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Balsam Mountain Preserve

Sylva, NC
ESTABLISHED 2001
Elevation 3,000-5,400
DEVELOPMENT STAGE:Active Construction, Completed amenities
LOT PRICES: $250,000 - $995,000HOME PRICES:$999,500 - $2M+
LOT SIZES:1 to 5 + acresHOME SIZES:1,100 to 6,000 sq. ft.
The lowest density master planned Club community in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Balsam Mountain Preserve offers a way of life that is unique, special, and authentic. Only 354 homesites will nestle into this 4,400-acre community, an average of one home for every 12 acres. Created with a commitment to preserve its natural surroundings, 3,000 acres, or 68% of the community, has been placed in a permanent conservation easement, ensuring it will never be developed and will always remain for future generations in its present park-like state.

Even more impressive, the non-profit Balsam Mountain Trust, with three full-time naturalists located on the Preserve, manages and cares for the 3,000 acres of protected land. The naturalists also offer multi-generational nature and environmental programming unmatched by any community in the Southeast.

In addition to all the wonders of nature, Club Members enjoy Arnold Palmer Signature golf, an Equestrian Program, a heated Junior Olympic pool, clay tennis courts, a fitness center, on-site dining, over 30 miles of private trails, 38 miles of streams (including a Class A North Carolina trout stream), a private family campground, and a 24 hour staffed entry.  The selection of real estate offerings include mountain view homesites, completed Featured Builder homes, and a very special fractional ownership component that serves as a financially intelligent entry point into the community.

All this just ten minutes or less to the beautiful mountain towns of Waynesville and Sylva, providing residents with the ultimate combination of mountain seclusion and nearby modern conveniences.

  • Named a Green Golf Community, 'Vanguard' Level,' by GolfCourseHome® Network, 2009
  • Named to the "Top 100 Communities in the U.S." by Travel + Leisure Golf, 2008, 2009
  • Rated the "Best New Golf Course in North Carolina" by N.C. Business Magazine, 2009
  • Named "Best Of The Best, Top 20 Communities in the U.S." by LINKS Magazine, 2009
  • Winner of the "Best Preservation Practices" and "Best Outdoor Fun" awards by Mountain Homes Magazine, 2009
  • Named one of "America's Top 100 Premier Properties" by LINKS Magazine, 2007-2009
  • Winner of the "Best Preservation Practices" and "Best Outdoor Fun" awards by Mountain Homes Magazine, 2009
  • Winner of the "Best Preserve" award by Pinnacle Living Magazine, 2008
  • Ranked as the No. 11 "Best New Private Course in The U.S." by Golf Digest, 2008
 
Campsites, Children's Programs, Clubhouse, Community Open space, Concierge services, Conservation Trust, Equestrian Program, Equestrian Trails, Fitness Center, 24 Hour Staffed Entry, Golf Course, Golf Learning Center, Mountain Biking/Cycling trails, Outfitter/River Pro, Planned Activities, Swimming Pool, Tennis, Walking/Hiking Trail, Restaurant, On-Site Member Accomodations
Art/Culture, Boating, Continuing Education, Dining, Entertainment, Fly Fishing, Garden Club, Golf, Kayaking/Canoeing, Kids Camp, Lake Fishing, Mountain Biking/Cycling, Primary Education (Grades 1-12), Running, Secondary Education (University/Post Graduate), Shopping, Snow Skiing, Swimming, Tennis, Theater/Symphony, Walking/Hiking, Working Out
"One of the main reasons Julie and I chose Balsam Mountain Preserve as the place to build our retirement home was our intense interest in nature. We were striving to find a place where we could live in, learn about, and participate in the beauty of our surroundings".  – Sam Belfore, Ormond Beach, Florida

"We had been looking for a place in the mountains for over three years, and visited just about every community imaginable. After 15 minutes, we knew we were home" - Bill and Ohara Croswell, Ridgeland, Mississippi

“We decided to buy here because of the low density; we’re living in a 3,000 acre park.  The peace and tranquility here top anything I’ve ever imagined.  At times it’s like living in an aviary; the birds surround us in the treetop canopy.  At night I fall asleep listening to the stream and the tree frogs.” - Lisa and Sal Guerriero, Norristown, Pennsylvania

“We are so pleased we made the decision to build here. This is a place that is so wide open. We can see the Blue Ridge Parkway and watch the wild turkeys. We can be as active as we want or just sit and do nothing. It's perfect!" - Dave and Louise Sparks, Clemson, South Carolina

"When I think of Balsam Mountain Preserve, I smile and feel warm inside. It's a slice of heaven here on earth where peace and tranquility are a way of life. I look forward to the day when I can step out onto the deck of my own home at Balsam Mountain Preserve, nestled among the trees with the solitude of the neighboring preserve lands ensuring lasting beauty. There are not many places in the United States that can boast the serenity which can be embraced here. Throw out the blood pressure medication and take a walk on the calmer side of life". - Lori McCool, Franklin, Tennessee

"What we like most about Balsam Mountain Preserve is the opportunity to spend relaxing time with family and friends.  When you drive past the gatehouse the stresses of daily life seem to melt away.  I love the golf course and when my kids and grandkids are here we love to hike and go to the campsite for picnic lunches.  And of course, Joyce loves the fresh baked cookies that are always out at the Boarding House". - John and Joyce Popp, Greensboro, North Carolina

"Balsam gets me closer to the woods to walk through, the fish to go after, and the big night sky to gaze at, a wonderful combination that renews my sense of awe at the wonder of it all."
- David Kitchens, Atlanta, Georgia

 “Perhaps the most challenging question about the new Balsam Mountain Preserve golf course, located six miles outside Sylva and about 4,000 feet above sea level, is how best to describe it. Spectacular comes to mind”
. - Ron Green Jr., Golf Writer, Charlotte Observer

"Balsam Mountain Preserve is one of the best mountain golf courses I have ever played. Arnold Palmer has created a masterpiece and the views and vistas are simple stunning."
- Larry Rinker, PGA Tour veteran, Champions Tour member