Enjoying the beauty of the mountain

When Vina and Jerry McIntosh get to their home at The Preserve at Wolf Laurel, N.C, they welcome the complete break from day-to-day life.

“Once you get there, you relax and enjoy the beauty and quiet of the mountain,” said Vina.

The McIntoshes purchased a lot at Wolf Laurel in the 1960s before they were married.

“We’re native Tennesseans and the community is right next door to Tennessee. Traveling to the mountain is like going home for us,” said Jerry, a neuropsychologist in private practice.

They didn’t build a house right away. Once their sons were old enough to ski, they traveled to Wolf Laurel, staying in rental properties. Then in 1991 they swapped their original lots for lots on the golf course with a western view of at least nine mountain peaks and built their current home.

Building a home: Staying in different homes at Wolf Laurel allowed the McIntosh family to refine their plans for their ideal vacation home. "We're both sunset people," said Jerry and so they planned a house that would take full advantage of the western exposure. Their house ended up with two master bedroom suites on the main level, divided by the great room, kitchen, bar and deck. On the basement level, there's a garage, large playroom and another bedroom, bath and deck.

A gathering place for family: Their two sons now have families of their own and Andrew and Sarah, Judson and Michelle and their son Jessup, all come to spend time in the mountains. "It is a real treat when the seven of us can be there together," said Vina. "It's like being together at a playhouse. We grill out, enjoy the sunsets, hike the mountain, play ping pong, work jigsaw puzzles, listen to music and read." Jerry and Vina celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a dinner-dance at the club at Wolf Laurel and son Andrew married Sarah there last May.

Above the snow line: The McIntosh home is at about 4,500 feet in elevation and above the snow line. "As you're driving up, you'll go around a curve and suddenly there's snow. It's amazing," said Vina. "We all love the snow and I think we enjoy the winter there as much as the summer. Last winter we had snow drifts three feet deep."

A treat to visit: Jerry and Vina try to get up to Wolf Laurel at least once a month. It takes about four hours to get there from their home in Tucker. While they're there, they enjoy visiting with friends who still live in Tennessee and taking in the sights and activities around Madison County and Asheville. Jerry says that while skiing was once the big attraction, now the centerpiece is playing golf on a course that he says is one of the most picturesque and challenging he's ever played. The family also enjoy eating gourmet meals prepared by Chef Rudi at the Wolf Laurel Country Club and participating in the Club's varied social activities.

A year-round resort with the perfect temperature: "We didn't air-condition our house because the temperatures in the summer are comfortable without it," said Vina. "The mountain laurel, rhododendron and wildflowers are beautiful in the spring, summer and fall; the [autumn] leaves are gorgeous and the snow is quietly magnificent in the winter. There's not a time when it's not wonderful to be there."

At a glance

Community overview

The Preserve at Wolf Laurel is a gated community in the Blue Ridge mountains with home sites ranging in elevation up to 5,000 feet. This master planned community encompasses over 1,300 acres and includes a 18-hole golf course, country club with restaurant, tennis courts, swimming pool and stables and horseback riding. There are miles of hiking trails with direct access to the Appalachian Trail.

There are about 150 year-round residents at The Preserve at Wolf Laurel. Terry Swartzwelder, vice president of sales and marketing, says there are activities for everyone on the mountain. “Our community hosts summer camps for children including a horseback riding camp and with two pavilions, there are many parties and events. Our Fourth of July golf cart parade is not to be missed,” he said. Lot prices at The Preserve at Wolf Laurel range from $79,900 up to $259,900. All home sites are at least one acre. Built homes are available from $250,000 up to $1 million.

Getting there

Take I-85 north to I-26 north. Take Exit 3 (Wolf Laurel) and follow the signs up the mountain to the Preserve at Wolf Laurel.

Info

www.preserveatwolflaurel.com

For sale

$275,000: 148 Pearl Way, Burnsville. Three-bedroom, two-bath custom-built log home, sold fully furnished. Great room and two bedrooms open onto deck with mountain view; cathedral ceilings, gas log fireplace, unfinished lower level with walk-out French doors.

$579,000: 1085 Black Bear Run, Burnsville. Three-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath home designed by Al Platt. Environmentally friendly design requiring low maintenance. Open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, antique barn wood fireplace, in-law or children's suite with two bedrooms and two full baths, walk-out bonus room on lower level, 1.69 acres.

Recent sales