Single-family houses, gym, pool, refrigerator, tennis, wood floors
Created by Al Platt, designer of the 2006 HGTV Dream Home, this home's cedar shake roof is a classic hallmark of mountain architecture. The landscape is professionally designed, using native elements and a flag stone entry leading to a custom built rustic cherry door. This homestead enjoys eastern exposure and stream sounds from nearby Dark Ridge Creek, both of which can be enjoyed from the large outdoor living space. The property borders protected conservation land, ensuring the ultimate in privacy. Highlights include extensive use of knotty white pine horizontal wall paneling, rustic cherry wood flooring on the main level, a gourmet kitchen with Kitchen Aid stainless steel appliances, a wet bar in the downstairs family room with refrigerator, and Energy Star certification. Balsam members enjoy low density living (354 homes on 4,400 acres), and amenities which include a nationally acclaimed Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, an Equestrian Center, a heated junior Olympic pool, soft surface tennis courts, a fitness center, a Nature Center staffed by full-time naturalists, fine dining, 34 miles of private trails, 38 miles of streams (including a Class A North Carolina trout stream for fishing), a private family campground, and a 24 hour staffed gatehouse. All of this with elevations up to 4,700 feet and the conveniences of city life just ten minutes away.