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

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.

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.            

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.     

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.

Forbes.com has named Brevard, NC one of the top 10 best places to retire in a recent article featured on the popular business magazine’s website. Renown as a small city in Transylvania County, North Carolina with a population of just 7,609 as of the 2010 Census, the quaint and historic town is located near the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and has become a noted tourism, retirement and cultural center in western North Carolina thanks to its moderate climate, environmental beauty and boundless cultural activities. Brevard named one of the top 10 pbest places to retire In recent Forbes article The Forbes article cited Brevard’s pros as being a “scenic town amid waterfalls,  moderate climate, cost of living 3% below national average, typical home price $195,000, low crime, high walkability rating. Cons: none.” Billy Harris, the official real estate broker for Sutton Knob’s select home sites and properties, believes Sutton Knob’s proximity to both downtown Brevard, as well as the many outdoor attractions in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest make it an appealing opportunity for people looking to purchase property for retirement location. “Sutton Knob is so unique offering some of the best view home sites in the county,” Harris said. “When you combine the views from over 3,200 feet elevation, the location just 2.5 miles to the entrance of Pisgah National Forest with onsite trails, ponds and waterfalls, it’s a pretty easy sell.  We only have a limited supply due to the low density of this project and currently have 13 custom home sites remaining.” About Sutton Knob: Sutton Knob is a 94-acre planned community development currently under construction that is located just minutes from downtown Brevard in Pisgah Forest, NC. Visitors to Sutton Knob will experience expansive views of the nearby Pisgah National Forest from multiple locations within the property, while lakes, streams and small waterfalls await those who venture into the beautiful hardwood forests found in the valley below the summit of Sutton Knob. Construction on a series of roads, hiking trails and mountain bike trails is currently underway nearing completion and expected to be completed by spring 2015. Also currently under construction are the first of several rental cottages on the property that offer traditional styling with their craftsman-style designs. Inside the two and three bedroom cottages visitors will find all of the modern amenities they need, as well as incredible views of the vast Pisgah National Forest that beckons visitors to explore the outdoors during their stay at Sutton Knob. The first five of these cottages is now available for rent through Deer Ridge Property Management. For more information on real estate at Sutton Knob, visit www.suttonknob.com.billyharrisnc.com. About Forbes Magazine: Forbes is an American business magazine owned by Forbes, Inc. Published biweekly, it features original articles on finance, industry, investing, and marketing topics.  

Ready to see what the inside of the Cedardale Cottage looks like? This recently completed cottage offers a spacious great room, large kitchen, two bedrooms, a screened in porch and incredible views throughout. We invite you to take a quick tour and see it for yourself before booking your next vacation rental in Brevard, North Carolina with Deer Ridge Property Management. For more information and to inquire about availability, call Deer Ridge at 828-862-8134. Still want to learn more about Sutton Knob? Check out this quick clip that highlights many of the great outdoor adventures and activities that make Brevard, North Carolina one of the best places to spend your vacation. For more information on booking a cottage at Sutton Knob in late 2014, contact Deer Ridge Property Management at (828)862-8134. For information on real estate at Sutton Knob, contact Billy Harris by visiting the Sutton Knob Real Estate site.

Recent construction of a new road to the Summit at Sutton Knob have proven successful and the Cantrell Construction Company team is moving quickly ahead with a wide, gently sloped road toward the Summit. The new road has made it even easier to access some of the beautiful views at Sutton Knob, which have been made all the more beautiful this week thanks to the colorful fall foliage.

The first cottage is almost completely finished. The latest estimates for completion are for the last week of October when home furnishings will be delivered and put into place. Soon, visitors to the first rental cottage at Sutton Knob will find it hard to believe that construction began only six months ago.  

The exterior of the first cottage on Cedardale is taking shape. The board and batton siding, timber frame elements and stone work all contribute to the cottage’s classic style. Inside, the cottage’s hardwood flooring has recently been laid. Next up will be completing the stone fireplace, as well as finishing the cathedral ceilings in the great room. The cottage features outstanding long-range views, which make it a perfect mountain getaway where guests can enjoy the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The porch on the cottage provides unencumbered long-range mountain views. Meanwhile, next door the framing has begun on the second cottage to be constructed at Sutton Knob. This unit will also feature great long-range mountain views looking West toward the Blue Ridge Mountains.  

Initial grading work on Ferndale Road, the site of Phase II of development at Sutton Knob, was recently completed. In the next few weeks, surveying work is scheduled to be completed, which will allow for a select number of properties available on Ferndale Road to go onto the real estate market. For information on these properties, contact Billy Harris by visiting his website at www.billyharrisnc.com. The gently-sloping gravel drive is lined by large hardwoods and features numerous homesites nestled into the woods just a short hike away from the two ponds and community gathering area at Sutton Knob. Schedule your tour of Sutton Knob today by contacting Billy Harris at 828-553-9666.

Reporter Jeremiah Reed with The Transylvania Times in Brevard, North Carolina wrote a fantastic article highlighting the ongoing development and construction at Sutton Knob. In the article, Dan Schuessler provides insight into his efforts to boost the local economy through the construction process, as well as attracting outdoor adventure enthusiasts throughout the year. An excerpt from the article: A new development on Ivy Lane, near Pisgah National Forest, seeks to capture the allure of the outdoor culture in Transylvania County by providing visitors with beautiful homes in a remote area, while also providing all the natural recreation amenities that have made the county attractive to outdoor enthusiasts. Sutton Knob, located in Pisgah Forest roughly five minutes off the Asheville Highway, is a 96-acre development that will house up to 30 rental and housing units once construction is complete in the coming years. Sutton Knob is approximately 1,000 feet higher in elevation thanBrevard, containing more than 40 percent green space consisting of Hiking trails, ponds and waterfalls with easy access to Pisgah National Forest located 1.5 miles away. Dan Schuessler, who along with his wife, Mary Kay, is the developer of Sutton Knob, said he envisions providing visitors with a “mountain adventure experience” as well as an “escape from reality.” “We want people who rent cottages to feel like they have escaped and they’re in really kind of a true mountain adventure, near everything but where they’re staying also mirrors and blends into Transylvania County,” Schuessler said. To read the article in its entirety, visit The Transylvania Times’ website by clicking here: http://www.transylvaniatimes.com/story/2014/06/23/news/development-targets-outdoor-lovers-brevard-nc/18418.html

Want to see what the views from the Summit at Sutton Knob are like? Take a look at this fast-forward glimpse at one hour of clouds rolling across the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Work on the first cottage at Sutton Knob is really taking off as the first walls of the cottage went up last week. Take a look through some of the photos below for a better look at the progress being made out at Sutton Knob near Brevard, North Carolina.

  The crew has been hard at work up at The Summit of Sutton Knob over the last week clearing out some of the many incredible views that can be experienced from Sutton Knob. In the coming months, Billy Harris will begin putting together pricing for the select number of lots located atop Sutton Knob. To reserve one of these great views for yourself, contact Billy today by visiting his website at www.billyharrisnc.com.  

According to David and Kay Scott, authors of Guide to the National Park Areas: Eastern States and Guide to the National Park Areas: Western States, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of 10 of America’s national parks that are especially rewarding.   The Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of some of the most beautiful scenery in the eastern United States. (Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto) The Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of some of the most beautiful scenery in the eastern United States. The parkway’s 45-mph speed limit results in a trip of two or more days to cover the entire length, depending on the number of stops along the way. Three park lodges along the parkway provide overnight accommodations. Make a pit stop at iconic Mabry Mill and order a plate of buckwheat pancakes or biscuits and gravy before visiting the historic water-power grist mill. Take along a cooler so you can stop and enjoy a picnic or two at one or more of the many scenic overlooks.blueridgeparkway.org   For more, visit their article on USA Today.

An article detailing the ongoing development process at Sutton Knob appeared in The Transylvania Times Monday, March 31. In the article, Scott Bolyard, the lead planner of the development, details why he believes Sutton Knob is poised to not only attract visitors to the area, but provide an exceptional experience while visiting. “I hope that Sutton Knob becomes a place for people to come and stay in Transylvania County and experience the region,” he said. “While they’re here, we hope to capture their attention while they are on the property with things that can supplement a lot of the great activities they can do in the area with some amenities on the property. We just want to provide a really nice weekend getaway in the mountains and leave a lasting impression on visitors.” “This 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.” For more information on the article and to read it in its entirety, visit http://www.transylvaniatimes.com/story/2014/03/31/business/construction-on-sutton-knob-project-begins-brevard-nc/17281.html

  Construction of the first roads into Sutton Knob and the new entrance into the development are currently underway in early March. Matt Cantrell and his crew are hard at work constructing Hollydale Road down to the grassy meadow in the valley area of Sutton Knob. From there, Cantrell and his crew will begin working on adding Ferndale Road that will head through a scenic forest where around eight home sites are planned. Beyond the grassy meadow is Sutton Knob, where an additional number of home sites will be situated during Phase II of the development process.   Hollydale Road, the first road constructed at Sutton Knob, as seen near the grassy meadow.   Meanwhile, Courtney Cheek and his crew have been hard at work stacking boulders at the entrance to Sutton Knob, working on placing the sign and preparing to landscape the area ahead of a March 20 groundbreaking ceremony scheduled to be held at Sutton Knob. Courtney Cheek, owner of CMC Landscaping & Grading, at work constructing the entrance to Sutton Knob. The view from uphill of the entrance showing the future site of Cedardale Lane where construction of the first cottages is scheduled.