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From beginning to end, the Blue Ridge Parkway's most important asset is its pristine state. This makes it one of the most heavily traveled scenic byways in the country. Fortunately, for those wishing to settle in the Blue Ridge Mountains, real estate along the Blue Ridge Parkway can bring you closer to the joy the parkway has to offer without invading the natural beauty of its landscape.
It is our intent to provide you with information on Blue Ridge Mountain property. We hope to provide pertinent information about the particular features of each area of our mountain regions. This includes elevations, terrain descriptions, historical sites and recreational opportunities. We will also consistently provide suggestions on how to both enjoy and preserve the natural beauty of this incredible land.
By partnering with "green" real estate professionals-including realtors, builders, developers and log cabin companies-we hope to encourage the best possible harmony between development and nature. We recognize that while development is inevitable it is also possible to have an earth-friendly footprint. If you decide to become a neighbor, you will discover that mountain living is a unique way of life. Please celebrate the pristine beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountain area by committing to work with good land stewards that are dedicated to helping you leave a positive lasting footprint.
Buying Real Estate Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
If you are acquiring land in the Blue Ridge Mountains, please consider the use of conservation trusts and similar instruments to permanently preserve some of the great real estate you have purchased. The destiny and future of the land is now in your hands! You can enjoy the beauty and energy of the land, conserve that beauty and energy for future generations and even receive possible tax breaks for doing so. The immense personal rewards for being a good land steward are life-long and the benefits of your deed are for eternity.
In the North Carolina High Country we are excited and proud to partner with Sundance Mountain Lands. They are much more than a real estate company. They are truly a driving force in the preservation of many special lands in the Blue Ridge Mountain Region. Sundance Mountain Lands has been instrumental in the conception and creation of a truly green development known as Sundance Mountain.
This development actually borders federal land connected to the Blue Ridge Parkway. They have permanently protected Blue Ridge Parkway view sheds by taking the lead in arranging the purchase of 105 acres of land to prevent a development which would have been seen from the Parkway. They have worked with the High Country Conservancy in the permanent preservation of Riddle Knob achieving the darkest shade of green, "no development"!
Beth and Craig Weaver are good land stewards and caring real estate professionals dedicated to helping you leave an earth friendly footprint on any mountain land you have been fortunate enough to purchase. Their knowledge of land conservation and preservation is inspirational and can help you in your quest to find, purchase and preserve the mountain land you have chosen. We encourage you to seek their advice and services.
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Our purpose: to do ordinary real estate in an extraordinary way, that is, with a mind-set of environmental awareness and values. Our work combines traditional real estate values with those of the “green” movement. We know that long-term economic and environmental benefits come from green values applied to land use, development and energy-efficient and alternative energy-use housing.
We specialize in land and mountain retreats off the beaten path and/or worthy of being protected in some way, such as by conservation easement, protective covenants or proximity to government or conservancy lands.
By choosing Sundance Mountain Lands as your real estate brokerage, you may not only fulfill your desire to have a mountain home or land holding, but you may also accomplish this in a financially sound and environmentally healthy manner. We make it our business to find what you need. We do that with dedicated, relational teamwork and professionalism.
Live and work in harmony with nature. Be a part of sustaining the beauty and vitality of the High Country for all beings, including residents and tourists, flora and fauna, air and water.
At the closing of your real estate transaction, we will write a check for at least 5% of our commission to one of the not-for-profit organizations dedicated to preserving the land and ecological health of the High Country of NW North Carolina. You choose which organization.
Near MP 298 Between Boone and Banner Elk
1-866-963-2088

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Developing Land Near the Blue Ridge Parkway
When developing land near the Blue Ridge Parkway please consider creating a green minded land use plan that can help you determine the best use of your land. Create a plan that employs some of the many preservations techniques available to assist you in preserving the features of the land that motivated you to come and live here. Some things you may consider in your land use plan would be as follows:
- Proper environmental studies to establish low impact guidelines for your home.
- Proven fung shui principals to determine the best location of your home site on your property and the best directions and angle to face your new home. Energy flow on land is ultimate.
- An adequate and effective sewer system that will correctly filter all waste into the ground.
- An adequate conservation based water system that would maintain proper water flow and supply
- Implementation of effective water collection system to efficiently collect and store water for later use.
- Implementation of an effective water recollection system to safely reuse our precious water resources
- Proven water erosion and drainage guidelines to ensure correct water runoff
These are just some things you may consider in your land use plan. There are so many things you can do to lower your impact on your piece of this earth. Some alternatives to creating your own land use plan would be to hire a land planning consultant to give you guidelines and help you through the process or to purchase land in a development already using green minded amenities. There are a growing number of eco-friendly developments throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains from which to choose.
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Virtual Blue Ridge is proud to partner with The Preserve at Rock Creek in Cashiers, North Carolina to showcase a truly conservation minded development in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Preserve is an example of a well-conceived land development with an earth friendly footprint. Their emphasis is on land conservation and large estate lots.
The Preserve at Rock Creek is 320 acres of beautiful forest land that rests on Toxaway Mountain - the highest privately owned mountain in the area with elevations of up to 4400 feet.
By blending low-density encroachment with nature, the Preserve makes the most of its natural surroundings in an organic layout where 115 species of flora and 100 species of animals make their home.
Large estate lots are cut to take advantage of the incredible long range views the mountain offers. Green minded homes are built to maximize the views for the occupants while minimizing the visibility of homes from adjacent lots. Views, privacy, and being a part of nature are paramount.
The Developer, Tim Bright, is a true land steward. He is creating an entire community using conservation based principals by permanently placing sixty-six percent of the mountain in a conservation easement.
Tim’s land use plan lowers the impact on this piece of "heaven on earth" using state-of-the-art water erosion and drainage techniques. The infrastructure is well planned with 18 foot wide paved roads, underground utilities, and a state certified water system.
We invite those of you seeking an exclusive and incredible lifestyle living in harmony with nature to explore all that The Preserve At Rock Creek has to offer. Only a limited number of home owners will be able to enjoy this unique mountain property.
Near MP 423, south of Devil's Courthouse in Sapphire Valley, NC.
800.259.3551

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The Blue Ridge Dream :: Owning a Cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains
We are proponents of log cabin construction in the Blue Ridge Parkway area. Log cabin homes are a natural fit in this region do to the beautiful mountain terrain and the pastoral settings provided by the local plants and trees. To go a step further, log home construction is also inherently greener than conventional construction which means there will be a lesser impact on our natural resources found in this great mountain region. The log home itself is almost entirely biodegradable and recyclable. Also, more naturally green material is used in a log cabin home than in a stick built home. Recycled and environmentally acceptable materials are a natural tie to log cabin homes. These are just some of the reasons why we encourage people building new homes in the Blue Ridge Mountains to consider a log cabin home.
The ultimate in log cabin living is if you are willing to go to the next step and fully embrace the principles of the Leadership to Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) developed by the US Green Building Council. The LEED system measures the impact of the entire building on the environment. It is a long path to LEED certification for a home. It begins with the purchase of the lot, continues through the entire building process and ends with the design of the landscaping. We hope you choose the darkest shade of green you possibly can when building your new log cabin home, but any shade of green is highly recommended.
Building a Home in the Blue Ridge Mountains
When building your new home in the Blue Ridge Mountains please consider building some level of a "green certified" home. There is so much great new green technology available to assist you in lowering your actual physical impact on this earth. Using energy saving and eco-friendly technology is a great way to celebrate your success in becoming a land steward. We hope your new home footprint will not only be a visual pleasure but more importantly a statement on your belief and commitment to being green minded.
Once you have made the commitment to build a green home then you only have to choose what shade of green you want to be. How serious are you about fulfilling your environmental responsibility? You can let your commitment shine though in nearly every aspect of your new home. From the design and materials, to insulation and wood finishes, to the utilities and landscaping.
The ultimate goal of green building is having less impact on the environment though reduction of greenhouse gases escaping in to the atmosphere, decreasing waste throughout the building process, and incorporating more environmentally preferable products into the home.
Energy use can be positively affected by simple home designs such as building a home with a southern exposure. Incorporating window awnings and wrap around porches into your home plans will shelter windows from hot direct sunlight and lower temperatures in your home during warmer seasons. Using building materials such as eco-friendly sansin stain and sustainable materials like logs from a managed forest will bring more environmentally preferable products into your home. Other ideas for green building include installing a whole house air exchange system to create a healthier interior space, using innovative florescent lighting fixtures that use up to 50% less energy and using efficient fixtures that conserve valuable water resources.
One of the hottest things about building a home is seeing new technology in action, especially when that includes using alternative energy to decrease your homes energy burden without decreasing its beauty, functionality, or suitability to your lifestyle. All the technologies for powering your house with alternative sources of energy are available on the shelf right now. You don't have to invent anything or wait for anything to be invented. You simply have to make the decision to aspire to a greener lifestyle.
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