In and around Asheville, building has gone boom… especially when it comes to luxury living.

The Ramble Biltmore Forest. Descendants of George Vanderbilt are clearing land near the Biltmore Estate for one of Asheville’s newest high-end residential developments. Jack Cecil, Vanderbilt’s great-grandson, is the president of Biltmore Farms, developers of a 941-acre property located adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Hendersonville Road interchange in south Asheville. Lot sales at The Ramble begin in the fall of 2005 with sales divided into four categories:

• Terrace Homes – 2,500- to 3,200-
square-foot houses, including lot, $500,000 to $750,000.
• Hamlet Homesites – One-half- to one-acre sites, $150,000 to $350,000.
• Woodland Preserve Homesites – One-plus acre homesites near creeks and parks, beginning at $350,000.
• Mountain Estate Homesites – Over one acre, beginning at $400,000.

For additional information, visit www.ramblebiltmoreforest.com

Biltmore Village Condominiums. Construction is nearing completion on 11 new condominium units near historic Biltmore Village. The first phase includes eight new condos in the first building, and three in the second. Most are two bedrooms with two baths, and range between 2,250 and 2,985 square feet. Average price range for these condos is $250 per square foot, and historic tax credits are available. Preferred Properties in Asheville, N.C. is handling the sales, (828) 258-2953.


37 Hiawassee. Inner city suites tailored to individuals seeking first or second homes, residences at 37 Hiawassee are located in the midst of the diverse amenities of downtown Asheville. An adaptive reuse of a solid vintage building, it combines stylish, modern amenities, period woodwork, superior-level finishes, and contemporary systems, as well as on-site parking. Developed by Urban Spaces of Ashevlle, LLC and Griffin Architects, sales and marketing are being handled by Tessier Associates, Inc. (828) 254-9842.

Twenty One Battery Park. Downtown Asheville’s first new residential development in decades, Twenty One Battery Park is composed of luxury condominiums with private balconies, mountain views, and on-site parking. Built of antique brick and stucco, it features a four-story atrium, marble public areas and is situated near the majestic Grove Arcade. Upper floors are designed with one- and two-bedroom condominiums ranging from 1,300 to 2,630 square feet, each with private balcony, 10-foot ceilings and views of downtown. For more information, contact Mary Evans or Stewart B. Coleman, (828) 253-5391.

Crest Mountain. Only 10 minutes from downtown, Crest Mountain is a private, gated setting noted for spectacular vistas, natural beauty and expansive home sites with natural hardwoods and elegant drives. The community includes cottage homes, upscale condominiums and custom sites in a village atmosphere complete with waterfall, small lake and hiking trails. Other amenities: swimming and tennis facilities, and the Crest Center and Crest Pavilion. Contact: Don Greeson, (828) 252-1277.

Mountain Air. Sitting on its own mountain nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, Mountain Air is made up of lush tracts of undisturbed forest and views that reach more than 100 miles. In the heart of a culturally diverse area, this exclusive gated community is just 35 minutes north of Asheville and offers homes, luxury condominiums and building sites from $189,000 to more than $1.5 million. Also of note, Mountain Air earned the prestigious Gold Award for Best Community in America, Over 151 Units, in the Best in American Living Awards sponsored by the National Association of Homebuilders and Professional Builder. Contact: Donna Haynes, Burnsville, (800) 247-7791.

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. This gated golf-course community is preparing to open its Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in 2005. Lots start around $400,000 and go up to almost $2 million. Hundreds of acres are designated for private parks, hiking, biking and picnic areas. Safety is also a plus; the front gate is attended 24 hours a day by an EMS-trained employee, and round-the-clock security officers check on the entire property. Information is available at www.cliffscommunities.com.

Reynolds Mountain. A new community is shaping up in north Asheville’s Reynolds Mountain development. Though the first phase welcomed residents in 2002, opportunities are now available in The Summit. Prices range from $100,000 to close to $400,000 for lots in sizes from just under an acre to more than six acres with elevations reaching to 3,000 feet. At completion, the entire development will encompass more than 200 custom homes, luxury town homes and arts & crafts-style villas. To learn more, visit www.reynoldsmountain.com