White Sulphur Springs Receives Award for
"Best New Community Plan"
(Mount Airy, North Carolina) January 14, 2008 - White Sulphur Springs, near Mount Airy, was selected as a "Best New Community Plan" award recipient in Pinnacle Living Mountain Homes Magazine's 2008 Best of the Mountains Awards. White Sulphur Springs, a community of only 92 hillside home site's, was recognized for its vision to re-create the simpler life. The community will encourage a lifestyle that embraces family-oriented activities in a historic location. It will foster an environment where neighbors will be friends.
Located in North Carolina's wine country, White Sulphur Springs offers beauty and seclusion, yet is easily accessible - just 40 minutes from Winston-Salem, 60 minutes from Greensboro and 90 minutes from Charlotte. "We are just eight miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and three miles from Mount Airy. Yet every convenience is within 10 minutes - without the traffic, noise, intensity and stress of busy city life," Robertson said.
Mount Airy is one of only a few hundred towns in the United States defined as a micropolis. Offering the best of both city and country living, micropolis communities are considered cheaper, safer and easier to live in than big cities and are particularly attractive to people who no longer define their lives by where they work and to boomers in search of a simpler life.
Across 145 acres of majestic trees, rolling lawns and sweeping hillsides, White Sulphur Springs returns to the magnetic appeal of the legendary turn-of-the-century White Sulphur Springs Hotel (circa 1905). The grand hotel enticed affluent travelers from the East Coast, Europe and South America to linger at the hotel to enjoy the lush mountain landscapes, rejuvenating spring waters and cool hillside breezes.
The Hotel burned. But the land and the springs were preserved. Burke Robertson, owner and developer, wants White Sulphur Springs to be a more than just a new community. "We are returning to a privileged few this beautiful and protected land," he said. "We recognize the history and unique natural attributes here and our community will bring people together and closer to nature."
More than 2.5 miles of nature trails meander throughout the heavily wooded property and the Ararat River borders the 7.5-acre front lawn. The riverbanks will remain undeveloped for residents and guests to fish, canoe or kayak, wade in the cool, crystal water or just watch the river as it flows along.
White Sulphur Springs revives many elements of the original resort including a new Spring House to be built at the site of the historic mineral spring. A covered outdoor Pavilion, on the site of the original dancing pavilion, will provide a perfect spot for community activities and family gatherings. Benches, a hammock park, lawn game areas and other amenities also encourage a family-oriented, active outdoor lifestyle.
The Pavilion - 3,500 square feet of space, more than half will be covered. A two-sided fireplace, summer kitchen, bathrooms and heaters for cold weather will provide a comfortable environment for parties. The Pavilion will make it easier for people to reconnect with nature, family and friends, fitting perfectly within the vision for White Sulphur Springs.
The Spring House - The icon of White Sulphur Springs. Historically, the water was believed to offer wonderful health benefits; and it actually may. But it is the spirit of what the spring water represents - a way to refresh your body, mind and spirit - that will replenish residents and their guests.
The Proposed White Sulphur Springs Inn - White Sulphur Springs will become a popular base camp for exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Yadkin Valley Wine Region. Nearly six acres have been set aside for a planned 28-room Inn and twelve guest cottages. A dining room and restaurant will be available to guests and residents alike and concierge service will be available.
