Wallace prides itself on its small-town charms – the restored train depot that houses its Chamber of Commerce; friendly residents that own and operate antique shops, boutiques and eateries; summer concerts at the outdoor Wanoca Theater; and its farmers market featuring local produce, herbs and flowers. Golf is a big draw, and for enthusiasts, there’s a 36-hole championship course within Wallace’s 1,700-acre, private, gated community of River Landing, on the banks of the northeast Cape Fear River.

The Vineyards is the newest neighborhood in River Landing, and boomers who are ready to enjoy the ease and amenities of a private community can choose one of four model home styles – the building sites of which are centered around River Landing’s vineyard.

River Landing boasts more than just golf, although the golf course is attraction enough! Members can enjoy the state-of-the-art sports and fitness center, three subterranean irrigated Har-Tru tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, access to miles of trails and a River Lodge where you can launch a canoe or kayak. The River Landing Clubhouse serves lunch and dinner daily, and can accommodate events and weddings. Guest suites are also on premises, and members are encouraged to stay there as their home is being completed.

The Vineyards homes all boast large windows, screened porches and patios to enjoy Wallace’s climate. Then from there you can choose the floor plan and price point that fits your lifestyle. The homes range in size from 1,800 to 2,700 square feet, are designed for one-story living and include a spacious master suite. The four home styles include the Bianco (starting at $334,900), Rosa (starting at $348,900), Verona (starting at $373,900) and the Siena (starting at $418,900).

The City of Morganton was elected by Readers Digest as one of the top ten places, in the United States, to raise a family and has been ranked by Retirement Lifestyles Magazine in the top five popular locations for retirement. Morganton features a number of city attractions including the Morganton Farmers Market, Morganton Station, the Community House, Catawba Meadows Park, the Catawba River Greenway, and festivals such as the Morganton Historic Festival and the ACC Chili Cook-off. Downtown Morganton is filled with restaurants, galleries, shops, parks, and a movie theater. The Historic Courthouse Square hosts free Friday night concerts during the Spring and the Summer.

The River Club is beautiful and peaceful master-planned community that includes 35 homes placed on spacious lots. The community totals 180 acres situated near a natural bend in the Catawba River. These stunning residences will be priced from $125,000 to $300,000. These awe-inspiring properties offer panoramic views of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, the Catawba River, or both. This unique community features a plethora of outdoor and recreational activities.

The River Club houses a premier equestrian center featuring a 16 stall stable with both outdoor and indoor rings, 15 acre pasture and paddocks, and miles of trails for riding, hiking, and walking. An enclosed and screened in pavilion, with facilities for cooking and planned gatherings, is currently being planned. It will overlook a stunning and lush three acre stocked pond. Residents can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming in the Catawba River.

This community offers 10 different models are reasonably and affordably priced from $134,490 to $178,000. Rivermist also features a premier club for its residents and includes a pool and picnic area. This is a perfect place for get-togethers with family and friends.

The Rivermist-Harbor Collection features everything you’ve ever wanted in a home. These modern, lavish homes with open floor plans boasting beautiful and spacious living areas, great rooms, formal dining rooms, gourmet kitchens, breakfast nooks lofts, relaxing master suites, private baths, huge walk-in closets. The residences also have optional sunrooms and screened porches.

There are 10 different models to choose from, and the homes range from 1590 sq ft. to 2700 sq.ft. Homes start with two bedrooms, two bathrooms up to three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Each of the homes in this collection have two car garages.

The Rivermist-Harbor Collection is conveniently located in Southport, North Carolina. It lies just south of Wilmington and 45 minutes away from the South Carolina state line, at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The Intracoastal Waterway intersects Cape Fear River. Southport has a population 2,600 and features Victorian-style homes, antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Southport city attractions include the Waterfront Park and City Pier, the nearby islands accessible by ferry, historic city sites, miles of sandy beaches, and fishing. Wilmington offers tours of historical sites, live theaters, college campuses, Orton Plantation. Myrtle Beach features shopping, entertainment and golf courses.

There are only 13 home sites in Marshes Light in the single family category. Each home site has enough space for an 1800 to 2700 square foot house, parking, and extra amenities such as guest suites or garages. The single family homes also feature granite countertops, gas fireplaces, hardwood floors, carpets in the bedrooms and tile in the bathrooms. Although home prices vary, homes packages are around $450,000.

The Marina Villa Homes are made up of two buildings with ten homes in each building. Amenities include storage units, tilt-wash windows, granite and corian countertops, stainless steel appliances and covered parking. Home prices range from $400,000 to $500,000 and are maintenance free. They dazzle with views of Roanoke Sound and Shallowbag Bay.

The Marshes Light Marina is a full service marina equipped with a Dockmaster and slips up to 60 feet in length. It has deepwater facilities, shower and laundry facilities available, ice free winter storage and offshore fishing. It’s great for water play, sailing, swimming and kayaking.

Marshes Light has already made plans for future home and business developments. Because of the popularity of the villas, three additional Marina Villas will be constructed. Flats situated above retail spaces will be an option. Two 30 room inns are also planned.

This community is a great place for lifestyle changers and filled with many year round activities. It is certainly in great company with the streets of Manteo displaying Colonial, Craftsman and Victorian style homes. Ideal Living Magazine considers it “one of the top three best coastal retirement destinations in America”. For the distinguished home buyer, I think this picturesque community is certainly worthy of consideration.

At the heart of the residential community is a well-maintained 18-hole, par-72 Tom Fazio golf course that was named “#1 Coastal Golf Course in North Carolina” by Golf Digest magazine. Golf practice facilities include a driving range, putting and pitching greens, bunkers and a teaching tee. Golf pros are on hand for group clinics, private lessons, and organizing league and tournament events.

A large, colonial-style clubhouse provides socialization opportunities, The Grill restaurant, a full-service pro shop, and several areas designed for events, meetings, weddings and receptions. Country club membership packages vary and are designed for individuals or families, and membership is available for residents and non-residents. Member benefits include the opportunity to play more than 200 private golf courses across the country through the Private Club Network.

The Sports Center at Porter’s Neck Plantation is a fully equipped fitness facility open seven days a week. It offers a wide range of cardio-aerobic machines, free weights, trainers, yoga, aerobics classes, table tennis, flat-screen TV and speakers, and a changing/shower area. The aquatic area features a junior Olympic pool, a four-lane lap pool, a toddler wading pool, a changing/shower pavilion, and a snack bar serving sandwiches, salads, ice cream, treats and beverages. Seven hydro clay, lighted tennis courts are also available for member residents and their guests, as are ball machines, tennis clinics, private or group lessons, and children’s tennis leagues.

Several small neighborhoods make up the larger neighborhood of Porter’s Neck Plantation; some homes overlook the golf course’s fairways and greens while others are nestled in wooded lots. Charter Building Group has been building homes in collaboration with Porter’s Neck Plantation for more than 20 years, and they offer 40 distinctive home designs as well as design/build plans for custom homes. The range of homes includes large estate-style homes, low-maintenance patio or villa homes, and townhomes, with prices varying between $300,000 and $900,000. Lots are also available starting at $79,000.

Surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway’s creeks, marshes and ponds, Wrightsville and Carolina Beaches, and the Cape Fear River, water-related activities of swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing and sailing are abundant. Wilmington also offers numerous art galleries, museums, antique shops, larger malls, restaurants, parks, library branches, theaters and clubs.

The Village features a number of spacious homes and floor plans. They invite you to walk through their four models set up in the styles offered in the community. There are three collections to choose from. The Patio Home Collection features five different styles. Each style has three bedrooms and up to three large baths.

The Estate Home Collection brings elegance to anyone who enjoys the beauty of fine architectural design. As with the Patio Home Collection, the manicured lawns and landscapes enhance the five available styles. The large three bedrooms and three to four bathrooms provide more than enough room for visiting relatives.

The Floridian Villa Collection completes your options at the Village at Motts Landing. This collection features 10 one-story home plans that come with up to three bathrooms and three comfortable bedrooms.

Each of the three collections have family rooms, large kitchens and dining areas. Most offer covered lanais and cooling porches.

A tennis court, swimming pool and clubhouse are just three amenities to keep you busy. Shopping, dining and walking on the beach are other ways to enjoy your days or evenings. Most of the best restaurants and boutiques are found in the historic downtown district of Wilmington. This area is best explored by horse-drawn carriage or riverboat.

Golf is ideal for outdoor lovers. The premier courses provide all you need to play a round of golf or two. Fishing, kayaking and boating are always welcome activities for active retirees.

The Village at Motts Landing is not your average retirement community. It’s a place to relax and enjoy each day in the comfort and security of home.

This gated waterfront community is currently under construction by Kitty Hawk Land Company, a division of Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Inc. Arlington Place will span 928 acres and will contain around 1,000 homes upon completion. The Welcome Center is currently located in Arapahoe, North Carolina.

Arlington Place has abundant facilities, some still under construction, as described below.

The Burton Village clubhouse has tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, along with a swimming pool, playground, and even meeting rooms and a grilling area. A canoe and kayak outfitters center will also provide equipment and supplies for interested residents.

The Harbor and Marina Club, a full service marina, will have over 250 wet boat slips and additional dry boat storage. The marina will have deep water access. The Marina Club will have a pool, tiki bar, restaurant, and even a fitness center.

Residents will also have access to the nearby Minnesott Golf & Country Club.

Estate Homes range from three bedroom, two and a half baths up to four bedroom, four baths. Interior square footage ranges from 2,100 sq. ft. to almost 3,400 sq. ft. Some models even contain an attached garage.

Cottage Homes range from three bedrooms, two baths up to three bedrooms, four baths. Interior square footage ranges from 1600 sq. ft. to almost 2,000 sq. ft. Current pricing starts at $229,000, including a homesite. A complete custom home can be designed by utilizing a builder approved in the Signature Builder Program.

Homesites range from 0.35 acres up to 1.5 acres. Views range from private woods view to overlooking the Neuse River. Price ranges from $65,000 to over $300,000.

Hickory Nut Forest and the immediate Gerton are places that take their visitors back in time. They have remained relatively untouched by modern life, providing a wonderful chance to live more “lightly,” with a better carbon footprint and a focus on clean living. But don’t let that fool you—Hickory Nut Forest has plenty of amenities and things to do for the individual as well as the community.

Aside from the plentiful outdoor activities, including hiking trails, horseback riding, bird watching, fishing, picnicking, boating, biking, gardening, rock climbing, and more, there are tennis courts, golf courses in the area, and many community social events.

For your daily needs there is an old-style general/grocery store, a post office, a fire department, and a community center all in Gerton. More amenities are available about ten minutes away in Fairview, and of course Asheville is a major city with all the other amenities you would need.

The homes in Hickory Nut Forest are built to show the love for the land and the earth its owners have. The homes are designed so they can be built out of earth-friendly materials, with wood or other materials that don’t require a large carbon footprint to harvest. Buying local helps the community keep the capital in the area, as well as cutting down on expensive transportation requirements. The houses are designed with the idea of living with the earth—using clean air, water conservation (including low-flow faucets), and even solar heating. These homes are truly green.

Hickory Nut Forest is designated a “forever-wild” land, so it will not be developed in the days to come. The forest will remain the same, and goes right to your front door for you to enjoy. Covenants on the building lots ensure that the homes blend in to the land naturally as best they can.

All in all, Hickory Nut Forest is a good place to retire to if you are interested in green living and believe you have a responsibility to help protect and take care of the earth.

There are also ornamental streetlights, intimate cul-de-sacs, quiescent streets, sidewalks and walking trails which will lead you through the cheery community. A variety of homes are available at Hitchcock Crossing. All are low-maintenance brick, one-story Energy Star certified manors which include attached two car garages.

The homes at Hitchcock Crossing reflect casual, Southern living with the capacity for many successful get-togethers. The homes have large open floor plans and standard features like hardwood floors, granite counter tops, tray ceilings, crown molding and screened porches for enjoying the mild South Carolina climate all year round.

Custom options are also available to personalize the home more, if desired. The homes range from two bedroom plus den which is approximately 1,720 square feet to three bedrooms which is approximately 2,185 square feet and prices range from $269,000-$331,000. The homes are within minutes of downtown Aiken which offers a diverse culture style and opportunity.

Aiken, South Carolina, is a city with sophisticated flair which boasts sidewalk cafes, restaurants, shopping and a wide variety of arts. The town of Aiken provides access to several world-class golf courses, along with a variety of equestrian clubs, tracks and polo fields.

There are no less than nine parks in the area and several recreation and tennis clubs as well. Hitchcock Woods is a 2,100 acre urban forest which has approximately 65 miles of trails providing access for joggers, hikers, dog walkers and equestrians and it’s open from dawn to dusk every day of the year. [Visit website]

(Blowing Rock, NC) Reynolds Signature Communities has announced the new name of its mountain community in Wilkes and Watauga Counties, N.C. – REYNOLDS BLUE RIDGE. The community, formerly known as Laurelmor, is located 1.5 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and only 6 miles from the towns of Blowing Rock and Boone.

“We searched the Western Carolina Mountains for a property that could become the next Reynolds Signature Community, and the views, natural features and great location of this property will provide the basis for the nationally-recognized Reynolds lifestyle,” states Mercer Reynolds, Chairman of Reynolds Signature Communities. “The Reynolds name has come to represent a trusted lifestyle brand in the southeast, and this first Reynolds-named community away from Reynolds Plantation will live up to the high standards we set for our communities and ourselves.”

Since taking over day-to-day operations of the property in December, 2008, Reynolds has fully committed to completing development of the 6,200-acre property. The Reynolds team is working diligently on infrastructure, and this fall will see the completion of nearly 20 miles of paved roads, as well as entry gates, central water and sewer systems, electricity, and telephone/technology systems.

The architectural vernacular of the community has also changed with the new ownership, with previous plans for a European theme giving way to a more rustic and relaxed mountain style, in a tradition of the finest mountain architecture in Western North Carolina. Reynolds is working with several local architects as well as Atlanta-based firm Wakefield Beasley & Associates to plan the new structures, starting with the permanent entrance which will begin construction this year.

Amenity venues on-site are also being worked on, including several miles of new nature and hiking trails. Reynolds previously announced that the new architect of the proposed golf course is Rees Jones, known for both his long list of award-winning designs and for his work in re-crafting some of the best courses in the country in advance of U.S. Opens. Jones’ team is near complete on his planned routing for the golf course.

“We expect our investment will result in tremendous economic impact to both Wilkes and Watauga counties,” says Reynolds Blue Ridge Project Manager Jason Wingfield. “We’re optimistic the market for a quality community in the Blue Ridge Mountains will continue to improve. We think there will be a flight to quality developed communities that are thoughtfully planned, executed with great care and expertise, and appropriately capitalized. All of this suggests we will enjoy great success in the future.”

The company hosted existing property owners earlier this summer at famed Reynolds Plantation. There, the company shared the new vision for the community, emphasizing the unique natural attributes of the property which include elevations exceeding 4,000 feet in areas, unobstructed long range views across the property, and an incredible location near Blowing Rock, Boone and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Reynolds management also received great feedback from owners on a number of topics including desired amenity options as development continues.

“There were many compelling aspects to the previous vision for the community,” notes Mercer Reynolds. “We have been operating a highly amenitized, nationally recognized destination community at Reynolds Plantation for nearly a quarter century, so we have the ability to maximize the value for owners and to create a superior lifestyle that will stand the test of time.”

In addition to the 18-hole Rees Jones golf course, proposed plans include a clubhouse, tennis and wellness facilities, cultural and arts programming (drawing from similar programs at Reynolds Plantation) and an Adventure Center integrated into an extensive trail system.

“We want Reynolds Blue Ridge to exemplify the reasons why families choose a mountain retreat in the first place,” states Sales Manager Chris England. “The property affords owners a great climate and great views – we want to supplement that with amenities constructed at a Reynolds-level of quality, and provide opportunities for families to best enjoy the expansive natural beauty of the community.”

Currently, the community has a Discovery Center on Main Street in scenic Blowing Rock, headed by Sales Manager (and local resident) Chris England. Real estate sales operations are slated to commence this Fall with a “soft” release of homesites ranging from one to four acres. The homesites are centrally located near a proposed “mountain village” amenity area, priced from the mid $100Ks, and paired with a program of unique purchase incentives.

We liked the location and initial plans for Laurelmor but we are equally excited about what Reynolds Blue Ridge could turn out to be. Reynolds has a great reputation and has had great success with their other communities, most notably Reynolds Plantation in Georgia. Visit website.