A Private Community Inside a Nature Preserve Cradled within the arms of North Carolina s Blue Ridge Mountains, Balsam Mountain Preserve offers a way of life that is unique, special, and likely never to be duplicated. A 4,400 acre community within a park, Balsam was created with a commitment to preserve its natural surroundings. An astounding 3,400 acres, or over 75% 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. The scenic overlook from Balsam s Doubletop Mountain trail, at 5,400 feet in elevation. Even more impressive, the Balsam Mountain Trust has been created to manage and care for the 3,400 acres of protected land. The Trust s onsite naturalists are committed to their mission of preserving and protecting this natural treasure along with educating and engaging residents on the wonder that surrounds them. The Trust also works with every homeowner to ensure their home blends seamlessly with the mountain, as nearly every homesite adjoins the 3,400 acre preserve. In addition to all the wonders of nature, members enjoy a comprehensive offering of completed amenities, including a spectacular Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course, an Equestrian Center, a heated Junior Olympic Pool, Har-Tru tennis courts, a fitness center, onsite dining at the Boarding House restaurant, over 30 miles of private trails, 38 miles of pristine streams, a private family campground, and a 24-hour staffed gatehouse. The selection of real estate offerings include dramatic mountain view homesites with elevations reaching up to 4,000 feet, special new home collections featuring golf villas and nature cabins, and a Private Residence Club fractional ownership program.
A Private Community Inside a Nature Preserve Cradled within the arms of North Carolina s Blue Ridge Mountains, Balsam Mountain Preserve offers a way of life that is unique, special, and likely never to be duplicated. A 4,400 acre community within a park, Balsam was created with a commitment to preserve its natural surroundings. An astounding 3,400 acres, or over 75% 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. Arnold Palmer Signature Golf The Boarding House Restaurant Balsam s prized and highly acclaimed Arnold Palmer Signature golf course sets a new standard for mountain golf. At elevations approaching 4,000 feet, every hole presents a unique challenge for golfers of all skill levels, while rewarding the senses with dramatic views and scenery in every direction. A golf course unencumbered by real estate development, Arnold Palmer s gem was recognized as the Best New Course in North Carolina in 2009. Comfortably rustic and elegant at the same time, the 6,600 square foot Lodge and Restaurant serves as the social heartbeat of Balsam Mountain Preserve. A true timber-framed design crafted with extensive antiqued wood, the Boarding House serves as an intimate dining and gathering retreat for friends and family. Virtually every vantage point offers spectacular vistas that serve as an inspiring backdrop to the fine dining and comfortable furnishings of this truly memorable gathering place. Equestrian Center Balsam s members enjoy the added benefit of a full-service equestrian program, featuring club horses perfectly suited for private lessons and guided trail riding, as well as full stable or pasture boarding for member s horses. Most trails are under the tree canopy where it s always nice and cool, and you re likely to spot deer, wild turkey or other wildlife along the way. For the more adventurous types, the Preserve s trail system connects to the Nantahala National Forest, off ering 500,000 acres of unspoiled riding habitat. In addition, there s a spacious riding arena at the stable, the perfect spot for introducing litt le ones to the wonders of horseback riding. Ruby Valley Sports Camp The scenic overlook from Balsam s Doubletop Mountain trail, at 5,400 feet in elevation. A special gathering place, the Ruby Valley Sports Camp is a destination where family and friends come to play together. The Sports Camp is anchored by the Pavilion, a rustic structure that features a large great room complete with comfortable seating, game and card tables, and a high definition television. The Pavilion is also home to the Preserve s indoor fitness center, which features both aerobic and weight equipment. The Junior Olympic heated pool is a wonderful place to swim laps in the morning and enjoy family time in the afternoon. There is also an adjacent toddler pool for the little ones, complete with its own waterfall. For tennis affecianados, the Har-Tru surfaced courts are irrigated for maximum playability. Family Camping Dark Ridge Camp provides families the opportunity to rough it, Balsam style. Experience the excitement of sleeping under the stars, cooking meals over an open fire, fishing in the stream, and watching children splashing in the water and discovering the outdoors. And the best part is, it s all tucked away inside the gates of the community, completely surrounded by the protected forest. The camp features your choice of wilderness campsites or enclosed bunkhouses, a lighted covered pavilion, and an outpost complete with the unexpected convenience of running water and hot showers. Hiking Trails and Stream Fishing One of Balsam s most popular wellness amenities is provided by nature herself. Over 30 miles of private hiking trails wander throughout the Preserve s 4,400 acres, offering endless enjoyment for outdoor and fitness lovers alike. 38 miles of streams originate from natural springs within the Preserve, and are home to the southern Appalachian brook trout, a prized and rare species. You can strike out on your own or take a guided trip with one of our naturalists. The Nature Center The Balsam Mountain Trust operates the Nature Center, and it serves as one of the social and educational heartbeats of the community. The Trust s onsite naturalists are based at the Nature Center, with the primary mission of caring for the 3,000 acres of protected forest inside the community. In addition, together with Balsam s Activities Director, they develop a remarkable collection of year-round multi-generational programming for Balsam members and their families, including guided nature hikes, bird watching excursions, botanical walks, summer kid s camps, and community outreach programs.
Minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Balsam Mountain Preserve is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, the Pisgah National Forest, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering over 1.5 million acres of unspoiled habitat. Balsam Mountain Preserve enjoys an enviable location adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountain Expressway (Hwys 23/74), affording residents quick and easy access to the vibrant mountain towns of Sylva and Waynesville. Grocery stores, movie theaters, hospitals, fine dining, and educational opportunities are all five to fifteen minutes from the main gatehouse. Asheville, renowned for its cultural, dining, and entertainment scene, is an easy 40 minute highway drive from the Preserve. www.balsammountainpreserve.com 81 Preserve Road Sylva, NC 28779 Phone: 866-452-3456 Fax: 828-631-1055