SOLD: 661 Elk Mountain Scenic Highway
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Bower House Interiors Comp

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Back Comp

Sale Price: $1,610,000Size: 3516 sqftAmenities: 4 Beds + 3.5 Baths + View Great to see that this house recently sold up at Ciel this year. Below is from a past article I had written on it in 2011. The Bower House The Bower House is in punch list phase of completion and I was fortunate enough to get a little tour yesterday from the listing agent. The 3516 sq/ft. home encompasses 4 bedrooms and 3.5 Baths and is currently listed at $1,595,000. Overall, the two things I like the most about this speculative designer home is the scale and the way it sits on the lot. Hunter Paul Coffey of Blowing Rock designed the contemporary home and is savvy to dramatic mountain settings. The house comfortably takes advantage of both the slope and the dramatic view, offering some indoor/outdoor living options including a retractable wall that slides open to allow for an additional outdoor living room with fireplace. Interior Designer, Talli Roberts, chose interior materials that warmly blended the mountain and modern aesthetic. Constructed by Cottonwood, it is a very solid, livable mountain home that blends with its mountain environment without overstating itself and wisely bucks the trend of massive living spaces. I think it’s a high-quality home for this moment that will only get better with age and patina.

NORTH - Woodland Hills
RANCHHOOD

RANCHHOOD

Lake Section Sign

Lake Section Sign

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Woodland Walk 016

By Carol Marin Just north of Asheville, almost to Weaverville, you will find one of my favorite ranch neighborhoods. Woodland Hills, developed by James Barfield in the 1960’s, is a neighborhood of brick ranch homes with a number of 1970’s contemporary homes sprinkled in. Woodland Hills encompasses four sections, all close in proximity, Highlander Road, The Lake Section, Blueberry Hill and New Stock Road. The Lake section has, you guessed it, a small lake and park. Though Woodland Hills was developed as a planned community, it is thoughtfully arranged so as to take advantage of the abundant natural beauty of the location.  A walk through any one of the neighborhoods in full spring bloom is breathtaking!  Large, sheltering oak and maple trees in caringly landscaped lawns are embellished with natural dogwoods, brightly colored azaleas and rhododendron. Another common sight is a flock of wild turkey wandering freely through the neighborhood as though they were kindly sharing it with the humans! Though most of the homes were built in the 1960s and 70’s there is a nice variety throughout the neighborhoods:

  • There are homes with three, four and five bedrooms.

  • Square footages range from 1500 to 3800.

  • Many have finished lower levels.

  • Lot sizes average about half an acre.

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Woodland Walk 021

Robert's Home

Robert's Home

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Woodland Walk 005

Many homes are still owned by the original owners but are gradually being sold to new owners who appreciate the mid century architecture and are updating them for their own modern-living lifestyle. As we lovers of the ranch know, these solid well-built homes lend themselves to simple living with easy connection to outdoor living space. Location Woodland Hills is just minutes to conveniences in north Asheville and downtown Weaverville. Ingles Supermarket, the Fresh Market and UNCA are close by. Downtown Asheville is a 10 minute, smooth sailing commute on Highway 19-23. Living in Woodland Hills Our friend and client, Robert Teller, looked at many mid-century ranch homes when he decided to move to Asheville from Mexico a few years ago. After two intensive home-searching trips to Asheville, Robert bought a custom-built brick 1969 ranch home in Woodland Hills. His home, in the Lake Section, actually backs up to the small lake and is the only home with a dock. Robert was attracted to the large spaces the home offered and set to opening up the floor plan and creating a space that made sense for his lifestyle and to appropriately showcase his modern furnishings.“The lifestyle of Woodland Hills, like the architecture of its homes, is unpretentious, but comfortable” says Teller. He enjoys the natural wildlife, trees and greenery in the neighborhood as well as the lack of traffic.“There is no through traffic, and few cars pass in the day.  Because of a clause in the original covenant, garages are not on the street side of the homes, and except for occasional visitors, cars are not parked on the streets. This gives the neighborhood the uncluttered look more likely to be found in pricier areas.”About his Woodland Hills neighbors Teller says “Woodland Hills seems to welcome diversity, and its residents demonstrate civility and concern for their neighbors without being overly inquisitive. They enjoy walking out on the quiet streets with their dogs of every size and description.” On any given day in Woodland Hills you will find Robert walking the neighborhood in the company of his two poodles. Market The real estate market in Woodland Hills is currently very active. There have been six sales this year, three of them closing in the last 30 days. Sold prices range from $239,000 - $305,000 with the average sales price right around $245,000. Here are the current listings in Woodland Hills. Let us know if you are interested in buying or selling a home in Woodland Hills or in any of the neighborhoods of the greater Asheville area. Give Carol, Kelly or myself a call or shoot us an email and let’s get the process started!

SOLD: 5 Beaver Point Park
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Beaver Poing Comp

Sale Price: $405,000Size: 2100-2400 sqftAmenities: 3 Beds + 2 Baths Kelly and I toured this split level home to preview for some buyers. It is conveniently located just North of the Ingles off of Merrimon. Overall, we felt it had been thoughtfully and thoroughly remodeled to welcome new owners. This one is truly ready to go! Here is how the listing agent describes it, "Spacious 4BR/3BA contemporary living & minutes to downtown. Interior completely updated. Home features: open floor plan, chef's gourmet kitchen w/top of the line appliances & 11ft island that is lit by locally blown glass pendants, 2 fireplaces, custom Hickory flooring, all bathrooms have Travertine stone, large master suite, Dual Rinnai natural gas on-demand, theater rm, wet bar, over-sized 2-car garage, amenities of Beaver Lake & much more! Give us a call for more information or updates on this home or other modern and contemporary homes listed in the area.

Marcel Breuer - Weizenblatt House
Breuer Comp

Breuer Comp

Marcel Breuer was born in 1902 on this day and I thought it was an appropriate day to showcase some information on Asheville's own Weizenblatt House in Lakeview Park. When driving through the neighborhood I always go out of my way to get just a glimpse. Here is a link for more on the Weizenblatt House which is actually a duplex. Happy Birthday Marcel!

SOLD: 22 Jarnaul
Jarnaul Comp

Jarnaul Comp

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Patio

Price: $384,000Size: 2625 Sq/Ft.  Amenities: 4 Bedrooms + 3 Baths   Kelly, Carol and I have toured this property many times and found that it thoughtfully blends decades of contemporary living. The open, multi-level contemporary has great flow for indoor and outdoor entertaining. We look forward to seeing what the new owners bring to this vintage contemporary home.Mid Century Modern "California" tri-level contemporary in Beaver Lake area of North Asheville. Light-filled open home has large living areas. Level fenced back yard. Great walking neighborhood with easy access to the lake. Whole house generator, wood-burning stove. Separate entrance to Office/Bed/Bath makes great home office/ in-law suite.

SOLD: 72 Cranford

Price: $379,900

Size: 1,723 sqft

2 Bed + 2 Bath

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Screen Shot 2013-05-03 at 3.25.04 PM

Here is a cool remodel in one of my favorite west Asheville neighborhoods. The three of us will be touring it this week, but in the meantime check out the virtual tour. Here is how Jude, the listing agent, describes it, "Stunning Contemporary Rehab on double lot in quiet Malvern Hills. Open and bright LR/DR with Oak hardwood floors and wood-burning fireplace. Modern gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, concrete countertops, and breakfast bar. Lofted 2nd level flex space with Walnut floors, 2 closets, and full bath. Ideal for open bedroom, den, and/or office. 300+ sq.ft. IPE deck overlooking beautiful Japanese inspired backyard landscape, with specimen conifers, fern garden, and old-growth rhododendron. "Give us a call for more information or a private tour of this home.

Architecture Between Mountain and Valley
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Everyone - here is a unique opportunity for us here in Asheville thanks to our local AIA chapter.A talk by award winning architect, Marlon Blackwell, FAIA. Blackwell practices in Fayetteville, Arkansas and is head of the School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas. His firm in the Ozark Mountains creates exciting, and sustainable buildings. This event will inspire all who are interested in great design.Get your tickets at the Orange Peel today to ensure that you don't miss this exciting event.

Artist: Barbara Fisher
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Detail

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Barbara the Stack

Barbara the Stack

"In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order" Carl Jung I stopped in to visit Barbara Fisher yesterday morning in her studio. We haven't had the chance properly connect since I landed from all my travels. It is always great to chat with her, share her space and absorb her passion. I can't think of anyone more practiced and dedicated within her neighborhood of artists. And there is the fact that I simply love her art. Though I have had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of Barbara's work for over six years now, I'm going to bow out of discussing it in detail here. Andrew Wengrow recently wrote a wonderful piece on Barbara that spells it all out in an article titled A Different Orbit. He both captures the spirit and evolution of her work and notes her current solo show going on at the Hickory Museum of Art. As witnessed by the overflow of art outside her studio door, Barbara is in the midst of preparing for a big show in Atlanta at the Mason Murer gallery in May and June. If you would like to see more of her work please visit Barbara's website. Better yet, stop by her studio at 170 Lyman St for a visit and be inspired!

FOR SALE: Rankin Press Lofts
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Rankin 02

Kelly and Carol are bringing more buyers to these new lofts just a block from our Real Living office. There are not many opportunities that come along like this in such a great location in downtown. Give them a call for a tour. In the meantime, here is a link for a bit more info - Rankin Lofts Contact: Kelly Erin-Spinney 828-333-8830

EAST - Beverly Hills
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RANCHHOOD

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Beverly Hills 012

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Map Scan 2

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Beverly Hills- Spring 025

“All homes in Beverly Hills will be of the type that are termed "different." They will possess a personality and charm all their own and will radiate a distinctiveness of motif that will be immediately welcomed and accepted by persons who would naturally want such a location in which to live. A Beverly Hills home will be pleasing to the eye, a jewel mounted in a perfect setting and a place that will be more than just a house in which to seek shelter. They have been so planned and designed by the developers as to fit naturally into the atmosphere of the entire locality.” When Carol Marin, Realtor at Real Living, thinks of classic Asheville ranch neighborhoods, Beverly Hills is certainly one that comes to mind. Nestled around the Municipal Golf Course in east Asheville, the winding roads and lush greenery of this community give it a special character, as do the many architecturally diverse homes built from the 1920’s to the present. Walking or driving the neighborhood you will see many mid-century ranch homes as well as charming rock cottages and bungalows from the 1920’s and 1930’s. Location, Location, Location Beverly Hills is close to everything. Grocery shopping, restaurants, public library, tons of shopping around Tunnel Road and in less than 10 minutes you can be in Biltmore Village or downtown Asheville. For recreation the Nature Center is directly across Swannanoa River Road from Beverly Hills and the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway is close by on Highway 70. The Municipal Golf Course, designed by Donald Ross, with its greenways meandering through Beverly Hills is an Asheville landmark all its own and Ann Patton Joyce Park is a public park in the heart of the neighborhood. Community Beverly Hills Home Owner's Association is an active organization meeting monthly and organizing a community picnic as well as a large, well-attended community yard sale each spring. The Yard of the Month Committee recognizes outstanding Beverly Hills gardens in the spring and summer months. Real Estate Market Despite what you hear about the real estate market in general, Beverly Hills continues to have consistent sales and there always seem to be those who seek out this neighborhood specifically when buying a home. 17 homes were sold in the past year. Sold home prices range from $135,000-$272,000. The average sale price for a home in Beverly Hills is currently $198,000.The majority of Beverly Hills homes are either two-bedroom and one bath cottages or 3 bedroom and 2 bath ranch style homes, consistent with the two building booms.Here is Carol's link to the homes that are currently available for sale in Beverly Hills. If you are looking to buy or sell in the near future- it would be our pleasure to meet with you to get the process started! History During the 1920’s Asheville experienced its greatest economic boom and as a result  Asheville began to spread out as numerous new housing developments appeared. Grovemont, Kenilworth, Malvern Hills and Beverly Hills were all developed during this period of prosperity. In researching Beverly Hills history, Carol Marin came across a document, which was apparently, the original marketing brochure for Beverly Hills entitled The Master Suburb. While she thinks of Beverly Hills as being just a hop, skip and jump to downtown, in the 1920’s, it was marketed as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Certainly a large part of the charm of Beverly Hills is in the variety of homes. There are many smaller, cottage-style homes from the earlier boom as well as an abundance of ranch style homes that represent the second wave of construction from the 1950’s through the 60’s. All are distinctive and interesting in their own way and that seems to have been the plan for the neighborhood from the very beginning. Lastly, what do the residents love about their neighborhood?  Here are the top several things: 1. Great Walking Neighborhood  2. Active Neighborhood Association  3. Friendly Neighbors  4. Views  5. Convenient to Everything. 6. Golf Course.