The GolfCourseHome Life

Boca Woods Country Club Offers Two Courses, Low Density South Florida Living

Boca Woods Country Club FL is a private, gated community.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Boca Woods Country Club, a South Florida club community known for casual elegance along with refined personal service and amenities, to the GolfCourseHome Network. Considered one of the region’s best residential values, Boca Woods Country Club recently completed a $1 million upgrade to the clubhouse—at no cost to the membership.

Boca Woods Country Club is a private, gated, member-owned, club community set on more than 600 acres. Featuring outstanding homes and 36 holes of championship golf, this low-density club offers tennis, fitness, clubhouse with fine dining and an active, convivial social life.

Boca Woods golfers play their friendly rounds, plus leagues and tournaments, on two championship 18-holes courses. With only about 520 members sharing the two layouts, the club's low density ensures that you can always reserve the starting time you want.

Whether you are a regular tennis player or planning a comeback, Boca Woods Country Club has the courts, program, and full-time USPTA professional to get you going. Its eight Har-Tru courts—two of them lighted, provide water service and shade canopies for changeovers.

Stay Fit & Happy: Boca Woods Fitness Center is outfitted with all the most popular cardio and weight equipment. It offers aerobic classes seven days a week, certified personal trainers, massage therapy, as well as special programming throughout the year.

Real Estate: Boca Woods Country Club, FL

* 645 detached single-family homes, all with golf and/or lake views
* Homes feature 2,000 to 6,000 square feet of living space
      o Most homes have private pools
* Priced from nearly $200,000 to $1 million+
* Click here for more information about Boca Woods Country Club! 

Indian River Colony Club Honors Veterans, Vineyards Raises Funds for Charity

River Landing, NC is set along the Cape Fear River.

River Landing, NC invites you to enjoy an Oyster Roast Weekend at its River Lodge along the Cape Fear River. Scheduled for the Nov. 13-15 weekend, the event features raw and steamed oysters, steamed shrimp and traditional side dishes. The Oyster Roast Weekend is a 2-night/3-day getaway featuring a round of golf for two, full use of all amenities, comfortable accommodations, continental breakfasts–all for just $139 per couple. Click here for more information about River Landing!

Indian River Colony Club, FL recently honored Navy veterans of World War II, Korea , Vietnam , Iraq and Afghanistan and their spouses at the annual Navy Ball at Indian River Colony Club. Nearly 200 attendees from various branches of the military enjoyed a patriotic themed program, with a birthday cake for the Navy cut with a ceremonial Navy officer’s sword.  Click here for more information about Indian River Colony Club!

The Vineyards, FL is marking a series of golf achievements by both members and golf staff. Among the membership there were six different hole-in-one shooters, five on the club’s South Course, one on the North Course. The club’s director of golf, Tom Metzger, raised over $11,000 for charity—thanks to pledge support from Vineyards members—by playing 54 holes in one day at a local golf marathon. Click here for more information about The Vineyards!

Owen Glen Has Tempting Offer, Cummings Cove Runs Special Membership Promo

Owen Glen, GA is offering a free Discovery Package.

Owen Glen, GA is offering a complimentary Discovery Tour to the north Georgia mountains. This package offers a choice of three experiences—golf for two on the Old Union Golf Course at Owen Glen, a wine-tasting tour of Crane Creek Vineyards, or a guided trail ride (one or two hours) at Trackrock Riding Stables. Package includes breakfast for two and dinner for two. Accommodations are not included. Click here for more information about Owen Glen!

Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club, NC is running a special membership promotion for property buyers available from now through the end of this year. It waives membership deposits and makes golf, sports and social memberships available at bargain prices. Click here for more information about Cummings Cove!

Colleton River Plantation, SC: For Sale, beautiful .81 acre, heavily wooded homesite located at the end of a cul-de-sac. The second largest property on Hampton Lane, this lush homesite features fully mature Live Oaks lining the back of the lot which is adjacent to the Colleton Duck Preserve. The front looks out over the 13th fairway of the Jack Nicklaus course. Asking price is just $184,900. Click here for more information about Colleton River Plantation!

The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC: The Reserve at Lake Keowee is offering a special Buyer Incentive through December 2009 valued at $60,000. For details please call the real estate office at 877-922-5253 (LAKE). Click here for more information about The Reserve at Lake Keowee!

The Reserve at Lake Keowee Announces $60,000 Buyer Incentive Package

The Reserve at Lake Keowee is offering a special Buyer Incentive through December 2009 valued at $60,000. For details please call the real estate office at 877-922-5253 (LAKE)

Lake Ridge, TX Offers Golf, Sporting Facilities, Lakefront Views Near Dallas

Lake Ridge, TX is on 7,500 acre Joe Pool Lake.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Lake Ridge, TX to the GolfCourseHome® Network. Lake Ridge is a master-planned golf community advantageously located just south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Residents enjoy a wide array of sophisticated options for shopping, dining, and entertainment—plus scenic beauty and high-quality recreation.

Five parks located throughout the community provide diverse opportunities for fun and a sporting challenge. Soccer, football and baseball facilities are right on-property, along with a stocked fishing pond and hiking and walking trails.

Golf in the High Country: Leading the Lake Ridge amenity package is the Tangle Ridge Golf Club. Located in the center of the community, this 18-hole Jeff Brauer layout received a 4-star rating from Golf Digest for its bentgrass greens, stylish design and dramatic natural contours.

Real Estate: Lake Ridge, TX

* Custom homesites in multiple neighborhoods
* Prices range from the high-$90,000s to the mid-$500,000s
      o Choose your own builder
      o Build when you want
* Click here for more information about Lake Ridge!

Bridges at Preston Crossings, TX Offers Golf, Equestrian Facilities, Convenience

The Bridges at Preston Crossings is convenient to Dallas.

We are pleased to announce the addition of The Bridges at Preston Crossings to the GolfCourseHome® Network. The Bridges at Preston Crossings is a master-planned, luxury golf community just north of Dallas and adjacent to the prosperous communities of Plano, Frisco and McKinney. A new Fred Couples golf course is the centerpiece of this strategically located community.

The Fred Couples Signature course winds throughout The Bridges at Preston Crossings offering new shotmaking challenges at every turn. Lovers of the big-lake lifestyle will note The Bridges’ close proximity to Lake Ray Roberts (10 miles away) and Lake Texoma (30 miles away).

Ambitious Recreational Plan: The master plan includes an upscale pool complex, tennis courts and clubhouse, plus the golf course. Nearby are sophisticated options for dining and entertainment.

Real Estate: The Bridges at Preston Crossings, TX

* Options include one-third acre to half-acre homesites
* Custom homes on select sites among tall oaks or overlooking golf fairways
      o No timeframe to build—own premium real estate and build-when-ready
      o Choose your own builder
* Views include:
      o Half-acre, golf views, gated
      o One-third-acre, on-course
      o One-third acre, cul-de-sac, wooded view
* Prices range from the mid-$50,000s to the $100,000s
* Click here for more information about The Bridges at Preston Crossing!

Chapel Ridge, NC Offers 1,000 Acres, Golf, Easy Access to Research Triangle

Chapel Ridge, NC offers Fred Couples golf and more.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Chapel Ridge, NC to the GolfCourseHome® Network. Chapel Ridge is Bluegreen Golf's latest golf course community. Situated on 1,000 acres of rolling countryside in Pittsboro, North Carolina, the community offers easy access to the conveniences of Jordan Lake, Chapel Hill, Raleigh-Durham and the entire Research Triangle area.

In addition to the Fred Couples signature, 18-hole golf course, Chapel Ridge also features a golf clubhouse, property owners' clubhouse, swim and tennis center, and a master plan designed to embrace time-honored family traditions.

Convenient to the Research Triangle: Chapel Ridge is centrally located between Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, Cary/Apex, Sanford/Siler City and the Triad areas, and is convenient to Research Triangle Park, UNC at Chapel Hill, Duke University and RDU International Airport.

Real Estate: Chapel Ridge, NC

* Homesites range from 1/3 to 2 acres
      o Estimated prices range from $90,000 to $200,000+
      o Homesites have golf, nature and creekside views
* No Time Restrictions for building
* Choose your own custom builder
* Click here for more information about Chapel Ridge!

The Landings Begins Holiday Celebrations Soon, Dataw Island Unveils History Exhibit

Brunswick Forest, NC is on the Cape Fear Coast.

Brunswick Forest, NC, to mark National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, will offer complimentary chair massages at the community’s Fitness & Wellness Center. Other activities include a presentation on Managing Pain with Therapeutic Massage, plus a fun “hands-on seminar” on stress reduction techniques including stretching, deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and massage. Click here for more information about Brunswick Forest!

Callaway Gardens, GA is celebrating the holidays with a Fantasy in Lights event that was named one of the World’s Top 48 Events for 2009 by the Chicago Tribune. A display of some eight million sparkling lights will delight the eye while holiday sounds fill the air. Fantasy in Lights will run from Nov. 30 to Dec. 30, featuring 12 unique holiday scenes and a magical Christmas Village for all ages. Click here for more information about Callaway Gardens!

The Landings on Skidaway Island, GA is hosting its first “Home For The Holidays” Designer Showhouse Nov. 21 to Dec. 20th.This event will benefit Savannah’s Community Health Mission. The exceptional architecture of the 4,800-square-foot Midpoint residence will provide the inspiration for a roster of outstanding designers. Admission is free, with donations appreciated. Click here for more information about The Landings!

Dataw Island, SC recently partnered with The History Workshop, of Charleston, S.C., to create “A Portrait of Dataw Island,” a permanent exhibit honoring the island’s history from the Native American period to the present. Researched and constructed at a cost of more than $30,000, the exhibit required 18 months for completion and opened on Sept. 23 with a kickoff event attended by more than 200 visitors. Click here for more information about Dataw Island!

Owners Club at Hilton Head, SC Stay 'n Play Package Offers Accommodations, Golf

Owners Club at Hilton Head offers fractional ownership.

The Owners Club at Hilton Head, SC has a 3-day/2-night Stay'n Play Package providing accommodations plus two rounds of golf at The Golden Bear Country Club at Indigo Run. Cost is just $495 which will be applied towards your purchase at closing. Buyers enjoy all club amenities with purchase of four weeks annual usage. Offers are being accepted starting at $35,000 for a 1/13 deeded interest. Click here for more information about The Owners Club at Hilton Head!

Future Looks Bright for Vineyards CC--No Debt & Offering 6 New Neighborhoods

The Vineyards Country Club, Naples, FL: Debt free.

As The Vineyards Country Club in Naples, Florida, gears up for 2010, members are breathing easy having missed the pain of the recent global economic downturn. The reason is The Vineyards is debt-free, including all infrastructure, the country club with 36 holes of championship golf, tennis club with 12 clay courts and pro shop, fitness center, resort swimming pool and a 70,000-s.f. club facility.

The community is 85 percent sold out with six new neighborhoods open featuring a mix of single-family homes, mid-rise condominiums and coach homes priced from $400,000 to $4 million.

Varied Membership Opportunities
Membership to the Vineyards Country Club is by personal choice only with several membership packages available: 

• Full Membership that includes golf, fitness, swimming, tennis and dining is priced at $35,000 initiation fee and $7950 annual dues (no minimums for food/bev). 

• Sports Membership with a $9,000 initiation fee and $4600 annual dues (no minimums)

• Tennis Membership $5,000 initiation fee and $3850 annual dues (no minimums)

• Social Membership with $3,000 initiation fee and $2940 annual dues (no minimums).

The Country Club does not accept non-member accommodations; however guests of Vineyards members are warmly welcomed.

In the 20+ year history of the Vineyards, there has never been a special assessment at the Club or in any of the 27 community or master homeowner’s associations.

Tiger Woods' Visit to The Cliffs at High Carolina Spurs Inquiries & Property Tours

The Cliffs at High Carolina: Tiger Woods' canvas.

Tiger Woods flew into North Carolina’s western mountains on Saturday, October 3 to provide support to The Cliffs at High Carolina where he is designing his first U.S. golf course. The recent visibility Woods gave to the project has spurred an abundance of inquiries to GolfCourseHome about the project.

Woods touched down in the early morning in a helicopter near the 4,000-foot crest of the spectacular mountaintop acreage that Greenville businessman Jim Anthony has stitched together to create property.

According to Woody White, writing in the Greenville News, it was the last leg of a trip from Woods' Florida home and he couldn’t stop talking about the fresh air and 50-mile views that had lured him to The Cliffs at High Carolina.

Despite a heavy schedule, Woods had pledged a day at High Carolina to survey the golf course work and help Anthony sell more lots in an economy that has deeply affected golf residential real estate sales nationwide.

Tiger Woods and Jim Anthony confer at High Carolina.

Anthony told White that while The Cliffs’ brand of luxury hasn’t been immune from the recession, the High Carolina project has closed on “about 30 lots, with five, six, seven more under contract, averaging about $1 million apiece” since a sales campaign began last November.

The Woods charisma worked its magic while he was there. Anthony said there has been great interest in High Carolina because of Woods, and that it has helped spur interest in his other seven developments in the foothills and mountains of the Carolinas.

He said The Cliffs Communities has fielded 29,000 inquiries from prospects interested in the Woods project and that property tours are booked solid for the next three months. Tours typically include visits of two to three days, with golf at Cliffs courses that stretch from Lake Keowee to Asheville.

Daniel Island Hosts Championship, Colony at the Grand Working on Big Upgrades

Dataw Island, SC is a waterfront community.

Dataw Island, SC and the Military order of Purple Heart Low Country Chapter #1948 will co-host a second annual benefit golf tournament to support America’s wounded warriors on their road to recovery. Proceeds from the event will assist wounded warriors with financial aid, gift backpacks, phone cards, disabled sports programs, housing and career transition workshops. Tournament is Nov. 10. Last year Dataw island residents raised $10,800 for this worthy cause. Click here for more information about Dataw Island!

Daniel Island, SC is set to host the prestigious Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island. This important championship teed off yesterday, Oct. 22 and continues through Sunday on the Ralston Creek Course at the Daniel Island Club. Players will compete for purse of $1 million. First prize is $180,000. More importantly, PGA TOUR cards for 2010 will be awarded at the conclusion of the event, which is televised live on the GOLF Channel. Click here for more information about Daniel Island!

Colony at the Grand, AL reports that a number of important community upgrade projects are either already completed, or on schedule for completion by summer of 2010. Improvements include: Installation of high-speed Internet service and 42-inch high-definition TVs in all 28 residences, a new, state-of-the-art pool area surface, and eight individual homes completely refurbished. Click here for more information about Colony at the Grand!

Hilton Head Lakes Special Offers Dining, Kayaking; Hammock Dunes Shows Home

Hilton Head Lakes, SC is a private, lakefront community.

Hilton Head Lakes, SC is offering a “Sea of Possibilities” getaway special. The offer includes two nights accommodations with breakfast; a tour of Hilton Head Lakes; a $50 dining certificate at the Sea Trawler restaurant and a choice of the following: kayak touring, round of golf for two, or a dolphin tour. Price of $149/person is cut in half if your trip is booked and toured before Nov. 30. Click here for more information about Hilton Head Lakes!

Hammock Dunes Private Community, FL is showing a new Featured Home with three bedrooms, two full baths and two half baths, priced at $1.2 million. Built in 1996, the residence is set on 130 feet of Florida's East Coast Canal. Outside, the home offers landscaped design, exotic trees and plants and a lighted path leading to a boat dock, lift and private deck. Home also has a lanai and pool. Click here for more information about Hammock Dunes Private Community!

Harbour Ridge Spotlights Custom Home, Dataw Island Named Top Community

The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC offers waterfront views.

The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC held its inaugural Charitable Foundation Golf Classic earlier this month, raising over $10,000 in donations. Charities throughout Pickens County are beneficiaries of the Golf Classic, which will become an annual October event at The Reserve. The inaugural drew 84 players for golf on the community’s Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Click here for more information about The Reserve at Lake Keowee!

Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL alerts home buyers to a special featured residence in the community. It’s a totally remodeled custom San Remo Collection Home, priced at $529,000. Located within the Laurel Oak Village neighborhood, the home has three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2,189 square feet of luxury living space. Two-car garage and extensive custom amenities. Click here for more information about Harbour Ridge!

Colony at the Grand, AL reports that its own Baldwin County has ranked as the second Most Successful Micropolitan Area in the country by Site Selection magazine. The rankings measure how much expansion and/or new location of corporate entities an area experiences in one year. Micropolitan areas are counties with population of over 50,000 but no single city larger than 50,000. Click here for more information about Colony at the Grand!

Dataw Island, SC was named one of the top South Carolina retirement communities in a recently-released ranking by BestRetirementDestinations.com. Criteria for the ranking include visual appeal, recreational activities, social networking, and safety/security. Dataw received an overall score of 96 percent. Click here for more information about Dataw Island!

Casa del Lago Special Pricing Includes Golf, Clubhouse Equestrian Privileges

Casa del Lago, Dominican Republic borders a tropical forest.

Casa del Lago, Dominican Republic now offers special pricing on two-rooms units, all with golf and lake views. The new value pricing is set at $270,000, which includes privileges for all amenities—a Gary
Player-designed championship golf course, the beach clubhouse and the equestrian center—within this secure gated community. Click here for more information about Casa del Lago!

Reverie on the Ashley, SC, a luxury marina condo community, is now offering free sponsored memberships to Briar’s Creek Golf Club with select condo purchases. Briar’s Creek is one of the most exclusive golf clubs in South Carolina, featuring a Rees Jones golf course with plans for just 300 members and no tee times required. Click here for more information about Reverie on the Ashley!

October's Most Visited Websites Include Florida Golf Site, Estate Home-Related Site

October's Top 5 Most Visited Network Sites

1. FloridaGolfCommunities.net - golf & waterview communities in Florida
2. GolfCourseCommunities.net - golf & waterview communities
3. Golf-Estate.net - golf & waterview communities offering homes & estates from $1 million & up
4. PrivateGatedCommunities.net - private, gated golf & waterview communities
5. PrivateResidenceClubs.net - fractional real estate

Callaway Gardens Hosts Mystery Weekend, GolfCourseHome Communities Win Awards

The Bay Club, MA is a private golf community.

The Bay Club, MA announces that renowned gardener Eva Sommaripa, along with the club’s executive chef Jim Mercer, will lead a private tasting tour through her organic garden. The 90-minute tour will explore Sommaripa’s farm and her culinary use of plants, herbs and vegetables. Also this month,
the Bay Club’s coordinator of special events, John McCormack, will lead a group to the 5th Annual New Bedford Open Studio Tour, featuring 90 local artists. Click here for more information about The Bay Club!

Callaway Gardens, GA will hold a Mystery Theater Weekend this Halloween. It starts Friday, Oct. 30 as participants try to solve the mystery. Along with intriguing clues there will be light-hearted tricks and mouthwatering treats. It’s also a chance explore the wonders and natural beauty of Callaway’s stunning autumn gardens the following day. Click here for more information about Callaway Gardens!

Heritage Wake Forest, NC reports that it hosted over 2,700 visitors the first two weekends of its Parade of Homes which continues this weekend, Oct. 17-18. Presenting 13 beautifully crafted showcase homes ranging in price from $220,000 to $640,000, Heritage emerged as the largest Parade community in the Triangle this year. Hours this weekend are noon til 5 pm each day. Click here for more information about Heritage Wake Forest!

Four GolfCourseHome communities in Myrtle Beach are celebrating a great showing in the Golf World magazine Reader’s Choice Awards. Wild Wing Plantation, SC, Barefoot Resort & Golf, SC and the Wachesaw Plantation Club, SC were the courses in Myrtle Beach proper honored as Best in State by these highly knowledgeable readers. Ocean Ridge Plantation, NC made the magazine’s Best in State ranking from across the state line in Brunswick County, N.C.
Click here for more information about Wild Wing Plantation!
Click here for more information about Barefoot Resort & Golf!
Click here for more information about Wachesaw Plantation Club!
Click here for more information about Ocean Ridge Plantation!

Indian River Colony Club, Deer Brook Golf Club Packages Includes Golf, Dining, Tours

Indian River Colony Club, FL is an active 55+ community.

Indian River Colony Club, FL is telling interested buyers about a Getaway Package that includes three days and two nights of golf, tennis and touring plus one evening of fine dining and hotel accommodations for two. Price is just $199 per couple. (Airfare not included). Click here for more information about Indian River Colony Club!

Deer Brook Golf Club, NC is offering a visitation package that provides a great way to see the club and the surrounding area. Package includes a night’s lodging, a round of golf for two, dinner for two and a personal real estate tour of the Deer Brook Golf Club communities. Some restrictions apply. Click here for more information about Deer Brook Golf Club!

Top Ten Most Visited Communities Include Those in Florida, Carolinas, Georgia

This Month's Top 10 Most Visited Communities

1. Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, Florida
2. The Cliffs at High Carolina, Asheville, North Carolina
3. Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
4. Del Webb's Stone Creek, Ocala, Florida
5. Heritage Bay Golf & Country Club, Florida

6. Del Webb's BellaTrae at Champions Gate, Champions Gate, Florida
7. Mountain Air Country Club, Burnsville, North Carolina
8. Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Stuart, Florida
9. Del Webb's Sun City Peachtree, Griffin, Georgia
10. The Cliffs at Glassy, Greenville, South Carolina

The Bay Club, MA, to Host 3rd Annual "Taste of the Bay" Sunday, Oct. 18

The Bay Club at Mattapoisett will host the Third Annual "Taste of the Bay"  on Sunday, October 18 from Noon to 4 p.m.  Seven custom-built homes will host Open Houses, each offering food and beverages from local vintners and food purveyors. 

Two Abbot Homes in the Bay Club’s Preserve neighborhood will also be open for touring. The Preserve offers single-family condominium-style homes ranging in size from just under 2,000 square feet to 2,800 sq feet with a multitude of customizable features. 

"The appeal of condo living combined with the amenities of the Bay Club is an ideal situation," says a community spokesperson.

As a part of the The Bay Club at Mattapoisett’s Taste of the Bay, the Sports & Activities Center demonstration kitchen will feature local favorite Chad Michael Peters, who will be sharing tips and tricks for stunning floral arrangements.

Everyone is welcome and we invite you to bring family and friends. Please RSVP to the Sales and Information Center at 508-758-9543 or via email by October 16.

More Green Shoots: Heritage Wake Forest Parade of Homes Hosts 2,700 Visitors

We've been reporting this year on 'green shoots'--positive trends--in the master-planned community industry and Heritage Wake Forest has been a consistent provider of good news. Today the community reported it had hosted more than 2,700 visitors over the past two weekends at its Parade of Homes event.

With 13 beautifully crafted showcase homes ranging in price from $220,000 to $640,000, Heritage is the largest Parade of Homes community in the Triangle this year and has made Heritage a true destination. The Parade continues October 17 and 18 and the homes will be open 12 noon until 5pm each day.

About Wake Forest
The award-winning Heritage Wake Forest golf community features 24 neighborhoods offering a variety of styles and living. Amenities include championship golf course, two swim clubs, tennis courts, numerous walking and biking trails, children’s playgrounds and a fully stocked fishing pond.

Golf Digest Magazine awarded the golf course, a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, an outstanding 4.5 star rating (out of five).

 

Ford's Colony Holds Parade of Homes, Blackstone Gets Audubon Certification

Ford’s Colony, VA is close to Williamsburg.

Ford’s Colony, VA presented its Fall Parade of Homes this past weekend. Prospective buyers toured resale homes, new-construction homes, the Ford’s Colony Eaglescliffe Condominiums, as well as its Links townhomes. Click here for more information about Ford’s Colony!

Daniel Island, SC will once again host the prestigious Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island. Public is invited out to the community’s Ralston Creek Course to watch this season-ending classic, beginning with practice rounds Monday, Oct. 19 through final-round action on Sunday, Oct. 25. Click here for more information about Daniel Island!

Blackstone, AZ got the good news this week that its Jim Engh-designed course in Peoria has been designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International. It is only the 10th course in Arizona to receive the distinction and the 778th in the world. Click here for more information about Blackstone!

Lake Jovita Stay 'n Play Offers Golf, Tennis, More; Deer Brook Lowers Prices

Colony at the Grand, AL is set on the Mobile Bay.

Colony at the Grand, AL has cut prices some 40 percent which has sparked sales. Prices now start at $399,900 for a two-bedroom, $459,900 for a 3-bedroom and $529,900 for a 4-bedroom unit. Meanwhile, the community has opened a $17 million swim & tennis club, and its location of Fairhope, Alabama has been named one of the 25 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. by Money Magazine. Click here for more information about Colony at the Grand!

Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, FL's new Stay ‘n Play package features golf on two of Florida's top-rated courses, plus 3-bedroom villa accommodations, one round of golf daily, full use of the Clubhouse, fitness center, junior Olympic swimming pool and Har-Tru tennis courts. Click here for more information about Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club!

Deer Brook Golf Club, NC has lowered prices on all its homesites by 10 percent. In addition, purchase of a lot includes the initiation fee for a Deer Brook Golf Club membership. Homesites range from about a half-acre to about an acre with prices starting around $20,000 and ranging to the $80,000s. Click here for more information about Deer Brook Golf Club!

Blackstone Golf Course Earns Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Status

The Jim Engh-designed golf course at Blackstone Country Club has been designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the 10th in Arizona and the 778th in the world, by Audubon International.

A 570-acre private, gated community located within the Vistancia master plan in Peoria, the award adds even more weight to the community's green efforts, catapulting it to the Vanguard level--the top designation--on the GolfCourseHome Network's GreenGolfCommunities website.

Earning the certification means the club has demonstrated a strong commitment to its environmental program and maintains a high degree of environmental quality in the areas of environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water quality management, water conservation and environmental planning.

“The Blackstone agronomy team is to be commended for its efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Jim Sluiter, staff ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.

The championship course is home to mule deer, ducks, badgers, bobcats, prairie dogs, chipmunks, many types of birds and the wild donkeys that have roamed the area for generations.

Course Superintendent Roger Brashear led the 25-member team in the year-long process that took more than 300 hours to complete.

“I’m proud of the team’s efforts,” he explained. “Their daily record-keeping allowed me to provide Audubon International with information in a concise and timely manner. It made things run very smoothly.”

Brashear, who is being recognized for his environmental stewardship by the organization, regards the certification as an affirmation of the club’s existing course maintenance practices.

“The environmental management practices we follow here are respectful of the land, wildlife, water and air,” he said. “But they also help us to improve our efficiency in maintaining the course and will ultimately help us achieve sustainability.”

Join the GolfCourseHome Network at the Amenity Communities Marketing Summit

The GolfCourseHome® Network will be an exhibitor at the 8th Annual Amenity Communities Marketing Summit at the Marriott Resort & Spa on Hilton Head Island,SC, Oct. 18-20. In this difficult market you need all the good ideas you can find and you will gather in plenty at the Summit.

The Summit is the place to be if you are looking to make connections in the community development industry, learn about industry trends and want to know the latest innovative ideas and marketing solutions. You always take home several good ideas that you can immediately incorporate into your own business.

Guest speakers this year will be Susan Sweeney,CA CSP, President, Connex Network, Inc.; Jim Taylor, Vice Chairman, The Harrison Group; Randy Banks, Developer/Owner, Mountain Air, plus several discussion panels and, of course, sales instruction and inspriational remarks by Terry and Mike.

Hosted by Terry Weaver, President of MSI Corp. and Mike Notartomaso, President of the Hilton Head Group, the Summit is an annual fixture on our event calendar where we meet up with old friends and make new ones.

GolfCourseHome® will have a booth, so please come by, say hello, and receive a free golf towel, a special gift provided by ReadyCare Industries. As Terry says, "Don't let this economy hold you back!" The Summit is one way to move forward. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Indian River Colony Club, FL, a 55+ Golf Community, Offers Affordable Lots & More

Indian River Colony Club, FL is just for 55-and-betters.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Indian River Colony Club to the GolfCourseHome Network. Located outside Melbourne in Viera, Florida, Indian River Colony Club is a superbly managed and maintained community for active, 55-and-up residents.

Indian River Colony Club is an Active Adult Retirement Community for people aged 55 and over. IRCC residents enjoy maintenance free living, 24-hour gated security and a full complement of country club amenities.

Laced with fairways, ponds and preserves, the community was originally established for officers of the U.S. Armed Forces. Today it is a thriving community of 771 homes with resale homes and 13 remaining lots for future construction. Indian River Colony Club is self-governing and its amenities are debt-free. It retains a support staff of 125 people to provide security, maintenance, comfort and worry-free living to all residents.

Standout Amenities
Heading a roster of standout amenities at Indian River Colony Club is its Gordon Lewis-designed championship golf course. This private, 18-hole course meanders among the community's homes and its many ponds and natural preserves.

IRCC's state-of-the-art fitness center offers treadmills for walking or running programs, upright and recumbent bikes and stair climbers for aerobic workouts. There is a generous area of resistance-training machines and a NuStep Recumbent Cross Trainer.

Every Day a Game Day: Residents play tennis on Har-Tru courts, swim year round in the 3,000 sq ft. resort-style pool, or dine in the At Ease Club, headed by an executive chef. The pools was honored as Florida’s most outstanding commercially-designed pool when it opened and offers special aquacise classes each week. Dozens of clubs, social activities and private parties take place in the community's Colony Hall.

Real Estate: Indian River Colony Club, FL

* Over 770 individually owned homes
* 13 building lots remaining
      o Choice of 16 different floor plans
      o Leisure-living design with custom options
* Lakeside and fairway-side homes available
      o Some homes with private pools
* Priced from the low-$100,000s
* Listings through Paradise Properties of Brevard
* Click here for more information about Indian River Colony Club!

Reynolds Plantation Hosts Celebrity Chefs, Champion Hills Has Busy October Schedule

Carnegie Abbey, RI is a private sporting estate.

Carnegie Abbey, RI is planning a special "Talking Baseball” evening on Oct. 28 during the World Series game. This event will be hosted by Carnegie Abbey member and Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt. Joining Mike Schmidt to speak and answer questions will be former Major League player and manager Davey Johnson. Click here for more information about Carnegie Abbey!

Reynolds Plantation, GA, along with Golf Digest and Golf World Magazines will be bringing their Celebrity Chef Classic to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation over Halloween weekend. The event will be hosted by celebrity chef Ming Tsai and Golf Digest Senior Editor Stina Sternberg. Highlights include the Celebrity Chef Dinner and Auction on Friday night, October 30. Click here for more information about Reynolds Plantation!

Champion Hills, NC invites members, guests and visitors to enjoy a busy October Fest in the Hendersonville, N.C., area. From October 1 on there will be open-studio artist shows, country music at the Flat Rock Playhouse, special Heritage Museum exhibits, evenings with local authors plus a horse show, a crafts fair and guided upland hiking tours. All events are open to the public, and many are free. Click here for more information about Champion Hills!

The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC announces the launch of its new Builder Showcase Program. Through this new partnership, eight prestigious builders, who all are Reserve members themselves, will soon be offering over 20 new home plans available in the Lake Keowee area exclusively at The Reserve. Home plans in the program will offer both a cost and time savings for buyers wishing to customize.
Click here for more information about The Reserve at Lake Keowee!

Harbour Ridge Offers Big Incentive on Luxury 3-Bedroom Condo With River Views

Harbour Ridge, FL is in the Treasure Coast town of Stuart.

Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, FL is offering a luxury river-view condo in which the seller is offering to pay $55,000 toward the buyer’s equity. This renovated 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence has St. Lucie River views from its living spaces and from the master bedroom suite. This incentive offer expires Nov. 5. Click here for more information about Harbour Ridge!

The Reserve at Lake Keowee Raises $10,000 at Inaugural Charity Golf Classic

The Reserve at Lake Keowee's Jack Nicklaus course.

The Reserve at Lake Keowee, SC, raised more than $10,000 at its inaugural Charitable Foundation Golf Classic. Held on Monday, October 5th at the community's Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, the event's proceeds will be donated to selected Pickens County charities through The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s Charitable Foundation. The tournament will become an annual event at The Reserve, with October 18, 2010 slated as next year’s date.

A total of 84 players took part in the tournament. Members of the winning team included Irv Harrington, Mike McHenry, David Brock and Alan Gall. Each contestant was registered to win a two night stay in a Palmetto Dunes Resort Villa on Hilton Head Island, as well as one round of golf for four people. Local businesses that were unable to play in the tournament participated by sponsoring a hole with a $100 donation.

Residents Suggest Charity Recipients
The money raised from this tournament will be used to enhance the charitable contributions given in 2010 by the new Reserve at Lake Keowee Charitable Foundation. The Charitable Foundation operates as a supporting organization for the philanthropic goals and intentions of The Reserve at Lake Keowee Community Foundation.

Charities which receive donations are suggested by property owners. Each Reserve property owner will receive a ballot of area charities via email in February. The Trustees will give priority to the charities suggested by the results of the property owners’ ballots. The money raised from the golf tournament will be properly allocated to the chosen Pickens County charity in 2010.

ABOUT THE RESERVE AT LAKE KEOWEE: The Reserve at Lake Keowee is a 3,900-acre lake, mountain and golf community stretching across 30 miles of shoreline on Lake Keowee. Created by Greenwood Communities & Resorts, The Reserve offers more than $100 million in completed, family-friendly amenities, including a 200-slip Marina, a Village Center, complete with Guest House, and Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Homesites are offered from $200,000 including membership

Response to Owen Glen Enthusiastic, Another Positive Real Estate Recovery Sign

Owen Glen GA is a private community in Georgia.

We are always looking for good signs in the real estate market and on Friday we had one of our own when we announced that Owen Glen, a refined, yet affordable club community in the mountain town of Blairsville, GA, had joined GolfCourseHome.

The response was immediate and positive. Maybe it was Owen Glen's location just a mile from Lake Nottely, a 4,100-acre lake with more than 100 miles of shoreline, or its challenging Denis Griffiths golf course. Pricing in which homesites start at just $30,000 for this gated community is probably another. In any event, we thought you should know that Owen Glen appears to have a bright future--good news for an economy that needs it.