And, it is a "given" that real estate professionals be aware of consequences,
the intended and the unintended. 

 Talk to me about your local market. What, in your view,  is important in your neighborhood?
A good place to start might be the US Geological Survey http://www.usgs.gov/

P.S.   Black Bears Eat

• Horsetails & grasses
• Berries: chokecherry, huckleberry, & buffalo berry are favorites forbs (broad-leaned plants)
• Aquatic plants such as lilies
• Elk & Moose calves
• Deer fawns
• Ground squirrels & other small rodents
• Unsuspecting REALTORS® (just kidding!!!)
• Wasps, Ants
• Bees (adults & larvae)
• Carrion

Bear News 5/8/2007    The Asheville Citizen Times today reported

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