Stacy and I actually found the Preserve at Rock Creek by accident. At the time we already owned a lot on the Horsepasture River, in another Sapphire development. When our architectural plans and cost estimates for that property were finalized, we realized we were going to overbuild that subdivision.
We decided to search for another lot in the Cashiers / Sapphire / Lake Toxaway area. We had settled on Cashiers because of the accessible amenities, restaurants, shopping, lakes, and waterfalls. We knew there had to be a better location nearby for our home and we were determined to find it.
Sapphire Heaven - Exterior
While driving to see a listed property in another development we mistakenly turned into the Preserve at Rock Creek. That proved to be a fortunate mistake. It was a beautiful entrance, so we drove up Whitetail Drive to get a feel for the community.
Sapphire Heaven - Living Room
The brochure we found in the dispenser at the top listed the lots which were still for sale. When we walked out onto lot #13 and saw the spectacular long range view we were awed. We could even hear a waterfall from there. We had previewed lots all over western NC and never had we seen anything like that. We spent a couple hours that day checking out every lot. We narrowed it down to #s 7, 8, 10, and 13. We took another trip back the next day to make the tough choice of Lot #10.
We hadn’t planned on spending that much money on a lot, but like I told Stacy, Lot #10 was a million dollar parcel, priced at almost half of that. Not to mention, the price per acre was less than any other development. Plus, the 200 acres of Preserve land gave us privacy and a real mountain getaway, all within minutes of shopping, dining and activities.
Sapphire Heaven - Kitchen
Additionally, it was already approved for a total of seven bedrooms, which could be split between two home sites. No other place we had seen allowed that option. That flexibility would allow us to immediately begin construction on a guest house that we could use until we were ready to build the main home.
We were pleasantly surprised that after contacting the salesperson, he immediately put us in contact with the developer, Tim Bright. Tim explained his vision of preserving a large tract of a pristine mountain property for a limited number of families to enjoy. He was so down to earth and easy to work with that we soon owned our dream.
Sapphire Heaven - Outside Hot Tub
That was five years ago. We were so blessed to have found our spectacular mountain estate when we did. There is a lot of high elevation real estate available, but Stacy and I know all too well that quality parcels like these are extremely rare. I’m certain the other owners feel the same way. Even future generations from all of our families will appreciate Tim’s vision and efforts in creating the Preserve at Rock Creek.
John and Stacy Thomas
Orlando, FL
Estate Lot 10, Sapphire Heaven
