Community Welcomes Green Living Expert to Sales / Development Team
Sylva, NC (August 21, 2018) — Balsam Mountain Preserve, a low-density, conservation-orientated private residential community set on 4,400 acres in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, furthers its commitment to sustainable living by welcoming Dave Walters to the sales and development team. Dave is a resident of the community and owner of D&J Properties; a residential and commercial development company specializing in green building technology and will lead a specialty taskforce aimed to promote green home building on the mountain. Dave’s knowledge and expertise in the field will complement the community’s commitment to conservation and sustainability. Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, the Pisgah National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Balsam Mountain Preserve (BMP) was created as a “community within a park.” With an ethos centered on land-stewardship, seventy-five percent (3,400 acres) of the property has been placed in a permanent conservation easement, ensuring the preservation of its present park-like state in perpetuity and making it the lowest density residential community in the Southeast.
Mr. Walters spent 30 years in the residential design and home furnishings industry with notable firms such as Ethan Allen Interiors and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries. Having divested his interests in the Metro Atlanta market in 2004, Dave started and continues to operate D&J Properties, a business firm specializing in residential and commercial green consulting and development projects. His company was responsible for the design and project management of Balsam Mountain’s Green Model Show Home located at 4900 Preserve Road. The timber-frame home is approximately 5,960 sq. ft and features sustainable products such as re-claimed indigenous heart pine post and beam framing, SIP wall and ceiling construction, with solar PV and thermal systems integrated with geothermal HVAC conditioning. The project was completed in 2009 and was one of the first homes in Western North Carolina to achieve LEED for Homes Gold Certification status from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), as well as achieving the highest gold rating (in the state) by the North Carolina Healthy Built Homes certification program. The home is currently being utilized to demonstrate “the many shades of green building” possible on the mountain.
Dave joining the BMP sales and development team is yet another step by the community to reinforce its ongoing commitment to sustainable lifestyles. In April, Balsam announced a partnership with North Carolina-based farming organization, Organic Growers School, to create farming opportunities and implement educational programming and experiences within the Preserve. In addition to cultivating fresh herbs and produce for residents year-round, the farms will also supply the new Members’ Grille and nearby Tavern located in the upcoming Doubletop Village – a new mountain hamlet of dining and recreational amenities currently under development and scheduled to open in early 2020. Long-range farming goals include a larger farm to support a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and outdoor classroom for educational programs for all ages.
In May Balsam announced its acquisition of 2,000-acres of land under the conservation easement within the property. Included in the easement is the majority of land surrounding the homes, Club facilities and upcoming new Doubletop Village. The acquisition will allow the Balsam community to utilize the easement to its fullest potential, including eco-education opportunities for residents and scientific studies managed by the Balsam Mountain Trust, a nonprofit 501 c3 resident on the property, in partnership with both local and regional groups.
As Balsam Mountain Preserve continues to uphold the community’s commitment to conservancy, they do so with the support of the Balsam Mountain Trust – a nationally-recognized, non-profit organization that has emerged as a leader in education, research and conservation leadership. Charged with the preservation and stewardship of the Preserve’s natural and cultural resource, the Trust employs two full-time naturalists in an on-site nature center (with an incredible birds of prey program), benefiting residents and surrounding Western NC schools and communities.
To learn more about home ownership opportunities at Balsam Mountain Preserve, call their sales office at (866) 452-3456 or visit www.balsammountainpreserve.com.
Balsam Mountain Preserve
Balsam Mountain Preserve is a low-density, conservation-orientated private residential community set on 4,400 acres in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville. Refined amenities of the community include an Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, equestrian center, sports & wellness center, pool, nature center, tennis courts, guided hiking, fishing and camping opportunities, gathering house and food & beverage offerings. The new Doubletop Village, currently under construction, will consist of a grouping of stunning club facilities featuring a new Members’ Grille with a private dining room and an expansive terrace for outdoor dining. The Grille will overlook the practice park, golf course, valleys and mountains beyond. Across the courtyard, the Club Tavern will offer casual indoor and outdoor restaurant service. The Village will also feature a General Store and Golf House, as well as an organic farm, Great Lawn for bocce, croquet, badminton, putting green and other sports. For more information or to inquire about homes, homesites or membership opportunities, visit www.balsammountainpreserve.com or follow us @BalsamMountainPreserve on Facebook, Instagram or @BMPCommunity on Twitter.
