The Ponds Community in Summerville

June 25, 2008

“Nature. Nurture. Neighborhood,” is the motto for The Ponds Summerville, SC community. And though it’s 25 miles inland from it’s fast-growing neighbor of Charleston, “lowcountry” is the theme – something the developers are trying to reflect in architectural style, old-growth preservation and community attitude.

Almost half of the development’s land is dedicated to amenities including a 1,100-acre nature preserve, with a 20-acre lake. Other amenities are to include a multi-purpose sports field, 21 miles of trails, swimming pools, parks, playgrounds and an outdoor pavilion. The Summerville Family YMCA is also within The Ponds development. A non-profit conservancy, with homeowner members, will be set up to act as a steward for the nature and “quality of life” of the community.

The Ponds has 1,950 homesites on 2000 acres. To keep aesthetics and quality consistent, a design board reviews home plans and tends to favor Southern Colonial, Victorian, Arts & Craft and Cape Cod-styles. Homes are mainly single-family or townhomes with a number of planned live/work units. Architectural details include Southern-style porches and masonry fireplaces. Currently, five Charleston builders work in The Ponds.

Greenwood Communities and Resorts began development of The Ponds in 2006. Roads are already paved and the sewer system is in. Also, many of the amenities are already built, giving home buyers a tangible sense of value and community. While project completion is planned for 12 to 15 years, some homeowners have already moved in and at least one section of the development has already sold out.

Homes start in the low $300’s.

A June of 2008 sampling of homes from The Ponds web site:

3-bed, 2-bath with 1665 sq. feet — $345,000
3-bed, 3 bath with 2706 sq. feet — $538,690
4-bed, 2.5 bath with 2521 sq. feet — $379,900
4-bed, 2.5 bath with 2785 sq. feet — $469,000
5-bed, 3 bath with 2700 sq. feet — $424,900

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The Settings of Black Mountain

June 8, 2008

If you are looking for a lush mountain setting with easy access to a real city, The Settings of Black Mountain, may be an option.

The Settings is located just 15 minutes outside of downtown Asheville, a popular destination because of its mountain setting, seasonable temperatures and its culture that blends Appalachian charm with the spirit of an arts colony.

While the gated community appears deep in the mountains, offering views of the Seven Sisters and Pisgah National Forest, it is actually part of the city of Asheville so residents can benefit from city utilities and services.

The Settings was developed by the Atlanta-based The Settings Development Companies, LLC, a company that strives to utilize the natural beauty of an area in its developments.

According to the project web site, more than 40 percent of the 364 acres is undisturbed green space. To help residents enjoy the natural setting, a series of nature trails, both developed and primitive, wind through the community.

Other amenities include a clubhouse and pool over looking the Blue Ridge Mountains, a kid’s playground, and a stocked trout pond. More amenities are planned as the community develops.

While The Settings does not have a golf course, world-class golf is minutes away, as is shopping, and more rugged outdoor adventures such as whitewater rafting.

Homesites begin in the high $100s with home styles ranging from cottages to larger homes. Featured sites include .25 acres near the clubhouse ($200+) and almost two acres near a mountainous green space for around $460.

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