ASPIRE · 2023 · VOLUME 5 by Smoky Mountain News

LUXURY LIVING IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

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In Downtown Asheville Downtown Asheville’s leading real estate group for over a decade, the Mills + Coin portfolio includes new developments, condos, and luxury homes. Stop by our Real Estate Discovery Center for market insights, the hottest local listings, insider tips, and ideas for how to make the most of your time in the Blue Ridge.

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ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

INTRODUCTION ASPIRE “At the heart of mountain living is ‘home’ — your personal sanctuary, as well as the collective home that can only be built together, as a community.” — W. Neal Hanks Jr., President

WELCOME TO WESTERN estern North Carolina luxury real estate remains as green and growing NORTH CAROLINA as our surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

CLIENT SERVICES

(866) 858-2257 toll free

NORTH ASHEVILLE

820 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC 28804 (828) 251-1800

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE

300 Executive Park, Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 254-7221

SOUTH ASHEVILLE

1 Town Square Blvd., Ste. 140 Asheville, NC 28803 (828) 684-8999

LAKE LURE Real estate remains a favored choice for investment, and our region’s 1518 “Choosing the right real estate company to assist youMemorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746 (828) 436-5120 impressive historical growth continues to attract buyers, notably inwith theexploring this area is important.” ultra-luxury sphere. Overall luxury sales have remained healthy and steady,- Neal Hanks Jr., President BREVARD but inventory is also up, offering a beneficial balance. Bottom line: Our WNC 6 East Main St., Brevard, NC 28712 (828) 877-6006 luxury market continues to be an outstanding investment, appealing to the present and next generation of luxury buyers. Client Services SOUTH BREVARD

As WNC’s market leaders since 1976, we’re proud to offer our luxury clients unrivaled connectivity and a market footprint that continues to grow. One year ago, we partnered with Allen Tate Realtors®, the #1 real estate firm in the Carolinas, and Howard Hanna Real Estate, the #1 privately owned real estate company in the country. These affiliations provide our sellers with many enhanced benefits, including greater listing visibility in key feeder markets and across our expanded network. Our tailored approach, paired with an unrivaled record, elite marketing, and genuine client care, are hallmarks of our 47-year history in these mountains. We truly are Born in the Blue Ridge, Best in the Carolinas. In this issue of ASPIRE, you’ll see reflections of many lifestyles in which Western North Carolina residents thrive. Our mountains offer opportunities for growth: organic, determined, steady, and slow—just like the landscapes in which we inhabit. Local towns and cities enrich social traditions and elevate them to world-class arts, entertainment, and culinary experiences. At the heart of mountain living is ‘home’—your personal sanctuary, as well as the collective home that can only be built together, as a community. We welcome you as a member of our community, whether you have been here all your life or aspire to join us this year. And we invite you to find what feels like HOME.

866.858.2257 toll free 7737 Greenville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712 (828) 877-4490 Downtown Asheville 300 Executive Park Asheville, NC 28801 HENDERSONVILLE

800.868.7221 freeSt. 512 Northtoll Main 828.254.7221 Hendersonville, NC 28792

North(828) Asheville 697-0515 820 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804

FLETCHER

800.277.2511 toll free 4005 Hendersonville Rd., 828.251.1800

Fletcher, NC 28732 South(828) Asheville 484-3130

1 Town Square Blvd, Ste. 140 Asheville, NC 28803

WAYNESVILLE 800.868.8999 toll free

74 North Main St., Waynesville, NC 28786 828.684.8999 (828) 452-5809 Hendersonville 512 North Main St.

Hendersonville, NC 28792 RUMBLING BALD RESORT 800.868.0515 tollLURE free AT LAKE

828.697.0515 112 Mountains Blvd., Lake Lure, NC 28746 (828) 694-3001 Waynesville 74 North Main St. Waynesville, NC 28786 SALUDA

800.849.8024 free NC 28773 153 East Main St.,toll Saluda, 828.452.5809 (828) 749-3504 Lake Lure 109 Arcade St. BURNSVILLE Lake Lure, NC 28746

369 West U.S. 19-E, Burnsville, NC 28714 828.625.8846 (828) 682-7408 Beverly-Hanks Mortgage Services

BEVERLY-HANKS 30 Town Square Blvd., Ste. 202 MORTGAGE SERVICES Asheville, NC 28803

30828.775.9179 Town Square Blvd., Ste. 202 Asheville, NC 28803 NAI Beverly-Hanks (828) 775-9179 Commercial

Warm regards,

410 Executive Park

Asheville, NC 28801COMMERCIAL NAI BEVERLY-HANKS 828.210.3940 410 Executive Park

W. Neal Hanks Jr. President of Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks, REALTORS®

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beverly-hanks.com WelcomeMag2015AdPagesExceptBackCover.indd 1

Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 210-3940

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

2023 | VOLUME 5

Where Intellect Meets Extemporaneous

Cosmopolitan Country

Haywood Handmade: Axe & Awl

Wild Waymakers: Carolina Mountain Club

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Gateway to Adventure

Simply Delicious: Tacos and Tequila in Saluda

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Garret K. Woodward · Danny Bernstein · Holly Kays

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ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

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ARCHITECTURE CONSTRUCTION INTERIORS

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

PLATT.US PLATTHOME.US ®

Architect/Builder: PLATT | Photographer: Tzu Chen | Interiors: Cliff Fong | Landscape: Westmore Design | Living Roofs, Inc.

Walnut Cove Realty (828) 606-0974

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Burnsville (828) 208-9139

Vivien Snyder

Biltmore Park (828) 712-4397

Waynesville (828) 487-0380

Chris Purser and Libby Mijanovich North Asheville (828) 900-1650

Mark Taylor

The Ramble (828) 707-1522

Biltmore Park (828) 231-1112

Mills + Coin Team

Biltmore Avenue (828) 782-5588

Brent Russell

Downtown Asheville (828) 528-1829

Pamela Williams

Waynesville (803) 528-5039

rebecca@walnutcoverealty.com debbie.hrncir@allentate.com

darlene.conley@allentate.com amy.fleming@allentate.com

battista.realestate@allentate.com

susan.campbell@allentate.com leslie.elliott@allentate.com

Amy Fleming

brian.noland@allentate.com

Michelle McElroy and Rachel Ellege

Highlands (404) 427-2448

ann.skoglund@allentate.com

Cherie Parker

Biltmore Park (828) 702-2879

mills.coin@allentate.com

Biltmore Park (828) 768-0413

Leslie Elliott

Darlene Conley

the.woodards@allentate.com

Josh Smith

Clary McCall

Brevard (828) 556-1184

brent.russell@allantate.com

Walnut Cove Realty (828) 712-5953

North Asheville (828) 280-8430

Susan Campbell

pamela.williams@allentate.com

Kyle Olinger

Heidi DuBose Fore

mcelroy.ellege@allentate.com

North Asheville (828) 450-4038

Hendersonville (828) 243-2555

chrisandlibby.wnc@allentate.com

Doris and Stan Longworth

Chris and Annie Battista

mark.taylor@allentate.com

Hendersonville (828) 471-4045

heidi.dubosefore@allentate.com

Steve Dozier Group

clary.mccall@allentate.com

North Asheville (828) 284-0509

cherie.parker@allentate.com

Donna Banks

viv.snyder@allentate.com

josh@walnutcoverealty.com

kyle@walnutcoverealty.com

doris.longworth@allentate.com

stevedozier.group@allentate.com

donna.banks@allentate.com

LUXURY AGENT GALLERY

Rebecca Dougherty

SouthCliff (828) 747-7857

Debbie Hrncir

Biltmore Park (828) 329-5365

Brian K. Noland

Waynesville (828) 734-5201

Ann Skoglund

Biltmore Park (828) 273-0277

Don and Karen Woodard North Asheville (828) 335-3839

Harness the power of a privately owned, independent real estate network.

U N R I VA L E D E X C E L L E N C E . U N R I VA L E D L U X U RY. Our local roots offer a unique perspective on the Western North Carolina marketplace.

To ta l L u xu ry Tra ns a ction s

Our global network connects you to luxury buyers in 800+ cities, generating thousands of inquiries and billions in sales each year. With over 300 luxury sales, we sold more luxury homes in Western North Carolina than the next four real estate firms combined. Let us put our experience to work for you.

Based on MLS data for 2022. Properties sold for $850,000 or more in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Yancey and Mitchell counties.

Luxury Market Trends

With more inventory in the local luxury market comes more opportunity. Demand for luxury properties in Western North Carolina has eased some in 2023, likely due to the continued slow down as a result of heightened interest rates and economic uncertainty finally reaching the luxury sphere. But local buyers are enjoying the extra time for thoughtful negotiations compared to months past, when sales surged as people celebrated their “post”-pandemic freedom.

complete with a variety of outdoor activities, and our historically stable real estate market.

However, our market outlook remains very healthy and steady, with fresh inventory across luxury price brackets. Recent sales show there is growing interest in the mountains’ ultra-luxury echelon of $5+ million (on the national scale, ultra-luxury is more in the range of $10+ million). These wealthy buyers signal that our area holds continued investment appeal as a second and third home destination. Among the factors driving investment are the temperate weather with cooler summers and plenty of shade, our gorgeous mountain ranges

With deep roots in WNC, Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks offers our luxury clients unrivaled connectivity paired with elite marketing and genuine client care. Among the unique benefits of our luxury marketing are this annual publication, our international network with Luxury Portfolio International® and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, a full-time Luxury Marketing Specialist on staff, and our bespoke Luxury Marketing Program created to service our luxury clients at the highest level. Our success is borne out by our market leadership since 1976.

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Nonetheless, it is important for luxury sellers to understand our local seasonal market trends and regional demand trends before deciding to list your investment. For fresh insights on the Western North Carolina real estate market, visit allentate.com/WNCMarketResearchCenter.

HISTORICAL ACTIVE LISTINGS $1,000,000 AND OVER

600

550

500

450

400 350 300 250

2021

2022

2023

TOTAL CLOSED SALES OVER $1,000,000 Q4 2021

843

Q3 Q2

2022

887

2023

567 Through Quarter 3, 2023

(Jan 1, 2023–Aug 31, 2023)

200

400

600

800

1,000

TOTAL CLOSED SALES OVER $850,000 Q4 2021

1,218

Q3 Q2

2022

1,350

828 Through Quarter 3, 2023

2023

(Jan 1, 2023–Aug 31, 2023)

300

600

900

1,200

1,500 ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

SIX REASONS TO CHOOSE WE’RE LOCAL

FASTER PROCESSING

EXCLUSIVE LOAN PROGRAMS

EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION

COLLABORATION AND TRUST

PERSONAL SERVICE

Howard Hanna Mortgage has provided quality mortgage products since 1983, earning its place as one of the largest independent mortgage bankers around. Howard Hanna has been repeatedly recognized for its ability to provide innovative home loan products to each and every borrower. Our knowledgeable Mortgage Loan Originators understand the importance of your transaction and will take the time to provide the best home loan experience possible. CONNECT WITH US TODAY! NMLS: #101561 Restrictions apply. Advanced Equity Loan must be in 1st or 2nd lien position. Contact Howard Hanna Mortgage Services for mortgage products and eligibility. Offer of credit is subject to credit approval. Howard Hanna Mortgage Services is licensed by: The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities as a Mortgage Lender – License number 21415. The Ohio Department of Commerce – Division of Financial Institutions – License number RM.804531.000. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation, First Mortgage Broker/Lender License number FL0022570, Second Mortgage Lender Registration number SR0022571. The West Virginia Division of Banking – License number ML-20884. The North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks – License number L-215626. The State of South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions – Mortgage Lender/Servicer License number MLS-101561. Contact a Howard Hanna Mortgage Loan Originator for full details. 1000 Gamma Drive – Pittsburgh, PA 15238 and 6000 Parkland Blvd. – Mayfield Hts., OH 44124., OH 44124. (800) 400-4622 mortgage@howardhanna.com.

Beverly-Hanks Mortgage joined Howard-Hanna Mortgage Services in 2023.

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ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

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Where Intellect Meets Extemporaneous Artist Nabil El Jaouhari Connects the Dots of Self, Intent Tucked away in the back of the Mark Bettis Gallery in the River Arts District of Asheville, Nabil El Jaouhari leans onto his work table and carefully crafts on his latest piece. The studio is filled with plenty of natural light and a high ceiling, a view of the ancient French Broad River just outside the windows. “No matter what you create, I’m not a believer that you can throw anything and say, ‘Oh, this is that,’” El Jaouhari said. “But, I’m a huge believer that in the mark-making aspect of art making, there’s something very much related to who you are and your experiences — we are an accumulation of these perceptions that are the results of these experiences we’ve lived in our lives.” A rising and renowned mixed-media artist, El Jaouhari was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon. After finishing his undergraduate work in his native country, El Jaouhari continued his education in France and then in the United States, where he obtained his MFA in painting and printmaking with a minor in fibers. From then, he taught art around America before landing in Asheville. “I’m the son of a furniture maker, and he was an amazing furniture maker,” El Jaouhari said. “My parents owned land with olive trees. We lived around nature and my dad’s workshop. And that’s why my work borrows from my dad’s history — using fire and that love for nature, the woodgrain I work with, this kind of magic realism in a way.” In this most recent chapter of his creative spirit, El Jaouhari is combining many facts of his artistic talents — painting, printmaking, wood-burning, collage, etc. The results are incredibly powerful and moving pieces with numerous themes that reside at the core foundation of who El Jaouhari is, past and present. “I’m trying to justify my usage of wood-burning in a high-art form, because I like to borrow from low-art forms like collage and woodburning and use them in the realm of high-art,” El Jaouhari said.

Artist Nabil El Jaouhari.

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

The inspiration for these pieces comes from El Jaouhari taking inventory of older works from specific artistic mediums and cutting them up, only to then collage them back together. The goal is to show the essence of the human condition through the imperfections and perhaps the chaos of daily existence that connect each and every one of us on levels we may or may not understand. “I realized that I’m actually deconstructing old memories and creating new memories,” El Jaouhari said. “And these memories, they came from another space and time, another country where my life was completely different. Now, I think about it more in the sense of conditioning, how bits and pieces are being cut and forced onto a new surface — it’s kind of the life of an immigrant, in a way.” That exact conditioning El Jaouhari speaks of is one of constant assimilation in a new environment, one where even if he’s been in the United States for many years now, there’s still this enormous chunk of his life and identity — perhaps the biggest piece, truth be told — that will forever be linked to his formative years in Lebanon. “I grew up on a mountain, but it was very close to the seashore,

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where if you walked down the hill, you’ll be at the Mediterranean Sea,” El Jaouhari said. “And I went to school and to my dad’s workshop in the city [in war torn Beirut] — my life was between these two things, this great dichotomy.” Looking at El Jaouhari’s work, one can see this seamless balance of analytical thought and creative impulse, where the conscious and subconscious minds meet, this gray area of purposeful intent and playful happenstance — the initial spark and bright flame that sits at the core of any great artist, regardless of medium. “Because I come from an academic background, I’m always thinking. But, my work is definitely about transitions,” El Jaouhari said. “And it’s those transitions that I’m creating in each work, where a collage of different mediums will converge. My idea, my challenge is to actually make the piece seamless — where my intellect merges with my extemporaneous self.” “Asheville is a beautiful reminder of where I grew up, this aesthetic reminder of the mountains [of my youth],” El Jaouhari said. “At night time here, it looks very much like where I grew up — it’s inspiring to me and my work.”

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

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ARDEN | $12,995,000 7 BEDROOMS | 8 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 9,810 SQUARE FEET MLS# 3905307 Josh Smith

(828) 606-0974 josh@walnutcoverealty.com

A quintessential home in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove defining modern luxury living in Asheville, NC. Entirely custom built, it overlooks the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course with a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Featuring 14-foot ceilings and 138 windows, one is immediately immersed in natural light. Three windows are noted as the largest single-pane windows in a residential property in North America. The main floor includes the primary bedroom suite, a generous walk-in closet, custom primary bath suite, and personal sitting room. An abundance of guest rooms, sitting areas, and multi-use spaces make an idyllic mountain retreat.

View the Property Video

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

The Red Stag is an award-winning culinary destination.

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Cosmopolitan Country Biltmore Village Restaurant a Pillar of Asheville’s Culinary Boom Although Veronica Beltran’s title at The Red Stag Grill is food and beverage director, she also thinks of her position as something a bit more meaningful and intrinsic, in terms of the culinary experience she and her staff showcase. “I’m the director of creating memories,” Beltran said. “We are a special occasion restaurant, and we’re part of creating a memory for that couple

or family, whether it’s a busy Friday or Saturday night or Thanksgiving Day — we want you to leave with a memory you’ll never forget.”

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

Rustic & Refined | WNC Dining Destinations Worth the Drive In the mood for a delicious day trip across Western North Carolina. Try out these upscale dining destinations that are worth the drive because of their scenic locations and refined culinary offerings. Canyon Kitchen (Sapphire, near Cashiers)

Billing itself as a “Place like no other,” Canyon Kitchen is located inside the Lonesome Valley community but open to the public. Canyon provides an exquisite dining experience featuring local foods in a sophisticated Appalachian Style. While You’re There: Drive into Panthertown Valley for a short walk or extended hike. It’s known as the “Yosemite of the East” for its stunning views.

Canyon Kitchen.

The Silo Cook House.

The Silo Cook House and Bar at Horse Shoe Farm (Hendersonville)

The Silo features locally sourced dishes inspired by farm life and the mountains of Western North Carolina. Seating is communal, providing patrons the opportunity to connect with old friends over dinner or perhaps make some new friends. While You’re There: Summit Bearwallow Mountain via a moderate one-mile (each way) trail that ends at a grassy meadow. There’s a historic fire tower at the summit, which features breathtaking scenery and a 360-degree view. See downtown Hendersonville, Mt. Pisgah, Mt. Mitchell, the Hickory Nut Gorge and upstate South Carolina from the peak.

Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar (Boone)

Emu, venison, elk, mountain trout and more are among the items you’ll find on the menu at the Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar. The menu is constantly changing and provides a truly unique take on Southern cuisine that satisfies both meat and veggie lovers. While You’re There: Don’t miss the opportunity to walk the trail around Bass Lake in Blowing Rock, part of Moses Cone Park. The lake trail — just under a mile long — is just one of the attractions in this park that is the former estate of a Winston-Salem textile magnate who was known as the “Denim King.”

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The Pisgah Inn

(Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 408)

Nestled at a 5,000-foot elevation along the Parkway between Asheville and Waynesville, the Pisgah Inn (open April 1-Oct. 31) offers three meals a day in a restaurant with the best views around. Chefs create daily specials. While You’re There: Well, you’re on the Parkway so everywhere you look is special. However, the highest elevation along the Parkway is 6,053 feet at the Richland Balsam Overlook at milepost 431. If you go the additional 23 miles from the Pisgah Inn, you can get a photo with the “Highest Elevation” marker in the background.

Located in the Grand Bohemian Hotel in the heart of the Biltmore Village neighborhood in Asheville, The Red Stag opened in April 2009 to much culinary fanfare that has only increased over the last 14 years in operation. Known as a “specialty steakhouse,” the property has that rich, intricate aesthetic of Old Europe in its design. “With a focus on game meats, we take a lot of pride in our hunting lodge theme throughout the property, which is something we really embrace,” Beltran said. “We use a lot of local products and feature an array of game meats instead of your typical steakhouse menu items.” Those unique game meats include elk, bison, and ostrich. To note, instead of the usual chicken dish at other steakhouses, The Red Stag offers a quail dish. All of which follows along with The Red Stag’s menu motto: “introducing different items that are similar, but not the same.” “Ostrich is a very lean meat. In terms of flavor, it will be comparable to very nice filet and will pair well with a Bordeaux,” Beltran said. “And a great introduction to elk is our elk carpaccio. It’s paired with Lusty Monk mustard aioli that cuts through the tanginess of the meat, pairing nicely with a glass of pinot noir.” Browsing the prestigious wine list at The Red Stag, Beltran puts forth meticulous detail and care into curating the selections that perfectly complement the already-renowned culinary offerings. Recently, The Red Stag was recognized with the “Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator magazine. “And with Asheville becoming such a culinary destination, we see all the other restaurants as partners and not competition,” Beltran said. “Yes, we may be competing for the same market, but what matters most is that we all need to be consistent in the product we each put out to people — everyone who comes here to experience our incredible restaurant scene.”

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

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MAGGIE VALLEY | $3,900,000 4 BEDROOMS | 5 FULL BATHROOMS 3 HALF BATHROOMS | 8,834 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4047356 Kyle Olinger

(828) 712-5953 kyle@walnutcoverealty.com

Perhaps best described as a mountain castle, 202 Emerald Lane lies “hidden in plain sight”. The home’s elegance reflects the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. Beyond the private gate, the main and guest homes welcome you with 8,800+ total square feet of luxury. Currently enjoyed as a private sanctuary, consider this gem for a corporate retreat, wedding/event venue, luxury vacation rental, or even spiritual refuge. Maggie Valley and Waynesville beckon with nostalgia, returning to a simpler time of unspoiled forests and crystal streams. Hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, shopping, and dining all await just beyond your door. And yes, Asheville is but an easy drive away. Included is a 0.818 acres parcel with 2 BR septic and dedicated well.

ncmountaincastle.com ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

BILTMORE FOREST | $7,500,000 10 BEDROOMS | 7 FULL BATHROOMS 2 HALF BATHROOMS | 13,675 SQUARE FEET MLS# 3720073 Ann Skoglund

(828) 273-0277 ann.skoglund@allentate.com

An exceptional 4.4 acre golf course estate with distant Pisgah-range views. A long serpentine drive past the historic stables, green house, resort style pool, and carriage house delivers you to one of the first, finest, most significant Biltmore Forest homes. The property grounds with exquisite hardscape and landscape welcome you to a lifestyle rich in history. Careful, elaborate updates and additions by noted architect Robert Griffin create a meaningful home designed for today centered around a two story great room. A carriage house with full guest apartment and separate staff bedroom is ideal for extended family, guests or an aupair. Magnificent landscaping, water features, and terraces invite you outdoors.

View the Property Video 28

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ARDEN | $5,450,000 4 BEDROOMS | 5 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 9,878 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4027612 Kyle Olinger

(828) 712-5953 kyle@walnutcoverealty.com

With nearly 10,000 square feet of modern luxury, this home far and away represents the best value per square foot of any recently constructed home in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. You will enjoy oversized suites and inviting gathering spaces, two full kitchens, two home offices, three levels, six fireplaces, sauna, club room, two screened party decks (accounting for more than 1,500 square feet of outdoor living space), three-stop elevator, quartzite counters throughout the home, a billiard room, and home theater. What’s more, you’re a quick stroll to Walnut Cove’s Club Village for golf, cocktails, and gourmet dining. You really can have it all.

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Leather Craftsmen Showcase Work Across the Country It’s late morning, and the crafters at Axe & Awl Leatherworks have been hard at work for several hours already. Located on Depot Street in downtown Waynesville, the boutique store specializes in handmade leather products — straps to belts, bags to wallets. The company formed by Spencer Tetrault and his wife, Courtney, has expanded rapidly since its inception in 2015. Axe & Awl has garnered national attention for its intricate, quality leather offerings, all atop a deep, sincere commitment to service and repeat customers within a core value of community engagement. Before the jump into the artisan leather business, the Tetraults were headlong into careers in helping others. Courtney was a paramedic working in the local ER, while Spencer was a firefighter for the City of Asheville. Initially, Axe & Awl was a side hobby and source of income. The Tetraults started creating handmade leather radio straps for firefighters and first responders. Eventually, they found themselves with an overwhelming demand for other handmade leather goods, including suspenders, masks, bags, and other items.

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A year into the endeavor, Courtney left the medical field to run Axe & Awl full time. Spencer would soon follow. By October 2021, they opened a brick-and-mortar shop in the heart of Waynesville. “Our biggest mission upon opening the store was to extend how we feel, how we work with people, our collaborations and our partnerships,” Courtney said. “And now, we’re seeing it working. People are loving the shop, and we’re partnering with others around town — we’re trying to do things right, but differently.” Recently, the Tetraults launched the Cultivate Garden Shop further along Depot Street in the Frog Level Historic District. They partnered with another local couple, Blake and Amanda Yoder, to focus on specialized garden tools and plants atop a taproom for those looking to sit and converse about their respective green thumbs. As far as Axe & Awl goes, the Tetraults are currently offering leather workshops for aspiring artists and hobbyists. “The workshops have been a way for us to educate attendees about

Embark on a Craft Adventure Welcome to a region rich in craft traditions and brimming with craft artists. Travel along the Blue Ridge Craft Trails to visit with artists in their studios, shop galleries full of local, handmade artwork, and discover scenic treasures and cultural gems along the way. To learn more about these artists and the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, visit blueridgeheritage.com/blue-ridge-craft-trails.

• PAUL EISENHAUER, BURNSVILLE

Paul Eisenhauer had been a hobbyist woodworker for many years, but that changed after his time working as curator and director of the Wharton Esherick Museum, the home and studio of the renowned woodworker Wharton Esherick. Eisenhaurer is one of the artists on the Toe River Arts Studio Tour, where artists open their studios to the public for one weekend each year in an effort to learn, explore, and connect. The tour has been a mainstay in the Burnsville area for nearly 30 years. toeriverstudiotour.com

• STARFANGLED PRESS, BREVARD

Starfangled Press is an artist-run printmaking studio and gallery in downtown Brevard with a passion for hand printed original art. Founded by Kristen Necessary, the studio launched in 2015 based on the idea that connecting with original, contemporary art makes everyone’s life better. starfangledpress.com

• WOFFORD SCULPTURE STUDIO, CASHIERS

Wesley Wofford has been sculpting since age five, and his talent has carried him to a career in the film industry and earned him Academy and Emmy awards. Wofford has a diverse body of work and a unique vision for sculptural language. woffordsculpturestudio.com

• HERITAGE WEAVERS & FIBER ARTISTS, HENDERSONVILLE

Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists partnered with the Historic Johnson Farm to transform an original boarding house into a fiber arts center that encourages a knowledge and appreciation of fiber craft. hwfawnc.org

the proud, rich history of leather in Haywood County,” Spencer said. “This area used to be home to tanneries and workshops. The businesses and buildings are long gone, but we’re keeping the history alive through education.” Lately, they have held open houses with music and beverages during the popular Art After Dark celebrations, where downtown Waynesville galleries, restaurants, and cafes welcome the general public for an art walk of fellowship and connectivity. Art After Dark occurs every first Friday of the month from May through December. “We get to meet some really interesting folks who walk through the door, especially who travel a lot and say they’ve ‘never been in a shop like this,’” Courtney said. Wandering the store, one can immediately see, smell, and feel the appeal of Axe & Awl. You witness first hand the skill set and talents of the Tetraults and their employees in the work studio behind the register. You smell the fresh leather ready to be molded into fine art for everyday use. You feel the quality and passion put forth by its creators.

Spencer & Courtney Tetrault and Travis Reagan.

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

WAYNESVILLE | $4,500,000 4 BEDROOMS | 6 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 7,429 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4053785 Brian K. Noland

(828) 734-5201 brian.noland@allentate.com

Expansive mountaintop estate perfectly-positioned in a peaceful setting. Drive through the grand gate at the entrance to a stunningly crafted log home with breathtaking 360-degree mountain views overlooking the WNC mountains. This 18+ acre estate is surrounded by gorgeous landscaping and natural woods. The main entrance of the home boasts an open floor plan with large windows that bathes the space in natural light. The grand main level has 2 floor-to-ceiling stacked river stone fireplaces, a private library/study, and separate den, while the lower level is the perfect place for your guests to relax in comfort and privacy.

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BILTMORE FOREST | $4,400,000 7 BEDROOMS | 5 FULL BATHROOMS 3 HALF BATHROOMS | 7,050 SQUARE FEET Ann Skoglund

(828) 273-0277 ann.skoglund@allentate.com

The ultimate Biltmore Forest classical home on 3.3 ultra private and lushly landscaped acres nestled close to the Biltmore Estate. Created in the roaring 20s by master Beaux-Arts architect, William Lawrence Bottomley, the home has been tastefully updated for today. A main floor primary suite with a prismatic roof dome channels the Louvre. The formal rooms will delight your friends or family, and the kitchen is spacious enough for entertaining as well as casual dining, creating memorable meals. Outdoor entertaining on terraces and gracious gardens will be pure pleasure. Staff or visitors may hide away in the two-bedroom garage guest quarters.

annskoglund.allentate.com 34

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ASHEVILLE | $3,995,000 3 BEDROOMS | 4 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 3,790 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4057538 Vivien Snyder

(828) 712-4397 viv.snyder@allentate.com

Explore an exceptional Asheville home nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, effortlessly harmonizing with nature. Crafted into solid granite, this residence seamlessly blends modern convenience with timeless elegance. As clouds drift from Craven Gap, they pass through the “Cloud House,” where heaven and earth unite in perfect harmony. This eco-friendly home boasts solar panels, and all cabinets and woodwork are custom-made on site using locally sourced wood. The outdoor dining area features a jacuzzi and fireplace. With three bedrooms, a bonus fourth room, and tandem 3-car garage, this mountain retreat embraces mountain living at its finest.

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ASHEVILLE | $3,595,000 4 BEDROOMS | 4 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 5,254 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4068572 Josh Smith

Nestled amidst the lush greenery and pristine landscapes of one of Asheville’s most coveted communities, The Ramble, this unique residence offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. A testament to craftsmanship, artistry, and the beauty of nature, you’ll be captivated by the rich character of the reclaimed barn wood, bringing a sense of history and authenticity. Shiplap siding lines almost every room of this stunning home, infusing the space with a cozy, rustic ambiance that perfectly complements the mountain surroundings.

(828) 606-0974 josh@walnutcoverealty.com

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ASHEVILLE | $3,250,000 6 BEDROOMS | 5 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 6,530 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4061853 Leslie Elliott

(828) 702-2879 leslie.elliott@allentate.com

Experience an exquisite blend of timeless elegance and contemporary sophistication, the epitome of luxury living in this meticulously restored historic home. Nestled in prestigious Biltmore Forest, it marries yesteryear’s charm with modern comfort. Step through the grand entrance adorned with its original 100-year-old refurbished chandelier and be transported to an era of grandeur. The open-concept design seamlessly connects living areas, creating harmonious spaces where family and friends can gather and create memories. A state-of-the-art kitchen offers top-tier appliances and sleek granite countertops. Historic luxury artfully modernized!

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Wild Waymakers Dedicated Volunteer Corps Fuel Nonproﬁt’s Longevity and Success

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As temperatures neared 90 degrees on a sunny afternoon in July, the forested Carolina Mountain Trail offered a shady respite for the 20 people joining Tom Southard for a 2.1-mile hike through the woods of the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville. Southard, a volunteer with 13 years of experience leading walks at the Arboretum, stopped frequently to tell the stories of the thousands of plant species responsible for the forest’s green, damp scent and cooling shade. He extolled the unique honey made from the blossoms of sourwood trees like the crooked-trunked specimen growing alongside the trail, discussed how to tell a white oak from a red, and explained where the water goes when it flows off the property.

the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the completion of the Appalachian Trail — but also many challenges. CMC has survived the Great Depression, World War II, massive shifts in culture and communication, and the Coronavirus Pandemic.

He also told the story of the trail itself, built 30 years ago with the help of Carolina Mountain Club volunteers.

“It’s run like a business in the sense that it’s so well organized, but also anybody can participate,” he said. “Everyone’s welcome. You don’t have to have any skill set to participate.”

David Huff, who serves as the club’s communication manager, believes CMC’s mix of professionalism and openness is part of its success.

“We’re forever grateful for that,” said Southard. That gratitude is what led the Arboretum to host a once-in-a-lifetime event: CMC’s 100th birthday celebration. Founded on July 16, 1923, CMC has become a leader in spurring volunteerism and use of public lands. Despite being completely volunteer-based, with no paid staff or headquarters building, the group hosts four to six hikes each week and organizes ten weekly trail maintenance crews. It is responsible for maintaining nearly 450 miles of trail in the region. While there’s no exact figure as to how many miles of trail the club’s crews have built, it’s safe to say that number is in the hundreds, as well.

But CMC President Tom Weaver doesn’t want to see the group rest on its proverbial laurels as it starts the journey toward year 200. He challenges members to think about what they can do to bring CMC through the next century, whether that be inviting new people to join or contributing to the club’s new endowment fund, which aims to fund CMC’s next 100 years of outreach, trail maintenance, and education. Recognizing that its membership is less diverse than the local population, CMC has formed a new diversity and inclusion committee to increase the variety in age, race, ethnicity, and other demographics on the club’s membership rolls.

Widening the tent The 100 years leading up to this celebration included a plethora of accomplishments — the preservation of Max Patch, the building of

As part of those efforts, CMC is hoping to grow its partnership with Latinos Adventuros en las Carolinas, a group that organizes hikes and outdoor adventures designed to make Spanish-speaking people feel at

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Reflecting on the CMC Story

Danny Bernstein.

If you want to go faster, go by yourself. If you want to go further, go with a group. — Adapted from an African proverb As CMC’s 100th birthday approached, I knew that its success and longevity was something I wanted to document. The story of CMC is the story of its people: the hikers, trail maintainers, hike schedulers, treasurers, newsletter editors, and website designers. To uncover that story, I milked the special collections of Buncombe County and the University of North Carolina Asheville, searched for the old A.T. route in the Smokies, found the private land that we used to walk on, and compared the Mountains-to-Sea Trail on the road to the current one in the woods. This project was fun, challenging, intriguing, and a heck of a lot of work. Unlike most books I’ve written, this one had a real deadline: July 16, 2023, CMC’s 100th anniversary. Born from a chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club formed in 1920, CMC’s story starts with its launch as an independent club in 1923, making it the oldest hiking club in the Southeast. At the beginning, the club offered one hike each week; now we have at least four to six hikes of various levels each week, year-round. CMC built much of the Appalachian Trail in the South in the 1920s and 1930s. Myron Avery, chairman of the Appalachian Trail Conference Board in the 1930s, came down several times to inspect our section of the A.T., and CMC wanted to make a good impression. In the 1980s, the club started building the Mountainsto-Sea Trail through the Southern Blue Ridge. We are still protecting over 400 miles of trail with trail crews and section maintainers. The club survived downturns in membership, a shutdown during World War II, the untimely deaths of famous leaders such as George Masa, Art Loeb, and Arch Nichols, and another closure

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during the Coronavirus Pandemic in 2020. In the 1930s, CMC had a membership of about 60; now, we’re well over 1,000. CMC has done much more than organize hikes and build trails. We protected Max Patch from development in the 1980s, spoke out against building the North Shore Road through the most pristine part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the 2000s, and are currently partnering with the U.S. Forest Service to implement the new Pisgah-Nantahala Forest Management Plan. The history of CMC is the history of hiking and land protection in Western North Carolina. (Danny Bernstein is a hiking guide and author who resides in Asheville. Her newest book, “Carolina Mountain Club: One Hundred Years,” is available at local bookstores and online.)

home. The group had a booth at CMC’s 100th birthday celebration, and its members composed about half of the 20 hikers Southard led along Carolina Mountain Trail that day. “We didn’t only promote the event as the birthday party, but come so that you can hike,” said Vivianette Ortiz, a leader in the group. “Where this might come naturally to some people, if you’re coming here from another country, you need guidance,” Ortiz said. “I think that it all starts with the interest to welcome the Latino community outside, and then provide information in Spanish.”

Donate to the Carolina Mountain Club CMC is a nonprofit organization dependent on volunteers and embers for its success. Donations may be made online or you can mail your donation to CMC, PO Box 68, Asheville, NC, 28802. Contributions beyond the $20 and $30 membership dues are tax deductible and also may qualify for 501(c)3 corporate matching funds. You can also contribute via VENMO at Carolina Mountain club@carolinamountainclub.

Ortiz was excited that Latinos Adventuros was invited to set up a booth at CMC’s celebration and looks forward to continuing to build a strong relationship with the club. CMC leaders are experts at organizing a hiking club and the ins and outs of caring for trails; Ortiz is eager to absorb that knowledge into Latinos Adventuros, and CMC is excited to encourage the group’s enthusiasm for stewarding the trails they’ve come to love. “They’re out on the leading edge, getting their population out into the forest,” Weaver said. “And that’s what we’re trying to do as well.”

More trails to build CMC has many more projects on its plate as it kicks off its second century. Through a partnership with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the club will be tearing down and replacing the observation platform at Mount Pisgah, which was built in 1979. The club is also making plans to add to its list of built trails. N.C. State Parks has reached out for input on trail design for the new Pisgah View State Park in Candler, and Weaver thinks it possible CMC could have a hand in building those trails. The club is also collaborating with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on trail design for the 343-acre Deaverview Mountain property overlooking Asheville. The land trust has signed an option agreement for the land and hopes to turn it into a park. “We’re looking to put our footprint or our mark on those two projects,” Weaver said. A new trail — and the structure to ensure it’s maintained — is perhaps the most lasting gift an organization like CMC can give its community. The Arboretum’s Carolina Mountain Trail was built three decades ago, years before Carroll Kopplinger, who at 93 is CMC’s oldest active member, joined the club in 2001. He served as sweep while Southard led, ensuring none of the 20 hikers got lost or left behind. It’s a job he was well suited for — Kopplinger knows the Arboretum trails well. “I live near here, so a lot of times I just come out here for a 4–5-mile hike, bring my lunch, sit up on the rocking chairs in the Arboretum — just relax and sit back and realize how thankful I am,” he said. “How fortunate I am to be here and be able to hike it.”

Take the Challenge Carolina Mountain Club administers a number of programs that challenge hikers to reach a collection of outdoor destinations and earn patches to recognize those achievements. Read more about these challenges at Carolina Mountain Club’s website. 1. South Beyond 6000 (SB6K) — Hiking 40 selected Southeastern 6,000-foot peaks. 2. Lookout Tower Challenge (LTC) — Hiking to 24 fire towers in WNC. 3. Pisgah 400 (P400) — Hiking all 400 miles of trails in the Pisgah Ranger District. 4. Waterfall & Cascade 100 (WC100) — Hiking to 100 of WNC’s most spectacular waterfalls. 5. A.T.-MST Challenge — Hiking the 92 miles of the Appalachian Trail and the 135 miles of the Mountains-toSea Trail the CMC maintains. 6. 100 Smokies Challenge — Hiking the top 100 hikes in the Smokies. 7. Youth Partner Challenge — Established to introduce young people under 18 to hiking and the outdoors. 8. Centennial Challenge — Hike 50 miles on CMC club hikes and 50 Hours of Trail Maintenance.

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

ASHEVILLE | $2,975,000 5 BEDROOMS | 6 FULL BATHROOMS 2 HALF BATHROOMS | 6,184 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4023578 Clary McCall

(828) 768-0413 clary.mccall@allentate.com

This European stone and stucco home on a double lot is flooded with light from clerestory windows in soaring spaces. Ceiling heights up to 20 feet in the entry and great room transition to a beautifully designed floor plan. The 1.18-acre double lot affords many future options - a guest home, gardens, or simply coveted privacy. The spacious outdoor living area adjoins the large, level grassy backyard—a rare find in The Ramble—ideal for a pool, and is backed by the wooded extra lot for seclusion. Enjoy all Ramble amenities - trails, saline pool, Living Well Center, tennis, pickleball and Bocce, parks, gated with 24-hour patrol.

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Elk View

Asheville provide high quality education and health care, shorter commutes than the national average, and the conveniences of larger communities, all nestled into the folds of welcoming mountain landscapes. Matching people and places is our passion. Homegrown in Western North Carolina for 45+ years and leading the market as the #1 real estate firm in the Carolinas, let Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks, REALTORS® be your guide.

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Biltmore Lake With more than 750 homes, the master-planned Biltmore Lake community offers diverse opportunities for wellness and discovery. Enjoy having a shimmering 62-acre lake, miles of trails, boating, swimming, sport courts, and playgrounds in the neighborhood. All located just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville.

The Farm at Mills River Nestled comfortably in the heart of the Blue Ridge with no shortage of fresh air and long-range views, this new home community puts you within an easy drive of both Asheville and Hendersonville.

Enmeshed in the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains sits Elk View, a community of 25 environmentally conscious mountain homes inspired by Asheville’s artistic heritage. The homes are guided by Passive House design principles and inspiring sustainability goals, resulting in a lifestyle where art and environment become one.

Southcliff Southcliff is an award-winning, gated community located on the south face of Cedar Cliff Mountain, minutes from downtown Asheville. Southcliff’s secret to success is a blend of scenic mountain beauty, luxurious living, and a sense of community.

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Champion Hills The Ramble The Ramble’s location offers the best of both worlds, where you can enjoy the ease of convenience while living among 1,000 acres of preserved woodlands. The Ramble is one of Asheville’s most elegant master-planned communities, where distinctive architecture and beautiful design are celebrated.

Wildcat Cliffs Amidst the mountains of Highlands, Wildcat Cliffs Country Club has carved out a piece of paradise on 365 acres. This historically successful private gated golf community features outstanding amenities, Southern charm, and exquisite natural beauty at the feet of majestic Whiteside Mountain.

Founded in 1988 by a small group of investors looking for an amazing mountain golf experience, Tom Fazio was so inspired by the land that he joined the project as both designer and investor in 1989. Today, Champion Hills is a premier country club that is entirely owned by its members.

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove The Cliffs at Walnut Cove offers world-class luxury cradled by the natural boundaries of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest. Mountain vistas, hiking trails, an 18,000-square-foot wellness center, award-winning food, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course–the possibilities are endless.

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Bright’s Creek

Featuring high-end design, city and mountain views, privacy, and sought-after amenities, this urban retreat keeps you connected to the city center. Performances venues, historic shopping centers, and Asheville’s famous food scene are all at your fingertips.

Life in Bright’s Creek is as tranquil or as adventurous as you want. This community of kindred spirits who share a passion for these mountains is best known for being recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top 20 golf courses in the state.

Scan to learn about more Asheville and Western North Carolina communities. allentate.com/asheville-real-estate

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FLETCHER | $2,650,000 4 BEDROOMS | 4 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 4,734 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4052502 Josh Smith

Welcome to an unparalleled oasis nestled within the prestigious Ashbrook Farms community in Cane Creek Valley on an expansive 11+ acre parcel. This luxurious residence offers refined one-level living with the added bonus of a full guest house. The main house has geothermal heated floors, an inviting woodsy screened porch with fireplace, and elegantly designed living spaces. Both houses have attached garages, separate generators, and gorgeous finishes. From hiking and biking trails to renowned dining and shopping destinations, the best of Western North Carolina is right at your fingertips.

(828) 606-0974 josh@walnutcoverealty.com

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FLAT ROCK | $2,400,000 5 BEDROOMS | 5 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 6,788 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4036924 Chris and Annie Battista

(828) 243-2555 battista.realestate@allentate.com

Historic Flat Rock estate includes a 4,598 SF main house and separate 2,190 SF guest house nestled on 7.94 acres. This notable property is adjacent to Chanteloup Estate, showcasing mountain views and serene ambiance that will captivate your senses. This home boasts generous living spaces inside and out with an abundance of natural light. The separate guest house is a delightful retreat, providing privacy and comfort for visiting friends, family, or potential rental income. Relax by the pond, entertain around the firepit, all the while enjoying cool mountain breezes. A harmonious blend of serenity and convenience make it an ideal retreat!

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ASHEVILLE | $2,225,000 3 BEDROOMS | 4 FULL BATHROOMS 2,770 SQUARE FEET | MLS# 4065317 Mills + Coin Team

This unique condo effortlessly marries the charm of yesteryear, exemplified by the 100-year-old hardwood floors, with the contemporary elegance of its modern kitchen and baths. The cohesive blend of exposed brick and rich hardwood flooring throughout provides an exquisite backdrop to showcase your collections. What truly sets this property apart is the east-facing wall of windows that bathes the entire unit in an abundance of natural light. This downtown residence is a testament to the perfect blend of Old World charm and modern luxury, making it a true gem in the heart of the city.

(828) 782-5588 mills.coin@allentate.com

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Customized coverage. Exceptional service. More choices. As part of the Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks Family of Companies, Allen Tate Insurance offers comprehensive insurance coverage – with choices – at the most competitive price. As an independent insurance agency, we represent more than a dozen top insurance carriers, including Chubb, PURE, and Travelers. Our agents “shop” your coverage with multiple carriers to find you the best combination of price, coverage and service to meet your unique insurance needs.

• Coverage for home, life, auto and business • Complimentary insurance review and no-obligation quotes • Coordination of homeowners insurance with your closing date • Award-winning Trusted Choice agency with 35,000 active policies

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Allen Tate 2981-54

HIGHLANDS | $2,190,000 3 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 3,484 SQUARE FEET MLS# 102099 Darlene Conley

(404) 427-2448 darlene.conley@allentate.com

This charming English cottage is a peaceful retreat to escape from the stresses of everyday life. Nestled in the heart of the Western Carolina plateau, it is located in the gated community of Highlands Cove in Highlands, NC and offers inspiring views, rustic charm, and timeless elegance. It is the perfect place to rejuvenate your spirit and connect with nature. Built in 2006, The Cottages at Highlands Cove offers a unique combination of single-family living with lock and leave conveniences. The interior of the cottage is warm and welcoming with its exposed beams, shiplap, stone wood burning fireplace, and a large inviting open concept space.

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Take Me Out to the Ballgame McCormick Field Turns 100

Coming into 2024, the Asheville Tourists minor league baseball team has plenty to celebrate. Beyond a keen focus on its storied past and a recent vote of confidence for funding from the City of Asheville, the iconic McCormick Field will also cross over the century mark.

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“I’ve called over 1,500 games at [McCormick Field], and I really make it a point every day when I’m up in the press box to look out into the seating bowl, towards the outfield wall and up the mountain [the stadium is built into],” said Doug Maurer, director of broadcast and media relations. “It’s the beautiful scenery and that feeling in the ballpark when everyone is excited for the game — there really isn’t anything like it.” As a member of the South Atlantic League, the Tourists are the High-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. And even with McCormick Field — the third-oldest ballpark in the minors — turning 100 years old, baseball has been played competitively in Asheville since 1897. “When you come out to a ballpark, especially for a night game, you sit down in your seats and look around for a few minutes, taking it all in — you’ll get a sense real quick of the history here,” Maurer said.

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The Tourists are on pace to break the single season record for average attendance in 2023, with a typical game attracting upwards of 3,000 fans. Maurer also pointed out that the Tourists have the smallest capacity of any stadium in the SAL. “The biggest thing this season has been our increased attendance numbers. And our capacity will increase once the renovations are complete,” Maurer said. “But, to see the fans come out and support the team the way they have this year after a pretty interesting off-season has just been fantastic.” Leading into the 2023 season, the Tourists found themselves at a crossroads. Even with steady attendance numbers and a cherished past, the entire property was in desperate need of major upgrades and renovations, many of which were required by Major League Baseball. After tense back-and-forth negotiations and plenty of fanfare from Tourists diehards who didn’t want to see their beloved franchise leave town, the City of Asheville and Buncombe County agreed in July 2023 to fund upwards of $23 million to keep the team in Asheville.

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The Asheville Blues.

Post-game highlights The Tourist schedule fireworks displays several times a month after home games. Residents who live in many of the condominium complexes downtown can see the post-game pyrotechnics from their homes, while others who live in neighborhoods close to downtown such as the Town Mountain area, the South Slope, Kenilworth, and Biltmore Village can also view displays. Visit the Tourists website for the schedule.

“Some of these [needed renovations] include an improved clubhouse facility, training area, batting cages, weight room, and [other] facilities,” Maurer said. “We [also need] a new video board, additional seating, wraparound concourse, larger entrance that will help improve safety measures, and [capabilities] to live stream games on MiLB.TV.” With the future of the Tourists now secure, the team and its front office can continue to focus on the upcoming centennial anniversary of McCormick — an opportunity to spotlight all of the legendary names that have grabbed their gloves and trotted out onto the sacred field. “This is a ballpark where Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson laced ’em up. Ty Cobb played in the first ever game here at McCormick Field in April 1924,” Maurer said. “And so, you have that aspect, that historical sense, which is one of the things with the renovation that we’ll still be preserving — keep that historical feel of the 1920s with modern amenities.” Beyond the iconic names associated with McCormick Field, one key area the Tourists are highlighting is the contributions of the Asheville Blues franchise. Alongside MLB’s “The Nine” initiative to honor the impact of Black pioneers in the sport, the Tourists are uplifting the Blues and its back-to-back Negro Southern League Championships in 1946 and 1947 — title banners now proudly flying onsite. “[The Blues] put together this amazing team that was so good it won back-to-back championships and almost did it again in 1948, a year in which they won over 80 percent of their games only to lose in the finals,” Maurer said. “This was an all-star team, and at a time when they were the only team in town. The [Blues] were a big part of the stadium’s history — a big part of the city’s history.” Maurer said he never fails to appreciate strolling into McCormick Field on game night to observe the sights and sounds of families enjoying time together. “This is a place where people come to make lasting memories,” Maurer said.

Want to go? The Asheville Tourists minor league baseball team plays on the historic McCormick Field — which will mark its 100th anniversary in 2024 — in the heart of downtown. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, whether single passes or group rates, go to milb.com/asheville. Reservations can be made in advance for the exclusive use of the Hi-Wire Grandstand Suite, Wicked Weed Party Pavilion, and Ingles Picnic Pavilion. Prospective spectators can also call (828) 258-0428 (Ext. 3) and talk directly to a representative about specific rates and group outings.

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ASHEVILLE | $1,971,600 3 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 3,286 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4040751 Don and Karen Woodard

(828) 335-3839 the.woodards@allentate.com

A modern art masterpiece for your modern art. This custom-designed home blends open, indoor living with an outdoors only the luxurious Reynolds Mountain community can offer. Walls of windows and stackable doors open to your private natural retreat. Main floor living includes a great room, open gourmet kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining, and the primary suite. Two ensuite bedrooms on the terrace level share a family room, office, library, built-in sauna, and large storage room. Your cul-de-sac is minutes from downtown dining and shopping, the Country Club of Asheville, UNCA’s OLLI center, and is a convenient distance to Asheville’s airport.

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ASHEVILLE | $1,595,000 4 BEDROOMS | 4 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 3,876 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4058961 Chris Purser and Libby Mijanovich (828) 900-1650 chrisandlibby.wnc@allentate.com

Artfully situated on the 12th green of the Country Club of Asheville, this custom-built Arts and Crafts cottage has spectacular golf course, longrange mountain, and sunset views. Sun-filled, open spaces graced with an array of oversized windows allow you to enjoy the views from endless vantage points. Interior and exterior seamlessly merge to create an ideal setting to host gatherings. The main level primary suite and home office offer a relaxed mountain lifestyle, while a second level primary suite, guest bedroom, and family room ensure privacy for guests. Serene and private setting, this home is minutes to North Asheville and downtown.

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FLETCHER | $1,397,000 4 BEDROOMS | 2 FULL BATHROOMS 2 HALF BATHROOMS | 2,664 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4070904 Heidi DuBose Fore

(828) 280-8430 heidi.dubosefore@allentate.com

Experience green living with panoramic North and South facing vistas in this stunning, modern masterpiece. The natural light-filled open floor plan features main-level living with a large screened-in porch and deck. The kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and a large, seated island. Two primary suites with large windows and high ceilings bring sweeping mountain views to your bed. Bathe in luxury with two zero-entry showers and a large soaking tub with a view. The terrace level bonus room and patio offer flex space for your office, gym, or guest bedroom. Couch Mountain’s gated community offers 100+ acres of conserved land, 5 miles of trails, organic gardens and apiary, and flexibility for short-term rentals.

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ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

Gateway 64

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to Adventure Eurosport Asheville Opens New Showroom

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

The BMW F 900 GS Adventure. BMW MOTORRAD PHOTO

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Favorite WNC Rides Here are a few scenic attractions and favorite routes (great for two-wheel adventurers and automobile enthusiasts):

Looking Glass Falls Following N.C. 280 south from the Eurosports dealership and turning north on U.S. 276, travelers will soon find the beautiful and photogenic Looking Glass Falls. There’s ample roadside parking and a well-maintained staircase to take you to the base of the waterfall.

Eurosport Asheville Showroom.

Poised along the Eastern Continental Divide, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer motorcycle riders abundant natural beauty along lightly traveled back roads, while still offering travelers a wealth of cultural and scenic delights.

Saluda Grade The small town of Saluda, with its quaint shops and eateries, is home to the steepest standard-gauge railroad line in the United States. U.S. 176 roughly parallels the tracks, taking riders through a curvy descent down the Blue Ridge Escarpment through the Pacolet River Gorge. Adventure riders can turn right at the bottom of the mountain to climb back up via dirt sections of Pearson Falls Road. For a small fee, you can visit the namesake waterfall along the riverbed.

This historic region has attracted explorers for centuries, even the Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto is rumored to have followed the French Broad River in the 1500s on an ill-fated quest for gold. By the 19th century, the Buncombe Turnpike, parts of which became roadways that motorcyclists can still ride today, served to connect the Lowcountry of South Carolina to the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond to Tennessee. Today, the explosive growth of adventure motorcycling is bringing its own brand of explorers to Western North Carolina. For many riders, their adventure begins at Eurosport Asheville, which recently moved into a new showroom in Henderson County near the Asheville Airport. Their lineup of GS bikes from BMW and KTM — easy to ride both on- and off-road — makes them a de facto headquarters for adventure riders eager to explore the delights of mountain riding. Eurosport Asheville’s newly constructed building offers several advantages to its previous location, making it worth the short trip to nearby Mills River. “The ride out to the building is much more enjoyable, and it makes for a good starting point for group rides with access to great roads in the area,” said Thomas Montgomery, owner of Eurosport Asheville.

Jump Off Rock

While many motorcycle riders know about the famous roads here in WNC, there are hundreds more that offer beautiful scenery, twisting corners, and a wonderful riding experience for visitors. The Eurosports staff are more than willing to share a few of their favorite backroads with visiting motorcycle travelers looking for a scenic route.

After visiting the numerous cafes, taprooms, and bistros along Main Street in Hendersonville, take Fifth Avenue west for about five miles. The road passes through the village of Laurel Park as it climbs the mountain to terminate in a peaceful, well-maintained park with a stunning 270-degree view of the mountains. On a clear day, you can see four states — the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee — from the overlook atop the rock.

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

Orchards and Vineyards Head west from Hendersonville on U.S. 64 and you enter apple country. Hundreds of acres of apple trees make Henderson County one of the nation’s top apple producers. A maze of crisscrossing roads through the orchards is a great way to leisurely tour the area. These days, several acres have been turned over to the production of grapes for the thriving new agritourism attractions of cideries and wineries. Burntshirt Vineyards, St. Paul Mountain Vineyards, and Point Lookout Vineyards are just quick detours from the main road. If you make the twisty climb up Gilliam Mountain Road to Point Lookout, you’ll be rewarded with a mountaintop tasting room with removable walls and stunning vistas. A quick detour on Bald Rock Road takes you to a smooth roadside cliff face polished by a slow current of spring water.

Dupont State Forest West of town on U.S. 64 will take you to DuPont State Forest where hiking trails and waterfalls await visitors. A gravel parking area with restrooms and visitors center is not far from the path leading to the picturesque Triple Falls. The 10,000-acre park features miles of trails exploring hidden lakes, waterfalls, and fishing spots.

Flat Rock Playhouse If you’re looking for entertainment after a day of riding, the state theater of North Carolina is just a few miles south on U.S. 225. Broadway-style shows have entertained visitors for decades at this rustic theater. Just across the street, the Carl Sandburg home, a national historic site, offers tours of the late poet laureate’s farm named Connemara. The “poet of the people” penned nearly a third of his literary work at this charming farmhouse.

Chimney Rock

Pisgah National Forest

Continuing east on U.S. 64 brings you the Eastern Continental Divide, where you begin your drop into the Hickory Nut Gorge. The walls of the mountains narrow on each side and you follow a tributary of the Broad River downhill to join U.S. 74A. A few miles south alongside a boulderstrewn river brings you to Chimney Rock State Park in neighboring Rutherford County. The park entrance is surrounded by souvenir shops and a few restaurants. The view from the ancient granite monolith is worth the price of admission to the park and will make a stunning photo to document your motorcycle trip.

Adventure riders will enjoy taking the forest service roads across the mountains that begin in the North Mills River Recreational Area. Head west from N.C. 280 on North Mills River Road to enter the Pisgah National Forest. The road turns to gravel just past the campground and becomes Yellow Gap Road, which parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway through the forest and eventually joins U.S. 276 not far from Looking Glass Falls. You can also choose to head north when you enter the Mills River Campground on another forest service road to join the parkway near Bent Creek or continue onward to Lake Powhatan near Asheville.

A part of the riding community Eurosport Asheville has a long history of supporting local charities and good causes in the region. One of its most successful examples is the annual Tail Chaser 250. The Tail Chaser is an epic ride-at-your-own-pace dual sport adventure ride over 250 kilometers of the best scenic paved and dirt roads in Western North Carolina. Eurosport’s support of the Tail Chaser raised thousands of dollars in 2023 for the Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County. The Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club offers after-school enrichment and all-day summer programming for children most in need of such services. Its mission is to promote “academic success, good character and citizenship, the arts, and health and wellness.” The boys and girls club is housed on a rural campus near downtown Brevard. Rider clubs like the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America or the BMW Riders Association often work with Eurosport Asheville when organizing area rallies and events in the area for various charities. The dealership sees itself as part of a motorcycling family and works to create the best experience for all WNC motorcycle enthusiasts.

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ASHEVILLE | $1,380,000 3 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 2,963 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4058602 Brent Russell

(828) 528-1829 brent.russell@allantate.com

Stunning Thoms Estate Village home with a main level primary suite and two additional primary suites on the upper level. The spacious, open floor plan anchored by a large and efficient chef’s kitchen highlights this architecturally delightful home. Built as a “Model Home”, the numerous features showcase the quality and design of Thoms Estate, including main level entertaining with open dining, oak flooring, and a front sitting and rear screened porch. Located in one of Asheville’s most sought after gated communities, The Thoms Estate offers miles of walking trails, community pavilion, and garden with well maintained roads and open spaces.

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ARDEN | $5,350,000 4 BEDROOMS | 4 FULL BATHROOMS 2 HALF BATHROOMS | 5,890 SQUARE FEET MLS# 3794157 Josh Smith

(828) 606-0974 josh@walnutcoverealty.com

ARDEN | $4,250,000 4 BEDROOMS | 4 FULL BATHROOMS 2 HALF BATHROOMS | 6,903 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4052644 Debbie Hrncir

(828) 329-5365 debbie.hrncir@allentate.com 70

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This exquisite contemporary sits atop the mountain overlooking all of Walnut Cove and the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course! This new under-construction home encompasses an expansive open floor plan and incredible sweeping views from almost every room. Enjoy main level living with the spacious primary bedroom and splendid en-suite, chef’s kitchen, soaring great room, full guest suite, as well as an oversized three-car garage! Come home to Walnut Cove where one membership opens a world of activities and friendships in seven communities!

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Welcome to the ultimate in modern luxury new construction at The Cliffs of Walnut Cove. The expansive great room with 16-foot ceilings opens up to a peaceful wooded setting and amazing entertainment spaces. High-end finishes, soaring fireplaces, Thermador appliances, and beautiful modern selections that include custom built-ins and two luxurious spa-like en-suites. Located within walking distance of the wellness center, with a Cliffs membership, you can enjoy amenities including golf, tennis, restaurant/pub, and more.

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ASHEVILLE | $3,385,000 4 BEDROOMS | 4 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 4,367 SQUARE FEET

Josh Smith

(828) 606-0974 josh@walnutcoverealty.com

Mark Taylor

(828) 274-1336 mark.taylor@allentate.com

FAIRVIEW | $1,950,000 3 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 2,838 SQUARE FEET

Rebecca Dougherty

Nestled in Asheville’s premier community, The Ramble, this new contemporary Heatherly Construction-built home is as stunning as it is special. An openconcept floor plan with one-level living is flooded in abundant light with sliding doors opening to a private porch that doubles your living space. From the fantastic chef’s kitchen to the well-appointed primary suite, you are enveloped by high-end finishes and the latest in smart technology. Near walking trails and the Living Well Center; close to everything yet tucked in your own private oasis!

(828) 747-7857 rebecca@walnutcoverealty.com

About Walnut Cove

In the gated neighborhood of Southcliff with 24/7 onsite security, where elegance meets serenity, you are only minutes away from downtown Asheville, NC. Nestled above 3,000’ elevation, prepare to be captivated by sweeping panoramic views offering a constantly changing backdrop of natural beauty. Luxury and comfort go hand in hand in this exclusive residence. An open and spacious design is flooded with natural light, plus the designer-chosen furniture is available for your turn-key mountain getaway. This is the home you’ve been waiting for.

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BILTMORE FOREST | $1,795,000 4 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 2 HALF BATHROOMS | 4,920 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4001430 Amy Fleming

(828) 231-1112 amy.fleming@allentate.com

BAKERSVILLE | $1,650,000 4 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 3,488 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4043239 Cherie Parker

(828) 208-9139 cherie.parker@allentate.com 72

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Channeling the modern farmhouse, this well-built custom home on 1.3 acres deep in the heart of Biltmore Forest will fire your imagination. It checks all the boxes for spacious rooms including a kitchen/great room, sunroom, formal rooms, and a great recreation space with a stone fireplace on the lower level. There is also a spacious unfinished area with indoor/outdoor access for the hobbyist. The lot is very private and includes an amazing pond and waterfall designed by Kirk Alexander and many blooming plantings, plus a vast side yard for sports.

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You can have all the bells and whistles in this builder’s custom-built personal home on 8+ acres! Special features include extra insulation in exterior walls and roof, Andersen windows and doors, hardwood floors, custom-built Knotty Alder kitchen cabinets, leathered granite counters, custom tile shower with double showerheads and claw foot tub in the primary bath, plus a concrete storm room, built-in wall safe, and a home gym. Relax in the newly constructed heated saltwater pool with LED lights, an entertainment pavilion, and outdoor shower.

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Delivering the most experienced team of Home Watch Professionals in the region, dedicated to serving the owners of luxury second homes.

Meet Our Team and Find Out More at proxyhomewatch.com • 828.633.0480

HENDERSONVILLE | $1,500,000 5 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 2 HALF BATHROOMS | 5,326 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4013206

We’re overjoyed to have successfully closed on this remarkable 16+/- acre farmstead oasis on the edge of historic Flat Rock! A one-of-a-kind property in every way, this home is a testament to quality craftsmanship, thoughtfully curated living, and unbounded opportunity for outdoor adventures. It took months in the making to prepare this home for the market, and in only 9 days we presented an offer to our seller.

Steve Dozier Group

(828) 471-4045 stevedozier.group@allentate.com

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MILLS RIVER | $1,275,000 3 BEDROOMS | 2 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 3,673 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4018450

New construction with mountain views! Welcome to Mills River’s newest gated community at Mills River Crossing South. It’s super convenient to Brevard, Hendersonville, Fletcher, Arden, and South Asheville! This beautiful home features convenient one-level living, high ceilings throughout, open living area, soaring natural gas stone fireplace in the living room, and an additional stone fireplace and grilling station on the back deck, perfect for entertaining.

Debbie Hrncir

(828) 329-5365 debbie.hrncir@allentate.com

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Experience the perfect blend of luxury and convenience at Mills River Crossing Check out these new-construction homes in Mills River Crossing South. Just minutes from the Asheville Airport, this new neighborhood features convenient one-level living, mountain views, high ceilings, open concept design, natural gas, built-ins, and outdoor fireplaces with screened-in decks. Give me a call today to learn more!

Debbie Hrncir (828) 329-5365 debbie.hrncir@allentate.com m ills r ive rc ro ssin g .c om ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

ASHEVILLE | $1,195,000 3 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 2,159 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4014793 Josh Smith

(828) 606-0974 josh@walnutcoverealty.com

CANDLER | $1,000,000 4 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 2 HALF BATHROOMS | 3,946 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4061427 Doris and Stan Longworth

(828) 450-4038 doris.longworth@allentate.com 76

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Located in Asheville’s historic Montford community, this amazing townhome checks all the boxes by providing three and half stories of luxury urban living! A spacious 2,159 square feet boasts hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, custom cabinets, multiple balconies, a two-car garage, and a private elevator! At the end of the day, enjoy your favorite beverage on your private enclosed balcony off the primary bedroom and enjoy the view with the sights and sounds of Asheville and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as your backdrop!

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Serene retreat nestled in the heart of nature, just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. This Arts and Crafts-styled home combines the charm of a farmhouse with modern comforts, creating a true haven on four acres of meadow, giving you a sense of being far away, while being close to town. With two primary suites, two guest bedrooms, and a large bonus room and family room, this home has endless possibilities. Secluded yet convenient just 15-minute drive from Asheville. Indulge in gourmet dining, explore, and discover what makes this city a true gem.

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HENDERSONVILLE | $1,000,000 3 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 2,633 SQUARE FEET MLS# 3937047

It was a pleasure to assist our seller with the sale of this stunning labor of love on 6+ acres of gently sloping, lush foliage with no restrictions. A setting that’s idyllic for horses, farm animals, gardening, vineyards, a mini farm — the opportunities are endless! A perfect balance of craftsmanship and contemporary design creates a tasteful palette all will enjoy. In only 2 days, we brought the buyer with a full asking price offer.

Steve Dozier Group

(828) 471-4045 stevedozier.group@allentate.com

BURNSVILLE | $990,000 3 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 3,381 SQUARE FEET MLS# 3914326

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This one-owner custom designed and built home has been gently lived in as a second home and well maintained. The strategic southern facing position has expansive windows framing picturesque mountain views and ever-changing art. The home has an elevator that serves each floor to accommodate ease of living. Take daily swims in your own home’s interior gasheated saline pool. Located in a popular subdivision called Bare Bridge Fields, right outside the town limits of Burnsville.

Donna Banks

(828) 284-0509 donna.banks@allentate.com

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Simply Delicious

Savor Tantalizing Tacos and Tequila Delights in Saluda For 25 years, The Purple Onion on Main Street in Saluda has remained a pillar of the renowned, bustling Western North Carolina culinary scene. Focused on fresh, local produce and meats, the farm-to-table establishment is a beacon of food and fellowship — both key traits behind the restaurant’s latest endeavor, The S.P.O.T. “The most important thing to us is this community and the love we have for this community,” said Emily Lamar, co-owner of The Purple Onion and The S.P.O.T. Alongside her business partner, Chambli Stuber, Lamar is the current torchbearer of not only The Purple Onion, but its brand-new counterpart also on Main Street, The S.P.O.T. (aka: Saluda Purple Onion Taqueria). “I was born and raised here, and Chambli has been here since she was 12 years old — this is where we grew up,” Lamar said. “So, one of the things we want to make sure happens is that this thrives — this community, this town, this Main Street.”

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The duo took over The Purple Onion in 2020 from Lamar’s mother, Susan. With Emily now behind the helm, Stuber is the executive chef and mixologist for both locations. With The S.P.O.T., it was about complementing what was already in Saluda, to find whatever niche had yet to be filled in the tiny mountain town. “We obviously don’t want to compete without ourselves [at The Purple Onion]. But, we wanted to do something fun, somewhere we want to eat and drink — and who doesn’t love tequila and tacos?” Lamar chuckled. Opened in 2022, The S.P.O.T was sparked during the COVID shutdown in 2020. With restaurants closed nationwide during the pandemic, Lamar and Stuber started having small family get-togethers. A big taco bar would be offered and delicious tequila drinks were also mixed up and served through curious experimentation.

“We just started talking and thought, ‘You know what this town needs? We need a place to go eat tacos,’” Lamar said. “Eventually, a building on Main Street became available, and we jumped on the opportunity. We’d figure it out — what we wanted to serve, what we wanted to look like.” Located on East Main Street, the tiny structure is cozy and welcoming, offering a genuine come-as-you-are vibe of camaraderie and culinary treats. Alongside the normal selections found behind the bar in any taqueria, there’s an array of high-end tequilas available, all atop the usual bevy of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other options.

Treat Your Tastebuds Avocado Margarita

1.5 oz. Luna Azul Blanco 1 oz. Patron Citronge 1 slice Avocado (approx. 1.5 Tbsp) 4 each Fresh mint leaves, muddle (0.5 tsp) 2 sprigs Cilantro (0.5 tsp) 1 oz. Lime juice 0.5 oz. Simple syrup 1 pinch Salt Garnish Tajin rim, mint sprig Shake up and pour into coupe glass

“We’re doing the same thing at The S.P.O.T. that we’re doing at The Purple Onion, with ‘healthy and different’ being our inspiration,” Stuber said. “And a lot of our produce comes from local farms — it’s all about fresh flavors in each dish.” With the spotlight shining brightly on tequila and its distinct flavor profiles, Stuber looks at The S.P.O.T. as her own blank canvas to come up with and implement intricate, yet approachable, recipes and concoctions. “With margaritas, everyone kind of just assumes you make them with lime and salt,” Stuber said. “But, I like to play around with different tequilas, learning about each one and doing things like using coconut water instead of coconut milk to make it lighter, using honey instead of simple syrup for certain pairings.” Beyond the house tequila and mainstream brands, there are several marquee names on the shelves at The S.P.O.T. Stuber points to the likes of Cincoro and Adictivo. Both are premier liquors, with Cincoro being co-owned by NBA legend and UNCChapel Hill alumnus Michael Jordan.

Tequila’s Moment is Now

“Cincoro is very smooth, with a little bit of vanilla on it,” Stuber said. “And being more of a reposado or añejo tequila drinker, I like those flavor profiles with smoky vanilla notes.”

So what’s fueling tequila’s growing popularity?

Looking at the food menu, Stuber has one key motto — “keep it bright, keep it simple.”

According to one distiller, it’s a mix of factors. The U.S. has developed a more refined palate, with more drinkers exploring authentic flavors and premium spirits. Tequila’s rich heritage is also a factor, along with its versatility in cocktails and a sprinkle of celebrity endorsements.

“For us, it’s keeping the ingredients local, keeping it fresh, and letting the ingredients speak for themselves — it’s my same approach to cooking as it is to our drinks,” Stuber said. “And for our aesthetic and style, I like making something that only has five ingredients, but those five ingredients are done really well.” For Stuber, The S.P.O.T. is another full circle moment in her ongoing culinary journey, one where she remembers being 14 years old and washing dishes at The Purple Onion, only to work her way up the ladder to becoming co-owner and executive chef/mixologist. “And now, to have a place like The S.P.O.T., something that Emily and I started ourselves? Well, that’s a big deal to us,” Stuber said. “We really care about this town — we choose to be here.”

The margarita is the most popular cocktail sold in U.S. bars, according to CGA by Nielsen, which compiles alcohol consumption trends throughout the country. Tequila drinks overall, however, are catching up with vodka, which is the most popular spirit sold in U.S. bars, says Nielsen. In 2022, mezcal sales increased by 17.2%, the fastest growth among any spirit in the U.S. Celebrity tequila brands include George Clooney’s Casamigos, Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s partnership with Teremana Tequila. A growing stable of celebrities have joined this movement, endorsing their own brands in recent years, further cementing tequila’s presence in the spotlight.

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

WAYNESVILLE | $895,000 3 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 2,999 SQUARE FEET | MLS# 4061096

Michelle McElroy and Rachel Ellege (828) 487-0380 mcelroy.ellege@allentate.com

BREVARD | $850,000 4 BEDROOMS | 3 FULL BATHROOMS 1 HALF BATHROOM | 2,179 SQUARE FEET MLS# 4018556 Susan Campbell

(828) 556-1184 susan.campbell@allentate.com 80

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Attentively crafted with innovation and sustainability, this remarkable customdesigned home is in a class of its own. The one-of-a-kind floor plan offers passive solar, radiant heated concrete floors, solar panels, tankless water heater, industrial kitchen, and an apartment which has been a successful Airbnb. Created as three wings, the primary section is the heart of the home and two guest wings are designed for generational living. Enchanting outdoor living areas plus fenced pasture with a one-stall barn on over an acre, extensively landscaped.

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New construction, less than 3 minutes to downtown! Quality meets design within this modern mountain farmhouse. Green features within this home include smart siding, zoned Trane heat pump, insulated windows, and more. Relax in the deluxe soaker tub in the primary bedroom located on the main floor, or cozy up by the roaring fire in the wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen comes fully equipped with energyefficient SS appliances, a pantry, easy care durable Silestone countertops, and tile backsplash. This home is just the ticket!

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FRANKLIN | $1,524,900

HENDERSONVILLE | $1,100,000

4 BEDROOMS | 4 FULL BATHROOMS | 2 HALF BATHROOMS 7,923 SQUARE FEET | MLS# 4065906

4 BEDROOMS | 4 FULL BATHROOMS | 1 HALF BATHROOM 4,573 SQUARE FEET | MLS# 4024640

Custom dream home with amazing mountain views and more than 600 feet of Tessentee Creek river frontage. Larger than life amenities at this home will impress even the most discriminating buyer. Come watch the leaves turn each fall from this dream home.

It was an honor to assist our sellers with the sale of this magnificent home that’s an entertainer’s delight in the sought after Creekside development. Indulgent in open concept living and phenomenal outdoor living spaces for all to enjoy.

Pamela Williams

Steve Dozier Group

(803) 528-5039 pamela.williams@allentate.com

(828) 471-4045 stevedozier.group@allentate.com

MILLS RIVER | $975,000

MAGGIE VALLEY | $925,000

3 BEDROOMS | 4 FULL BATHROOMS 5,315 SQUARE FEET | MLS# 4026520

3 BEDROOMS | 4 FULL BATHROOMS | 1 HALF BATHROOM 2,963 SQUARE FEET

Stunning custom-built home tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on over one acre in Mills River, NC. Warm, light-enveloped living welcomes you into the open layout with vaulted ceilings and two stone fireplaces.

Immerse yourself in private mountain living cradled by pristine longrange, year-round views. Thoughtfully designed with seamlessly blended living spaces and extensive updates to complete the terrace level in the beloved gated community of Laurel Heights.

Steve Dozier Group

Michelle McElroy and Rachel Ellege

(828) 471-4045 stevedozier.group@allentate.com

(828) 487-0380 mcelroy.ellege@allentate.com

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

John Smith

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS ON MAIN STREET!

Sarah Sneeden

Featuring original artwork by over 150 primarily local/regional artists WHERE ART DANCES WITH NATURE 98 N. MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE NC • MON-SAT: 10-5:30 SUN: 1-4 828.456.1940 • W W W.T WIG SAN DLEAVE S.COM

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Kaaren Stoner

ALLEN TATE/BEVERLY-HANKS, REALTORS

BORN IN THE BLUE RIDGE. BEST IN THE CAROLINAS. Every year, thousands of buyers and sellers choose us for the results-oriented, professional service that has been our hallmark since 1976. Our strength lies in our ability to provide you with the services of highly trained, caring professionals who are residents and experts in this unique region, backed by an outstanding support staff committed to the highest standards of care. Homegrown in Western North Carolina for 45+ years and leading the market as the #1 real estate firm in the Carolinas, let Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks, REALTORS® be your guide.

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