The GolfCourseHome Life

Lennar's Treviso Bay in Naples, FL, Is New No. 1 Most Visited Golf Community on GCHN

Treviso Bay, Naples, FL: New No. 1 Most Visited

New golf and waterview communities dominated the news in April, so it’s no surprise that 6 new communities crashed the Top 10 Most Visited Communities list and four new entries claimed spots in the Top 15.

Seven communities are located in Florida, underlining Florida’s return as a favorite location for a second home or retirement residence. See below for details and links to the communities featured.

TOP 10 MOST VISITED COMMUNITIES IN APRIL

1. Treviso Bay, Naples, FL – New to Top 10
2. The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC -New to Top 10
3. Amelia National, Fernandina Beach, FL - New to Top 10
4. The Woodlands at Ibis,West Palm Beach, FL -  New to Top 10
5. Indian River Colony Club, Viera, FL

6. Frederica, St. Simons Island, GA – Up from No. 7
7. Willoughby, Stuart, FL – New to Top 10
8. Glenmoor, St. Augustine, FL
9. Aberdeen, Boynton Beach, FL
10. Solivita, Poinciana, FL – New to Top 10

The Next Five Most Visited Communities

11. Ocean Ridge Plantation, Sunset Beach, NC
12. Hampton Lake, Bluffton, SC – New to Top 15
13. The Landings on Skidaway Island, GA – New to Top 15
14. Carolina Colours, New Bern, NC – New to Top 15
15. Savannah Lakes Village, McCormick, SC – New to Top 15

The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC, Offering a Lake & Golf Lifestyle, Joins GCHN

The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC: New on GolfCourseHome.

SOUTH CAROLINA
=> The Reserve at Lake Keowee, Sunset

The Reserve at Lake Keowee is a private, 3,900-acre residential and recreational community set on the shores of Lake Keowee in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The community is conveniently located near 350 miles of upstate South Carolina trails and covers 30 miles of shoreline on the northeast corner of Lake Keowee.

Nicklaus Golf and Amenities Aplenty: The Reserve’s golf course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2002.

Nicklaus utilized the topography of the land and allowed the course to follow the natural contours of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

A par-72, 18-hole course that stretches 7,112 yards, it is complemented by over-sized practice golf facilities, including a driving range, short game area, and putting green.

The community offes water-skiing, boating, kayaking and swimming on 18,500-acre Lake Keowee and its lake center, The Village, includes a 200-slip, full service marina.

Residents gather at The Orchard House, a 20,000 square foot golf clubhouse with casual and upscale dining. Founders Hall is a meeting house for musical events, art exhibits, lecture series, community gatherings, and worship services. Other fun spots include the Lakeside Pool Pavilions and the Tennis & Fitness Center.

Real Estate: The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC

• View Types: Lake, Mountain, Golf
• Home Prices: from the $470,000s
  • Cottage and village homes
  • Custom and estate homes
• Homesite Prices: from the $100,000s
• Send me more information about The Reserve at Lake Keowee!

New Communities Newsletter, April 3: Top 10 Most Visited Golf & Waterview Communities

                  ~ GolfCourseHome® Network ~
                  New Communities Newsletter
Vol. 14, No. 705   Tuesday April 3, 2012  Circulation: 27,697
Read the Complete 'New Communities Newsletter' Here

Good Morning! Callawassie Island Club, SC, is the new No. 1 Most Visited Community on the GCH Network, topping the chart for the month of March. Also new to the Top 10 are Wyboo Plantation, Manning, SC and Frederica, St. Simons Island, GA. We also have a new Stay'n Play at Sea Pines, SC in honor of the RBC Heritage which will be played at the resort community next week--April 9 to15. See below for details, plus more deals, news and updates.

And, we always like to share good news and The Landings on Skidaway Island, GA, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, has a lot of it--New buyers were up 52% in 2011 vs.2010, overnight real estate tours were up 40% in 2011 vs. 2010, and this year scheduled property tours this year are up 30%.

Helping The Landings' revival are its reduced prices for homes and land, resulting in March being its best month in 6 years (25 home contracts). This upbeat news adds to the growing story we are hearing that resort real estate is turning the corner and on its way back. Goods news for everyone!

Today's Headlines 
Read the Complete Issue Here
>   In This Issue   
    * Top 10 Most Visited Golf & WaterView Communities in March
    * New Travel & Stay'n Play Packages   
    * Today's Real Estate Deals     
    * Community News, Updates & Special Events
    * 2012's Best Real Estate Deals & Travel Shorts...

    * New Communities Just Added to GolfCourseHome
    * New Feature! Home Listings That Are Great Values
    * Florida Communities
    * 55+ Communities
    * Private Golf Communities
    * Watch for our Next Issue, coming Friday, April 6th

Shuttered for 30 Years, Historic Ugadale Hotel in Machrihanish Reopens Its Doors

The historic Ugadale Hotel, Scotland, officially reopened last weekend.

Thirty years after closing its doors, the historic Ugadale Hotel in The Village at Machrihanish Dunes, Scotland, lives again.

The hotel was officially reopened last weekend by the Village at Machrihanish Dunes to great pomp and circumstance. The Duke and Duchess of Argyll, along with David Southworth, President and CEO of Southworth Development  LLC; Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute and Willie Roe, Chairman of Highland and Islands Enterprises opened the doors of the famed hotel with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony surrounded by invited guests and well-wishers.

The crowd cheered and the Machrihanish Dunes Pipe Band played as guests were escorted into the new hotel for the first time.

Guests enjoy the warm atmosphere at the bar.
 

The following day The Ugadale Hotel hosted an Open House welcoming over 1,300 visitors from the local community. Guests were treated to a tour of the hotel’s suites and rooms, the Kintyre Club Restaurant, fitness centre and spa facilities.

For many it was a chance to witness the results of a building that long stood empty and dilapidated but for a select few it was a step back into history with many of the guests reminiscing of special occasions once celebrated at the hotel.  

Dine at the Kintyre Club Restaurant.

Once regarded as the pinnacle of luxury accommodation in the west of Scotland when it was alternately known as The Ugadale Arms Hotel and The Machrihanish Hotel, The Ugadale Hotel is again welcoming visitors following a year of careful restoration work. Book your stay here.

It is the first time the hotel has welcomed guests in more than 30 years. The new Ugadale Hotel offers 22 luxurious guest rooms and suites, many overlooking the Atlantic and famed Machrihanish Golf Club.  It features a restaurant and bar called The Kintyre Club, the full-service Serenity Spa and a Fitness Centre.

The hotel has a waterview.

The Kintyre Club Restaurant
Complementing the historic charm of the hotel is the The Kintyre Club, a warm and inviting restaurant and bar in a private club setting offering inspired dining and spirited good times that takes its name from the organization formed in 1825.

Then, a group of twelve altruistic Scottish businessmen with roots in the Kintyre region banded together with the aim of assisting those in need in the Kintyre community – a charitable effort that the new club will continue.  The Kintyre Club is a private dining area reserved for hotel guests and club members, with all proceeds from membership dues distributed to Kintyre-area charities.  Over 600 memberships were accepted over the opening weekend thus raising over £6,000 for charity. 

Modern Amenities with Historic Charm
With style and architecture that echoes its historic past, The Ugadale provides guests with modern luxuries in each of its spacious and comfortable suites and rooms. These finely-appointed spaces feature rich walnut wood and antique brass highlights, along with traditional Scottish elements. 

The new Serenity Spa offers weary travellers, as well as local residents, high-quality spa services and treatments, including facials, body treatments, sport/full body massages, manicures and pedicures. Serenity Spa features top-of-the-line Decleor Paris products. Located on the ground floor of the hotel is a Fitness Centre with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean outside its windows.

A Major Investment for Kintyre
In addition to bringing valuable jobs to the area, Southworth has invested over £ 19.3 Million ($30 Million US) to the overall project, along with grants from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) totalling £2.2million, including £886,000 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding support.

In addition, HIE provided a grant totalling £ 509,606 for the development of the Machrihanish Dunes Golf Course which opened in 2009.  A special grant was also awarded to the Royal Hotel by the Scottish Ministers, through Historic Scotland under the Historic Environment Regeneration Fund and the Campbeltown Town Centre Regeneration Project (Argyll & Bute Council).

The Royal Hotel, the second historic hotel that’s currently being restored by Southworth, will offer in-town accommodations for guests of the Village at Machrihanish Dunes at its location overlooking Campbeltown Harbour.  It will feature 23 elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a lively waterfront pub.   The Royal Hotel is scheduled to open early May 2012.

About Machrihanish Dunes
Scotland’s award-winning seaside resort offering luxurious seaside cottages, the world’s most natural golf course and two-historic hotels all comprised to create The Village at Machrihanish Dunes.  Located on Scotland’s magnificent Argyll coastline, The Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club; The Ugadale Hotel; The Ugadale Cottages and The Old Clubhouse Pub are situated in the quaint town of Machrihanish. 

A mere five miles from Machrihanish in the heart of historic Campbeltown, The Royal Hotel stands serving as an in-town hotel option for those visiting the Village at Machrihanish Dunes.  With a growing collection of accommodations, fine restaurants and lively pubs, The Village at Machrihanish Dunes and The Royal Hotel will provide a warm welcome and first-class service to business and leisure travellers world-wide.  
                                                                                 

Frederica, St. Simons Island, GA, Features Golf on the Water, Plus Luxury Living

Frederica: Golf, boating, equestrian and more.

NEW TODAY: FREDERICA, ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA

Frederica is a 2,500-acre, private, gated golf club community located on St. Simons Island, GA, and bordered on three sides by historic Ft. Frederica, the Frederica River and salt marshes.

The luxurious boathouse.

Luxury amenities include golf golf course( designed by Tom Fazio), equestrian facilities, tennis, pool, fishing, boating and deepwater access to the St. Simons waterways.

The 'dance floor' on hole No. 10.

The community is being developed by Huizenga Holdings, owned by Wayne Huizenga, who is active in the club along with his wife Marti.

Explore and have access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Featuring 2,500 acres of Lowcountry splendor, private and secure, framed by the Frederica River, edged by sweeping marshlands and adjacent to historic Fort Frederica, Frederica is a true private haven.

Lake Stories: The Boathouse offers a place for residents and members to access the lake via community canoes, kayaks and electric powered boats. It is not uncommon to hear tales of fish ranging from 10 to 11 pounds being pulled from the lake.

The clubhouse under a full moon.

Real Estate: Frederica, GA

• Single-family homes and homesites with golf, lake, marsh, river, wooded view
  • Priced from $1.275 million to $3.295 million
• Homesites with golf, lake, marsh, river, wooded views
  • Sized from 1 – 4+ acres
  • Priced from $275,000 to $2.7 million
• Send me more information about Frederica

New Discovery Package from Hilton Head Lakes, SC, Open House at Bay Club on Sat.

                  ~ GolfCourseHome® Network ~
                    New Communities Newsletter
     Vol. 14, No. 687   Friday Feb. 3, 2012  Circulation: 27,665

                   ---------------------------------------------

Good Morning! New deals, new pricing and a new discovery package eadline today’s news along with an upbeat real estate report from The Landings, GA. Plus, there’s an open house at The Bay Club, MA, if you’re on Cape Cod this weekend. All this activity shows that while it is mid-winter, 2012 real estate activity is already heating up. See below for all the details.

Today's Headlines
>   In This Issue
   
    * Today's Real Estate Deals 
    * Travel & Stay'n Play Packages   
    * New to GolfCourseHome Network Last Week  
    * Best Real Estate Deals & Travel Shorts...
    * Top 10 Most Visited Communities in January
 
    * 2011 GCH 'Best of the Best' Golf Communities
    * Discovery Package& Travel Deals
    * Florida Communities
    * 55+ Communities
    * Private Golf Communities
    * Watch for our Next Issue, coming Tuesday, Feb. 7

New to GolfCourseHome Network Last Week

TEXAS
=> The Resort at Eagle Mountain Lake, Ft. Worth
Active-adult golf community, 36 holes, private lakes, fitness center, clubhouse/lounge, custom homes from the $300,000s

NORTH CAROLINA
=> Ocean Ridge Plantation, Sunset Beach
72 holes, sports and fitness, nature park, fishing lake, oceanfront beach club, homesites from $30,000, homes from $300,000

Today's Deals & Specials

>> Real Estate Deals 

> River Landing, Wallace NC announces its 2012 “Building Bucks” incentive program for lot buyers ready to build. It starts with a “Pick Two” opportunity from any of these four options: One year of club dues waived; one year of the Premier Golf Cart Plan paid; $2,500 in landscaping products/services; a free Social
Membership or free upgrade from Social to Sports or Sports to Golf. There’s also a fun bonus for Building Bucks participants—entry into a drawing for a free brand-new personal golf cart and charger. Send me more information about River Landing

> The Bay Club, Mattapoisett, MA invites you to its Open House this Sat., Feb. 4, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm., when new pricing for the community will be introduced. Three distinguished properties, including a new-construction, golf-view, 4-BR home listed at $1.35 million, will be open to touring. Also, two of the community’s Preferred Builders will be on hand to answer questions about new home construction and design. A drawing for lunch and a round of golf for four will be held after the Open House. Send me more information about The Bay Club

>> Getaways & Stay'n Plays

> Hilton Head Lakes, Hardeeville, SC Discover the Lowcountry areas of Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, Bluffton, Savannah and Hardeeville with Hilton Head Lakes' new Discovery Package. Package includes 3 days/2 nights accommodations with breakfast, round of golf for 2, dining certificate for 2 at a special Lowcountry restaurant and VIP tour of the community. Cost is just $129. Send me more information about Hilton Head Lakes

> Savannah Lakes Village, McCormick SC has new golf pricing to go along with its great location and waterfront amenities. Golfers can sign up now in the Tara and Monticello golf shops for 20% off the annual green fee price. Annual membership for singles was $2,420, now it's just $1,775. The family membership, which was $3,872, is now down to $2,840. Since it's now early February, SLV will happily pro-rate the 20% off fee you pay for 11 months. Send me more information about Savannah Lakes Village

Specials Community Events

> Stuart Yacht & Country Club, FL is calling all amateur bird watchers and trained ornithologists to take part in its annual Emerald Parrot Weekend, now thru Feb. 5. The community is fortunate to be a nesting ground for this colorful, quirky and highly social bird species. Observers can see the Emerald Parrot undertake an unusual process of repeated testing of holes in the ground to deposit its sole egg. The entire flock takes part and assists as each parrot goes through the ritual—one that is unforgettable to see, enjoy and photograph. Send me more information about Stuart Yacht & Country Club

Community News & Updates 

> Champion Hills, Hendersonville NC residents are benefitting from the Biltmore Estate’s special winter pricing for all installations and exhibits. A discounted adult ticket at $40 can be used for two consecutive days and includes access to Antler Hill, the Winery and all Estate restaurants. Take a tropical break from winter with a visit to the Orchid Room in Biltmore’s Conservatory, where more than 70 colorful
orchids are in peak bloom, now through March. Estate admission also includes a complimentary audio tour. Offer valid Jan. 3 – Apr. 1. Send me more information about Champion Hills

> Carolina Trace, Sanford NC Head chef Brian Murphy is the star of the new 'Specialty of the House' feature on the GCH blog for his famed Shrimp Adobo appetizer with which he delights community members in the clubhouse dining room. Learn the secrets of chef Brian’s success, plus get the recipe, when you check out this post on the GCH blog. Send me more information about Carolina Trace

> The Landings on Skidaway Island, GA reports that sales in the community, coming off a very strong 2010, are again outpacing national and regional real estate trends. Savannah Board of Realtor statistics show that home transactions (closings) in all of Chatham County in 2011 were up 11.8% versus 2010 – but home closings in The Landings were up a robust 30.7% in that same period. The Landings has
been homeowner- and member-owned since the 1990s. Send me more information about The Landings

Deal Shorts...

> Tesoro, Port St. Lucie FL's fully furnished Villa Verona model is $925,000 with 3-BR, 4.5-BA and featuring views of the water and clubhouse. Send me more info…

> Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, GA’s annual Azalea Golf Package is ideal for golfers with Masters badges who want to stay in luxury and play great golf within an hour’s drive of Augusta National. Rates start at $380 per person/night Mar. 31-Apr. 4, and $439 pp/pn Apr. 5-8, providing one round of golf for each package night on your choice of the five courses. Send me more info…

Coming Soon to GolfCourseHome

• Callawassie Island, SC
• Ibis, West Palm Beach, FL
• Frederica, St. Simon's Island, GA
• Amelia National, Amelia Island, FL

Real Estate Deals, A Special Recipe, Stay'n Play for Gourmets, Great Tennis Communities & More

~ GolfCourseHome®Network ~
NEW COMMUNITIES Newsletter
Vol. 14, No. 684 January 27, 2012 Circ. 27,650
————————————————————————

Daniel Island, SC: Home to Family Circle Cup

Today’s Headlines
* Great Towns and Communities for Tennis Lovers
* Real Estate Deals
* Getaways & Stay ‘n Play Deals
* Best Real Estate & Travel Deal Shorts…

* GCH Do’ers Profile: New Members at Champion Hills, NC
* Coming Soon to GolfCourseHome
* New to GolfCourseHome Network this Week
* Carolina Trace, NC: Chef’s Specialty of the House, Shrimp Adobo
* Watch for our next issue, coming Tuesday, January 31st!

Good Morning! Today we take a closer look at GCH Communities with the introduction of a new series, Do’ers Profiles which features a look at new community members who just might be your future neighbors, and a look at communities where tennis is a major pastime. See more details below along with a fun new gourmet weekend at St. James Plantation, NC, and a new deal on a lakeview home at Hampton Lake, SC, and more.

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New to GolfCourseHome Network This Week

TEXAS
=> The Resort at Eagle Mountain Lake, Ft. Worth
Active-adult golf community, 36 holes, private lakes, fitness center, clubhouse/lounge, custom homes from the $300,000s
NORTH CAROLINA
=> Ocean Ridge Plantation, Sunset Beach
72 holes, sports and fitness, nature park, fishing lake, oceanfront beach club, homesites from $30,000, homes from $300,000

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Great Towns & Communities for Tennis Lovers

Residents of many a GolfCourseHome community belong to the wave of Americans who have helped make tennis a resurgent recreational sport.

During the game’s robust rise from 2004 through 2010, tennis participation in the U.S. grew over 43 percent. GCH communities can be found in virtually every town that’s considered a tennis hotbed—places where amateurs play spirited matches and the professional tours make a stop to show the very top players compete.

Daniel Island, South Carolina
A great example is Charleston, South Carolina, a perennial contender for the honor of being named America’s Best Tennis Town and winner of that distinction in 2010.

The Charleston community to reside in for tennis lovers is obviously Daniel Island, home to the annual Family Circle Cup tournament and a spectacular 18-court tennis center—plus the amenities and service of the private tennis offerings at the Daniel Island Club.

Charleston has over 13,000 players, and more than 7,500 of them play in USTA league events. The city has more than 580 courts and hosts the Family Circle Cup women’s professional event on Daniel Island each year.

Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Florida
One Florida community where passion for tennis is part of the social fabric would be Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club in the charming coastal town of Stuart, Florida.

It’s home to the long-admired training programs developed by the Peter Burwash International (PBI) training program, on-site at Harbour Ridge.

PBI has been the leader in professional tennis management since 1975. Residents of Harbour Ridge benefit from PBI training right at their own club, with the help of Harbour Ridge’s highly trained, specialized staff.

Whenever state-level team or individual championships are contested, contestants from small but tennis-mad Stuart end up at or near the top.

The Landings on Skidaway Island, Georgia
Along the South Carolina coast, there is no private island community that can compete with The Landings on Skidaway Island for tennis enthusiasm and an appreciation for great play.

With 34 courts, 11 lighted for night play, tennis courts can be found in three different facilities across the island.

Amateur club play at The Landings is overseen by USPTA and USPTR pros, who conduct weekly clinics and drills, teach private and group lessons, and happily assist with all aspects of a player’s game from court reservations to racquet selection.

In addition, they coach The Landing Club’s teams and organize charitable, sanctioned and membership tournaments of every variety from mixers to Club Championships.

Coming up next month is the Savannah Challenger Wildcard Tournament (Feb. 25-26), where the winner earns qualifying rights for the $50,000 Savannah Challenger in late April.

Sea Pines, South Carolina
While it’s men’s pro golf stop every spring, the Sea Pines resort enclave of Harbour Town is just as welcoming to tennis enthusiasts as golfers.

When Tennis Magazine bills you as America’s No. 7-Ranked Tennis Resort and on top of that awards you the No. 1 Ranking for Tennis Programs, you’re doing something right.

Sea Pines residents and resort guests rave about the 23 clay courts at The Sea Pines Racquet Club, and tennis fans fill its 1,800-seat stadium court for tournaments like the Dupont All-American, CBS Classic and the World Invitational.

Under the direction of former U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion Stan Smith, The Sea Pines Racquet Club is a magnet for anyone seeking the tennis lifestyle, from a wide selection of teaching clinics, instructional programs to great value in tennis vacation packages.

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Today’s Deals and Specials

>> Real Estate Deals

> Hampton Lake, Bluffton, SC announces that its Lauren custom model home, located just seconds from the award-winning Lakeside Amenity Village. has been reduced $15,000 to $519,000.

Offering Lowcountry charm and set on a quiet cul-de-sac, this easy maintenance home features lake views, interior trim and millwork, hardwoods in main living areas, travertine flooring, granite countertops, GE Stainless Steel appliances, Merillat kitchen cabinets, screened lanai and hardi plank siding. Send me more information about Hampton Lake!

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>> Getaways & Stay ‘n Plays

> St. James Plantation, Southport, NC There are just a few spots left for the “Taste of Eataly” weekend on February 17th-19th.

Enjoy 3 days with 2 nights in an onsite condo, real estate tour of the community, round of golf or dinner for 2, fantastic Saturday night Italian wine tasting and tapas party and VIP access to the completed, debt-free amenities.

Cost is just $149/couple; an extra night is just $99. Send me more information about St. James Plantation’s Eataly Weekend!

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Best Deal Shorts….

> The Links at Gettysburg, PA Take advantage of special winter rates: Mon-Thur. and weekends after noon play for $30. Weekends before noon the green fee is $35. Send me more info…

> Sea Pines, Hilton Head, SC has just one rental property remaining for Easter weekend and the Heritage Tournament Week that follows.

Dates are April 7 – 16, with a 7-night minimum stay. Rental fee of $4,800 inclusive of all taxes and fees. Home sleeps 8 -10 guests with pool and spa.  Send me more info…

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Coming Soon to GolfCourseHome

• Amelia National, Amelia Island, FL
• Frederica, GA

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Resort on Eagle Mountain Lake: A Golf & Lakeside Community Near Ft. Worth, TX Joins GCHN

New this week on the GolfCourseHome Network.

TEXAS
=> The Resort on Eagle Mountain Lake, Fort Worth
The Resort on Eagle Mountain Lake is a 540-acre master planned, gated residential community offering long lakefront views, an 18-hole championship golf course, private boat launch and 40 acres of open space.

The Resort Golf Club features a newly designed, 18-hole championship golf cours that plays 6,600 yards at a par 72. Amenities include a clubhouse with restaurant and grill, fully equipped exercise facility, pro shop, locker rooms and practice facilities. Planned amenities include private marina complex, and resort-style swimming and tennis facilities.

Lake Adventure Awaits: Eagle Mountain Lake covers 9,200 square miles with a maximum depth of 52 feet. It is bordered by 200 miles of straight shoreline, coves and inlets. Planned amenities include a private marina complex, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a private beach with waterpark.

Real Estate: The Resort on Eagle Mountain Lake

• Custom homes from the $300,000s
• Lakeside homes from the $500,000s to $1 million
• Send me more information about The Resort on Eagle Mountain Lake!

Abundant Performing Arts Offerings Enrich the Lifestyle at These Southern Communities

~ GolfCourseHome® Network ~
New Communities Newsletter
Vol. 14, No. 682   Friday Jan. 20 2012  Circulation: 27,655

        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Brier Creek, NC: Close to Raleigh's performing arts.

Good Morning! Today's newsletter takes a look at communities near four Southern cities with strong performing arts portfolios. Many communities provide bus trips and special outings to take advantage of live local events, making the ability to attend dance, theater, music and the like an important community--and lifestyle--benefit. See below for details.

New to GolfCourseHome Network This Week

FLORIDA
> Stuart Yacht & Country Club, Stuart
Private, gated golf & waterfront country club living, tennis, fitness, Yacht Club, homes from $125,000

>   In This Issue   
    * Where the Performing Arts Take Center Stage for Community Residents    
    * Best Travel & Real Estate Deal Shorts
    * Discovery Package& Travel Deals
    * Florida Communities
    * North Carolina Communities

    * Coastal Communities
    * 2011 GCH 'Best of the Best' Golf Communities
    * 2011 GCH Dream 18 List of Great Residential Golf Holes
    * Watch for our Next Issue, coming Tuesday, Jan. 24th

> Where Performing Arts Take Center
   Stage for Community Residents 

 The performing arts are vital to quality-of-life for residents of GolfCourseHome communities. Many not only actively patronize live entertainment, but also support local performing arts centers by serving on boards and helping to raise funds.

Moving to a luxury golf community does mean you can play plenty of golf. But days that begin with 18 holes can easily make way for enjoyment of music, theatre, dance, literature and intriguing lectures—if you live somewhere conducive to these rewarding pleasures. Here are four cities from Florida to Texas where the arts are alive and communities are nearby enough to enjoy them...continued.....

Best Deal Shorts

> Sanctuary Cove, St. Simon’s Island GA's significant price reduction on a 3-acre estate homesite with marsh views and water frontage on the Little Santilla River and now listed at $199,000 (reduced from $209,000). Loaded with mature hardwoods, the site is suitable for a private dock.  Send me more info!

> Hilton Head Plantation, Hilton Head SC's 4BR, 3-BA riverview home at the reduced price of $590,000 (down from $630,000). A second-row home just steps from Port Royal Sound, this 5,200 sf residence is extensively renovated and features a bonus room. Send me more info!

> Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton SC's riverview lot in the South Wilson residential neighborhood on which builder will construct a luxury guest cottage for just $579,000. Cottage would serve as 2-BR, 2-BA fun vacation home (with garage) while you plan for later construction of a permanent residence. Available for signing now is a pre-negotiated, fixed-cost contract to build the main house. Send me more info!

> Hampton Lake, Bluffton SC’s 3 days/2 nights Sneak-a-Peek visit starts at just $295/couple. Package includes award-winning accommodations, lunch and/or dinner, choice of spa treatments for two or a round of golf for two at the Pete Dye Signature course next door at Hampton Hall. Send me more info!

Coming Soon to GolfCourseHome

• Frederica, St. Simons Island, GA
• Amelia National, Amelia Island, FL
• The Resort at Eagle Mountain Lake, TX

======================================
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Renaissance Club, Scotland, Announces Improvements to Expand Course & Clubhouse

Renaissance Golf Club, Scotland: Rugged coastal beauty.

The 300-acre Renaissance Golf Club, which looks out from an internationally known coastal golf location in East Lothian, Scotland, has announced a £5million investment in new course facilities.

Improvements will include the creation of an iconic clubhouse and the construction of a three-hole extension to the golf course which runs along a stunning peninsula overlooking the Firth of Forth. 

_____________________________

The Clubhouse will open in summer 2013 before
the British Open Championship at nearby Muirfield
_____________________________

The Renaissance Club which opened in 2008, has almost 200 domestic and international members from counties across Europe, Asia and the USA.  The new investment and facilities at the club are expected to attract considerable new membership interest.

The latest developments at the Renaissance Club will take the total investment to date to over £20 million, all of which has been funded by the owners - the Sarvadi family, private members and individual investors.

The Clubhouse is expected to be completed in early summer of 2013 in advance of the British Open Championship at nearby Muirfield. The new facility, which will cover 34,000 square feet over four floors, will feature extensive hospitality, accommodation and leisure facilities.  Key features include private dining, a wine cellar and tasting area, snug bar, international business centre alongside private gym and treatment rooms. 

The clubhouse will have a number of viewing areas and terraces overlooking the 9^th hole, 18^th green and 8^th green and fairway.  The upper floor of the new clubhouse will feature six luxury bedroom apartments to complement the existing 14 luxury suites in the club’s existing upscale lodge accommodation. 

The golf course extension which is being designed by award winning US golf architect, Tom Doak, who originally worked with the owners to create the Renaissance course, will be ready for play from early summer 2013.  The extension features three new holes 9, 10 and 11 which will have dramatic new views overlooking the Firth of Forth and will add considerably to both the course features and playing challenge.

Beyond the clubhouse development and course extension, the Renaissance owners are also considering the creation of a stand-alone, 20-bedroom luxury lodge in the longer term. This would add to the Club’s accommodation and leisure facilities for international guests and their families.

Immediately adjacent to the west of The Renaissance Club is the world famous Muirfield golf course owned by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (HCEG). To the east are 36 holes of golf known as Archerfield Links designed by European Senior Tour professional David J. Russell. Slightly further east is another world-renowned golf course named North Berwick West Links.