By Charles Richardson
A timeless setting
The first thing you notice about French Broad Crossing (FBC) is the exquisite Western North Carolina setting: pure, pristine, secluded, and in perfect harmony with the lush, densely forested hills that form a natural amphitheater of majesty and timeless beauty. Residents here liken it “to living in one’s own national park,” yet it’s just a short drive from the dynamic city of Asheville, NC. Indeed, much of the land at FBC is permanently preserved, held in conservation to prevent further development. Families are drawn to an idyllic living experience that can be passed down to future generations, in the same undisturbed state that exists today. It is here, against the backdrop of ancient rolling mountains and the mighty French Broad River—third oldest river in the world according to geologists—that the new 2016 Southern Living Inspired Home will reside.
A home that brings the outdoors in
“The goal from day one,” says builder, Sean Sullivan, of Living Stone Construction, “was to build a home that blended naturally with this magical setting that Mother Nature created.” Indeed, the free-flowing, open layout invites the outside in, seamlessly blending nature’s handiwork with quality craftsmanship. The 2,500 square-foot (three-bedroom, three-bathroom) home has been expertly constructed to evoke a refined mountain architectural feel as part of the landscape as the towering trees, spacious skies overhead, and the Blue Ridge ground underfoot.
“One of the key design features of this home was to make it feel like it’s a part of nature. From the moment you open the front door you are greeted with a mountain view—your eye travels through the foyer and living space and out to the porch which provides gorgeous views in every direction.”
— Sean Sullivan, Living Stone Construction
A Southern Living Inspired Community
Prior to the building of the Southern Living Inspired Home, Southern Living™ magazine had already designated French Broad Crossing as a premier “Inspired Living” community: a distinction that’s bestowed on just a select few properties across the country. It was chosen because of its breathtaking mountain location along the French Broad River, poised atop hundreds of acres of protected land. “We’ve seen a real shift with today’s buyer,” says Jack Fisher, Owner and Founder of French Broad Crossing. “They’re moving away from the so-called country-club lifestyle, in favor of more sustainable nature preserves. Families today are looking for an authentic connection with nature, a place they know will be around for generation after generation.”
Life on the River
Perhaps the best “feature” of the 2016 Southern Living Inspired Home is it’s one-of-a-kind location, near the mighty French Broad River in the coveted Blue Ridge Mountains. Families here have access to acres of unspoiled wilderness, expansive vistas, and scenic trails. The new home also grants access to a wide range of finished amenities, that include: a rustically elegant River Lodge overlooking the French Broad; a Wellness Facility & Outdoor Pool; a Riverfront Family Park & Pavilion (ideal for fly fishing and easy river access); a masterfully crafted Tree House hidden deep in The Bluffs, complete with an outdoor fireplace; and of course, the mighty French Broad River itself, which serves as the ultimate natural amenity all the year round.
Learn more
If you would like to know more about the Southern Living Inspired Home at French Broad Crossing, please visit FrenchBroadCrossing.com or contact the Sales Office at 828.284.2400