It's true. Tiger Woods will design his first American golf course in a signature community just outside of Asheville, N.C.
Who could ask for anything more?
For golfers and fans of Tiger Woods, (including me) this is very exciting news. Imagine what the news of Tiger Woods' decision could mean to property values in adjacent Fairview Forest?
The neighboring private community with a total of approximately 700-800 acres, almost a hundred homes, and nearly ten miles of roads, could become an investor's dream. Here a diverse group ranging from young families to retirees which includes writers, artists, consultants, service providers, and administrators enjoy asustainable, eco-friendly community.
I love Fairview Forest. I love it because homes are sited to take advantage of views and passive solar opportunities. I love it because the Green Space situates itself to maximize the sense of place and community. I also love it because it may become an intriguing investment opportunity and a boon to my clients who own a second/vacation home there.
5 Questions
1. What impact will the new golf course community have on the immediate area?
2. Will the new community, and "upscale development" take into account
the principles of sustainable design and development as Fairview Forest has?
3. Will there be damage of consequence to the environment and the view-sheds
that make Asheville and surrounding areas do desirable?
4. Will the developers use eco-wise site practices?
5. Are trend-watchers predicting home and land appreciation in adjacent neighborhoods?
To answer those questions, community members attended a review of the new golf course development at a Buncombe County Planning Board meeting in downtown Asheville. Of course, volunteers on the Green Space Committee who look after the hiking trails and areas of the green space in Fairview Forest were plugged in to that meeting. Things are still in the planning stage at this point, so I'll have to tell you more about the outcomes as they arrive. There is an "open air atmosphere to discuss talk circulating regarding the developments over the top of the Mountain," one resident reported.
In the meantime, what if you saw the investment opportunities and were looking for a well-priced second/vacation home in Fairview? If you were, I happily would introduce you to Head Football Coach "Bill" ("most winning coach -EVER" and about to receive a lifetime achievement award from the university at which he taught for many years) and his talented wife, "Sue". The couple invested in a second/vacation home in Fairview Forest and found they loved Asheville so much that they decided to make it their permanent home. I asked the couple about their mountain "digs" when I listed the property this week.
"People tell us the home has the feeling of a sanctuary-camp with plenty of room for family and friends to visit. And also plenty of room to get away," they laughed.
Bill, whose trophies decorate the ground floor offices and additional guest spaces, loves the outbuilding with electricity for his wood-working projects. Sue, with her skill for interior design, has just put a fresh coat of "neutral tone" paint on the walls, and new carpeting in the bedrooms. The fireplace is glowing. The hardwoods are shining. The smell of apple pie baking fills the open, eat-in-kitchen, and the wrap-around decks sparkle in the sunlight.
How can y'all leave this gem filled with such welcoming ambiance?" I ask.
"Although we sure are going to miss this place, we are ready to settle down," they tell me.
"It has given us privacy, the mountain views we wanted, time to consider, and a wonderful place for our pets- and visitors. We've enjoyed life on the mountain and this community. And knowing that Tiger Woods has decided to design his first American golf course right next door, we are excited about the investment prospects for Fairview Forest.
"Tell me a little bit about Fairview Forest," I ask in hopes of better understanding the
special nature of this community they obviously love.
About Fairview Forest
According to HOA information, "Fairview Forest is made up of a private-sort of folks who are informal, want their privacy and who are friendly and available in time of need. It is not a close-knit community as you might find in the typical suburban development of formal streets, manicured lawns, and country-club type setting. The residents are a diverse group ranging from young families to retirees which includes writers, artists, consultants, service providers, and administrators."
Bill tells me, "Of course, stories about Tiger Woods' Western North Carolina endeavor have played form Asheville to new York, to England and Australia. Look at this article in the Mountain Express."
Stories"... shine a bright spotlight on our town. .. It's bound to generate some interest when the best golfer in the world says the decision to design his first U.S. course here was ‘a no-brainer'... [According to Tiger] ... ‘You just have to experience the property... Even an idiot can't mess this up.' In addition, if anything will, a Tiger Woods-designed courseshould seal the region's reputation as a Mecca for golfers. Besides Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Kite and Phil Mickelson are all involved in designing courses in WNC. "
Now, as I sit with my clients, I am thinking ....WOW! Put this all in the context of Bill and Sue's 3 bedroom two-and-a half bath "gem" and you can see nothing but pure potential! Thoughtfully sited on 2.78 acres, it takes advantage of huge shade trees, and affords that exact mixture of privacy and mountain views that attract very smart people!"
Who could ask for anything more?
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