Source: SoutheastDiscovery.com

Despite a challenging real estate market in 2009, Headwaters of Banner Elk had 17 closed sales for 2009 compared to 23 closed sales in 2008.  Not surprising to us here at Southern Way Of Life, as this is one development that is doing things right in the current marketplace.

Located in the High Country of Western North Carolina where elevations reach above 5,000 feet, the High Country has a lot to offer. With three distinct towns comprising the area – Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, each feature one of a kind shops and restaurants to enjoy with small town charm, year round.

Headwaters at Banner Elk is 12 miles outside of town and is located overlooking both the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests, offering some outstanding views that will never be built upon. It’s like having the national forests right in your own back yard. Literally. Adding to its location, this gated community has been well designed, offering several lakes within the community, numerous natural waterfalls, parks and boulders that are all part of its attractive landscaping.

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For more about The Headwaters at Banner Elk, visit www.headwatersnc.com or or call us today at 866.200.3290 to schedule a private tour!

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By: John Haynes - Developer

I recently found a 2007 issue of a very popular western North Carolina lifestyle magazine that hadn’t been taken out of its wrapper.  In this magazine were numerous advertisements for real estate developments throughout the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina.  Many of them featured big name golf course designers and touted all manner of amenities and plans for the future.  What I found most striking was the fact that now in 2010 many of these highly publicized developments are either in bankruptcy today or never built a fraction of the planned amenities or infrastructure and so today are floundering.  If you purchased in one of these communities, you know what I’m talking about. 

I never intended The Headwaters to become a big golf resort community with celebrity endorsements.  In fact, we don’t have a golf course and never will.  There are plenty of good semi-private courses around us to enjoy already.  I quietly came onto the scene amidst the hoopla of dozens of new community openings that featured flashy grand openings with big name entertainers and so forth.  I never held one of these “launch” events.  The reason was that those types of events tended to attract a large number of speculators who had no intention of making that particular development their own.  They were looking for a quick buck.  Unfortunately, many of those buyers who genuinely bought into the lifestyle hype of the developers, who planned on making that real estate purchase the cornerstone of a lifetime of family memories have now been disheartened.  Another reason I never held one of these events is that they cost so much to put together! 

On several occasions, I’ve had visitors tour The Headwaters, only to disclose that they’d purchased elsewhere and regretted it because the developer failed to deliver even a portion of that which was promised.  They look around all that The Headwaters offers and all of our new homes going up, and they let out a sigh of disappointment.  I truly feel for these folks.  They weren’t the greedy speculators.  They were the individuals who truly wanted to make the dream a reality.  If only they’d visited The Headwaters first.  That’s not to say that The Headwaters is the perfect match for everyone out there.  But it certainly has a very broad appeal and that’s one reason we’ve been so successful. 

In my book, “slow and steady wins the race”.  Where others poured countless dollars into slick marketing pieces and promises of high returns, I simply followed my business plan of building high quality amenities that everyone could enjoy in a setting that features incredible scenery, all at a very value oriented price structure.  I didn’t hire a Madison Avenue marketing firm.  We basically developed everything in house.  Most of the photography on our web site and in our literature was taken by myself or my staff right here on the property.  In fact, every photo in our photo gallery page on the web site was taken within The Headwaters.  It bugs me to see the same stock photo in ad campaigns for multiple unrelated developments or photos that have no relationship to the property being offered.  Right here in Banner Elk, there’s a competitor that uses photos of what appears to be Yellowstone National Park and somewhere else in Montana.  Why?  Perhaps they don’t have beautiful scenery to photograph themselves. 

I never loaded up a large office of high paid professionals resulting in outrageous overhead expenses.  Instead, I poured my heart and soul into the property and kept the staff to a bare minimum, but of extremely loyal and skilled individuals.  Since our first closings in April, 2006, we’ve closed 99 transactions which includes several profitable resales.  Given the real estate meltdown of 08-09, The Headwaters has done remarkably well.  Without exception, today our property owners sing our praises. 

If you purchased property in one of these failed, or failing communities, I wish I could do something to help you out.  But one piece of advice: don’t throw good money after bad.  Sometimes you reach a point where its time to cut your losses.  Pick up the pieces and if you’re still in the market and have the ability, call us at The Headwaters and allow my staff to show you how wonderful a place we have here in Banner Elk.  I assure you that you’ll be glad you did.” 

For more about The Headwaters at Banner Elk, visit www.headwatersnc.com or or call us today at 866.200.3290 to schedule a private tour!

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Source: SouthernCommunityGuide.com

Allyn and Cathy Stanton of St. Louis began searching for a mountain retreat years ago. Traveling throughout western North Carolina, touring properties and hearing numerous sales pitches, time and again, they found many of the properties didn’t live up to the advertising.

After four weeks on the road in 2007, they discovered The Headwaters at Banner Elk, N.C.  Although they had decided on another community during their trip, they fell in love with The Headwaters and quickly canceled their commitment to the other developer. They had been looking for a place that was upscale yet relaxed, secluded but convenient to daily services and fine dining. They found it upon touring the property with developer John Haynes.

“Allyn and Cathy travel a lot for business, but can work from anywhere,” says Haynes. “Our certified fiber optic status was a big selling point because they can stay connected with their sales associates, yet enjoy pristine long range views from their spacious villa.” They were looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle, yet the qualities of a single-family custom home. They now enjoy their two bedroom condominium villa so much that they schedule their travel plans so they can spend as much time as possible at the property. Click here to learn more!

Great Outdoors: Says Haynes, “Our 880 acres and adjoining Pisgah National Forest lands offers something for every outdoorsman, but if you want more, you’ll find it within a few minutes of our gate.”

That Secure Feeling: The Gate House is staffed seven days a week, ensuring the privacy of each resident.

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For more about The Headwaters at Banner Elk, visit www.headwatersnc.com or call us today at 866.200.3290 to schedule a private tour!

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“The goal here at The Headwaters is to exceed your expectation. In today’s world too many developers rely on slick advertising with promises of things to come, only to not deliver. At The Headwaters, you can rest assured that what you experience on site will far surpass what you see on this website.

All the photos on this site (except those of Banner Elk) were taken on the property. Unlike other developments, none of our images are stock photos taken elsewhere. Where other developments have failed, we’ve continued to add new owners, new homes, and even more amenities.

Not only will you find we live up to our promises, you’ll find an attention to detail and care not often found these days in other planned developments. Just ask any of our property owners and you’ll hear about how our staff will go out of the way to make everyone’s experience a memorable one. This is our home, our way of life, our belief in treating others the way we wish to be treated. You don’t find that very often these days.

So I encourage you to share in the glory that is The Headwaters at Banner Elk. Only a handful will get the privilege, so let us hear from you soon and allow us the pleasure of showing you our one-of-a-kind community.”

John Haynes - Developer

For more about The Headwaters at Banner Elk, visit www.headwatersnc.com or call us today at 866.200.3290 to schedule a private tour!

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This is a true timber frame home with exposed wood beams and timbers throughout the house.

This is mountain lifestyle living at its finest.

- Four bedrooms and 3.5 baths
- Master on the Main Level
- All Tiger Maple wood floors throughout, no carpet
- Built with insulated structural panels which makes this a very quiet and energy efficient house
- Huge two story stone fireplace in great room
- Large loft area above
- Lower level features a single garage that can easily be finished into living area
- A detached two car garage features a full bedroom, bath and kitchenette above it.  This is included in the bedroom count
- Large covered deck from which to take in the views
- Excellent gentle mountain home site great for those who do not want to live on a cliff
- The surrounding roads are gentle and excellent for walking and riding bikes

For more photos, CLICK HERE!

For more about The Headwaters at Banner Elk, visit www.headwatersnc.com or call us today at 866.200.3290 to schedule a private tour!

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With a deep love of the mountains and a desire to share them with others, I have embarked on the fulfillment of a long held dream. With more than 21 years in the real estate business, I now share this vision with you. Before making an important decision such as an investment in mountain property, it is also important that you know the person behind the community.

My background includes five years appraising commercial real estate; more years than that as a corporate land development officer for Oakwood Land Development and Pulte Home Corporation; I personally developed over 600 single family home sites in North Carolina and topped it off with a successful career in upscale mountain resort sales.

I have been married now to my college sweetheart, Josephine since 1987 and the Lord has blessed us with two healthy and fine twin boys, Scott and Michael. My family and I have always been active members in our church with both Josephine and I having parents who served their entire careers in church work and foreign missions.

After extensive analysis and a land search throughout western North Carolina, I found the land that has become The Headwaters at Banner Elk. My desire has been not just to create a beautiful community, but one that will be full of life and cater to families and active retirees alike. To do this, I’ve created a number of outdoor spaces to complement our incredible clubhouse.  These include two lakes, miles of trails, and six beautiful community parks where our property owners now enjoy canoeing, camping, hiking, and cookouts. It has been a great joy for me to see the community come to life.

It is my hope that you will visit our outstanding community and come to the conclusion that so many others have . . . that The Headwaters at Banner Elk is where you can refresh your spirit, perhaps discover your heritage, or start your own family traditions.

Welcome home,
John E. Haynes

Call us today at 866.200.3290 to schedule a private tour!

For more about The Headwaters at Banner Elk, visit www.headwatersnc.com.   

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All the photographs you see in this gallery and on our website were taken here on the property, except for the photos of the Town of Banner Elk.

That means “what you see is what you’ll experience” when you arrive!

To view our photos, visit: http://www.headwatersnc.com/gallery/photo-gallery

Call us today at 866.200.3290 to schedule a private tour!

For more about The Headwaters at Banner Elk, visit www.headwatersnc.com.   

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Part 2 - Cultural Events

In Banner Elk, the Lees McRae College Performing Arts Center offers concerts and drama throughout the school year, while continuing education classes, numerous trips and expeditions for indiviudals are offered through the college.

Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock features a state of the art concert and live performance center with seating for over 350. The center attracts nationally known artists and Broadway performances including music, opera and ballet.

With over 14,ooo students, Applachian State University serves as a catalyst for nearby Boone. Appalachian State is known for having one of the most highly regarded Senior Education programs in the country that caters specifically to active retirees who wish to broaden their knowledge base through cultural studies. The Division I Appalachian State Mountaineers athletic program provides top-notch competition for sports fans, while the 1,734 seat Farthing Auditorium and the larger, 12,000 seat George Holmes Center regularly feature internationally known artists & performances.

The Highland Games bring together the largest gathering of Scottish-heritage participants in the United States for a week of ancient contests, music and food.

The Wooly Worm Festival in downtown Banner Elk draws over 20,000 visitors each October eager to celebrate this furry little critter that has long been considered a forecaster of winter weather. This lively festival features all sorts of food, fun and crafts displays.

Likewise, the Apple Orchard Festival in nearby Valle Crucis draws thousands each October to participate in mountain activities and culture.

Horn In the West Outdoor Drama in Boone is one of the oldest, longest running outdoor dramas in the country. It depicts the story of Daniel Boone and his adventurous treks through Western North Carolina.

Call us today at 866.200.3290 to schedule a private tour!

For more about The Headwaters at Banner Elk, visit www.headwatersnc.com.    

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Part 1 - Recreational Activities

The High Country of North Carolina offers endless opportunities for things to do in your spare time.  Every season has something different to offer and everyone in your family will be sure to find plenty of activities to enjoy.

 - The Blue Ridge Parkway winds its way through the area providing the most scenic views in the Appalachian Mountains with no billboards or stoplights.

•  - Golfing opportunities abound on well over a dozen mountain courses, half of which are public or semi-private.
• Hiking is plentiful on hundreds of miles of trails, from easy to challenging, including the Appalachian Trail.
• Fly Fishing along the Elk and Watauga Rivers is among the best in the eastern United States.
• Grandfather Mountain, one of the most identifiable peaks in the region is a World Biosphere site featuring unique rock formations, a mile high swinging bridge and abundant wildlife.
• Tweetsie Railroad is a family fun park geared to young children featuring the historic East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Rail Road, better known as “Tweetsie.”
• Gem Mining is a popular pastime for youngsters, and serious rock hounds alike.
• Whitewater rafting, kayaking and tubing are available on numerous rivers with several professional outfitters providing guided trips.
• Rock Climbing and caving can be enjoyed year round on your own or through one of the local outfitters.
• Horseback trail riding and boarding for horses can be found throughout the area.
• Sailing and power boating on Watauga Lake with 104 miles of shoreline, covering 34,200 acres is 35 minutes from The Headwaters.
• Snow Skiing and Snow Boarding are available at the area’s three ski resorts and cross country skiing is a favorite on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Call us today at 866.200.3290 to schedule a private tour!

For more about The Headwaters at Banner Elk, visit www.headwatersnc.com.    

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