Summary:

This 1,000 acre, family-owned property in the North Carolina mountains, near Asheville, was the original site of the cross country stagecoach stop in western North Carolina. The farmhouse that provided rest and shelter for the stagecoach drivers, along with an adjacent fort and food storage area, were utilized for protection when hostile Indians attacked and are still standing today. These structures including all of the original barns and out buildings have been carefully preserved by the current owners.

The property is now jointly and severally owned by several siblings, some of which still live on the land while others carry on professional careers in other cities. Through our initial interview process with the family members, we were able to determine four primary goals for the property:

1. Provide a legacy for the family

2. Preserve the historical character of the site

3. Produce an income for future generations

4. Preserve special environmental features of the site

Outcome:

We studied the demographics of the Asheville area, current development trends, analyzed the physical characteristics of the site and met with area developers and planning officials. We then held several workshops with the family members including both the current ownership generation as well as several of their children. In these sessions we discussed the Strategic Objectives that would allow them to meet their goals, such as how to mitigate risk, the expected financial return, land and building preservation, infrastructure, limiting or increasing capital investment, development ventures and direct development. We then provided numerous alternative development plans for their review and consideration.

Services:

The final Development plan consists of a small town center that will be anchored by an organic food market and a bed and breakfast. The original farmhouse and outbuildings will become a museum displaying the history of the property and the family. Housing will be constructed in select areas with most of the land being naturally preserved.

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