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Ciel

It started with a dream…

Nature Adventures in and Around Asheville
October 3, 2016 by David Zimmerman

couple-hiking

photo credit: www.asheville.com

photo credit: www.asheville.com

There is so much to do and explore in the Asheville area. Hiking and biking opportunities abound in national parks, along the Blue Ridge Parkway and on the Appalachian Trail.
Featured Trails

Links to other trail information

Biking Information

Skiing in and near Asheville

Kayaking and Rafting near Asheville

Kayaking and whitewater rafting are one of the major attractions in western North Carolina.  There are numerous opportunities to enjoy this activity in the Asheville area.

fall-leaves-photoOptions include:

  • Guided whitewater rafting trips as well as self-guided canoeing and kayaking on the French Broad river near Asheville.  There are many local outfitters in the Asheville area who conduct these trips and rent equipment for self-guided floats.
  • Whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, near Bryson City, NC, approximately 50 miles west of Asheville.  Again, there are numerous experienced outfitters who can assist with these adventures.
  • Other nearby rivers for canoeing, kayaking and rafting are the Nolichucky, Ocoee, Pigeon, Chatooga and Cheoah.

A good starting point for planning your rafting trip is this link to the official Asheville tourism site.

Waterfalls near Asheville

The area around Asheville is home to many beautiful waterfalls. According to exploreasheville.com, one can enjoy breathtaking views in the Cullasaja Gorge without leaving the car as several falls cascade close to the highway.

Great sites about local waterfalls

Other links of interest

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In Case you missed us in the June Issue of Variety. Here it is!
August 25, 2016 by David Zimmerman

Summer_RealEstateGuide_2016_CielProperties

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Golf in Asheville, North Carolina
August 8, 2016 by David Zimmerman

North Carolina has been known as a haven for golf lovers throughout it’s existence. Asheville, North Carolina is one of the most beautiful areas in the state to play.  We have a multitude of golf courses in and around the Asheville area that will meet all golfer’s needs at any level of play.

At Ciĕl,  one can live in the seclusion of the mountains, just a stones throw away from some of the best golf clubs in the United States.  As beautiful as Ciĕl‘s views are, it must be said that on all the golf courses listed below one can find a breathtaking view of the mountains and landscape in Western North Carolina.  We offer homes for sale and land for sale in Asheville, North Carolina together with some of the best golf courses that can be found in North Carolina and the World!

Golfing NC

Apple Valley and Bald Mountain at Rumbling Bald

Phone: 828.625.2888
Web:www.rumblingbald.com
Location: Lake Lure, NC
Description: Apple Valley, designed by Dan Maples, features well-guarded greens & tight fairways.

Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville

Phone: 828.254.3211
Web:www.ashevillecp.com
Location: Asheville, NC
Description: Nestled on 125 acres just minutes from downtown and Biltmore Estate.

Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa

Phone: 800.438.5800
Web:www.groveparkinn.com
Location: Asheville, NC
Description: One of the South’s most famous grand resorts, The Grove Park Inn was built in 1913 overlooking the Asheville skyline and Blue Ridge Mountains.

Asheville Municipal Golf Course

Phone: 828.298.1867
Web:www.ashevillenc.gov
Location: Asheville, NC
Description: The Asheville Municipal Golf Course is a 18 hole, par 72 yard course, designed to be challenging as well as fun.

Golf Courses near Asheville (within 40 miles)

Black Mountain Golf Course

Phone: 828.669.2710
Location: Black Mountain, NC
Description: Home of the 747-yard par 6. The course is always in excellent condition with bentgrass greens and plush fairways

Broadmoor Golf Links

Phone: 866.578.5847
Web:www.broadmoorlinks.com
Location: Fletcher, NC
Description: Broadmoor Golf Links is a Par 72 championship course, ranging from 5900 to 7168 yards and is playable for every golfer.

Cleghorn Plantation Golf & Country Club

Phone: 828.286.9117
Location: Rutherfordton, NC
Description: Championship mountain golf course.

Connestee Falls Country Club

Phone: 828.885.2005
Web:www.connesteefalls.com
Location: Brevard, NC
Description: Conveniently secluded, Connestee Falls Golf challenges your game and rewards you with majestic panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Crooked Creek Golf Club

Phone: 828.692.2011
Location: Hendersonville, NC
Description: Located on old Warner Bros. Estate. Tall pines. Lots of water and character.

Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club

Phone: 828.891.9412
Web:www.cummingscove.com/golfexperience.htm
Location: Hendersonville, NC
Description: The award-winning 18 hole, par 71 Cummings Cove 6,400 yard course has elevated tees, tree-lined fairways, lakes, streams and incredible mountain views.

Etowah Valley Country Club & Golf Lodge

Phone: 800.451.8174
Web:www.etowahvalley.com
Location: Etowah, NC
Description:Etowah Valley Country Club & Golf Lodge offers Southern hospitality and unlimited complimentary green fees on our immaculate 27 hole championship course.

Glen Cannon Country Club

Phone: 828.883.8175
Web:www.glencannoncc.com
Location: Pisgah Forest, NC
Description: Rated 3 1/2 stars by Golf Digest. A relatively flat course in a mountain setting.

Grassy Creek Golf & Country Club

Phone: 828.765.7436
Web:www.grassycreek.com
Location: Spruce Pine, NC
Description: Challenging par-72 golf course offering small, fast bentgrass greens and a 90 cart path rule, weather permitting.

Highland Lake Golf Club

Phone: 828.692.0143
Location: Flat Rock, NC
Description: Very walkable with very large Bent Grass greens, Tifsport Bermuda fairways and lighted practice range. Putting green, pro shop, golf lessons, snack bar and club rentals.

Irontree Golf Course

Phone: 828.627.1933
Location: Waynesville, NC
Description: 18 holes, par 72

Kenmure Properties, Ltd.

Phone: 800.345.1860
Web:www.kenmure.com
Location: Flat Rock, NC
Description: Kenmure is a 1400 acre planned private community offering a 18 hole golf course, Pro Shop, banquet facilities, tennis courts and a fitness center. Vacation Rentals Available.

Lake Junaluska Golf Course

Phone: 828.456.5777
email:info@lakejunaluska.com
Location: Waynesville, NC
Description: One-year membership fee: $475. Back (64.6 rating, 98 slope); Forward (2681 yards). rstrnt./lounge, putt. green, pro shop, rentals.

Laurel Ridge Country Club

Phone: 800.433.7274
Web:www.laurelridgegolf.com
Location: Waynesville, NC
Description: A beautiful mountain golf course that features many elevation changes. Course is meticulously maintained.

Maggie Valley Club

Phone: 800.438.3861
Web:www.maggievalleyclub.com
Location: Maggie Valley, NC
Description: The scenic Maggie Valley Club is nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains with elevations up to 3,500 feet.

Marion Lake Golf Club

Phone: 828.652.5906
Web:www.marionlakeclub.com
Location: Nebo, NC
Description: This course is located off the shores of Lake James and overlooks Linville Gorge. Boat dock/lake access and swimming pool available.

Meadowbrook Golf Course

Phone: 866.863.2690
Web:www.meadowbrookgolfclub.com
Location: Rutherfordton, NC
Description: Gentle rolling fairways with small but ample greens. Challenging but not extremely difficult. Great condition.

Mount Mitchell Golf Club

Phone: 828.675.5454
Web:www.mountmitchellgolfresort.com
Location: Burnsville, NC
Description: The course is in a valley at an elevation of 3,000 feet below the peak of Mt. Mitchell. It is mostly flat with bentgrass from tee to green.

Old Fort Golf Course

Phone: 828.668.4256
Web:www.mcdowellnc.org
Location: Old Fort, NC
Description: The course has penncross bentgrass greens and Bermuda grass fairways. It is reasonable tough and challenging but enjoyable to play.

Orchard Trace Golf Club

Phone: 828.685.1006
Location: Hendersonville, NC
Description: Orchard Trace features 2,139 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 54. The course rating is 55 and it has a slope rating of 113.

Red Fox Country Club

Phone; 828.894.8251
Location: Tryon, NC
Description: Ranked in the top 100 courses in USA in 1974.

Reems Creek Golf Course

Phone: 828.645.4393
Web:www.reemscreekgolf.com
Location: Weaverville, NC
Description: Golf Digest rating of 4 stars in its “Places to Play.” Voted the best course in Western North Carolina.

Rutherfordton Golf Club

Phone: 828.287.3406
Location: Rutherfordton, NC
Description: This course is hilly with small, elevated greens.

Sherwood Forest Golf Course

Phone: 828.884.7825
Web:www.sherwoodforestncgolf.com
Location: Brevard, NC
Description: Built in 1970, nine holes run along the Little River valley and the other nine meander through scenic woods.

Southern Tee Golf Course

Phone: 828.687.7273
Location: Fletcher, NC
Description: Southern Tee is an 18 hole, par 3 course, featuring A-1 bent grass greens, tift Bermuda tee boxes and rye fairways.

Springdale Country Club

Phone: 828.235.8451
Web:www.springdalegolf.com
Location: Canton, NC
Description: Lodge, clubhouse, restaurant, lounge, putt. green, chip. green, pro shop, rentals and school. Bentgrass greens, rye grass fairways and tees.

Town of Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course

Phone: 828.625.4472
Web:www.townoflakelure.com
Location: Lake Lure, NC
Description: 9 Hole, Donald Ross Design, Municipal Golf Course.

Tryon Country Club

Phone: 828.859.9561
Location: Tryon, NC
Description: One of the oldest golf courses in North Carolina and rated a comfortable 69.4, par 72 course. Open year round. 9 hole or 18 holes with extra tee.

Waynesville Country Club

Phone: 800.627.6250
Location: Waynesville, NC
Description: The Blue Ridge Course, Carolina Course and Dogwood course.

FEATURED IMAGE ASHEVILLE  www.citizen-times.com

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Economic Flight to Safety, What BREXIT means for the UK or EU Investor?
by David Zimmerman

Recently we all witnessed the decision of the United Kingdom’s people to incite an exit from the European Union.  The “BREXIT,” as it has become known, is a quite historical moment for the EU, Great Britain, and the World.  The decision has impacted financial markets across the globe and has also opened the door for other European Union Members to start seeking referendums that would lead to national voting to decide whether to stay in the Union or not.

EU FLAG

The European Union was an idea that sprang up after World War II in 1945 and from 1945 to 1959 the union became  a reality.

www.europa.eu reports that between 1945 and 1959:

The European Union is set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbours, which culminated in the Second World War. As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community begins to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace. The six founding countries are Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The 1950s are dominated by a cold war between east and west. Protests in Hungary against the Communist regime are put down by Soviet tanks in 1956. In 1957, the Treaty of Rome creates the European Economic Community (EEC), or ‘Common Market’.

The “Common Market,” was meant to enhance the peace between the countries, as well as, establish a union of commodity and economic trading that would allow for a more robust European Economy.  In fact,  the EU began really seeing momentum during the early to mid 2000s when countries adopted the Euro making most of the European Union all part of the same currency market.

As a foreigner living within the European Union for the past 16 years and having recently exited myself, I see “Brexit,” as a huge blow to the future success of the union.  Europe is filled with countries that are rightfully so, proud of their heritage and cultures.  For many years now, there has been a growing idea amongst all of Europe that the Union is taking away the uniqueness of the countries from which it is made.  This mere fact has caused many of the nations to discuss in private and public conversations alike whether the European Union is a benefit or a risk to each of their nation’s well being.

And now, “Brexit” comes in to reaffirm the fears that all of the countries had prior to this monumental decision of Great Britain to exit from the European Union.

Investopedia wrote a great article just a few days ago found here with three options for flights to safety from the EU and British Economic Markets.  The article can be found here. The article at Investopedia contends that “Precious metals, the U.S. Dollar, bonds, and utilities look like excellent choices for traders and investors seeking long-term safety or short-term exposure that will benefit from the maelstrom.”

Ofcourse, everyone is talking about the positive effects the Brexit will have on precious metals, the U.S. Dollar, bonds and utilites,  but I think they are forgetting the ever preciousness of land and other real property.  Land and Real Property are more permanent investments and can also be traded after short or long holds.  In general, by investing in the right property in the United States could be a beneficial strategy for a flight to safety with your EU or UK investments.

Asheville, North Carolina has seen amazing growth in land and property values.  This is due to many factors such as, the beauty of the city and it’s surrounding areas, it’s mild climate in both Winter and Summer months,  recent economic expansion from incoming industrial and tech companies, as well as it’s consistent growth on the USA’s landscape of one of the best cities in America to live for health, wellness, and cost of living standards.

Why not land bank or invest in properties that can act as second homes or can make great incomes from vacation rentals in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Ciĕl, located on Elk Mountain Scenic Highway offers great investment homes and growth potential.  Property prices will increase in  Asheville on a year to year basis.  Why not get in now and secure your future away from the financial breakdowns of the markets and the EU.  BREXIT FACE PIC

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The George Matsumoto Prize 2016
July 27, 2016 by David Zimmerman

Recently, the home I conduct business in on most days was nominated for The George Matsumoto Prize.  George Matsumoto created many award winning designs throughout his architectural career and now NC Modernist Homes has an annual contest named in his honor to celebrate Modern Home Design!  George’s designs are immediately identifiable at first glance and cease to amaze in their modern characteristics and functional design aspects.  Even James Taylor grew up in a mid-century modern home designed by Matsumoto in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  (seen below)

George Matsumoto

We welcome the honor of being nominated as a contender with Jason Weil of Retro + Fit Design, LLC as our architect in this year’s contest and would love for you to vote for Ciel 10 at the link below:

https://ncmhcompetitions.squarespace.com/

ciel.housedusk

The Prive, shown above, represents the quality and style of living at Ciel, a mountain top private neighborhood in Asheville, North Carolina.  Residences are built with Vision at Ciel and are NC Green Built.  Give me a call if you are interested to know more about what we do.  Jason 336-543-7339 or email at jason@ciel-property.com

Homes and Homesites for Sale on Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, Asheville, NC

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Asheville Restaurant Review ONE: HOMEGROWN
by David Zimmerman

Today I decided to visit a restaurant for lunch in Asheville, NC located at 371 Merrimon Avenue called HOMEGROWN.  I met a friend there who was visiting from Raleigh for lunch and we thought we would give it a try.  We arrived at 11:45am which I usually think is early for lunch, but we found out it is better that we did arrive EARLIER rather than LATER.  By the time we were finished with our meal and amazingly satisfied the line to order food was basically out the door of the restaurant.  We originally thought when we first arrived, this place must be good, look at all the people sitting in the restaurant eating.  Needless to say Homegrown is a restaurant worth visiting.  The food is impeccable and made fresh to order.

Home Grown Logo

I had a Farmer’s Salad with no dressing and added grilled chicken to it. It was filled with fresh greens, pine nuts, sprouts, strawberries and other fresh goodness on every level.  It was a great addition to my fresh made blueberry unsweetened ice tea!  The service was impeccable and the taste and ingredients of the food was authentic and down right AMAZING!

Located just minutes away from Ciel where I work makes the restaurant even that much greater as I can be there within 10 minutes and the staff is very efficient which means no long waits and a quick in and out HEALTHY LUNCH!

Below find the menu link:

http://www.slowfoodrightquick.com/menu.html

Be sure to check out Homegrown and it WELL!  ON top of all this goodness, they also are ANTI-HB2!  Keep the hope alive!

Homegrown bathrooms

****All photo credit to Homegrown Facebook Page!  🙂

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Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center
by David Zimmerman

Wow!  Having moved to North Carolina as a child from New York and basically only accepting my Southerness in my early 40s,  I have to say that my move to Asheville has made me even more proud to have been raised mostly in the South.

Black Mountain College

Last Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of an invite to the Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center for a lecture/discussion group on “What is Modernism for our Mountains?”   sponsored by The Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center, AIA Asheville, and Modern Asheville.  I was quite interested to see how the discussion would go and how it would represent Modernism in our Mountains here in Asheville and Western North Carolina.  Upon walking into the museum space there must have been at least 30-40 people in the room who had come for the event and were actively interested in modern homes, modern home building, green living, and scenographic placement of modern homes on the sides of the mountains.  It was more than interesting to hear the speakers and moderator, as well as, many audience participants give their thoughts on Modern Architecture and how it is good for our region of the world.  Speakers included Maria Rusafova, Mark Allison, and Thad Rhoden and the moderator was Troy Winterrowd of Modern Asheville.  The experience in itself was quite intellectual and I was happy to be surrounded by so many intelligent people that had ideas and thoughts of their own on the topic.  The speakers were worthy of speaking and made great points and Troy made for a great moderator and topic leader!

BMC Frontage

The lecture was great and at the mixer that followed I learned about Black Mountain College and it’s history.  I wondered to myself, “Why isn’t this amazing college’s history taught in NC History?”  The college began in 1933 and closed in 1957.  It was an epicenter for art, free thought, and new social movements.

Legendary even in its own time, Black Mountain College attracted and created maverick spirits, some of whom went on to become well-known and extremely influential individuals in the latter half of the 20th century. A partial list includes people such as Willem and Elaine de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg, Josef and Anni Albers, Jacob Lawrence, Merce Cunningham, John Cage, Cy Twombly, Kenneth Noland, Vera B. Williams, Ben Shahn, Franz Kline, Arthur Penn, Buckminster Fuller, M.C. Richards, Francine du Plessix Gray, Charles Olson, Robert Creeley, Dorothea Rockburne and many others, famous and not-so-famous, who have impacted the world in a significant way. Even now, decades after its closing in 1957, the powerful influence of Black Mountain College continues to reverberate. For more information view our resources.   – Black Mountain College and Arts Center.

Black Mountain College represents another great reason why I am happy to have been raised in the South.  Many people don’t realize what a great history the South has in arts, culture, and creativity.

BMC Campus Historical

The topic of the lecture was the exact reason I chose to relocate my family here.  I came to work for a developer with integrity, AIBL LLC,  who believes in building modern homes that are environmentally friendly and NC Green Built approved.

For more information about Modernism at Ciel on Elk Mountain Scenic Highway please go to our website at www.ciel-property.com

 

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The High, Atlanta GA
by David Zimmerman

The High Museum of Art presents itself as not only an architectural gem in downtown Atlanta, but also as a world renowned art museum.  It doesn’t disappoint as it offers such a diverse permanent collection and continues to bring in temporary and touring collections on a regular basis.

IMG_0772

The Rise of Sneaker Culture is currently on exhibit at The High from June 11, 2016-August 14, 2016.  This is a must see exhibit.  It is a retrospective look at the sneaker throughout history and contains a rich inventory of sneakers.

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Ellsworth Kelly at The HIgh Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia

The museum offers extensive permanent collections such as Folk and Self-Taught Art  which I found the most interesting due to it’s large representation of Howard Finster and Modern & Contemporary Art  containing  very impressive Basquiat paintings and many more influential sculptors and painters.

IMG_0779The High Museum in Atlanta is an important resource for other South Eastern cities in the United States.  Atlanta is an easy commute from Asheville, NC by car or plane.  Being so close to such a major city is an important part of why we chose to move to Asheville. Asheville offers a smaller city with an abundance of nature and a flourishing downtown filled with fine arts, opera, art, and culture while being so close to larger cities like Atlanta and Charlotte.  Conveniently you can live in the mountains and reach cosmopolitan cities within 2 to 3 hours.  Asheville continues to please.  This time it ticks the location box!

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Asheville Chamber of Commerce 5K Run
by David Zimmerman

Always a pleasure to serve the community that we work and live in, Ciel and AIBL Invest LLC, take pride in helping out at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce as much as we can. On Friday June 3rd, the Asheville Chamber hosted a fundraising 5k Run for their own organization which is fully supported by their own funding and sponsorships.  The chamber does a great job in Asheville of promoting local businesses and linking business in the area together to continue growth and awareness of the city and region.

5k Run

The 5k Run allowed 1,400 runners and walkers to raise money for the Asheville Chamber, as well as, allowing sponsors and their employees an afternoon out of the office for team building,  social responsibility, and exercise.  We were able to help in two different and effective ways by volunteering to fold shirts and help with the administration of the run itself and also provide direction to participant traffic and automobile traffic on the roads that were part of the 5K Run.

5kRun.2

Needless to say, it was a fun and exciting day for all involved.

Ciel is a luxury mountain residential development on Elk Mountain Scenic Highway that allows the owner to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle without compromising the integrity of the natural landscape.  We look forward to more Asheville Chamber of Events and volunteering to help them attract new business to the city!

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It started with a dream…
by David Zimmerman

Posted in Asheville Entertainment, History of Asheville, homesites for sale in asheville nc
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