Latest Updates From Sutton Knob

The new cottage is tucked away in Pisgah Forest. Quite peaceful solitude, surrounded by the best of Mother Nature. It feels like you’re in treehouse, especially on back porch…it’s definitely perched in the treetops. You’ll be serenaded all day by the sounds of nature…..wind in the trees, water flowing over the rocky creek below, birds songs……right around sundown the frogs and katydids begin nature’s lullaby…..paradise. In this neighborhood you will never get tired of the enchantment of the forest.         The mountain laurel is just beginning to bloom. The sprouting forest fern are working in tandem with wild flowers and mosses to carpet the forest floor. The air is fragrant with Nature’s perfume……sweet earthy clean….. uniquely Pisgah. I can’t seem to breathe deep enough to take it all in…… All of this is minutes away from epic mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, fly fishing, swimming in clean mountain streams and lakes, paddling on the French Broad, scenic driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Pisgah Forest is known as “the land of the waterfalls”, there are a lot of waterfalls here, over 200!!! It’s total fun hogging!!!!                             Need more, the bike shops have taprooms, coffee houses and food trucks……and bikes! In downtown there are Breweries, tap rooms, local owned restaurants, spa, art galleries, an amazing farmers market, street Festivals, music festivals…..the music scene here is famous, check out the Brevard Music Center!! Thirty minutes to Asheville. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere. We hope to see many of you in the coming months!!! Book A Cottage

One of Sutton Knob’s recent rental tenants created this great video showcasing what makes Sutton Knob such a great destination. Here’s a bit of what he had to say about visiting Sutton Knob in early spring: If you’re looking to get away from New England winters to go biking, March in Brevard has been very good for us. Not too hot, not too cold. We had rain several days but never for a whole day. If it rained in the AM, we’d ride forest service roads in the PM. If rain was forecast for the PM, we’d ride in the AM. Again, Dupont’s sandy so that’s the best place if you’ve had a lot of rain and the waterfalls will be amazing! For more information on rentals at Sutton Knob, visit Deer Ridge Property Management’s Sutton Knob page where you can read reviews, view galleries and more: http://deerridgepm.com/sutton-knob/

An increasingly busy summer season at Sutton Knob has led the developers of the 94-acre real estate development to move up their plans to build the third rental cottage at the outdoor-oriented rental and real estate development in Pisgah Forest. The two rental cottages currently in operation at Sutton Knob have been booked at nearly full occupancy throughout the summer. As a result, Dan and Mary Kay Schuessler, Sutton Knob’s developers, have decided to break ground on a three bedroom cottage to be built by GoingGreen Builders on Cedardale Lane with the goal of having it completed and ready for rentals beginning in spring and summer of 2016. The home will be decorated by Dee Ann Allen, owner of Decorating by Dee Ann. The third cottage will also be managed by Deer Ridge Property Management, which has been handling all rental bookings and marketing from the beginning. “We are very pleased that our first two cottages have had high occupancy this year,” Dan Schuessler said. “We are very excited that guests have enjoyed the onsite trails and ponds with some saying they never turned on their TV during their stay.  That is the experience we wanted to create, the ‘escape from reality’ through the ultimate mountain adventure that Transylvania County offers.” In addition to the busy rental season at Sutton Knob, real estate sales have exceeded expectations as Sutton Knob has consistently been one of the most active developments in home sales in Transylvania County for 2015 with a total of five lots currently sold and one pending. “What has surprised us the most is (Stephen) Billy Harris of Portfolio Properties (Steve Owen & Associates) selling five home lots this year to buyers from Hawaii, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina,” Schuessler said. “We never expected to have this response on lot sales, but the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and trails have been a key selling point. All of our buyers have some passion for the outdoors including hiking and cycling. It is great to be able to provide a community to build their mountain retreat and be located in the middle of all the outdoor adventures that our county offers as well as 15 minutes from downtown Brevard.” Since purchasing the property in December 2013 the majority of infrastructure work and most of the amenities at Sutton Knob are now complete. The Schuesslers credit the hard work of the Sutton Knob team for getting Sutton Knob to where it is today. “The quality of the work done by Jerry Brown Construction, Dee Ann Allen, Cantrell Construction, CMC Landscaping, and Going Green Builders has been outstanding and we would not be where we are today without their commitment to high quality and timely execution with all this taking place while I am working in Houston,” he added. “I have been blessed to work with a team I can trust and have confidence that our development will fit well within the county and help contribute to the economic growth that we need to grow construction and tourism. Due in large part to the success of the real estate at Sutton Knob and the rental program, the Schuesslers’ goal of building additional cottages will continue, while they also want to continue to evaluate other development opportunities in the county. “Our vision is to have 10 rental cottages by 2020 driven by the successful rental program through Deer Ridge Property Management,” Schuessler said. “We will also continue to add to the trail system and add other features in the development driven by lot owner and cottage guest feedback. “A dream for us someday would be to build tree house cottages somewhere in the county as that would provide another type of accommodation for tourists.  We also believe business needs to actively support the future growth and development of the Brevard Music Center driven by Mark Weinstein and his team.   As BMC prepares to celebrate their 70th anniversary, it is important we support BMC going forward to remain a leading summer music festival.   Right now, our focus is Sutton Knob but it is fun to think about future ideas to help further grow tourism in the county.” In an effort to help support continued growth and development in the county, the Schuesslers have donated $1,000 for every lot sold to the United Way of Transylvania County. “We plan to continue to reinvest our lot sale proceeds into the county,” he said. “When we started this project, we committed to invest exclusively in Transylvania County and we remain committed to that objective to help create more jobs in the county. There are many people in our community who have no other choice but to work outside of the county given limited job opportunities.  Being able to be a small part of providing job opportunities in the community is what we are about.  It is exciting to see the other developments in the county also supporting Transylvania County as the ultimate mountain vacation destination. “While we are currently only living in the county part of the year, we look forward to being permanent residents when we retire and plan to actively continue development in the county, volunteer in the community and enjoy the mountain experience full time!” For additional information on the development process and construction at Sutton Knob, please follow along with our frequent updates at our website, www.suttonknob.com and take a tour of some of the many amenities that can be found at Sutton Knob, as well as find driving directions to Sutton Knob. For information on real estate opportunities at Sutton Knob, please email billyharrisnc@gmail.com.

Ryan Jacques, owner of Going Green Builders and a fourth generation builder, is dedicated to building environmentally friendly homes and structures. “Basically, I just want to build the healthiest, most energy efficient home I can, within the budget my client gives me,” said Jacques. Green Builders is behind the design and building of the pavilion in the green space at Sutton Knob, and Jacques appreciates that it will be enjoyed for years to come by all of the homeowners and vacationing guests. Jacques exudes excitement when sharing details about his projects. “The pavilion will feature all sustainable forestry certified lumber from local sources, and a metal roof made from approximately 30 percent to 60 percent recycled material,” he said. “It will house 10 picnic tables – and the developer hired the carpentry class ofRosman High School to build them, as he believes in investing in the local economy and supporting local education.” After starting Going Green Builders in 2008, Jacques became the first builder in Transylvania County to get the “LEED AP” designation from the U.S. Green Building Council. He is also “Build It Green” certified through the National Home Builders Association. “What I love about this whole project at Sutton Knob is the care that has been taken in maintaining green space and Hiking trails for all of the homeowners and guests to use, as well as the efforts the grading and landscape contractors have taken to minimize erosion and keep sediment from making its ways in to the nearby rivers and streams,” said Jacques. In addition to the pavilion, Going Green Builders is also working on plans for what will likely be the forth vacation home in the Sutton Knob.  

After several months of work, Laureldale Road and Hollydale Road, the roads leading to the Summit at Sutton Knob, have both been completed. Paving of the surfaces at Sutton Knob is expected to begin at a later date once all construction traffic is complete. The winding roads offer fantastic views of the Pisgah National Forest and nearby Blue Ridge Parkway and even provides for a glimpse of the Pisgah Inn along the way. Once at the Summit, a large roundabout is in place along Hollydale Road to provide easy access to multiple lots in that area. One of those lots is Lot 12, which overlooks the lake in Pisgah Forest and looks out to Rich Mountain and DuPont State Recreational Forest, providing great year-round views. At Laureldale Road, there is access to a total of four lots with great views of the Pisgah National Forest and the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains. These lots provide great views of the sunset and also offer access to large tracts of protected green space as part of the designated conservation areas within Sutton Knob. To view a detailed map of Sutton Knob, please see our Master Plan. For more information on real estate at Sutton Knob and to schedule a tour of the available properties, please contact Billy Harris at 828-553-9666.            

After months of hard work by Jerry Brown Construction Company and his team of talented carpenters, the Maple Cottage at Sutton Knob is complete. The 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath home has been custom built specifically to meet the needs of our vacation rental guests.  The property owner worked hand-in-hand with Deer Ridge throughout the entire building process to build a property that would exceed guests expectations. The landscape around the home was provided by CMC Landscaping, while the interior decorating and design was curated by Dee Ann Allen of Decorating by Dee Ann. Maple Cottage boasts stunning long range mountain views year round. The home has a nice bright open floor plan.  Walk in the front door and take in the Mountain Views through the large picture windows in the living room and dining room areas. Dine inside or out with the spacious screened porch overlooking the view.  The screened porch has both a sitting area and a dining table for outdoor entertaining.  The Living/Dining Room area opens onto the screened porch through two large sliding glass doors that can be pushed back to bring the outdoors in. Wake up to Mountains, take in the views through the large picture window while your head is still resting in bed!  The Master Bedroom has a King Bed and offers plenty of room to move around as well as a large walk in closet.   The Master Bathroom features a large walk in shower and a Garden Tub to soak in after a full day of adventure. The Guest Bedroom has Two Twin Beds and a large bathroom featuring a walk in shower. Got Gear?  Want to beat the weather?  This home has a large double garage that is connected to the home through a covered walkway.   For more information on booking the Maple Cottage at Sutton Knob, contact Deer Ridge by calling (828)862-8134 or visit them online at www.deerridgepm.com  

This weekend the long-time favorite White Squirrel Festival will return to downtown Brevard for the 11th year.  The biggest draw to this event is the killer live music schedule, that will make even the most shy dancers want to boogie down.  Bands that will make an appearance include Sol-Driven Train, Big Daddy Love, Jeff Sipe Trio, Scythian, Pretty Little Goat, Aaron Burdett, and Shannon Whitworth.  This is just a sampling – there are 16 impressive acts scheduled to shake the stage throughout the weekend!  Not interested in shaking a leg?  Blankets and folding chairs are welcome for those who’d rather watch from the sidelines. The 4th Friday Gallery Walk and live music kick off the weekend on Friday evening.  Saturday morning begins with 5K and 10K road races and a fun run – followed by the the Veteran’s Memorial Parade and Wreath Dedication to commemorate the Memorial Day weekend.  The street festival will include arts and crafts vendors, kids activities, and delicious foods, and will be in full force both Saturday and Sunday. Although the annual Squirrel Box Derby has been put on hold this year, there will be a “Save the Derby” booth with information on how to support bringing this race down Jailhouse Hill back on the docket for next year. The White Squirrel Festival is truly a gem of an event for Brevard – and for all of the visitors who come out to enjoy the festivities.  There is something for everyone!  Local shops will feature special events and sales throughout the weekend, so it’s also a great time to get in a little downtown shopping. As the name suggests, white squirrels are also on the agenda.  Brevard’s famous little furry friends will be represented by Pisgah Pete – a rescued white squirrel who makes an appearance.  There is a white squirrel photo contest, and there is also information on how white squirrels live and what others can do to help with rescues and rehabilitation. For more information on the festival, including the full music and activity schedule, visit www.whitesquirrelfestival.com.     

With miles of hiking trails at Sutton Knob available for visitors and property owners, finding a nice place to take a hike and enjoy the beauty of nature is as easy as heading down to The Meadows at Sutton Knob where trailheads to several great hikes are located. The newest addition at Sutton Knob is Yuto’s Trail, a moderate hike that leads out to a beautiful cascading waterfall and offers great views of the surrounding mountains. Take a virtual tour of the trail with the photos below and head over to our Sutton Knob Rentals page for more information on booking your stay at Sutton Knob.   The trailhead to Yuto’s Trail, the newest trail at Sutton Knob. The wide, gentle path leads through a beautiful hardwood forest that offers some nice long-range views during winter months. The view of the forest surrounding the cascades provides a serene, peaceful setting. The 60+ foot cascade creates several beautiful waterfalls as the water flows over the rocks and slides toward a pool at the bottom. After the hike, the view of the Meadows area wiith additional hiking areas is an enticing and relaxing way to spend the evening. As the sun sets at Sutton Knob, our guests can take advantage of the community fire pit.

About Sutton Knob Real Estate Sutton Knob offers high elevation and gentle topography and only 6 miles from Main Street Brevard and 1.5 miles from Pisgah National Forest Entrance. Great owner financing option on lot purchases, and preferred financing on house lot package deals. Enjoy close to 40 acres of trails, ponds and waterfalls. Give Billy a call today at (828) 553-9666, or browse our listings by visiting www.suttonknob.billyharrisnc.com.  What Makes Sutton Knob Unique • Sutton Knob is a low-density, 94-acre community that offers a wealth of amenities, including paved roads and over 40 percent green space with miles of hiking trails, ponds, a community fire pit and a pavilion designed for large group gatherings. • Elevation ranging from 2800-3200 feet (over 1,000 feet higher than Brevard) provides summer temperatures approximately 6 degrees cooler than downtown Brevard. • Long range vistas, clear mountain ponds and streams, natural flora and fauna, and countless outdoor recreation opportunities await in the nearby Pisgah National Forest. • Convenient location only 1.5 miles from the entrance of Pisgah Forest, 6 miles from downtown Brevard, and 20 minutes to the Asheville Regional Airport and DuPont State Forest. • The quiet setting at Sutton Knob provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities, yet the close proximity to Brevard offers easy access to a variety of recreational, cultural and educational activities. • Plan your next mountain getaway at Sutton Knob, a place designed to create an unforgettable mountain experience in Western North Carolina. We invite you to come connect with nature and the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge. The Sutton Knob Story While the amenities found within Sutton Knob are sure to keep visitors busy throughout their visit, the nearby Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest and Gorges State Park offer guests of the Land of Waterfalls an extensive network of trails, waterfalls, scenic drives and outdoor adventures like few places in America. Travis Mileti, the designer of the first rental cottages being built at Sutton Knob,  believes the traditional look of the cottages, coupled with the trail systems throughout the development, the long-range mountain views and the nearby hiking, biking and waterfall viewing opportunities nearby will only enhance Sutton Knob’s goals to provide a mountain getaway experience. Scott Bolyard, owner of Creative Development Solutions, who will be heading up the design and planning of the development’s infrastructure and amenities, agrees. “Sutton Knob is located right in the heart of some of the best mountain biking in the region,” Bolyard said. “In addition to that, the trout fishing opportunities located in Pisgah National Forest along the Davidson River are just an incredible resource. Add in the hiking, waterfalls and other activities you’ll find in the area and it’s clear that this area is a great resource that has the potential to draw a lot of visitors.” Real Estate Broker Stephen “Billy” Harris of Portfolio Properties said he believes the area’s great location and proximity to Pisgah National Forest make it a great choice for new development in Transylvania County. “Sutton Knob is ideally located to enjoy a wealth of recreational, cultural and educational opportunities, while the quiet setting offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors,” Harris said. “Residents will enjoy private home sites with sweeping mountain views and easy access to the nearly 40 acres of greenspace and trails.” In addition to using local contractors for the project, Sutton Knob will also work to source all of the construction materials from within Transylvania County if possible. For additional information on the development process and construction at Sutton Knob, please follow along with our frequent updates at suttonknob.com and take a tour of some of the many amenities that can be found at Sutton Knob, as well as find driving directions to Sutton Knob. For information on real estate opportunities at Sutton Knob, please email billyharrisnc@gmail.com.

Name Jeremy Stubbs Property Name Sutton Knob-Cedardale How would you rate your overall experience? Excellent What made you choose the rating above? One of the best vacation rental experiences we have ever had. Our expectations were exceeded from the first phone call to the follow up emails after our stay. Amazing experience. If you would like to, please use the space below to provide a Testimonial for the Property and/or Deer Ridge below. We stayed at Sutton Knob-Cedardale over Thanksgiving weekend 2014. Most of the other rentals that we considered were already booked. That turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I contacted Deer Ridge Property Management in hopes that there might be a home left in the Brevard area. I am really glad I did. The property in question was brand new construction. Kristy Kolisch-Harris went above and beyond to get the house ready for our arrival. The customer service and professionalism exhibited by the people at Deer Ridge Property Management was second to no other that we have rented from before. A sincere thank you from our family. About the house: Sutton Knob-Cedardale is nothing short of amazing. The drive up to the cottage is an entertaining switchback climb up from the valley floor. It takes about 10-15 minuted from downtown Brevard. There is a very nice double car garage to park in. One of my favorite memories of our entire stay is opening the front door the first time. The house instantly exceeded all expectations. Full stone fireplace, gleaming hardwood floors, granite counter tops, all add to the appeal and beauty of the house. Nothing, however compares to the endless views out of the beautiful windows on the back of the house. We have stayed at many different places over the years. In my humble opinion, the mountain views at Sutton Knob-Cedardale equals or tops all of the others that I have seen. This was our second trip to Brevard in as many months. We went to back to Brevard to explore the downtown area, trails, and waterfalls. However, I found myself not wanting to leave this house. It has everything one would need to settle in and have a wonderful stay. The kitchen is well stocked with everything you would need to cook/bake with. The furniture is much nicer than what we have experienced in other vacation rentals. The bathrooms are very well thought out. The main bedroom offers the same amazing view as the living area. There was even firewood left for us to enjoy. I highly recommend Sutton Knob-Cedardale. It is an exceptional vacation rental to base your explorations of the surrounding area in. Enjoy. Any additional comments or suggestions? Incredible house in an amazing location managed by a wonderful team of helpful and people.