Many Wilkes Visitors Decide To Stay
When busy Wilmington residents Sue and David Bridgers decided to take a vacation trip to the mountains‚ a friend recom mended Wilkes County.
That’s where they discovered the perfect antidote to stress.
“We rented a place for about two or three years‚ then decided to build‚” Sue Bridgers says.
The Bridgers built a home in the Leatherwood Mountains development in 2001. Now working as the manager of rental properties for Leatherwood‚ Bridgers watches others fall under the High Country spell.
“They will come visit one time and say ‘oh my gosh‚’ and fall in love‚” Bridgers says. “Often‚ they will look at property the first time they come up. If they come up two or three times‚ more than likely they will buy. They love it because it’s so peaceful and quiet.”
Leatherwood is one of several developments catering to the increasing number of newcomers who decide to move to Wilkes County after vacationing here. Lots in the 2‚500-acre development range from three to 40 acres‚ and many Leatherwood residents take advantage of the equestrian facilities‚ including a barn and riding trails‚ for which the development is known‚ Bridgers says.
About 40 of the 110 homes in Leatherwood are available for vacation rentals. Other short-stay options may be found through 4 Seasons Vacation Rental‚ which lists more than 50 chalets and cabins on its Web site. Visitors may choose from a wide range of accommodations‚ including luxuriously appointed chalets‚ cozy secluded cabins‚ riverside cottages and homes with long-range mountain views.
Those looking for a home-away-from-home atmosphere while exploring the area’s real estate market will find it at Graystone Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn in Wilkesboro. Opened in 2006 by Georgina Thompson‚ the inn retains the charm of a bygone era but has the conveniences that modern travelers expect‚ including Sleep Number® beds in most of the rooms‚ Thompson says.
Events such as the MerleFest Americana music celebration‚ the Apple Festival‚ the Shine to Wine Festival and the Wilkes Heritage Festival give visitors a chance to really experience the community’s energy and personality‚ Thompson says.
“They like the river‚ the greenway‚ the antique stores and shopping – especially the cute shops downtown‚” she adds.
Those who ultimately decide to invest in the High Country lifestyle can choose from several new year-round developments. Chestnut Mountain‚ which is in its third phase of build-out‚ offers elegant custom homes. Laurelmor‚ a new 6‚000-acre development by Ginn Clubs & Resorts‚ will be loaded with amenities‚ such as a spa‚ golf courses‚ restaurants and a movie theater. Lot prices in Laurelmor start at $500‚000.
Nature lovers also may be drawn to Cielo Falls‚ where 1‚100 scenic acres are being developed in partnership with Heritage Log Homes to emphasize the area’s natural amenities‚ says Bill McDonald‚ sales director.
“The neighborhood already has nice trout streams‚ but we want to make it the most sought-after trout fishing area in the country by enhancing them‚” McDonald says.
With 600 acres dedicated to green space‚ the development will also have walking trails and a small grocery store.
“Cielo Falls will be truly a community‚ with a little more than 500 families‚” McDonald says. Lots start at $180‚000 and homes will range from about 2‚000 to more than 6‚000 square feet. The first homes were being completed in summer 2007.
“Some buyers want to move in full time right away‚ and others are hoping to be here part time for now and then move in full time over the next couple of years‚” he says.
A big selling point for Cielo Falls – like much of Wilkes County – is its convenient location.
“You have the feeling of being away‚ but in reality you’re pretty close to pretty much anything you want to do‚” McDonald says.
