Mathew Kowal's Blog

Western North Carolina - Relocating to the Mountains

Mathew Kowal (The Blue Ridge Summit Group) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:10:44 -0800

Western North Carolina - Relocating To The Mountains

Relocation Information for the North Carolina Great Smoky Mountains of Jackson County.Of course Jackson County is a wonderful place to plan a getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, but it also serves as a wonderful place to live for its residents.If you want to settle in a wonderful mountain locale, then we have just what you are looking for here in Western North Carolina, including a pleasant climate and the scenic beauty of the mountains. Jackson County was founded in 1851, in the heart of the North Carolina Mountains, nestled among the Great Smoky Mountains, and features a nice balance between peaceful forests and vibrant downtowns.Since we are already here, we have listed the Top Four reasons why you should relocate1. Central Location - Jackson County is 50 miles from Asheville, 111 miles from Knoxville, 50 miles from Gatlinburg, and only 150 miles from Atlanta. It's also convenient to Upstate South Carolina, and less than three hours from North Carolina's largest city, Charlotte.2. A River Runs Through It - The picturesque Tuckasegee River flows 40 miles throughout Jackson County. A moderate current makes it one of the best white-water rivers for beginners and families, and it is considered Western North Carolina's best stream for trout fishing.3.Booming Business - With a 24 percent increase in population in the 1990s, economic growth abounds. The county is also a popular tourist destination, which has fueled growth in the downtowns of Sylva, Dillsboro and Cashiers.4. Lovely Landscape - The county's 491 square miles encompass some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Southeast. Elevations range from 2,000 feet to more than 6,000 feet. The landscape is highlighted by waterfalls, rocky peaks and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.The new 'Our Town ' magazine is here! This magazine is FULL of beautiful scenery and helpful information. Our Town can be accessed instantly online by going here!

For Information on how to join our wonderful community or if your just passing thorugh contact Mathew S. Kowal at The Blue Ridge Summit Group 828-743-7077 or 404-394-7144

Check out Rae's Blog at The Cashier Highlands Real Estate Insider
http://cashiersrealestate.blogspot.com

http://www.dividenc.com/

http://www.baldrock.com/

Is it time to move to the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Mathew Kowal (The Blue Ridge Summit Group) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:08:51 -0800

Is it time to move to the Carolinas???

I found this article about how the North Carolina Real Estate Market is holding up better than anywhere in the country.... With charlotte emerging as the anchor the rest of North Carolina is following in its footsteps. For more about this article check out TIME LIFE Magazine.

In 1791, George Washington called Charlotte, N.C., a "trifling place." In 1941 an author scoffed that the city had as much use for high-rises "as a hog has for a morning coat." By 1991, Charlotte was still a minor-league city without major-league sports, a cultural wasteland with a central business district that died every weekday after work. "No restaurants. No nightlife. Nothing," recalls seven-term Republican mayor Pat McCrory. "You could lie down in the street and never have to worry about getting run over." A local planner gained notoriety by proving it was impossible to find a Snickers bar downtown after 5 o'clock.
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But there's no longer anything trifling about Charlotte. With $2 trillion in assets being managed from the glossy bank towers of Tryon Street, the city is now the nation's No. 2 financial center behind New York City. In early September, Bank of America, the behemoth of North Tryon and the largest U.S. bank, swallowed the beleaguered investment firm Merrill Lynch, while Wachovia, its competitor on South Tryon, considered a merger with Morgan Stanley. And while the rest of the country is sinking, Charlotte is soaring, with 28 construction cranes downtown. It's got the nation's least-battered metropolitan-housing market, lowest office-vacancy rates and fastest-growing airport. It hosts the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats and the NFL's Carolina Panthers. Its center-city population has doubled since 2000, and its light-rail system, just a year old, is already approaching its ridership goal for 2025. Meanwhile, ribbon-cuttings are scheduled for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, three museums, a theater and an African-American cultural center by 2010.
"To understand Charlotte, you have to understand our ambition," says chamber of commerce head Bob Morgan. "We have a serious chip on our shoulder. We don't want to be No. 2 to anybody." Civic leaders often compare their city to New York, Chicago, and even London. On Sept. 11, 2001, McCrory notes, with a sly grin, that local banks swiftly evacuated their skyscrapers: "Everyone in Charlotte assumed we were next."
The business of Charlotte was always business. The city began as a trading post at the intersection of two Indian trails, hosted America's first gold rush and first mint, and later blossomed into a transportation and textile hub. Charlotte's white leaders agreed to desegregation relatively early, concluding that turmoil was bad for business. And local banks exploited North Carolina's liberal acquisition laws to build the conglomerates that now dominate headlines. Today Charlotte's nine FORTUNE 500 companies help run the city, not only by writing checks--Bank of America and Wachovia have pledged $15 million apiece to build new cultural centers--but also by helping to write plans. "We're a pro-business city like none I've ever seen," says Center City Partners head Michael Smith. "It's true about Southern hospitality, but there's a real hunger here."
It can be jarring to hear Charlotte's power brokers explain that it's important to improve their city not for its own sake but for the sake of its businesses, which need high-quality culture to attract high-quality talent. But even if they sometimes make Charlotte sound like a New South wealth-generating machine that happens to contain people, their boosterism is producing real progress. Charlotte still has problems with smog, schools and sprawl, and a few condo projects have stalled in the credit crunch. But Charlotte's mix of climate, cheap housing, new urban amenities and old habits of materialism are attracting a new generation of workers, including a reverse migration of black professionals from the North. "If you have a solid résumé and you're willing to work hard, you'll be rewarded here," says Keith Parker, a 41-year-old African American who runs the city's wildly successful transit system. "It takes away the stereotypical fears about Southern cities." Charlotte might not be New York or London yet, but it's over its Snickers problem. "We don't mind when the competition thinks we're Mayberry," says McCrory. "We're happy to be America's best-kept secret."

For additional information on the North carolina Real Estate Market or to find out how you can become part of the Western NC Mountains community contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group
O: 828-743-7077 C: 404-394-7177

What is the Cashiers, Highlands, Glennville Real Estate Market

Mathew Kowal (The Blue Ridge Summit Group) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:07:15 -0800

What is the Cashiers Real Estate Market...

I Found this article posted by T.C. and Company Properties and I hope it will help you understand what and where the Cashiers Market is.

The real estate in Cashiers, as in many areas of the Appalachian Region of Western North Carolina, has been on a steady rise for many years, and nothing seems to be able to derail it. For investors and people looking for second (third, fourth) homes, this place is a gold mine. You can always expect a return on your investment in the coming years. And, don't be surprised if you see a movie star or the head of a Fortune 500 company in any of the restaurants in Casheirs, Highlands, or nearby Sylva.

ZIP Code: 28717Approximate

Location Boundaries: Southern Jackson County in North Carolina

Location Characteristics: Combine the drastic granite dropoffs of the Blue Ridge escarpment with more than 80 inches of rain a year and something dramatic is bound to happen. Around the town of Cashiers (pronounced CASH-ers), perched at 3,500 feet on the Eastern Continental Divide, the jackpot shows up in the form of waterfalls-everything from tiny cliffside seeps to 400-foot-plus cataracts that roar into deep gorges. The downtown is little more than a crossroads, the junction of U.S. 64 and North Carolina 107, and a mile or so radius of antique shops, high-end restaurants, and second-home clusters discreetly tucked into the woods. The thousand-foot cliffs of Whiteside Mountain provide the kind of hairy, multipitch, huge-exposure climbs that would almost make you swear someone had trucked the place out from Yosemite.If you're ready to get away from commercialized areas, a town in the Blue Ridge Mountains "finger" of the Appalachians, Cashiers is your place. There are no chain restaurants or unsightly billboards and enormous signs. Cashiers is protecting the natural beauty and integrity of the area, and it has been a secret, second-home destination for the rich and famous for many years. The extremely private, but convenient location to nearby airports and major interstates to metropolitan areas (Asheville, Atlanta, Greeneville, etc.) make it a "no brainer" destination.

For more information on how to purchase a home or for additional information on the Highlands Cashiers Real Estate Market contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at O: 828-743-7077 or C: 404-394-7144

The Divide at Bald Rock
Bald Rock

Building Christmas Tradition on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Mathew Kowal (The Blue Ridge Summit Group) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:03:26 -0800

Building Christmas Tradition in Cashiers North Carolina

As Christmas approached last year I found myself without a tree... but from this dilema a tradition was started.... I found my way to the Tom Saweyer Tree Farm in Cashier North Carolina on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau and tradition was found. FOr an experience unlike anyother take your family to the Tom Sawyer Tree Farm this year for the finest in choos and cut trees, garland, and many other christmas needs. The smell of the hot cider, and friendly staff will be sure to provide you and your family an afternoon of fun, as you search for that perfect tree. I have attatched some additional information I found on the tree farms website, enjoy! The tree farm is open beggining November 22 from 9-5 and closed on Thanksgiving.

One of the special things about the Christmas holidays is tradition, events and customs that are handed down from generation to generation. It can be your favorite Aunt's homemade apple pie she brings every Holiday, dad's reading of The Night before Christmas after Christmas Eve dinner or even lighting the angel on top of your tree and remembering the true reason for the season.
It doesn't matter if you are newlyweds sharing your first Christmas or a family with children, come visit our farm and let us help you start another family Christmas tradition; an annual trip to Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farms to find that perfect tree.
See the anticipation build as your children explore the farm full of excitement at what they will find. Share in their joy as they grab your hand to show you the ‘perfect tree'. Take in the memory and tuck it away in your heart as your family surrounds the tree that you have all agreed is the one!
It could be a cold and windy day when you visit Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farms but we're sure the thrill of finding the right Christmas tree for your home will not only warm your body, but your heart as well.
At the most joyous time of the year, create a memory that will last a lifetime!

Tom Sawyer's Christmas Tree Farm is located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, sixty miles south of Asheville and just twenty miles north of Franklin, North Carolina.
We have over eighty acres of farms dedicated to growing the finest Fraser Firs. Sizes of trees range from three feet to twelve feet in height so there is sure to be something for even the most discriminating Christmas tree lover.
The farm looks across Lake Glenville at 3800 feet elevation and is open come rain, shine or even snow. Our hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm beginning the Saturday before Thanksgiving. We are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
We invite you to make this a wonderful family experience. Bring the kids. Bring the dog too! Don't forget to pack a lunch and sit at one of our many picnic tables. Enjoy the view of the area with its ponds, barns and of course, a seemingly endless selection of Christmas trees just waiting to be discovered.
From our family to yours, may the peace and joy of the holiday season stay with you all year long.
So come on out and create lasting memories for you and your family to share for many years....

HOW TO GET THERE

From AtlantaTake I-85 North to I-985. I-985 turn into 441 North.Take 441 Through Dillard Georgia .Just past Dillard Take a right onto 106 at the Chevron towards Highlands .At the light in Highlands take a right and then a left at the first light onto 64 East.Go 10 miles to Cashiers and take a left at the light onto 107 north.(At the Exxon)Go 6 miles and turn left on Lakeside Circle Drive. There will be a Sign and is across from Happs Place Restaurant.Go about 1/2 mile and farm is on your right.

From CharlotteTake I-77 North to I-40.Take I-40 west towards Hickory .Go to Asheville and take I-26 East.Go to Exit 40 (Airport Exit) and turn right toward Brevard.Go to Brevard and take 64 West towards Cashiers.Go to Cashiers and take a right onto 107 North.Go 6 miles and turn left on Lakeside Circle Drive. There will be a Sign and is across from Happs Place Restaurant.Go about 1/2 mile and farm is on your right.
From AshevilleTake I-26 East. Go to Exit 40 (Airport Exit) and turn right toward Brevard.Go to Brevard and take 64 West towards Cashiers.Go to Cashiers and take a right onto 107 North.Go 6 miles and turn left on Lakeside Circle Drive. There will be a Sign and is across from Happs Place Restaurant.Go about 1/2 mile and farm is on your right.

From GreenvilleTake 123 towards Easley and Clemson. Stay on 123 to Seneca.In Seneca take a right on 28 towards Walhalla. Go through Walhalla to Mountain Rest.In Mountain Rest bear right onto 107 North.Take 107 North to Cashiers. At the intersection go straight 6 miles and turn left on Lakeside Circle Drive. There will be a Sign and is across from Happs Place Restaurant.Go about 1/2 mile and farm is on your right.
For more information on how to build your permentant mountain memories Contact Mathew S. Kowal with The Blue Ridge Summit Group at O:828.743.7077 or C:404.394.7144

Waterfalls in Bald Rock and The Divide at Bald Rock

Mathew Kowal (The Blue Ridge Summit Group) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:00:21 -0700

If it's the natural beauty of water your looking for be it a 200 +/- foot fall or just the tranquil sounds of a meandering creek the this is the place for you. As the water drops below this magnificent deck, one can sit and enjoy the sounds with a nap or indulge in a fine glass of wine as the sun sets in the distance.

To the left is one of our many rock faces where the water gently cascades before dropping into a beautiful clear pool. At right is a 6 roadside fall, just one of the many natural beauties to be shared by all.

Below left is another roadside fall. This fall meanders through Creekside at The Divide. This particular fall is a great example of the many types of foliage that grow in, on and around the many falls of Bald Rock and The Divide at Bald Rock.

As you cross this rustic bridge in Bald Rock you can not help but be overcome from the sounds of the cascading fall below. There are many bridges like this one in Bald Rock each with a unique purpose and design.

Here a split rail fence creates a gorgeous back drop for yet another on of the many cascading creeks that run throughout both Bald Rock and the Divide. The fall below is situated in one of the many common areas in Bald Rock. Whether it is a simple hike with the family or just reading a book with an ideal background you can find it all in Bald Rock and The Divide at Bald Rock. This particular fall is one of my favorite spots to eat lunch.... It is the perfect setting for a quick lunch or a full on 5 course picnic.

Above is the bottom section of the falls pictures at right. In the summer you can find many of the neighbors relaxing by these falls and they make the perfect spot to get your feet wet on a beautiful summer day. To the right is continental falls. This fall boasts a drop of 200 +/- feet and is a sight to behold any time of year. Many lots in both Creekside at The Divide as well as above the falls have fantastic views of this monstrous waterfall. Below is the bottom section of continental falls.
For more information on these falls or to come visit on of our many other falls contact the Blue Ridge Summit Group at: O: 828-743-7077 or C: 404-394-7144
http://www.dividenc.com/
http://www.baldrock.com/

Rain on The Plateau

Mathew Kowal (The Blue Ridge Summit Group) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:57:56 -0700

Rain on The Plateau....

Let the heavens open and the rain pour down upon us.... After one of the driest summers the plateau has ever seen it is finally raining on us. It started late Sunday evening and has been consistently raining since. Our rivers are rising back to normal levels, the trees are flourishing from a much needed drink, and the animals can finally take a bath.

One of the major concerns has been fall. A dry summer with little or no rain usually translates into the trees changing early and quick. This was evident in the fact that many of the trees where already showing signs of changing color. This large drink should allow the trees the reserve supply of water they need and thus push the peak leaf season back into the second and third week of October. The water should also help prolong the fall with multiple weeks of breathtaking color.

Many of the dried up ponds and rivers are now again showing their magnificent beauty. The forecast is calling for rain the rest of the week, which should allow a proper drink for all of nature. Pictured at left is the bottom 50 or so feet of continental falls. This 200+/- foot waterfall is usually flowing in a magnificent splendor water flowing from every crack and crevice. In the past couple of weeks this poor old fall has actually almost completely dried up. With the generous rain we are now getting the always lovely continental falls shall be restored to her full glory. For your opportunity to come see the natural beauty the Highlands Cashiers Plateau has to offer contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at: O: 828-743-7077 or C: 404-394-7144 http://www.dividenc.com/ http://www.baldrock.com/

Fall on the Cashiers, Highlands Plateau

Mathew Kowal (The Blue Ridge Summit Group) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:56:14 -0700

Fall is upon us! With the ever cooling temperatures and the smell of fall in the air we are on the way. The morning mist has arrived, and the breathtaking fall sunsets are beginning. It is the perfect time of year to find your mountain retreat.

After the rain, the empty mountain at dusk is full of autumn air. A bright moon shines between the pines; The clear spring water glides over the rocks. Bamboo leaves rustling - the washer-girls bound home. Water lilies swaying - a fisher-boat goes down. Never mind that spring plants are no longer green. I am here to stay my noble friends!

by Wang Wei

The draw of "leaf season" i hard to explain. The natural beauty of a vivid fall is something that must be seen. So come join us this fall in cashiers and let us show you how fall was meant to be enjoyed. Contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group O:828-743-7077 C:404-394-7144 http://www.dividenc.com/ http://www.baldrock.com/

Social Life - The Divide at Bald Rock

Mathew Kowal (The Blue Ridge Summit Group) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:55:03 -0700

The Pavilion at The Divide is the spot to gather. Bordered by 6500 acre Panthertown valley national forest, this is the ideal setting for you next gathering. The pavilion hosts events galore all year long. From the monthly pot-luck dinners to the gorgeous fall weddings, the setting is surreal. With a full social calender you can be as active as you choose, or just relax surrounded by 1000 acres of "civilized wilderness". At around 3600 square feet of covered space, there is plenty of room for you and your closest friends. With a full size catering kitchen featuring top-of-the-line appliances and plenty of storage space you event can be as big or as small as you wish.

Our Fourth of July Party Epitomizes relaxed mountain living. We gather with our friends, and enjoy the most authentic dishes in good ole' down home American style. With the pavilion draped in red white and blue, the smell of peach cobbler wafting in the air, and the giggle of children in the background, this is a party not to be missed.

The annual chili cook-off is always one of our more spicy events.... Each resident is invited to enter a recipe, and then we all gather for a lovely tasting and awards. These and many more events resemble the lifestyle that is The Divide at Bald Rock and Bald Rock. For more information on any of these events or to learn how to become a member of our "Civilized Wilderness" contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group: C:404-394-7144
O:828-743-7077
http://www.dividenc.com/
http://www.baldrock.com/

Rocky Top Lodge - A Bald Rock Estate

Mathew Kowal (The Blue Ridge Summit Group) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:53:07 -0700

As Featured On The Cover Of Florida Trend

The Rocky Top Lodge features the best of the mountains. Just steps away from 6500 Panthertown Valley National Forest, this home boasts veiws as far as South Carolina and Georgia. A luxurious water feature greats you with the sounds of nature as you cross the bridged entry way and approach the rustic modern double doors.

The breathtaking veiws from the three levels of what is seemingly neverending deck space will render you speechless. This space allows for the finest in outdoor entertaining and being surounded by the peaceful civilized wilderness that is Bald Rock creates a place where memories are made. The large great room with floor to ceiling stone firpleace, windows galore to let in plenty of natural light creates the ultimate setting for you and your guests or a place for the entire family to relax.

For more information on the Rocky Top Lodge or other properties on the Cashiers Highlands Plateau contact The Blue Ridge Summit Group at:
O: 828-743-7077
C:404-394-7144 http://www.baldrock.com/ http://www.dividenc.com/

Bald Rock - "A Civilized Wilderness"

Mathew Kowal (The Blue Ridge Summit Group) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:50:36 -0700

775 Gated acres with the most pristine mountain veiws in all of cashiers. This full service equestrian community is bordered by 6500-acres of Panthertown Valley National Forest. At a breathtaking 4100 feet Bald Rock carefully blends a limited number of estate lots with the natural beauty of a secluded wilderness. If it's a second home, a mountain retreat, or just escaping the city life come visit "Bald Rock".

The Divide at Bald Rock

Mathew Kowal (The Blue Ridge Summit Group) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:47:43 -0700

Divide Your Time... Define Your Life...

The Western North Carolina Mountains offers a beauty all its own. It is a way of life... a place of peace and tranquility that can only be described by living it.

Creekside at The Divide:

Creekside lots nestle up to the bold fresh mountain stream of Little Hogback Creek. With its waterfall backdrop, lush forest, and stunning rock formations this is the hidden gem you have been looking for. If your desire is to experience mountain living the way it was meant to be, you owe it to yourself to experience mother nature at her finest... The Divide At Bald Rock.

Panther Ridge:

Panther Ridge boasts lots at the highest elevations in the community. At around 4500 feet this phase posses views overlooking Panthertown national forest, signature mountains such as Whiteside and Chimney Top, and vistas as far away as Georgia, South Carolina , and the Blue Ridge Parkway. These views simply must be seen to be believed. With only six homesites left this phase is a must see.

Contact Mathew S. Kowal O: 828-743-7077 C:404-394-7144

The Blue Ridge Summit Group

Mathew Kowal (The Blue Ridge Summit Group) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:45:30 -0700

Originally from cleveland, I have been coming to the Cashiers area since 1997 as a volunter for the National Ski Patrol. I have been ablsolutley in love with the area ever since. In 2005 I decided to make Cashiers my home. We have recently formed The Blue Ridge Summit Group. We are a new developer team specializing in "Turn Key" operations. We offer full service listing agents offering staging/interior decorating, comprehensive proactive marketing plans, and anything else you may need. We also have exclusive buyers, agents for estate homes, lots, and large tracts of land. Whether its the dream of building a cozy cottage tucked amidst the natural wonders of the mountains, a weekend getaway from the stress of the city or your dream estate with endless mountain veiws, let us take you there. Contact Mathew S. Kowal O:828-743-7077 C:404-394-7144