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t h e l a s t q u i e t s t r e e t | Savile Row’s Revolt r o y a l r e d i s c o v e r y | Forgotten Sheep of El Escorial a f r i c a s e a s o n b y s e a s o n | Your Curated Journey e l e v a t e d s o c i e t y | Aspen & Snowmass

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B R AT I

WINTER 2026

YEAR

JOY REKINDLED

PRESENTATION CREATES DEMAND Strateg y Captures It Your property deserves more than a listing — it deserves a launch. Our in-house team delivers editorial-grade photography, a disciplined rollout, and targeted reach across the Plateau and beyond. With independent judgment and local precision, we shape the market’s first impression and your strongest outcome.

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NCLIVING.COM

A LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDER & CEO

As we welcome a new year, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the journey we continue to share. To our loyal readers of NC Living, to our clients who place their trust in us, and to the remarkable team at Silver Creek Real Estate Group, thank you. Your support and partnership are the foundation of everything we do. The Plateau has been featured in national publications, most recently in The Wall Street Journal. While our special place in Western North Carolina may not be our little secret anymore, it remains our beautiful place to call home. It is a privilege to guide buyers and sellers through the process of finding or parting with a home that holds both meaning and memory. Our team of knowledgeable and passionate Real Estate Advisors embraced that responsibility with skill, care, and a commitment to excellence. Each closing represents more than a transaction. It reflects a relationship built on trust and respect, and that is how we measure our success. Silver Creek was founded on a clear vision. The belief that a strong, independent luxury brokerage dedicated solely to the Highlands Cashiers Plateau would serve clients with a level of focus that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Today, that vision is realized in the thousands of successful transactions we have facilitated and in the enduring relationships that define us. Our team has brought this vision to life with purpose and passion. Our publishing and marketing team continues to elevate our platform to a world-class level. They showcase our clients’ properties with precision and artistry, ensuring every listing reaches the right audience in its best light. Their work enables us not only to showcase extraordinary homes, but also to celebrate the luxury lifestyle we enjoy both on the Plateau and around the world. The brands, destinations, and inspirations highlighted in NC Living reflect the lives and interests of our readers and the community we serve.

Silver Creek remains rooted in a simple and enduring belief. We are better and stronger as a unified team. Our independence and unwavering focus on the Plateau provide us with clarity of purpose and the ability to serve our clients at the highest level. What began as a vision has become a reality shaped by a dedicated group of brokers, support staff, creatives, and leaders who share a commitment to excellence. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your story and your experience here on the Plateau. We look forward to a year filled with new relationships, continued growth, and the ongoing privilege of representing this remarkable place.

J O C H E N LU C K E Founder, CEO, and Broker of Silver Creek Real Estate Group, and Publisher of NC Living® Magazine

NC LI VI NG W I NT E R 2026 1

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JOCHEN LUCKE

Founder | CEO | Broker

GRACE BIXBY Marketing Operations and Managing Editor

MARY ELLIS FERGUSON Lead Designer and Art Director

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Zach James Ellen Jones Patricia Laurent Robert McEveety

ON THE COVER

C A’ P I E T R A A R T I S A N S P R O J E C T. P H OTO V I A P R E S S LO F T P R E S S LO F T.CO M

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination."

VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

Winter interior with candles and Edmondson Cabinet. Photo courtesy of Arteriors arteriorshome.com.

S c a n t o S u b s c r i b e

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within the folds

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VIEW OF THE SLOPES FROM DOWTOWN ASPEN, COLORADO. PHOTO COURTESY OF ASPEN CHAMBER RESORT ASSOCIATION ASPENSNOWMASS.COM

LIFESTYLE OUR TOWNS: CASHIERS Page 6

THE LAST QUIET STREET Page 12

E L E VAT E D S O C I E T Y Page 20

2 0 2 6 A R T S & C U LT U R E CALENDAR Page 72

R O YA L R E D I S C O V E R Y Page 80

104

A F R I C A AWA I T S Page 104

BEHIND THE BOWTIE Page 116

A FISH OLDER THAN TIME

REAL ESTATE

Page 132

GRID OF GRANDEUR

EXCLUSIVE OFFERINGS

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BRIGHT IDEAS FOR D A R K D AY S

Page 30

THE BEST OF TIMES

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OPEN DOORS Page 88

OUR TEAM Page 94

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words by ellen jones photography by nc living magazine

C ASHIERS LE

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B R AT I

OUR TOWNS

YEAR

AERIAL VIEW OF CASHIERS, NC

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In celebration of NC Living’s 10th anniversary, we are launching our “Our Towns” series, in which we explore the unique character, culture, and charm of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau’s six towns. First up is Cashiers, our community and our home. Nestled exactly where U.S. 64 intersects N.C. 107, it’s quite literally the crossroads of the Plateau. These are roads in the truest sense: of highways, yes, but also of intentions. You come for the altitude, the waterfalls, and the pause from everyday life, and you stay for the rhythm that follows along with the warmth of a small-town community wrapped in mountain mist. FROM LOCALS AND TOURISTS TO THE CLIENTS WE’VE HELPED FIND THEIR FOREVER HOME HERE, EVERYONE FALLS HARD FOR THE DAYS THAT STRETCH LONG AND GOLDEN, THE EVENINGS THAT HUM WITH CRICKETS AND CONVERSATION, AND THE LIFE THAT FINDS ITS OWN GRACEFUL TEMPO. CASHIERS IS WHERE RETREAT TURNS INTO BELONGING; IT ’S WHERE A VISIT BECOMES A VISION OF HOME.

SILVER CREEK REAL ESTATE GROUP IN DOWNTOWN CASHIERS

A TOWN DEFINED BY PLACE AND PACE

The name “Cashiers” may raise eyebrows — what’s being cashed here? And, more importantly, how on earth do you say it? For the uninitiated, it’s “Kash-urz” and not the perfectly logical but instantly tourist-revealing alternative. Consider that as your first unofficial initiation into local life. The story goes back to gold-mining times, when the town’s early settlers kept records for miners. Today, the “cash” is found in moments: the hush of dawn over mountain lakes, the swirl of leaves in fall, and the laughter-filled evenings at The Village Green. Speaking of which, this 13.2-acre park at the crossroads is truly central to village life, hosting everything from concerts and artisan fairs to farmers’ markets and weddings. On Wednesday mornings, you’ll find stacked baskets of farm-fresh eggs, jams, breads, and the like at Locally Grown on the Green. By Friday evenings in summer, the lawn becomes a dance floor for the Groovin’ on the Green concert series. The magic of the place is that you can stroll from the free spirit of the meadow to the polished wood of a boutique in 10 minutes flat, and that’s an invitation few other mountain towns offer. S H O P AT T H E C R O S S R OA D S

Cashiers may be small, but it shops like a town twice its size. Around the crossroads, the streets are studded with gems housing creaking floorboards, candles, and artful window displays that blur the line between mountain rustic and quiet luxury. This is cottagecore shopping at its most charming: locally owned apparel boutiques with curated racks of cashmere and denim; antique troves filled with English armchairs, sterling curiosities, and well-traveled stories; and home-goods shops that elevate mountain living with linen sofas, stacked pottery, and a refined sense of Southern sophistication. Wander a little further and you’ll spot galleries showcasing regional artisans, jewel-box interiors studios, and modern lifestyle stores where couture brands share space with handmade treasures.

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CASHIERS FARMERS MARKET

TJ BAILEY’S

HOTEL CASHIERS

SILVER RUN FALLS

LOCALLY GROWN ON THE GREEN

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Even errands here feel charmed. With its jars of local honey and famous pulled-pork sandwiches from On the Side, Cashiers Farmers Market turns grocery shopping into a social event. And when you need one final stop, there’s always a sweet little spot nearby, whether for fresh flowers or that irresistible scented candle you absolutely don’t need but somehow can’t leave without. T H E TA ST E O F C A S H I E R S

Cashiers’ culinary scene mirrors the town — unpretentious yet refined, rustic yet intentional — where mountain flavors converge with international inspiration. Here, a casual slice of wood-fired pizza sits comfortably alongside inventive farm-to-table dishes. Mornings tend to start with lattes and just-baked pastries from a crossroads café, the kind of place where laptops close and conversations open. Evenings offer their own rhythm: cozy dining rooms in boutique hotels where chefs reimagine Appalachian ingredients with inventive flair; open-air terraces in the valley serving seasonal menus against sweeping mountain views; and casual, come-as-you-are taverns pouring smallbatch brews beside hearty pub classics.

WA L K , WA N D E R , WO N D E R

Your best friends in Cashiers are your walking shoes; in fact, the Plateau practically begs you to step outside, lace up, and remember what unfiltered air smells like. Beyond the village, nature is never far. Mossy, sun-dappled trails unfurl like open invitations, occasionally steep enough to make you question your life choices…but always worth it. Right in town, the 1.5-mile Cashiers Greenway Ramble threads together meadows, village paths, and quiet forested pockets. It’s an easygoing way to explore the landscape at your own pace, passing everything from local shops to tucked-away benches perfect for a contemplative pause. For something a touch wilder, the 3.3-mile Chattooga Gorge Trail offers a deeper plunge into the backcountry. Hike alongside the river through rhododendron tunnels, rocky overlooks, and stretches of near-perfect solitude. P L AY T I M E O N T H E P L AT E A U

If leisure were an art form, Cashiers would hold the brush — golf in the clouds, tennis framed by hydrangeas, fishing in crystal-clear streams, and cocktails that somehow taste better after all three.

TRILLIUM LINKS & LAKE CLUB

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Golfers swear by the sculpted fairways of High Hampton and Wade Hampton, where the views are almost too distracting to keep score. Awardwinning Trillium Links and Lake Club adds a lakefront flourish, proving that altitude and elegance can coexist nicely. Over on the courts, the Chattooga Club and High Hampton keep tennis whites in steady rotation.

GROOVIN’ ON THE GREEN

Fly-fishing is pure poetry in motion here: think early mornings on Panthertown’s secret creeks or casting into the clear, cold Chattooga River with only your own reflection for company. However you move, you’ll end the day with something cold in hand, watching twilight settle on the ridges. Because in Cashiers, even playtime comes with a sense of pizzazz. Adventure, after all, looks particularly good at 3,484 feet. A COMMUNITY WITH SOUL

WHITESIDE BREWING COMPANY

Perhaps what makes Cashiers especially magnetic is its community heartbeat. And in an age when “destination living” sometimes means an absence of local character, Cashiers retains both intimacy and sophistication. You’re equally as likely to find a seasoned homebuyer selecting a mountain estate as you are a family grilling out after a concert series show. And that’s the true measure of the town: a place where everyone feels at home, whether for a weekend or a lifetime.

THE HIGHLAND HIKER

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w o r d s by pat r i c i a l au r e n t

The Last

QUIET STR EET S AV I L E R OW ’ S S L OW R E VO LT AG A I N S T O B S O L E S C E N C E

photography courtesy of huntsman & sons

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The noise of London drops a register when you turn off Regent Street and step onto Savile Row. The tempo changes. Footfall softens. Window light thickens on pinned paper patterns and bristling bunches of cloth. Inside the shops, many still the original townhouses, the work is quiet and exacting; here, tailored garments are created the way bridges are built, engineered to hold a curve and carry a lifetime. In an age obsessed with velocity and volume, this one street advances by millimeters — it is measured with chalk, checked with hand and eye, and proven over decades on real shoulders in real lives. H. Huntsman & Sons, often referred to simply as Huntsman, sits at No. 11 like a piece of living architecture: deer heads over the mirror, ledgers lined with centuries of names, and breeches from another century holding their shape as if they still expect a saddle before dusk. The house’s creative director and head cutter, Campbell Carey, talks about the importance of shape as if it were a grammar. “The line of the coat, the iconic one-button fastening, and the way it sits on the shoulder; those are sacrosanct.” Tradition, here, is not nostalgia. It is engineering that has survived every test you can throw at cloth.

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T H E ST R E E T T H AT R E M E M B E R S

Savile Row was laid out in the 1730s as part of the Burlington Estate, a stone’s throw from the Royal Academy of Arts, and from the beginning, the neighborhood drew artists, aristocrats, and generals — the sort of people who understood clothing as a language and needed it to perform under pressure. By the nineteenth century, military campaigns had created a demand for uniforms and dress clothes that could be worn and worked hard, and the traveling military tailors set up shops on Savile Row that would become permanent. Henry Poole introduced the dinner jacket to fashionable London, Gieves & Hawkes developed ready-to-wear attire, and in 1919, Huntsman moved into its enduring home at 11 Savile Row. Savile Row has seen its fair share of resurgences; Even when the Blitz devastated the street, decades of changes bent taste this way and that, the craft persisted — muted when the world demanded utilitarian sameness, revived when it remembered what elegance does to the human spine. Today, it’s the New Bespoke Movement that has dressed rock stars and film heroes: the Beatles on a rooftop with an entire century listening, and the cinematic love letter of “Kingsman: The Secret Service” that brought a new generation into paneled fitting rooms. Through each cycle, the tailors who endured did so by remaining true to fundamentals: a cut that holds a line when a man is moving, cloth that ages the way good wood darkens, and handiwork that mends as well as it makes. T H E H O U S E ’ S S I G N AT U R E

A Huntsman suit announces itself the way a thoroughbred enters a paddock: composed, coiled, and self-possessed. “The cut is the constant; within that framework, there’s infinite room for expression,” Carey says. The cloth is where the client can bring in individual tastes — thornproof tweeds that look like they belong to weather, a midnight worsted that reads like ink, or a lining that flashes a private joke as a coat is shrugged off. From pocket styles to lapel edges to cuff lengths, each detail is a dial, and you can tune the register from boardroom to country week without raising your voice.

The silhouette explains itself — forward, athletic, assured. That is the equestrian ancestry talking. The high armhole is there to hold the coat when you lift a rein or reach for a file; the long, lean skirt of the jacket gives you stride; and the shoulder is honest to the client’s own form, firm without swagger. “Our equestrian heritage is the origin of our signature shape,” Carey says. “It serves a rider in the saddle as well as it serves a boardroom executive in New York. The adaptation comes in the nuance, but the architecture of the garment remains.” The house cut has been developed the way a sonata is refined, by players who inherit the notes and bring new breath. Some things are unwavering — the button stance, the balance, and the clean line through the waist. Others evolve. “A modern client lives differently from one 50 years ago,” Carey admits. So the house will tune a shoulder for softness, float the canvas a fraction lighter for travel, or temper the weight of the cloth so a suit works from October to June and dares July. The instrument never changes key; it simply speaks in a more flexible register.

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EMBROIDERED FROCK COAT MADE FOR DAVID BOWIE, IN THE HUNTSMAN & SONS PRIVATE ARCHIVE. PHOTO BY NICK TYDEMAN COURTESY OF HUNTSMAN & SONS HUNTSMANSAVILEROW.COM

T H E C U T T H AT B E H AV E S

Speak to cutters long enough and you realize their craft is a hedge against time’s indifference. An heirloom suit is not a freeze-frame of a younger body; it is a structure that can welcome alterations, absorbing the marks of life without losing its line. “Integrity of cut, of cloth, and of construction,” Carey says, listing the ingredients like a cook describing a stock. Proportions that won’t date, a robust weave, and tailoring done by hand: those are the elements that let a garment survive graduations, cities, fortunes, and climates. A suit that transcends generations is one that keeps its dignity even when the wearer’s story changes. That continuity is more than romance, though, as Huntsman formalizes it with practical mechanisms — basted seams you can revisit, cloths woven for endurance, and records detailed enough that a cutter decades from now can see how a sleeve head was teased, where a back seam was eased, or how a client carried his left shoulder after a winter fall. The house even extends stewardship to pieces that leave one life and enter another, proof that responsibility can be tailored too. BESPOKE

Bespoke is human work, and the human hand leaves marks no machine cares to learn. Steam persuades a lapel to roll by patience, a buttonhole gains a slight camber from the rhythm of the maker’s wrist, and collars are set by sightlines you cannot code. “We embrace technology where it serves the craft,” Carey concedes — digital pattern storage, nimble communication across time zones — but he draws the line where the suit would lose its soul. The heart of it remains at the board and the bench, where chalk teaches you how a body stands and cloth is understood in three dimensions. If you want to see why this matters, spend a fitting watching a cutter ignore a measurement he just took. This is the point the trade calls “rock of eye.” The tape says one thing; the client’s posture says another. A machine would resolve the difference with a tolerance band. A cutter resolves it with judgment earned across thousands of backs and chests. That is the knowledge you inherit when you commission in one of these rooms.

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A Huntsman commission takes time because it is a conversation conducted in basted seams. Measurements become a draft, a draft becomes a fitting, and a fitting becomes a garment that already knows your rhythms. “A Huntsman suit is not a seasonal purchase; it’s a companion for life,” Carey says. Today, younger clients — digital natives with restless calendars — are choosing this permanence on purpose. They want to know the person who cut their coat, the bench that finished their buttonholes, and the mill that wove their cloth. They want provenance that can be repaired rather than branding that dates in a season. When Carey defines heritage as “wanting to do right by those who walked before you,” he isn’t being sentimental. Every garment that leaves No. 11 repeats the house’s name and, by extension, the names of the people who have cut here for a century. “That’s a responsibility we feel in the pit of the stomach,” he says. The sentence lands like a vow: never cut corners, never compromise on fit or finish, and make something worthy of the name. Savile Row tailors learned long ago that reputation is a material you can spend only once. The house’s discipline — field-tested details honed through decades of shooting coats, checks born of specific commissions, and techniques handed down in workrooms — all create an exceptional standard that protects the future by honoring the past. A company can expand, evolve, and collaborate; the suit must remain true. THE ARCHIVE

Huntsman’s private archive is not memorabilia; it is like a reference point you would put on the table during an argument. Here, Gregory Peck’s tweeds still carry a weight and clarity that feel modern in 2025, while century-old riding breeches calmly insist that function is the mother of style. “The archive is a constant reminder that great tailoring has a certain permanence,” Carey says. The lesson is not that old things are better. It is that garments made for real purpose — a saddle, the stage, or the silver screen — tend to outlive their contexts and speak freshly in new ones. Pull a house check from a ledger, and you hear the loom. Study a 1920s coat, and you see why the line remains credible today. This isn’t a museum of static objects. It is a reference library of solved problems: how to sculpt room into a back without

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bulk, how to create pockets that swallow a box of cartridges yet sit flat in town, and how to cut a skirt that moves when a man does more than stand. The archive is continuity you can wear. THE PARADOX OF REAL LUXURY

The paradox of real luxury is that it does not need introductions because it makes space for personality without theatrics. The ledger at Huntsman reads like a cultural index: names such as Chanel, Olivier, Gable, Reagan, and items such as Clapton’s field clothes, Bowie’s stage armor, and Peck’s tweed. The names are not seen as trophies but as proof that singular minds orbit singular craft. For David Bowie, whose taste in clothing demanded garments as theatrical and boundary-pushing as his music, Huntsman made that individuality sing in surprising ways — from tie-dyed boiler suits destined for Burning Man to hand-embroidered frock coats. Eric Clapton, by contrast, turned to Huntsman for bold tweeds — rugged cloth that still carried his signature flair while nodding to tradition. Coco Chanel, who commissioned riding tweeds; Hubert de Givenchy, who could have gone anywhere in the world but came here; and discreet modern-day royals, who find in

Huntsman a way to assert individuality without spectacle. Such commissions reveal a paradox at the heart of Huntsman: it is a house with rules of line and structure, yet within that framework, it allows for flamboyance, experimentation, and even rebellion. As Carey puts it, what unites such clients — whether Chanel, Bowie, or royalty — is that they “valued individuality, but within a framework of excellence.” In other words, it wasn’t about being fashionable; it was about being in command of their own style. THE LAST QUIET STREET

Ask Carey about the horizon — what is left when people call bespoke the pinnacle — and he smiles at the paradox. The closer you get, the more space appears. “There will always be another fraction of balance to adjust, a more nuanced choice of cloth,” he says. Perfection recedes with each step, which is the best kind of motivation for a craft that advances incrementally. The suit of tomorrow, in his telling, will look very much like the suit of today. It will simply behave a little better — break cleaner over the shoe, hold its line on a humid afternoon in Singapore, and remember a shoulder blade’s eccentricities a fraction more precisely. This is the particular glamour of Savile Row’s slow revolt. It is not resistance for its own sake. It is resistance on behalf of the wearer, and on behalf of the garment itself. In a world bent on treating clothes as content, Savile Row insists that a coat is an instrument — tuned, maintained, repaired, and voiced by a human who has seen enough bodies to know where elegance lives. Savile Row has survived wars, depressions, peacocks and punks, the herd instincts of fashion, and the spreadsheets of landlords. It will survive whatever comes next for the same reason it survived before: because the work holds. A Huntsman suit leaves the house with a name stitched inside that weighs something. The cutter has already considered how it will age, where the elbows will silver, which seam will be let in after a winter, and how the lining will flash on a staircase in June. The coat is built for use. It will be used.

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So much of modern luxury confuses brand growth with excellence. Savile Row moves in the other direction. The value climbs as the noise drops, the way a horse finds its rhythm after the first furlong. The suit settles — the wearer forgets he is wearing it, the mirror stops mattering, and the day begins. That is the victory this street prepares you for: quiet command, earned one stitch at a time. And when the garment returns — after a trip around the world, after a life between meetings and great Bond-like adventures — the same bench can receive it, open a seam, and keep faith with the original line. A standard is upheld. The coat goes back on the shoulder and finds its balance again. In the end, that is what you come to H. Huntsman & Sons for: a companion that keeps its word.

HUNTSMAN & SONS

huntsmansavilerow.com London | 11 Savile Row +44 20 7734 7441 New York | 130 W. 57th Street 646-590-2595

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ELEV TED SOCI ETY ASPEN AND SNOWMASS

words by ellen jones

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SILVER QUEEN GONDOLA TO THE ASPEN SUMMIT. PHOTO BY TAMARA SUSA COURTESY OF ASPEN CHAMBER RESORT ASSOCIATION ASPENCHAMBER.ORG

There’s a certain alchemy that happens when powder meets pedigree. The moment your plane dips toward the Elk Mountains and the snowfields flash like mica under a cobalt sky, you sense that Aspen isn’t just another ski town. In it, every flake, every fur collar, every flute of fizz appears choreographed to perfection. But this winter, the real story lies in the twin allure of Aspen and Snowmass, two adjacent villages with distinctly different tempos. Aspen is the cosmopolitan grande dame whose streets glitter with gallery openings and Gucci parkas, while Snowmass is her modern, freer-spirited younger sister with a taste for highaltitude adventure. Together, they form Colorado’s most beguiling duet; they’re a playground where five-star indulgence meets the elemental thrill of fresh powder.

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CIRQUE LOBBY IN VICEROY SNOWMASS. PHOTO BY SHAWN O'CONNOR COURTESY OF VICEROY SNOWMASS VICEROYHOTELSANDRESORTS.COM

FINE DINING AT ELEMENT 47. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LITTLE NELL THELITTLENELL.COM

DOWNTOWN ASPEN. PHOTO BY TAMARA SUSA COURTESY OF ASPEN CHAMBER RESORT ASSOCIATION ASPENCHAMBER.ORG

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F R O M B O O M T O W N T O P L AYG R O U N D

Over a century ago, silver prospectors tromped into the upper Roaring Fork Valley (once a Ute summer hunting ground) and struck one of the richest lodes on the planet. Aspen went from wilderness to wealth almost overnight, producing a sixth of America’s silver and a sixteenth of the world’s. Founded in 1880, the town had already accrued six decades of character by the time the first ski runs carved the slopes in the late 1930s. With a little vision (and a lot of ambition) from midcentury community leaders, Aspen transformed from mining boomtown to a curated playground for art, culture, and alpine sophistication. Indeed, the Aspen Institute launched the town’s “mind, body, spirit” ethos that still defines its identity today. SLOPESIDE SANCTUARIES

Perched at the base of Aspen Mountain, The Little Nell is the town’s beating heart. It’s the only fivestar, five-diamond ski-in, ski-out hotel in Aspen, yet its charisma feels effortless. The lobby hums with the low murmur of firelight and clinking glassware, while rooms are contemporarily appointed. You can step from the bar to the slopes and back again without ever shedding your sense of occasion. Even the ski concierge seems clairvoyant; your boots are warm, your lift passes are ready, and your glass is refilled before you think to ask. A few blocks away, the handsome red-bricked St. Regis Aspen Resort looms with a kind of understated grandeur. Its classically appointed rooms blend rich fabrics, polished wood, and Alpine-inspired details, creating a warm retreat after a day on the slopes. By twilight, the courtyard fire garden glows against the mountain backdrop, an invitation to linger with an Old Fashioned as the snow begins to fall. And over in Snowmass Village, the Viceroy Snowmass delivers a different kind of mountain luxury: sleek, modern, with fireplaces set into basalt stone and private balconies that face the Aspen groves. Its penthouse suites feel more like design galleries than hotel rooms: think leather, steel, and sculptural lighting softened by locally woven textiles.

For those who prefer discretion over dazzle, Snowmass’ One Snowmass Residences offer residential-style lodgings with direct access to the gondola. It’s luxury without flash: glass walls framing the mountains, radiant-heat floors, and that particular Colorado hush that feels like wealth whispered, not declared. THE SKI TERRAIN

The four mountains of the Aspen-Snowmass complex — Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk — offer over 5,500 acres of meticulously groomed terrain, yet each has its own personality, with slopes suitable for beginners and pros alike. Aspen Mountain (known locally as Ajax) is unapologetically elite: no beginner runs, just steep, glacial drops that test both quads and ego. The Silver Queen Gondola delivers you from downtown to the summit in under fifteen minutes, perhaps the most civilized commute in America. Snowmass, by contrast, feels expansive and democratic, its 90-odd runs ranging from gentle glades to black-diamond chutes. Intermediates adore the long, undulating Green Cabin trail, while adrenaline seekers flock to The Cirque, where 12,000 feet of elevation translates to thigh-burning descents and views so cinematic you’ll forget to breathe. Aspen Highlands lures purists: the kind who measure joy in vertical feet. Its famed Highland Bowl (a hike-to summit above the tree line) offers deep powder and an almost spiritual silence. And then there’s Buttermilk, beloved by first-timers and families who are starting on perfecting their carve. Aside from skiing, you can rev up a snowmobile in Snowmass with Blazing Adventures, riding through forested trails and wide-open powder fields. Hike the Ute Trail in Aspen for panoramic peaks and hidden waterfalls. Ice fish at Ruedi Reservoir, where local guides provide gear and instruction. Thrill-seekers can paraglide off Aspen Highlands with Aspen Paragliding for valley-wide views, while ice skaters at Silver Circle Rink in Snowmass Village experience twinkling lights and alpine ambiance.

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A P R È S S K I W I T H A LT I T U D E

Aspen’s culinary scene is as elevated as its geography. You’ll hear murmurs of the Caribou Club whispered like a password. This membersonly dining room has fed the town’s most gilded appetites for three decades. Inside, velvet banquettes, tartan carpeting, and hunting prints recall a Scottish lodge, though the wine list is pure modern excess. The food (Colorado elk carpaccio, black truffle risotto, caviar service “for the table”) feels decadent, the way alpine cuisine should. Not a member? You’ll need to know one to get in. If you’re craving altitude with your entrée, book a table at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro, teetering halfway up Aspen Highlands. The journey (via ski lift or snowcat) feels illicitly Bond-esque, the reward being fondue, Champagne, and panoramic euphoria. By midafternoon, the bistro has turned into a snow-sprayed dance floor, Veuve Clicquot bottles sabered as the sun melts into the peaks. Back in Snowmass, Toro at the Viceroy Snowmass offers a more global palette, marrying Latin flair with Rocky Mountain ingredients (Hamachi

MOUNTAINSIDE APRES-SKI. PHOTO BY JAMIE JAYE FLETCHER COURTESY OF THE LITTLE NELL THELITTLENELL.COM

ceviche, Wagyu Tomahawk). The bar’s signature Smokey Old Fashioned arrives under a glass dome, tendrils of apple wood curling above the rim. And when the night winds down, there’s always Aspen’s JAS Café, where live jazz and candlelight draw a quieter, better-dressed crowd. Here, après-ski becomes after-hours sophistication … proof that mountain nightlife doesn’t need neon to sparkle. SHOPPING AND VILLAGE LIFE

Aspen’s streets gleam with boutiques that blur the line between alpine and avant-garde. Fashion behemoths Prada, Moncler, and Kith share sidewalks with Pitkin County Dry Goods, a local legend where you’ll find cashmere alongside cowhide. The art scene rivals that of any major city: Aspen Art Museum — a Shigeru Ban–designed marvel — hosts rotating exhibitions that feel thrillingly out of place in a ski town. Over in Snowmass, retail takes a more contemporary spin. Base Village has matured

SPA RELAXATION ROOM IN VICEROY SNOWMASS. PHOTO BY SHAWN O'CONNOR COURTESY OF VICEROY SNOWMASS VICEROYHOTELSANDRESORTS.COM

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING EXCURSIONS. PHOTO BY TAMARA SUSA COURTESY OF ASPEN CHAMBER RESORT ASSOCIATION ASPENCHAMBER.ORG

2 4 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

into a destination of its own, anchored by public art installations, heated outdoor lounges, and a sense of community that Aspen’s jet set sometimes forgets. The ice rink doubles as a stage for impromptu concerts, skiers trade helmets for espresso martinis at MoxiBar, and families gather around open fire pits, roasting marshmallows with designer gloves. Despite the glamor, shopping here feels less about acquisition and more about atmosphere, a reminder that luxury, in these mountains, often hides in the details: the hand-stitched leather of a new ski glove or the way lamplight softens the snow into a hush.

ABOVE: SLOPESIDE VIEW OF THE SILVER QUEEN GONDOLA AND ASPEN BASE. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LITTLE NELL THELITTLENELL.COM RIGHT: ART GALLERY AND CLOTHING BOUTIQUES IN DOWNTOWN ASPEN. PHOTO BY JEN LOBO VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

NC LI VI NG W I NT E R 2026 25

WELLNESS IN WINTER

There’s no denying Aspen is restorative. The altitude, the air so pure it hums in your lungs, and the hours spent chasing light across snowfields amount to a kind of spiritual recalibration. Nowhere is this better embodied than at the RAKxa Wellness Spa inside the St. Regis Aspen Resort. Here, mountain salts replace ocean scrubs, and oxygen facials counter thin air. At the Spa at Viceroy Snowmass, ritual meets technology: infrared saunas, CBD massages, and “sound therapy” rooms where vibrations mimic the rhythm of snowfall. The effect is quietly hypnotic, a merging of new-age wellness and old-world indulgence. Should you prefer a more rugged path to serenity, the Ute Trail above Aspen offers a snowshoe hike ending in views that make words feel clumsy. As locals say, “The mountain tells you what you need to know.” The magic of Aspen and Snowmass lies in their proportion. The scale of the mountains contrasts with the intimacy of the towns; the extravagance of the hotels is balanced by the authenticity of the landscape. You come for the skiing but stay for the civility, or as residents apparently say, they came for the winter and stayed for the summer. A perfect powder day ends not in exhaustion, but in a glass of something aged beside a fire that smells faintly of pine.

BACKGROUND: AERIAL VIEW OF ASPEN. PHOTO BY TAMARA SUSA COURTESY OF ASPEN CHAMBER RESORT ASSOCIATION ASPENCHAMBER.ORG

2 6 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

TORO SNOWMASS LATIN RESTAURANT. PHOTO BY SHAWN O'CONNOR COURTESY OF VICEROY SNOWMASS VICEROYHOTELSANDRESORTS.COM

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! GETTING THERE:

EXECUTIVE CHEF KEITH THEODORE OF ELEMENT 47. PHOTO BY SHAWN O'CONNOR COURTESY OF THE LITTLE NELL THELITTLENELL.COM

Fly from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) with one stop, usually via Atlanta or Dallas. The airport is just 10 minutes from downtown Aspen (rare for a ski resort), so you can be on the slopes within an hour of landing. Alternatively, fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), and take the four-hour scenic drive through the Rockies. A LT I T U D E A D J U ST M E N T :

Aspen sits at 8,000 feet, and Snowmass is slightly higher. Spend your first day taking it easy; hydrate, avoid alcohol on the flight, and consider an oxygen facial or treatment at the RAKxa Wellness Spa to acclimate faster. BEST TIME TO VISIT:

SKI ON FOUR MOUNTAINS SPANNING 5,500+ ACRES. PHOTO COURTESY OF ASPEN CHAMBER RESORT ASSOCIATION ASPENCHAMBER.ORG

Late December through early March is peak powder season. For fewer crowds and easier reservations, mid-January or late February is ideal. Early winter offers festive energy; late winter brings longer days and bluebird skies. PACKING ESSENTIALS:

Layer like a local: merino base layers, down midlayers, and waterproof shells. Don’t forget polarized sunglasses (the glare off the snow is intense), altitude-friendly skincare (SPF 50 is non-negotiable), and a chic après outfit since Aspen’s après scene is practically a runway. LIFT TICKETS AND PASSES:

Purchase lift tickets or Ikon Pass access online in advance for savings and guaranteed entry. Aspen-Snowmass operates four mountains under one ticket, with free shuttle service between them. SHOPPING IN SNOWMASS VILLAGE. PHOTO BY TAMARA SUSA COURTESY OF ASPEN CHAMBER RESORT ASSOCIATION ASPENCHAMBER.ORG

GETTING AROUND:

Once you’re there, skip the rental car. Aspen’s shuttle network is excellent and free between the mountains. Most hotels offer ski valets and town car services for evenings out. LOCAL ETIQUETTE:

parkas and pajamas. Tipping is expected (20% standard). And yes, you’ll spot celebrities … pretend you haven’t.

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CULLOWHEE FOREST

WOLF KNOB ACRES

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2 8 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

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S I LV E R R U N R E S E R V E

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NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 29

EXCLUSIVE OFFERINGS P R E S E N T E D BY S I LV E R C R E E K R E A L E S TAT E G R O U P

DETAIL FROM MLS #1000461 ON PAGE 34 30 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

S TO N E F LY CASHIERS

Blue Bear Camp is the ultimate Adirondack-style mountain lodge just minutes from downtown Cashiers’ shopping and fine dining. This prime property borders the Nantahala National Forest, ensuring privacy and abundant wildlife. Another world awaits in the dream-like setting amid the wild Chattooga River headwaters, flowering landscaping, sparkling waterfall, and lush forest, all against the stunning backdrop of Whiteside Mountain and Devil’s Courthouse. MLS# 1001223

$6,400,000

NC LI VI NG W I NT E R 2026 3 1

C H AT TO O G A C LU B CASHIERS

Experience refined mountain living in the gated Chattooga Club community. This serene 1.27-acre estate offers long-range mountain views, elegant indoor and outdoor spaces, a private guesthouse, and a pavilion by a waterfall, just minutes from dining and shopping amenities. An exceptional blend of luxury, nature, and comfort on the Plateau. MLS# 1001485

$5,250,000 32 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

C E DA R H I L L CASHIERS

Set on over 22 acres in Cedar Hill, this custom pre-build Loudermilk home offers sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views, refined craftsmanship, and modern rustic charm. With spacious living areas, outdoor fireplaces, and luxurious finishes, it’s a serene retreat designed for both grand entertaining and peaceful mountain living. MLS# 1001638 MODEL HOME

U N D E R CO N T R AC T $5,000,000

MODEL HOME NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 3 3

SUMMER HILL CULLOWHEE

Set within the Summer Hill community, this exceptional custom-built home commands sweeping 180-degree views of Lake Glenville and the mountains. The property is meticulously designed with a gourmet kitchen, an indulgent primary suite, expansive decks, a hot tub, a home theater, and deeded lake access. Experience unmatched elegance, privacy, and refined mountain living. MLS# 1000461

$4,250,000 34 S ILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

SASSAFRAS RIDGE SAPPHIRE

Experience unmatched privacy and breathtaking views from this 6.9-acre Sassafras Ridge estate. With panoramic vistas, refined indoor-outdoor living, a guest cottage, and exclusive access to the Country Club of Sapphire Valley, this property offers a rare opportunity to enjoy mountain elegance in one of the Plateau’s most coveted settings. MLS# 1001724

$3,950,000

NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 3 5

1 0 7 N O RT H GLENVILLE

Imagine lounging on the wraparound deck of a log cabin, gazing upon Lake Glenville framed by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Tucked on a hill within 112 acres of serene privacy, yet just minutes from downtown Cashiers, enjoy an unparalleled vantage point across from the lake. Opportunities like this one don’t come along every day! MLS# 1001402

N E W LY P R I C E D $3,950,000 36 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

G O L F C LU B E S TAT E S SAPPHIRE

Discover serenity at Two Ponds, a 2.2-acre estate overlooking holes 15 and 16 of the Country Club of Sapphire Valley. This elegant property showcases stunning gardens, tranquil cascading waterfalls, and a meticulously remodeled home with a gourmet kitchen, luxurious main-level suites, and premium finishes. A charming guest cottage complements the residence, creating a seamless blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort while offering a private retreat surrounded by natural beauty. MLS# 1000410

$3,800,000

NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 3 7

S A P P H I R E V I S TA E S TAT E S SAPPHIRE

Savor breathtaking Hogback Mountain views from this luxurious four-bedroom home within the Country Club of Sapphire Valley. Featuring expansive decks, a gourmet kitchen, a home theater, a wellness suite, and a wine room, this retreat offers exceptional spaces for entertaining and relaxing just minutes from resort amenities, lakes, trails, and charming mountain towns. MLS# 1001479

$3,750,000 38 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

VIRTUALLY STAGED

C E DA R H I L L CASHIERS

Experience refined mountain living in this newly completed custom home in Cedar Hill. Featuring long-range valley views, soaring ceilings, and multiple outdoor living spaces with wood-burning fireplaces, this move-in-ready retreat offers a seamless blend of sophisticated design, exceptional craftsmanship, and effortless indoor-outdoor living minutes from Cashiers and Sapphire. VIRTUALLY STAGED

MLS# 1002205

N E W LY O F F E R E D $3,750,000

VIRTUALLY STAGED NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 3 9

C E DA R H I L L CASHIERS

Experience refined mountain living in Cedar Hill. Designed by architect Allen Brown, this spacious home features a gourmet kitchen, pub-style room, multiple masonry fireplaces, and expansive outdoor spaces. With flexible bonus rooms and private guest quarters, it offers comfort, privacy, and connection just minutes from the heart of Cashiers. MLS# 1001819

$3,595,000 40 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

L A K E TOX AWAY E S TAT E S L A K E T O X AWAY

Create lasting memories on over 12 private acres with panoramic views of Lake Toxaway and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This log estate features five ensuite bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen, and exceptional outdoor spaces. Offered for the first time, this home is a rare opportunity to experience luxury and nature in one of Western North Carolina’s most sought-after locations. MLS# 1002240

N E W LY O F F E R E D $ 3 , 3 9 7, 5 0 0

NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 4 1

C U L LO W H E E F O R E S T CULLOWHEE

East meets West in this unique Greene-and-Greeneinfluenced, Japanese-style mountain getaway that offers the very best of Blue Ridge Mountain living. Situated on over 17 acres in the lush woods of the Cullowhee Forest community, this truly inspirational, four-bedroom, four-and-a-halfbathroom custom collaboration with MossCreek Designs emulates the simplicity and minimalism of traditional Asian architecture. The dwelling’s design efficiently utilizes vertical space to maximize its living area. MLS# 1000273

$3,100,000 42 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

GLENRIDGE GLENVILLE

Experience refined mountain living at 4,300 feet in this turnkey Glenridge home with panoramic views, a custom screened porch with fireplace, and a stunning fire pit area. With designer interiors, ensuite bedrooms, and access to both nature and town, this private retreat offers elevated comfort and serenity. MLS# 1001229

N E W LY P R I C E D $2,995,000

NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 4 3

C E DA R R I D G E E S TAT E S CASHIERS

Escape to a private mountain retreat on nearly five acres. This renovated home offers four masonry fireplaces, expansive porches, a luxurious primary suite, and a stream-fed pond with a viewing deck and a pavilion, all just minutes from Cashiers. Perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and embracing nature year-round. MLS# 1001907

$2,950,000 44 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

C E DA R H I L L CASHIERS

VIRTUALLY STAGED

Elegantly positioned within the gates of Cedar Hill, this newly renovated luxury residence showcases sweeping views of Big Sheepcliff Mountain. The dramatic two-story great room with a striking stone fireplace flows effortlessly to a state-of-theart chef’s kitchen and onto a covered porch with a second fireplace. A refined main-level primary suite with a spa-inspired bath completes the exquisite offering. MLS# 1001342

$2,895,000

VIRTUALLY STAGED NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 4 5

H I G H L A N D S C OV E HIGHLANDS

Enjoy sweeping long-range mountain views and cool breezes from this spacious post-and-beam home at nearly 4,300 feet. With two outdoor fireplaces, a soaring great room, gourmet kitchen, and multiple ensuite bedrooms, this furnished retreat offers refined comfort between Cashiers and Highlands in a premier gated community. MLS# 1001656

N E W LY P R I C E D $2,850,000 46 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

C H AT TO O G A C LU B CASHIERS

Located in the prestigious Chattooga Club, this charming, fully furnished home offers stunning views of Rock Mountain and Chimney Top. Features include multiple ensuite bedrooms, a great room with a stone fireplace, a galley kitchen, a luxurious primary suite, and outdoor spaces with a covered porch and deck. Enjoy world-class amenities just minutes from Cashiers. MLS# 1002237

N E W LY O F F E R E D $2,599,500

NC LI VI NG W I NT E R 2026 47

LITTLE TERRAPIN CASHIERS

Take in sweeping, uninterrupted vistas of Whiteside Mountain, Shortoff Mountain, Yellow Mountain, Devil’s Courthouse, and Scaly Mountain from this 4,000-foot perch in Little Terrapin. Covered balconies, expansive decks, and an outdoor fireplace frame breathtaking horizons, creating a retreat where the mountain landscape takes center stage in every moment, indoors and out. MLS# 1001897

$2,495,000 48 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

C H I N Q UA P I N GLENVILLE

Enjoy long-range mountain views and refined outdoor living in this Chinquapin retreat. Accordion doors, vaulted ceilings, and stone fireplaces create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, while spacious decks and a hot tub invite relaxation. With access to premier community amenities, this 3.28-acre home offers the ultimate balance of privacy, beauty, and connection. MLS# 1001910

$2,450,000

NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 4 9

C H I N Q UA P I N GLENVILLE

Experience refined mountain living in this brandnew three-bedroom home in Double Knob at Chinquapin. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views, soaring ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces. With premium finishes, a screened porch, and resort-style amenities, this home offers the perfect balance of tranquility and high-end living. MLS# 1002181

N E W LY O F F E R E D $2,450,000 50 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

W H I T E WAT E R FA L L S SAPPHIRE

Breathe in cool mountain air on 37+ acres at over 3,100 feet in Sapphire. Featuring pasture, forest, a pond, and a flexible home with an attached in-law suite, this private estate offers endless potential for farming, keeping horses, or creating a family retreat on the edge of Nantahala National Forest and minutes from Sapphire’s amenities. MLS# 1001612

N E W LY P R I C E D $2,350,000

NC LI VI NG W I NT E R 2026 5 1

BIG RIDGE GLENVILLE

Situated at 3,800 feet with a view of the Great Balsam Mountains, this Tim Greene-designed home stands as a testament to sophisticated design and meticulous execution. The main floor lends perfectly to entertaining with its gourmet kitchen, beamed cathedral ceilings, two majestic fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Three guest suites provide plenty of space upstairs. With 13 acres of privacy, a screened porch, and expansive decking, you can immerse yourself in luxurious mountain living. MLS# 1000539

U N D E R CO N T R AC T $2,200,000 52 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GROUP

YOUR HOME { here } A successful sale begins with a focused consultation. At Silver Creek Real Estate Group, you gain a partner who listens to you, understands your goals, and knows how to present your home with precision to qualified buyers. Our in-house marketing brings your property to life and highlights the lifestyle of the Plateau, creating stronger interest and exceptional results. If you are considering a move, let us prepare a complimentary consultation and show you what is possible.

S C H E D U L E A C O M P L I M E N TA R Y C O N S U LTAT I O N TO D AY

8 2 8-74 3 -1 9 9 9

828-526-2999

NCLIVING.COM

NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 5 3

S I LV E R C R E E K R E A L E S TAT E G R O U P P R E S E N T S

54 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

BURLINGAME IS A FAMILYFOCUSED MOUNTAIN RETREAT LOCATED AT 3,000 FEET IN SCENIC SAPPHIRE, NORTH CAROLINA. THIS THOUGHTFULLY PLANNED COMMUNITY IS DESIGNED TO CELEBRATE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF ITS SURROUNDINGS WHILE OFFERING AN IMPRESSIVE RANGE OF AMENITIES FOR RESIDENTS. At its center lies the Burlingame Country Club, where an exquisitely appointed clubhouse serves as a lively gathering spot with two inviting lounges and three dining venues featuring seasonal, globally inspired cuisine. In addition to refined social spaces, residents can enjoy a championship 18-hole golf course, a state-of-the-art fitness center, Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball, croquet, and a heated swimming pool. Beyond its outstanding amenities, Burlingame embodies a vibrant lifestyle where families can connect with nature and each other. Parks, hiking trails, fishing ponds, and trout waters create endless outdoor adventures, while charming real estate options range from luxurious mountain-view homes and scenic riverfront properties to rustic, lodge-inspired condos that line the golf course. Built with a reverence for the land, Burlingame embraces a strong sense of stewardship, providing a serene yet engaging environment for all ages to relax, explore, and make lasting memories.

NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 5 5

BURLINGAME SAPPHIRE

Located in Burlingame Country Club, this elegant home offers breathtaking views of the 13th hole, pond, and mountains. Vaulted ceilings and natural light highlight the interiors, while the primary suite with a soaking tub by the fireplace creates a serene retreat. Enjoy a theater room, wet bar, guest suites, a six-person hot tub, and optional club membership for the ultimate mountain lifestyle. MLS# 1001240

$1,995,000

C E DA R C R E E K- B E E T R E E GLENVILLE

VIRTUALLY STAGED

Located on 2.3 acres near Lake Glenville, this new construction offers sweeping mountain views and modern elegance. The two-level, three-bedroom home features a vaulted great room with a cozy fireplace, an expansive porch, and an open kitchen with Thermador appliances. Upstairs, a loft leads to two guest bedrooms with ensuite baths. With a two-car garage and gentle surroundings, this home blends convenience and natural beauty. MLS# 106209 VIRTUALLY STAGED

NEW CONSTRUCTION $1,995,000 56 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

VIRTUALLY STAGED

C H I N Q UA P I N GLENVILLE

Discover effortless mountain living in Chinquapin. This move-in-ready retreat features creekside serenity, classic finishes, indoor-outdoor spaces, and access to premier community amenities, from hiking trails to summer concerts. A rare blend of nature, comfort, and connection awaits in this thoughtfully crafted home by Fern Creek Builders. MLS# 1001516

N E W LY P R I C E D $1,850,000

FA I RWAY H A M L E T S SAPPHIRE

Located in the heart of Sapphire Valley, this exquisite home offers a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort. Set on a beautifully landscaped lot with a tranquil water feature, it exudes sophistication. Inside, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and the open kitchen flow into the dining and great rooms, leading to a screened Carolina room with a wood-burning fireplace. Two luxurious primary suites provide spalike retreats. A detached garage with a guest apartment ensures privacy for visitors. Additional highlights include a generator and proximity to top-tier amenities. MLS# 1001149

$1,699,000 NC LI VI NG W I NT E R 2026 5 7

G R E YC L I F F CULLOWHEE

Nestled in Greycliff at 4,000 feet, this custom Arts and Crafts home on about 1.37 acres delivers breathtaking mountain and lake views. Fully furnished and updated with hardwood floors and Cristallo Quartzite countertops, it features a great room, a luxurious primary suite, a bonus room, and outdoor decks with a hot tub, minutes from Cashiers and Lake Glenville! MLS# 1000013

$1,698,500

L A K E TOX AWAY E S TAT E S L A K E T O X AWAY

Experience life on the fifth green of Lake Toxaway’s premier golf course. This four-bedroom Arts and Crafts home offers stunning views, outdoor living spaces, and generous interiors. Enjoy mountain air, charming towns nearby, and endless outdoor adventures, all part of the beauty and warmth of Lake Toxaway living. MLS# 1002239

N E W LY O F F E R E D $1,695,000 58 S ILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

SUNSET RIDGE GLENVILLE

Lovers of the great outdoors will rejoice in this Blue Ridge Log Home near Lake Glenville. Vaulted ceilings and extensive windows invite sunlight while allowing for beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Discerning buyers will appreciate the numerous upscale touches, such as walk-in showers, a large soaking tub, granite countertops, and state-of-theart appliances. Enjoy cool breezes and afternoon cocktails on the expansive deck or lower-level patio. You could be the first owner! MLS# 1000486

NEW CONSTRUCTION $1,695,000

BURLINGAME SAPPHIRE

Live the dream in this 2022-built Burlingame home! Enjoy a level-entry lot, fenced yard, and bright open floor plan with Hogback Mountain views. A chef’s kitchen, stone fireplace, ensuite bedrooms, screened porch, and open deck await. With a wholehouse generator, it’s mountain living at its finest. MLS# 1001070

$1,690,000 NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 5 9

C H I N Q UA P I N GLENVILLE

This new three-bedroom, fourbathroom home in Chinquapin blends modern design with tranquil living. Featuring a finished basement, one-car garage, and a large deck overlooking a private perennial spring leading to Cow Mountain Branch creek, it offers peace and convenience. Nearby amenities include trails, pickleball, a driving range, and a clubhouse. MLS# 1000267

N E W LY P R I C E D $1,680,000

C O U N T RY C LU B E S TAT E S SAPPHIRE

Sophisticated mountain living awaits in Country Club Estates. Enjoy vaulted ceilings, a dramatic stone fireplace, and sunlit rooms with tranquil woodland views. The fully furnished home features a spa-inspired primary suite and a terrace-level entertainment lounge. Ideally located within the gates of the Country Club of Sapphire Valley. MLS# 1001643

$1,595,000 6 0 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

BRIDGE CREEK CULLOWHEE

Design the perfect home with this Lot Home Package in Bridge Creek. Set on 2.2 acres, this offering includes the expertise of builders and designers, allowing for a fully customizable residence. Experience the perfect balance of natural beauty and modern mountain living in this scenic and serene community. MLS# 1000384

$1,500,000

N O RTO N OV E R LO O K CULLOWHEE

Experience mountain living at Norton Overlook. This inviting homestead features expansive living spaces, a detached garage and workshop, and winter mountain views. Convenient to Cashiers, Highlands, and Lake Glenville, it’s designed for both quiet moments and gathering with family and friends. MLS# 1001735

$1,495,000 NC LI VI NG W I NT E R 2026 61

W I L D C AT C L I F F S C O U N T RY C LU B HIGHLANDS

Enjoy elevated mountain living in Wildcat Cliffs Country Club with this updated duplex, available individually or as one. Each unit offers soaring ceilings, fireplaces, and ownership reserves membership for premier club amenities, golf, dining, and more. A rare opportunity for full- or parttime living minutes from Highlands and Cashiers. MLS# 1001543

N E W LY P R I C E D $1,475,000

BURLINGAME SAPPHIRE

Experience classic mountain living in this log cabin on 2.28 private acres in Burlingame. Featuring mountain views, multiple fireplaces, spacious decks, and versatile living spaces, this property offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort in one of the Plateau’s premier communities. MLS# 1001736

$1,300,000 6 2 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

R O U N D H I L L E S TAT E S SAPPHIRE

Enjoy classic mountain living in this single-level Round Hill home featuring a stacked stone fireplace, bright updated kitchen, and spacious screened porch. Set on a gentle double lot with a firepit, lush landscaping, and peek-a-boo views, just minutes from Sapphire Valley. MLS# 1001526

U N D E R CO N T R AC T $1,250,000

C H I N Q UA P I N GLENVILLE

Experience mountain living in this brand-new Chinquapin home, ideally located near the main gate and close to Wolf Lake amenities. Enjoy a community dock for fishing and canoeing. The home features a primary bedroom on the main floor, a kitchen that opens into the living area, and a spacious covered back deck. Set in a 2,000-acre private, gated community, Chinquapin offers a clubhouse and outdoor adventures, including fishing, hiking, biking, disc golf, and new pickleball courts. MLS# 1001417

N E W LY P R I C E D $1,225,900 NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 63

M O U N TA I N C LU B SAPPHIRE

Enjoy modern updates and timeless mountain charm in this move-inready Sapphire Valley cabin. Featuring three bedrooms, a flex room, recent renovations, and easy access to resort amenities, this retreat offers comfortable living inside and out. MLS# 1001718

$1,095,000

G O L F C LU B E S TAT E S SAPPHIRE

Discover modern comfort and mountain charm in this renovated two-level home at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley. Featuring main-level living, versatile spaces, and expansive decks, it offers a seamless blend of style and function. Enjoy a serene lifestyle with easy access to dining, amenities, and outdoor adventures in this coveted community. MLS# 1002153

N E W LY O F F E R E D $998,500 6 4 SILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

C H I N Q UA P I N GLENVILLE

Discover refined mountain living in this fully furnished two-bedroom cottage in Chinquapin. Perched over 4,000 feet, it offers a split-bedroom layout, premium finishes, and a two-car garage with a lift. Enjoy cool mountain air, endless trails, and access to premier amenities designed for outdoor adventure and connection. MLS# 1002030

$995,000

BOLD CREEK GLENVILLE

VIRTUALLY STAGED

Discover this three-bedroom, threebathroom estate overlooking serene Shoal Creek. Just minutes from the Glenville public boat launch, Signal Ridge Marina, and the Tuckasegee River, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Features include a finished basement offering flexibleuse space, a multitiered deck, and ample parking for an RV or boat. Enjoy fishing, native landscaping, and the ultimate combination of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty in a prime streamside location. MLS# 1000480

VIRTUALLY STAGED

$949,900 NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 65

L AU R E L FA L L S GLENVILLE

$860,000 N E W LY O F F E R E D

BURLINGAME SAPPHIRE

$850,000 U N D E R CO N T R AC T

Experience the perfect balance of modern comfort and unspoiled wilderness at this fully renovated cabin in Laurel Falls. Set on over 32 private acres with long-range mountain views, winding trails, and complete seclusion, it offers a peaceful retreat near Panthertown Valley, Lake Glenville, and the charming village of Cashiers.

Escape to this private riverfront retreat with stunning Horsepasture River views, a screened porch, and multilevel decks perfect for outdoor living. Inside, enjoy three bedrooms, a den, a lower-level family room, and two fireplaces. Burlingame offers parks, trails, trout waters, fishing ponds, golf, dining, and world-class amenities.

MLS# 1002094

MLS# 1000667

BIG RIDGE GLENVILLE

$850,000 N E W LY O F F E R E D

Experience sunset living at its finest above 4,000 feet on over 11 secluded acres in Glenville’s Big Ridge. This timeless log home features phenomenal year-round mountain views, a wraparound deck, and warm interiors with cathedral ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace, offering an authentic connection to nature in every season. MLS# 1002043

H O L LY F O R E S T SAPPHIRE

Discover an enchanting haven in Sapphire Valley. With a tranquil stream bordering the property, plus southern winter views from the back decks, you’ll find a comfortable serenity here. Three bedrooms on the main level, including a roomy primary suite, plus bonus rooms, a second kitchen, and a gaming area downstairs ensure plenty of room for entertaining. Three fireplaces provide cozy mountain charm. As a member of Sapphire Valley Master Association, you’ll enjoy resort-style amenities. MLS# 1001167

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$845,000

H O L LY F O R E S T SAPPHIRE

$820,000 N E W LY P R I C E D

H O L LY F O R E S T SAPPHIRE

$795,000 N E W LY P R I C E D

Modern comfort meets mountain beauty in Sapphire Valley. This Arts and Crafts-style home near Cashiers features trail access to the Horsepasture River, luxurious fittings, and a detached guest apartment. Enjoy resort-style amenities, scenic views, and a lifestyle designed for relaxation and entertaining.

Experience tranquility in Holly Forest. With two streams, cascading waterfalls, and spacious decks, this home offers a serene mountain escape. Enjoy updated interiors, versatile living spaces, and access to Sapphire Valley’s amenities, such as a golf course, a fitness center, and swimming pools. A refreshed retreat for mountain living at its finest awaits!

MLS# 1001341

MLS# 1000939

W I L D C AT C L I F F S C O U N T RY C LU B

$795,000 N E W LY P R I C E D

T H E P R E S E RV E AT WHITESIDE CLIFFS

$779,000 N E W LY P R I C E D

HIGHLANDS

Experience relaxed mountain living at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. This updated home features soaring ceilings, a cozy sunroom, and inviting outdoor spaces wrapped in greenery. With reserved club membership and access to top-tier amenities, it offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and connection to one of the Plateau’s premier lifestyle communities.

Experience refined mountain living in The Preserve at Whiteside Cliffs. This turnkey home offers comfort and style with its expanded layout, screened back porch, quality finishes, and breathtaking views of Whiteside and Black Rock Mountains. MLS# 1001782

MLS# 1001504

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VIRTUALLY STAGED

H O L LY F O R E S T

$775,000

H O L LY F O R E S T

$759,000 N E W LY O F F E R E D

SAPPHIRE

This charming mountain retreat on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau offers sweeping year-round views of Chimney Top and Rock Mountains. Set on 1.1 acres of mature hardwoods, it features a stacked stone fireplace, serene guest accommodations, a lower-level family room with fireplace and kitchenette, home office, and expansive decks. The property combines natural beauty with exceptional privacy.

Set in Holly Forest, this brand-new contemporary mountain home offers dramatic vaulted ceilings, a grand living room fireplace, and large covered decks overlooking a spacious backyard. A main-level primary suite, chef-ready kitchen, and access to Sapphire Valley Resort amenities create a refined mountain lifestyle just minutes from Cashiers. MLS# 1002227

MLS# 1001315

H O L LY F O R E S T SAPPHIRE

$725,000 N E W LY O F F E R E D

W I L D C AT C L I F F S C O U N T RY C LU B

$695,000 N E W LY P R I C E D

HIGHLANDS

Experience long-range mountain sunrise views and cool mountain air from this move-in-ready chalet in Sapphire’s Eagle Ridge community. With extensive updates, step-free main-level living, and resort amenities including golf, pools, and tennis, this serene retreat offers exceptional value within Sapphire Valley Resort’s sought-after setting.

Enjoy effortless mountain living at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. This updated home offers light-filled interiors, a spacious layout, and outdoor spaces wrapped in greenery. With reserved club membership providing access to premier amenities, this is a turnkey opportunity to embrace a country club lifestyle on the Plateau.

MLS# 1002168

MLS# 1001503

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C H I N Q UA P I N GLENVILLE

$685,000 N E W LY P R I C E D

Discover the ultimate blend of adventure and tranquility in Chinquapin’s Natures Walk. This two-bedroom, singlelevel cottage offers easy access to Tulip Pond, The Outpost clubhouse, and miles of trails. From fishing to canoeing, enjoy every moment in this vibrant, private community nestled within 2,000 acres of natural beauty. MLS# 1001032

S C A LY M O U N TA I N S C A LY M O U N T A I N

$649,000 PENDING

Enjoy seclusion and comfortable living in Scaly Mountain within this charming abode. Relish the splendor of longrange mountain views as you enjoy morning coffee or evening cocktails on the covered porch. Indoors, the space is flooded with natural light and offers a blissful ambiance with plantation shutters, a metal roof, and a wood-burning fireplace. Renovated with numerous upgrades in 2022, this home is ready for you to move in and start enjoying life in the mountains! MLS# 1000347

H O L LY F O R E S T

$579,000

SAPPHIRE

T H E P R E S E RV E AT WHITESIDE CLIFFS

$525,000

HIGHLANDS

Discover serene mountain living at Hidden Haven in Sapphire Valley. Enjoy lake views, three outdoor living spaces, and access to community amenities such as a golf course, pools, and restaurants. This furnished, move-inready retreat includes updates by the owners and a canoe for lakeside fun. This property offers a rare chance for comfort, convenience, and tranquil living!

Experience modern mountain living in this 2022 Jeffrey Dungan-designed saltbox cottage. Enjoy layered views, high-end finishes, private decks, and the only fencedin dog run in The Preserve at Whiteside Cliffs. This serene retreat located between Highlands and Cashiers combines elegance, nature, and thoughtful design. MLS# 1000957

MLS# 1000841

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VIRTUALLY STAGED

B E A R L A K E R E S E RV E

$515,000

C H I N Q UA P I N

$475,000

TUCKASEGEE

GLENVILLE

Enjoy creekside privacy and single-level comfort in this three-bedroom Bear Lake Reserve home. Blending timeless mountain charm with thoughtful upgrades, this property features soaring cathedral ceilings, a stone fireplace, and inviting spaces for entertaining, all with access to premier resort amenities and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Turnkey furnished and ready to impress, this charming home in Chinquapin’s Nature’s Walk boasts high ceilings, a stone fireplace, fiber optic internet, and a large, screened deck with stunning views. Enjoy community amenities such as hiking trails, fishing areas, UTV trails, pickleball courts, and more, all in a serene mountain setting.

MLS# 1001898

MLS# 106440

VIRTUALLY STAGED

RIVER CHASE

$309,000

H I L LTO P

$275,000

SAPPHIRE

Nestled in the serene beauty of Sapphire Valley, this elegant two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo boasts an open floor plan designed for light-filled living and seamless entertaining. A private patio invites relaxation amidst mountain views, while nearby amenities, including a community lake, walking trails and fitness center.

Enjoy easy, single-level living in this updated Hilltop condominium in Sapphire Valley. Featuring a refreshed kitchen, luxury vinyl flooring, and a screened porch for year-round use, this three-bedroom home offers resort-style amenities and a low-maintenance lifestyle just minutes from dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation amenities in downtown Cashiers.

MLS# 1001369

MLS# 1001663

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H I L LTO P

$269,900

H I L LTO P

SAPPHIRE

N E W LY P R I C E D

SAPPHIRE

Enjoy expanded living and unique outdoor spaces in this rare Hilltop end-unit in Sapphire Valley. With updated interiors, a private side yard, and full access to resort amenities yearround, this turnkey home offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and mountain lifestyle just minutes from the heart of Cashiers. MLS# 1001594

$229,000

Enjoy privacy and lake access with this fully furnished townhome. The main living area features a wood-burning fireplace, dining area, kitchen, and deck with winter Fairfield Lake views. Upstairs offers two guest rooms, a full bathroom, and a balcony. The lower level includes the primary bedroom, patio access, a second living space with a fireplace, a full bathroom, and a washer and dryer. Nearly level parking and a backyard trail to Fairfield Lake’s amenities complete this exceptional property. MLS# 1000650

H I L LTO P

$189,000

H I L LTO P

$ 1 74 ,9 0 0

SAPPHIRE

Discover easy mountain living in this partially furnished Hilltop end-unit. Featuring a spacious great room, a sunroom, and central HVAC, it offers year-round comfort. Enjoy access to Sapphire Valley Resort amenities, Fairfield Lake, and more. It’s perfect as a full-time home, a seasonal escape, or an investment in the heart of the Plateau.

Experience modern living in this upper-level Hilltop unit featuring stainless steel appliances with a wine cooler, an open floor plan, and a spacious back deck. Located near Fairfield Lake, enjoy access to Sapphire Valley amenities, including pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, and lake activities such as kayaking and boating. This peaceful and stylish home offers the perfect blend of comfort and recreation.

MLS# 1001731

MLS# 1000484

NC LI VI NG W I NT E R 2026 71

words by ellen jones

WHERE TO SEE, BE SEEN, AND BE INSPIRED THIS YEAR

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ALMINE RECH OF ARTIST TOMOKAZU MATSUYAMA AT FRIEZE LA. PHOTO BY CASEY KELBAUGH COURTESY OF FRIEZE AND CKA FRIEZE.COM NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 73

MENDES WOOD DM EXHIBITION AT FRIEZE LA. PHOTO BY CASEY KELBAUGH COURTESY OF FRIEZE AND CKA FRIEZE.COM

For the discerning aesthete, 2026 offers no shortage of cultural temptations. Be it gilded opera houses and bustling festival stages or hushed auction rooms and storied libraries, the year ahead is crowded with international events that define what good art means. If a cultural escape is on your radar over the coming 12 months, these affairs are less “things to do” than global rites of passage. When you want to be at the center of the world’s cultural conversation, here’s where you’ll need to be.

V I S UA L A RTS T E FA F M A A S T R I C H T, T H E NETHERLANDS | MARCH 2026

If the art world has a Mount Olympus, TEFAF is it. The European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht remains the ultimate sanctuary for museum-quality treasures. This is where Flemish masterpieces hang alongside Egyptian antiquities and where dealers speak in whispers as if in the presence of gods. Unlike other contemporary art fairs, TEFAF isn’t about novelty but gravitas. It is where curators secure acquisitions, collectors hunt for legacy pieces spanning 7,000 years of art history, and billionaires discreetly add to their private museums.

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For 2026, the program traverses the bold gestures of Abstract Expressionism, showcases the clean lines of Scandinavian and De Stijl design, and extends to exhibitions of French Realist painting, African Modernist ceramics, and iconic American photography. The scholarly panels, meanwhile, are as illuminating as the art; you may find yourself debating provenance with a curator from the Met over champagne. A RT B A S E L D O H A , QATA R F E B R U A R Y 5 – 7, 2 0 2 6

Art Basel’s Middle Eastern debut will be the foremost cultural flash point of 2026. Doha, already a rising star thanks to the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar, has long had the appetite; now it has the event to match. Expect a gleaming spectacle where blue-chip galleries from New York and London rub shoulders with Gulf collectors and rising artists from the region. Taking place at the M7 creative hub, Art Basel Doha will abandon the traditional booth format in favor of a more dynamic fair-style presentation. The theme is “Becoming,” which promises a meditation on humanity’s ongoing transformation and the evolving systems that shape how we live, believe, and create meaning. Some 87 galleries from 37 countries will present works focusing on art and technology, with immersive installations exploring the metaverse, AI, and sustainable futures.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR. PHOTO COURTESY OF ART BASEL ARTBASEL.COM

FRIEZE LOS ANGELES, USA | FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 1, 2026

If TEFAF is about legacy and Basel Doha about spectacle, Frieze Los Angeles is about the buzz. Held at Santa Monica Airport, Frieze LA is equal parts art fair and film premiere, with Hollywood actors and celebrity collectors appearing alongside international gallerists and a coterie of LA tastemakers drifting through hangars filled with conceptual installations and works hot off the studio floor. The conversations are rapid, the deals are fast, and the parties are (naturally) legendary. Part red carpet, part think tank, Frieze LA 2026 promises immersive multimedia installations, largescale sculpture, kinetic and sound art, and cuttingedge conceptual pieces that push the boundaries of form and space. Visit to witness objects to admire as well as experiences to inhabit, where photography, painting, and installation collide in a buzzing, sun-drenched playground of creativity.

THE EUROPEAN FINE ART FOUNDATION. PHOTO COURTESY OF TEFAF TEFAF.COM

6 1 ST I N T E R N AT I O N A L A RT E X H I B I T I O N O F L A B I E N N A L E D I V E N E Z I A , I TA LY | M AY 9 – N OV E M B E R 2 2 , 2 0 2 6

Few events command such intellectual authority as the Venice Biennale. In 2026, it’s the late Cameroonian-Swiss art curator Koyo Kouoh’s turn to shape the conversation. Tragically, she passed away in 2025 after already being commissioned as curator. However, the Biennale is to be curated posthumously from her visionary plan. Dubbed “In Minor Keys,” the exhibition promises a contemplative, subtly provocative exploration of contemporary art, preserving the theoretical rigor and poetic sensitivity that Kouoh championed. Expect labyrinthine pavilions spilling across the Arsenale and the Giardini along with a heady mix of academia, artistry, and Aperol spritz by the lagoon.

PERFORMING ARTS E D I N B U R G H I N T E R N AT I O N A L F E S T I VA L , S C OT L A N D | AUGUST 2026

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL. PHOTO BY MIHAELA BODLOVIC COURTESY OF DAPHNE CARUANA GALIZIA EDBOOKFEST.CO.UK

The Edinburgh International Festival is less an event than a cultural takeover. For three weeks each August, the Scottish capital becomes a hive of performance: opera at the Festival Theatre, symphonies in Usher Hall, and avant-garde dance in shadowy warehouses. Unlike its rowdier, edgier sibling, the Fringe, the International Festival is pure prestige — a carefully curated showcase of the world’s most lauded companies.

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DUBAI GLOBAL VILLAGE, 30TH SEASON, UAE | U N T I L M AY 2 0 2 6

Dubai’s Global Village isn’t quite the Salzburg Festival, but it doesn’t pretend to be. Now in its 30th season, the Village is an exhilarating multicultural bazaar of performance, gastronomy, and spectacle. Running until May 2026, the anniversary season promises unprecedented scale with over 90 nations represented, daily performances across five stages, and a recordbreaking lineup of immersive experiences. Join the throng of cosmopolitan families, Middle Eastern elites, cultural tourists — and anyone who likes their art with fireworks — to witness the Boom Boom Bollywood show, electrifying street drumming, and traditional Russian dancing…all within the same evening. It’s lively, kaleidoscopic, and family-friendly but with a grandeur only Dubai could stage. LINCOLN CENTER SUMMER FOR THE C I T Y, U S A | J U N E – A U G U S T 2 0 2 6

CURATOR KOYO KOUOH AT VENICE BIENNALE. PHOTO BY MIRJAM KLUKA COURTESY OF LA BIENNALE DI VENEZIA LABIENNALE.ORG

From critics and opera devotees to royals who slip in for discreet evenings, you’ll be amid Europe’s cultural elite. Soak up the repertoire of the iconic Edinburgh Festival Chorus choir, shed a tear at a rising classical star’s performance, and lose yourself in daring contemporary theater that challenges the imagination. Wandering between historic venues and pop-up stages (in between whisky tastings) is an absolute must. S A L Z B U R G F E S T I VA L , AU S T R I A AUGUST 20-30, 2026

If opera has a mecca, it is Salzburg. Since 1920, the city’s namesake festival has presented works of Mozart and beyond in productions so lavish that they set the standard for decades. Salzburg is where the operatic canon is not just performed but masterfully reinvented. The vibe? Black-tie glamour under Baroque frescoes. Every aria feels like an event; every gala is an excuse to see and be seen. The Festival Quarter itself spans the grand Cathedral Square and the Kollegienkirche, comprising the Grosses Festspielhaus and Haus für Mozart. Glide from stage to stage to catch dazzling interpretations of Mozart, Strauss, and contemporary composers alike before marveling at sumptuous period costumes and savoring late-night chamber concerts or open-air performances in the Square.

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The Lincoln Center’s summer series has become New York’s grand cultural block party. Uniting top dance companies, jazz legends, rising classical virtuosos, and even live-music-based guided meditations, Summer for the City showcases a multidimensional program like no other. Best of all? It’s the rare event that manages to be both accessible and elite. Expect open-air symphonies under the stars, sitespecific premieres by some of the biggest names in theater, and kid- and teen-friendly activities. Naturally, the mood is very much Manhattan chic, where lawn chairs and champagne flutes mingle in the same crowd while everyone revels in the taste of the city’s artistic pulse.

L I T E R AT U R E H AY F E S T I VA L , WA L E S M AY 2 1 - 3 1 , 2 0 2 6

Tucked away in the bucolic Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye, the Hay Festival is proof that great literature really can feel like a rock concert. Often dubbed the “Woodstock of the Mind,” it offers a heady mix of author talks, debates, and late-night salons. While its locale may be somewhat remote, the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park makes it worth the trek. Hay’s 2026 program promises to be stuffed with Booker Prize winners, world-leading storytellers, and political heavyweights. Its “Future Voices” series spotlights the world’s most promising young writers. Rub shoulders with like-minded literary enthusiasts as you welliewalk between fields and book tents, soaking up the rural charm.

HAY FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE & ARTS. PHOTO BY SAM HARDWICK COURTESY OF HAY FESTIVAL HAYFESTIVAL.COM

SALZBURG FESTIVAL IN AUSTRIA. PHOTO BY SANDRA THEN COURTESY OF SALZBURG FESTIVAL SALZBURGERFESTSPIELE.AT

E D I N B U R G H I N T E R N AT I O N A L B O O K F E S T I VA L , S C OT L A N D | AUGUST 15-30, 2026

Running parallel to the city’s famed arts festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival transforms the Edinburgh College of Art into a literary village. For two weeks, it hosts readings, provoking debates, and signings from some of the world’s most compelling voices. It’s intimate, intelligent, and quintessentially Edinburgh — think gin tents and rigorous debate in equal measure. Among authors, critics, students, and readers who have always secretly wanted to ask Margaret Atwood a question, you’ll behold the world’s best fiction writers and debut authors alike. The compelling program is split into themes, set to be announced in June.

J A I P U R L I T E R AT U R E F E S T I VA L , I N D I A JANUARY 15-19, 2026

The world’s largest free literary festival is as resplendent as its setting. Jaipur’s Hotel Clarks Amer fills with writers, thinkers, and readers from every corner of the globe, making it both the most democratic and the most colorful of literary gatherings. In 2026, debating with the scent of chai in the air will be Esther Duflo, French-American economist and Nobel laureate, Stephen Fry, British actor and comedian, and Jung Chang, author of “Wild Swans.” Across the duration of this vibrant forum, you’ll encounter powerful literary discourse and engage with hot-topic global themes.

M I A M I B O O K FA I R I N T E R N AT I O N A L , U SA | NOVEMBER 2026

North America’s most significant literary gathering, Miami Book Fair International is a sun-drenched celebration of all things scholarly. It features 500+ authors, readings under palm trees, and the serious business of literary prizes, all with a distinctly Latin flair. Spanning some five blocks, a parade of rainbowtopped tents hosts publishing behemoths and niche start-ups alike. You’ll easily slip into its breezy intellectualism vibe (margarita in one hand, hardcover in the other) as you stroll from lively panels and book signings to impromptu readings and workshops, all while getting to know fellow bibliophiles.

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INDEPENDENT BY DESIGN Local To The Core At Silver Creek Real Estate Group, independence isn’t a slogan — it’s your advantage. We pair precise, on-Plateau expertise with superior presentation and a collaborative team that stays with you from first conversation to closing and beyond. Decide with confidence, win on the details, and feel at home faster, whether you’re selling a signature property or finding the one that fits your life.

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828-526-2999

NCLIVING.COM

S I LV E R C R E E K R E A L E S TAT E G R O U P S U P E R I O R M A R K E T I N G . H O N E S T C O U N S E L . Y E A R- R O U N D S U P P O R T.

S C H E D U L E A C O M P L I M E N TA R Y C O N S U LTAT I O N TO D AY

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w o r d s by pat r i c i a l au r e n t photography courtesy of the escorial company

Royal Rediscovery THE FORGOTTEN SHEEP OF EL ESCORIAL

OPPOSITE: PETER RADFORD, FOUNDER OF ESCORIAL, WITH A FLOCK OF ESCORIAL SHEEP. PHOTO BY DUNCAN COLE COURTESY OF THE ESCORAIL COMPANY ESCORIALGROUP.COM

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A R OYA L T H R E A D B E T W E E N SPAIN AND NEW ZEALAND

Luxury is rarely about the obvious. It concerns the whispered, the withheld, the half-seen thing glimpsed only by those attuned to the right codes. Anyone can recognize an Hermès bag, a Rolex, or the silken nap of cashmere. But true connoisseurship operates in another register altogether: knowledge. It is the ability to discern what others overlook, to speak an almost extinct language, and to recognize — in a weave, in a word — a secret thread of history. THIS BRINGS US TO SHEEP.

Not just any sheep, of course, but Escorial sheep: a small, temperamental, curly-headed animal with fleece that once clothed Spanish kings. They nearly vanished from history, only to resurface improbably on hidden estates in Australia and New Zealand. The Escorial sheep’s story is one of exile and survival, of cultural displacement and rediscovery, and of a lineage as delicate and enduring as a manuscript rediscovered in a monastery library. Escorial wool is not marketed on billboards or flashed across Instagram feeds. Few have even heard its name. And yet, on Savile Row and in the ateliers of Brioni, Comme des Garçons, and

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Huntsman, whispers persist: This is the rarest of all wools, softer than cashmere, springier than vicuña, crease-resistant as though nature conspired to rival Lycra. To wear Escorial is not to display wealth; it is to speak in code and belong to a secret society of taste where knowing matters more than showing. THE PRIZED SHEEP OF EL ESCORIAL

The Escorial story begins in Spain, in a century when wool was a matter of statecraft and style. The Moors had brought sheep of unusual fineness from North Africa, and by the time Philip II reigned in Madrid, their fleece had become a treasure guarded as carefully as silver from the New World. The animals were gathered on the plains surrounding Philip II’s newly built monastery-palace of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a fortress of granite that embodied the solemnity of the empire.

There, beneath the shadow of the monasterypalace’s towers, the flocks grazed as royal property. They were not livestock in any ordinary sense but instruments of prestige, their fleeces reserved for garments that would never touch common shoulders. To attempt to steal or export one of these sheep was considered theft and treason. For a time, the Escorial sheep’s fleece was among the most jealously guarded luxuries in Europe. In an era when silk was associated with Asia and vicuña with the Andes, Escorial wool was Europe’s contribution to the pantheon of rare fibers: softer than the finest Merino, with a natural elasticity that defied creasing. But history is rarely static. Due to the political upheaval of the 18th century, small flocks of Escorial sheep were spirited out of Spain as gifts and contraband to Saxony and the Low Countries. The Napoleonic wars scattered the sheep that remained in Spain, and soldiers consumed them as rations. By the 19th century, Escorial sheep in Europe had all but vanished. The regal flocks, once inviolate, had been erased.

EXILE TO THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

Escorial sheep survived thanks to an unlikely act of defiance and vision. In 1829, a Scottish emigrant, Eliza Furlong, embarked on a journey of extraordinary improbability. She set sail for Tasmania with a flock of 120 Escorial sheep. The voyage lasted some eight months, a rolling confinement of men, women, and animals across oceans that were barely mapped. That they survived the passage is a testament both to Furlong’s determination and to a colonial stubbornness that refused to let go of a creature so delicate, costly, and out of place on a heaving deck. On the other side of the world, in a colony barely carved out of the wilderness, the sheep endured, tucked into the margins of an antipodean landscape where thistles and gum trees grew in place of Castilian grass. Forgotten by Europe and unrecognized by the global wool trade dominated by Merino, the sheep lingered on small estates across Tasmania and Victoria, their wool admired but never exploited at scale. For more than a century, Escorial sheep persisted in obscurity, as if history had placed them under a veil. The royal exiles lived anonymous lives on a distant continent.

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THE RADFORD RESURRECTION

By the mid-20th century, Escorial sheep had slipped into near-anonymity. Too small to yield much meat and too few in number to influence the wool trade, they survived in pockets of Tasmania more as curiosities than as heirs to royal flocks. Families kept them, not out of commercial calculation, but as if holding on to remnants of another age. It was in this obscurity that, in 1960, a young agricultural student named Peter Radford encountered the sheep. What caught his attention was not their size or temperamental nature, but their fleece. Unlike Merino, the fibers did not lie flat; they curled into infinitesimal helices, each one like a spring. Woven into cloth, these spirals created garments that resisted creasing, rebounded from pressure, and held warmth in airy lightness. Radford sensed immediately that this was not simply wool, but the vestige of lost luxury. WHAT OTHERS DISMISSED AS IMPRACTICAL , HE RECOGNIZED AS RARE.

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By the 1980s, Radford’s conviction had matured into a plan. He saw in New Zealand’s landscapes — Marlborough’s long valleys, Otago’s stonestudded hills, and Canterbury’s fertile plains — the ideal conditions to secure the Escorial sheep’s survival. In 1987, he undertook a bold experiment: transferring 120 frozen embryos from Tasmania into surrogate ewes in Canterbury. It was a gamble of science and faith. By the following year, 40 lambs stood on South Island pastures, fragile yet alive, their fleeces shimmering with promise. Radford’s purpose went beyond agriculture. He understood that to preserve these sheep was to restore a cultural heritage — an authentic luxury at risk of vanishing. With his family and a small group of growers, Radford began breeding the sheep with extraordinary care, safeguarding bloodlines and refining the fiber as one might tend a rediscovered manuscript. What emerged was not a revival for scale but for significance: a noble fiber given new life on a faraway continent.

FA R M I N G AT T H E E D G E OF THE WORLD

To farm Escorial sheep in New Zealand is to take part in a tradition where patience and stewardship carry more weight than yield. The sheep are not hardy in the commercial sense. Their small frames yield little meat. They are temperamental (“stroppy,” as the locals say), quick to bolt, and less tolerant of illness. They reproduce sparingly, so every lamb is a kind of victory. And yet, it is precisely this fragility that contributes to their aura. They are noble creatures, still retaining something of their regal exile, and their rarity depends on constant vigilance. Farmers tend them with quiet reverence, for the flocks are not merely animals but the custodians of enduring elegance. The landscapes in which the sheep graze are part of their story. In Marlborough, they wander beneath hills lined with vineyards, the Pacific winds brushing their fleeces clean. In Otago, they graze beside orchards and the turquoise waters

of the Clutha River. In North Canterbury, their paddocks lie open beneath the snowy ridges of the Southern Alps. These pastures are backdrops that imprint their clarity and purity upon the sheep’s wool. Here, farming is less about productivity than about authenticity. Each fleece is harvested with meticulous care, sheared cleanly to avoid contamination, and combed more than ordinary wool to preserve purity. The Radfords and their circle of growers form a community of guardians, bound by the knowledge that they are cultivating not simply a commodity but a legacy. THE SHEEP’S WOOL

To look at an Escorial sheep is to see modesty. They are small and curly-headed, with a frame more delicate than that of the Merino. But hidden within their fleece lies the defining secret — the helical crimp. Each fiber coils upon itself in a natural spring, conferring resilience and lightness to the wool.

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This singular architecture creates fabrics of remarkable qualities. The air trapped within the spirals makes garments warm yet weightless. The elasticity means the cloth drapes with poise, resists wrinkles, and returns to form after wear. Tailors prize it for its responsiveness, and wearers for its comfort. Compared with Merino, Escorial wool feels alive — tactile, supple, and almost as if it breathes with the body. Escorial cloth is luminous rather than shiny, and fluid rather than stiff. A suit cut from it maintains its elegance through years of wear, never collapsing into fatigue. Scarves and stoles fashioned from it seem impossibly soft yet retain structure. The wool speaks not of artifice but of nature’s own refinement. It is a luxurious fiber wrought not by industry but by centuries of survival. THE FIBER

Processing Escorial wool requires techniques as rarefied as the fiber itself. Its springing curls resist the standard machinery designed for flatter fibers. Washing, spinning, and weaving must all proceed at a slower, more deliberate pace. After cleansing, the fibers reform their helices, tightening into dense air pockets that yield warmth, resilience, and luminosity in the finished fabric. In Yorkshire, England, mills such as Joshua Ellis and Luxury Fabrics coax these fibers into suiting and coatings of remarkable durability. On Savile Row, Huntsman has cut Escorial wool into quietly

commanding grey suits, while Sid Mashburn has cut it into jackets that embody elevated casual elegance. At each stage, the fiber is treated with reverence, as if it were less a raw material than a lineage to be honored. This is not mass production. It is a chain of custody that extends from New Zealand pastures to European ateliers. Each link — shepherd, spinner, and tailor — exists not to extract value but to preserve authenticity, purity, and rarity. A LEGACY PRESERVED

The Radford family remains central to this narrative of preservation. The Escorial Company, founded in 1990, is not so much a commercial enterprise as a custodian of heritage. It governs breeding programs, ensures sustainability, and works with a select circle of spinners and tailors to maintain standards that no marketing contrivance could ever invent. Today, just 24 growers across four countries — predominantly in New Zealand — contribute to the survival of the Escorial line. Their commitment is bound not by contracts but by pride: a shared responsibility to sustain authenticity and guard a rare, noble fiber that must be protected by scarcity. Escorial is now a registered trademark, with its name safeguarded by the Escorial Council, a body of growers across hemispheres who serve as stewards. For clients and tailors, that mark is the guarantee of provenance, purity, and truth. To wear Escorial is to wear authenticity woven into the cloth and into the pastoral landscapes and family traditions that give it life. THE FEEL OF RARITY

In a world dominated by speed and volume, Escorial offers something radically different: patience, survival, and authenticity. Its rarity is not a marketing device but a lived truth, born of fragile sheep, demanding landscapes, and generations of stewardship. Those who encounter Escorial wool speak of its softness with reverence, its tailoring qualities with admiration, and its resilience with surprise. A jacket brushed every few months can endure for decades, retaining its luster. Luxury is not ornamental, but enduring: Garments perform beautifully across time, embodying nature’s architecture and human care.

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On a Canterbury morning, with flocks grazing against the luminous expanse of the Southern Alps, the arc of the Escorial story becomes clear. From the guarded pastures of Philip II to the orchards and vineyards of New Zealand, the sheep have traveled a path of exile, survival, and return. To wear Escorial is to participate in that continuum and embrace authenticity, purity, and a noble fiber whose very survival is the rarest luxury of all.

THE ESCORIAL COMPANY

escorialgroup.com info@escorialgroup.com

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words by robert mceveety

photography by ashley lee

ELLIOTT WRIGHT UNDERSTANDS SOMETHING ESSENTIAL ABOUT REAL ESTATE: IT ’S ALL ABOUT SERVICE. THE CLIENT COMES FIRST, AND THEIR HAPPINESS IS ALWAYS THE END GOAL . AFTER A DECADE OF MANAGING OPERATIONS AT SOME OF AMERICA’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS HOTELS AND YEARS OF EXTENSIVE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, ELLIOTT NOW BRINGS HIS WEALTH OF WISDOM, FOCUS, AND SERVICE-MINDED COMMITMENT TO THE SILVER CREEK REAL ESTATE GROUP. A HISTORY OF SERVICE

Elliott’s journey into real estate began at an unusually early age. As a six-year-old growing up in Wheeling, West Virginia, he would reach for the real estate section of the newspaper every weekend, browsing the listings and marveling at the former steel hub’s historic homes. “I’ve always been drawn to properties with history and legacy,” Elliott explains. “Real estate that requires stewardship, not just ownership.”

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LU X U RY H O S P I TA L I T Y

While property management taught Elliott the value of hard work, availability, and adaptability, his decade-long venture into luxury hospitality taught him the importance of excellence. Mediocrity wasn’t an option when he went to work at Charleston’s Wentworth Mansion. The five-star hotel, located in the Holy City’s historic downtown, is a landmark in itself, catering to high-end clients who expect top-tier service. Elliott thrived under that pressure.

After earning his degree in political science from the College of Charleston, where he served as student body president, Elliott obtained his South Carolina real estate license and jumped into the deep end: managing several hundred singlefamily rental units in Charleston’s historic district. These were not modern apartment complexes but 150-year-old buildings that required specialized knowledge. “The properties were all very unique,” Elliott recalls. “The owners were often remote, so they were relying on me to be their eyes and ears.” Managing that many units meant being on call constantly. Pipes burst at midnight, tenants had emergencies, and owners needed immediate answers. Elliott handled rental showings, coordinated maintenance crews, navigated lockbox systems, and became intimately familiar with Charleston’s quirky historic properties. “You can’t succeed if you can’t juggle,” Elliott notes. “With that volume, you have to remember details about hundreds of properties and respond quickly.”

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Soon, he was whisked away to another landmark establishment: the legendary Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C., “Where,” as their motto attests, “nothing is overlooked but the White House.” Just across Lafayette Square from the Oval Office, the Hay-Adams has catered to the movers and shakers of this country since 1885. There, Elliott rose to director of rooms, managing a team of 70 employees while serving politicians, diplomats, and business leaders. The guest list read like a who’s who of Washington power players. The expectations were absolute.

“It’s high-stakes hospitality,” Elliott explains. “You have to anticipate needs before they’re expressed. You need to deliver results quickly. I am proud to have been part of such an iconic institution, but the work required a sense of humility — I’m still holding the door.” But after thriving for years in that high-intensity environment, something shifted. CO M I N G H O M E TO T H E M O U N TA I N S

Elliott and his partner, John, felt pulled to the mountains. They first visited Cashiers in 2021, experiencing firsthand the natural beauty and heartwarming community that distinguish our Plateau. “I always thought I wanted to go somewhere bigger,” he reflects. “But once I had the mountain experience, I came back around.” Growing up in small-town Wheeling, he understood what it was like to be a part of a genuine community. “There’s a willingness for people to connect here that’s not found in bigger cities. People speak to you. You bump into friends at the post office,” Elliott says. They quickly purchased a cabin getaway, an escape from the hustle and bustle. But it needed work — the renovation was comprehensive. Coordinating contractors remotely from Washington, Elliott experienced the reality of mountain construction: who delivers on time, which vendors are reliable, and what timelines actually mean versus what they promise. The experience provided him with practical insights that continue to serve his clients today. After successfully renovating the property, they sold and purchased another in 2024. But as they began to plan this new chapter — another renovation project from afar — Elliott made a decision. He decided to leave city life behind and embrace life on the Plateau and his passion for our community. PUTTING CLIENTS FIRST W I T H S I LV E R C R E E K

“I’ve always approached my work with a sense of ownership,” Elliott says. “My work is very much a reflection of myself. When I’m working on a transaction, I approach it as if

I were buying the home or selling my home. Dedication is my credo.” Elliott’s interest has always been in distinctive properties. “These mountain homes are not cookie-cutter,” he emphasizes. “They’re unique spaces where people create memories with friends and family. Just as he chose boutique hotels over chains, he’s drawn to real estate with character and a story — and that includes his brokerage. “I like that Silver Creek is boutique,” he says. “Jochen built it from the ground up with intentional, systematic marketing. And he’s all about putting clients first.” Throughout Elliott’s career — whether managing rentals or hosting dignitaries — he’s understood that success comes from treating every interaction as important and every client as a priority. His partnership with Silver Creek is a natural extension of this philosophy and a testament to Elliott’s undeniable dedication to his work and clients. M O U N TA I N L I V I N G

Since moving to Cashiers full-time, Elliott and John have embraced the community. They’re members of Friends of Lake Glenville and the Cashiers Historical Society. Their golden mountain doodle, Brier, has more room to roam than he ever did in D.C. They’ve discovered favorite spots — Four65 for wood-fired pizza, The Orchard for fine dining, and Whiteside Brewing Company for casual gatherings. But more often, they host or attend dinner parties at people’s homes. “The space you occupy matters,” Elliott observes. “Where you are and what energy you draw from your environment — it’s important. I love dinner parties rather than always meeting at restaurants. The real estate here offers properties perfect for that kind of entertaining.” They hike regularly, run for fitness, and tackle DIY projects. The lifestyle contrasts sharply with Washington’s intensity, but that’s exactly what drew them here.

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“ Dedication is my credo.” YO U R D E D I C AT E D A DVO C AT E

Elliott knows what makes our Plateau special and why so many choose to upend their lives and embrace these mountains. His hospitality background means he understands the value of responsiveness and attention to detail at the highest levels. His property management foundation provides operational knowledge of real estate, and his own mountain property journey gives him empathy for what clients face. “There’s a service-mindedness to what I do,” Elliott explains. “I like taking care of clients’ needs and making sure they’re getting the service and value they deserve.” As Elliott builds his practice with Silver Creek Real Estate Group, he brings the same intentionality that has guided him from property management to luxury hospitality to mountain real estate. He’s always been drawn to properties and places that matter — places with history, character, and a story.

Now, having chosen the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau as his permanent home, he’s eager to help others discover what makes these mountains special. Just as he once did as a sixyear-old in West Virginia, studying newspaper listings and dreaming about properties with history and legacy, Elliott understands that finding the right home is about stewardship — becoming part of a story that matters. WITH ELLIOTT WRIGHT AT SILVER CREEK REAL ESTATE GROUP, CLIENTS GAIN AN ADVOCATE WHO UNDERSTANDS THAT REAL ESTATE IS FUNDAMENTALLY ABOUT ONE THING: SERVICE.

ELLIOTT WRIGHT

BROKER

304-650-0451 ELLIOTT@NCLIVING.COM E L L I OT T W R I G H T. N C L I V I N G .C O M

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OUR TEAM P R E S E N T E D BY S I LV E R C R E E K R E A L E S TAT E G R O U P

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE, GLOBAL REACH

At Silver Creek Real Estate Group, our team is united by a shared passion for the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and a dedication to helping clients find their perfect place here. Each of our brokers brings a unique blend of market expertise, local insight, and genuine care, ensuring every transaction is handled with skill, integrity, and personal attention.

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With a sharp entrepreneurial instinct and a lifelong passion for real estate, Jochen Lucke brings a dynamic perspective to every client interaction. His journey from Southeast Florida to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau was driven by a love for the mountains and a desire to create a more grounded, community-focused life. That same passion now shapes his approach to real estate, blending deep local knowledge with a broad view of market trends.

JOCHEN LUCKE

Known for his tenacity and thoughtful negotiation style, Jochen is also a dedicated community leader, with years of service on local nonprofit boards. Whether guiding clients through their first purchase or a complex development opportunity, he brings a calm confidence, a builder’s eye, and a sincere commitment to helping others find their place in the mountains.

“If you’re looking to sell your home, we highly recommend Jochen. His experience, communication, and dedication make all the difference.” — D. and A. Pugel

FOUNDER | CEO | BROKER 828-226-1126 JLUCKE@NCLIVING.COM JOCHENLUCKE.NCLIVING.COM

DAN ALLEN Dan Allen offers something exceptional: thirty years of genuine community investment that has created unparalleled local expertise. Since calling the mountains his permanent home in 1995, he has built lasting relationships throughout the region, making him a trusted guide and giving clients access to a strong network of local professionals and resources. Known for his “treasure hunter” approach, Dan focuses on understanding each client’s vision and using his extensive market knowledge to find the right match. His commitment extends beyond closing, offering ongoing guidance and support. An advocate for the environment and passionate community supporter, Dan brings exceptional knowledge, authenticity, insight, and dedication to every client he serves.

BROKER CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST GUILD™

“Dan and his team continue to set the standard for excellent communication, diligent practices, and high fidelity in their work.” — M. Draughon

828-508-2107 DAN@NCLIVING.COM DANALLEN.NCLIVING.COM NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 95

PARKER ANDERSON From the French Quarter to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Parker Anderson’s path to Cashiers has been one of adventure, intention, and heart. A third-generation real estate broker from Rome, Georgia, Parker built his expertise in New Orleans’ competitive market before answering the mountains’ call. Now with Silver Creek Real Estate Group, he pairs bigmarket savvy with an authentic love of community, helping clients find not just homes, but lifestyles that fit who they are. Deeply rooted in Cashiers, Parker and his wife, Caroline, are raising their children, Reeves and Figgy, surrounded by the beauty and warmth of the place they proudly call home.

“ It was a pleasure to work with such an honest and enthusiastic individual that exhibited true ethical values toward his profession. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with [Parker] again in the future.” — C. Jacobson

BROKER 828-200-2695 PARKER@NCLIVING.COM PARKERANDERSON.NCLIVING.COM

JULIA TATUM BANNER With a background in fine arts, construction, and entrepreneurship, Julia Tatum Banner brings a creative and solution-driven perspective to real estate. A descendant of builders, artists, and innovators, she draws on her family’s legacy to help clients see the hidden potential in every property. Julia’s hands-on experience with design and development, as well as her company, Banner & Associates, allows her to offer thoughtful guidance throughout the buying and selling process. Known for her dedication, vision, and personal touch, Julia helps clients not only find a home but imagine what it could become. She lives in Lake Toxaway with her husband, Mac.

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“We could not have been more pleased with [Julia’s] professionalism and kindness. There is no doubt that we will be working with her again when we are ready to make our next purchase!” — L. and A. Wiedersum

MARSHA BRICKER Marsha Bricker has been a cornerstone of HighlandsCashiers Plateau real estate for over 30 years. A New York native and NYU graduate, Marsha left her corporate career at what is now Verizon in 1992 and moved to Sapphire, where she discovered her calling in mountain real estate. Dedicated, passionate, and always communicative, she has built her practice almost entirely on repeat business and referrals. At the same time, her deep local knowledge and unwavering work ethic have cemented her reputation as one of the Plateau’s most trusted real estate professionals. A 13-time club champion at Burlingame Country Club, Marsha shares her home and her love for the Plateau community with her husband of almost 50 years and their three adorable Australian Labradoodles.

“I’m passionate about my people, and I’m passionate about this business. Every customer I have, I want them to feel like they are my only one.” BROKER

— Marsha Bricker

828-553-2357 MARSHA@NCLIVING.COM

CHRIS DUFFY Chris Duffy’s journey to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau began in 2017, when a radio hosting job brought him to the mountains sight unseen. What began as a career move became a calling, blending his broadcasting, investigative, and culinary backgrounds into a real estate practice built on service, curiosity, and connection. His inquisitive nature helps uncover opportunities, guiding clients to the right home and community. Known for his six-foot-nine frame, approachable style, and knowledge of the Plateau’s diverse towns, Chris is deeply involved in local life, serving on boards, volunteering at events, and championing the community he treasures.

BROKER RESORT AND SECOND-HOME PROPERTY SPECIALIST

“Chris went above and beyond for us... he stepped up and did whatever was needed to see [the closing] through. We could not have done it without him!” — Blair and Allison

828-526-6763 DUFFY@NCLIVING.COM C H R I S D U F F Y. N C L I V I N G .C O M NC LI VI NG W I NT E R 2026 97

DEBBY HALL With more than three decades as an Atlanta interior designer, Debby Hall brings an exceptional eye for possibility to every transaction. She helps sellers showcase their homes to full advantage and guides buyers in envisioning potential. Her experience working with builders, architects, and clients has honed her ability to understand how people truly live in their spaces. Since discovering the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in 2004, Debby has embraced both the community and the lifestyle, volunteering with local organizations and forging lasting connections. Her blend of design expertise, business acumen, and genuine care makes her a trusted guide for mountain living.

“[Debby] was very professional and kind, and she answered all my questions no matter how small. She is smart and caring and goes above and beyond in her duties.” — K. Strang

BROKER 828-200-4057 DEBBY@NCLIVING.COM DEBBYHALL.NCLIVING.COM

JONATHAN HOUGH Jonathan Hough approaches real estate with a service-first mindset and a deep belief in the power of relationships. With a background rooted in leadership, faith, and family values, he brings thoughtful guidance and genuine care to every client interaction. His interest in real estate was sparked by his father’s example as a general contractor, and his approach is grounded in integrity, professionalism, and personal connection. Whether supporting his community, leading within the industry, or helping clients navigate important decisions, Jonathan is known for his steady presence, clear communication, and commitment to delivering an experience defined by trust and results.

“From the initial consultation to the final closing, Jonathan was always available and responsive, and he provided expert guidance. We highly recommend [him] to anyone looking for a dedicated and successful realtor.” BROKER 704-202-4161 J O N AT H A N @ N C L I V I N G .C O M J O N AT H A N H O U G H . N C L I V I N G .C O M 9 8 S ILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

— J. and M. Kiker

RICK JACKSON Authentic and approachable, Rick Jackson offers a steady demeanor complemented by a comprehensive real estate background. After selling his software company, he entered real estate in 1998, later finding his perfect fit on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Splitting time between Atlanta and the mountains before settling full-time, Rick brings unique insight into the transition to mountain living. He’s known for building genuine relationships, and maintaining a strong moral compass, enabling him to guide clients with integrity and ease. Active in local organizations and an avid golfer, boater, and vintage motorcycle enthusiast, Rick has built a life he loves and helps clients do the same on the Plateau.

“Rick was perfect throughout our purchase in Lake Glenville. [He was] knowledgeable, responsive, informed, and helpful at all turns.” — D. and K. Feist

BROKER 404-275-7617 RICK@NCLIVING.COM RICKJACKSON.NCLIVING.COM

BAMBI FAMOUS KAINE For Bambi Famous Kaine, real estate is a calling rooted in connection, not just to homes, but to people and the communities where they’ll thrive. With a background in sales and a deep love for the mountains, Bambi brings a calm, intentional presence to every client relationship. Her unwavering passion for helping others is matched only by her legendary attention to detail. As a self-described “community concierge,” Bambi believes people should fall in love with a place before they fall in love with a property, and she’s there to make that happen, every step of the way.

BROKER CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST GUILD™ CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST

“Bambi was our selling agent and she was superb. There aren’t enough adjectives and stars to compliment her, her team, and their service. She is the epitome of professional, knowledgeable, and customer service oriented... Truly, she was magnificent!” — F. Trammel

828-200-4040 BAMBI@NCLIVING.COM BAMBIKAINE.NCLIVING.COM NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 99

EDDY MCDONALD With more than 30 years on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, Silver Creek’s Eddy McDonald brings a rare depth of experience — from PGA pro to club manager, builder, and seasoned broker. As someone who listens first and talks second, Eddy combines technical know-how with genuine care, guiding clients through every market with calm confidence. His hands-on construction background and decades of community connections allow him to see value that others might miss, while his commitment to service extends far beyond closing day. Whether helping first-time buyers or seasoned investors, Eddy leads with integrity, insight, and the steady assurance of someone who knows these mountains by heart.

“Eddy is a fabulous realtor. He has been responsible for our rental home for the last year and has increased our rentals by 200%! He is always available and responsive to our needs and those of the renters.” — J. and M. Serdula

BROKER 828-421-8196 EDDY@NCLIVING.COM EDDYMCDONALD.NCLIVING.COM

JODI MOORE With over two decades of experience and an award-winning start to her career, Jodi Moore brings unwavering dedication and warmth to every client relationship. A former Vice President of Sales and Marketing turned real estate broker, she’s known for her honesty, responsiveness, and genuine care. Now a respected expert in Burlingame Country Club and across the Plateau, Jodi combines insider knowledge with a client-first philosophy built on patience and trust. Her approach is simple but rare: Treat people the way you want to be treated and never stop working until they find the mountain home that feels just right.

“The Monteleones have bought many homes in our 56 years of marriage! But, without a shadow of a doubt, Jodi Moore is the best realtor we have ever had.” BROKER 828-482-2525 JODI@NCLIVING.COM JODIMOORE.NCLIVING.COM 100 S ILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE G RO UP

— P. and B. Monteleone

CASSIE NEAL For more than 20 years, Cassie Neal has built her reputation as a real estate broker on listening deeply, communicating clearly, and perfecting the art of connecting people with places where they’ll truly belong. A military upbringing taught her to adapt quickly and connect with people from all walks of life — skills she brings to every transaction. Cassie pairs deep market knowledge with genuine care, guiding clients through the Plateau’s unique nuances with honesty and attention to detail. Her love for mountain living is contagious. Clients often leave with more than a home — they leave with a trusted friend.

“[Cassie Neal] sincerely cares about what is best for her clients and encourages you to buy what is best for you, rather than trying to make a quick sale.” — A. Hurst

BROKER CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST GUILD™ 828-226-0383 CASSIE@NCLIVING.COM CASSIENEAL.NCLIVING.COM

KATIE NICHOLSON Since moving from Georgia to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in 2008, Katie Nicholson has built a thriving real estate career rooted in authenticity and trust. A former acquisitions professional with a global real estate investment firm, she transitioned to mountain living and became deeply involved in the development of the Chinquapin community, specializing in land and new home builds. Known for her patient, relationship-focused approach, Katie guides clients toward the right home and community, often remaining a resource long after closing. Her local ties, construction knowledge, and commitment to honest service make her a trusted guide for those seeking both a property and a place to belong.

“Thanks to Katie, we are home in a community that we love. We could not recommend [her] more highly.” BROKER

— E. Tucker

828-399-1824 K AT I E @ N C L I V I N G .C O M K AT I E N I C H O L S O N . N C L I V I N G .C O M NC LIVI NG W I NT E R 2026 101

LINDA PRIDGEN With three decades on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and 20 years as general manager of The Chattooga Club, Silver Creek Real Estate Group broker Linda Pridgen brings unmatched insight, grace, and heart to her work. A former teacher turned hospitality leader, she blends patience, professionalism, and deep community roots to guide clients toward homes that truly fit their lives. From advising longtime members to welcoming newcomers, Linda listens first — helping people find not just a house but a sense of belonging. Her calm expertise, insider knowledge, and genuine warmth reflect a simple truth: on the Plateau, every home begins with connection.

“[Linda Pridgen] is the consummate professional before, during, and after the sale. All aspects of our buying experience were superb.” — S. Bessent

BROKER 828-507-3206 LINDA@NCLIVING.COM LINDAPRIDGEN.NCLIVING.COM

CHUCK SELF Chuck Self first came to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau more than 30 years ago, drawn by its beauty and sense of community. After a successful 30-year career in corporate television sales, he made the mountains his full-time home and now helps others discover the lifestyle he treasures. By partnering with Riva Smith, Chuck combines unmatched business expertise and seasoned negotiation skills with a deep knowledge of the area and a commitment to honest, thorough service. Active in local organizations and dedicated to giving back, he guides clients with professionalism, care, and a focus on finding the right home and community for their needs.

BROKER CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST GUILD™ 828-734-7302 CHUCK@NCLIVING.COM CHUCKSELF.NCLIVING.COM 102 S ILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

“As out-of-towners looking for a second home, Chuck’s local knowledge of each and every neighborhood was invaluable. Five stars — highly recommended!” — J. and K. Anderson

RAY TRINE With over 40 years of experience, Silver Creek broker Ray Trine has helped shape much of the HighlandsCashiers Plateau through sales, development, and deep community involvement. After moving from Florida to a Glenville farm in the early 1980s, Ray built one of the area’s top real estate firms and contributed to the creation of communities like Bald Rock, Trillium Links and Lake Club, and Summer Hill. To anyone he meets, Ray is the quintessential guide to the Plateau, blending unmatched local knowledge with personal stories, fascinating history, and an infectious enthusiasm for the mountain lifestyle he loves.

“Ray has been my real estate agent for close to three decades and no one knows more about Cashiers and Lake Glenville than he does. He’s a pleasure to work with.” — Cason

BROKER 828-506-8520 R AY @ N C L I V I N G . C O M R AY T R I N E . N C L I V I N G . C O M

RACHEL WAVRA “Rachel Wavra brings a hospitality-driven mindset and meticulous attention to detail to her real estate practice. Originally from Winter Park, Florida, she helped grow a national restaurant brand before settling in Scaly Mountain with her husband, Tyler, and their two children. Known for her clientfirst philosophy, Rachel believes the difference between good and exceptional lies in carefully considered moments. Blending thoughtful touches with modern marketing savvy, she offers the perfect balance of luxury service and heartfelt hospitality. Her practice is built on thoughtfulness, authenticity, and exceptional standards, qualities that leave a lasting impression long after the transaction is complete.”

“Working with Rachel to sell our property in Highlands was an absolute pleasure. Her communication, patience, and genuine care for our goals really shined through.” BROKER 828-505-6190 RACHEL@NCLIVING.COM R AC H E LWAV R A . N C L I V I N G .C O M

— J. Walsh

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C U R AT E D J O U R N E YS T H R O U G H S U N , S N OW, A N D SA FA R I

A FR ICA SEASON BY SEASON

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words by ellen jones photography courtesy of africa awaits

When winter cloaks the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau in frost and snow, Africa stirs with life. Vast, sundrenched, and endlessly diverse, this untamed frontier offers travelers a world where adventure meets uncompromising curiosity. Founded by Cashiers-dwelling husband and wife team Laura and Alastair Lamont, Africa Awaits specializes in crafting extraordinary journeys to the majestic “Mother Continent.” From immersive safaris to cultural explorations, each itinerary is bespoke, marrying the thrill of discovery with the comfort of luxury travel. “Every single trip is personalized,” Laura and Alastair explain. “We blend adventure and refinement to best fit the client in front of us.” Whether tracking the Big Five in Kruger National Park, sampling wines in the Cape Winelands, exploring art-forward cities, or teeing off on championship golf courses, Africa Awaits curates experiences that reveal the continent’s most thrilling contrasts and hidden corners. ZEBRA SPOTTED IN MALAWI. AFRICAAWAITS.COM

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WHITE DESERT LODGING IN ANTARCTICA. PHOTO BY ANDREW MACDONALD AFRICAAWAITS.COM

But with a continent so vast, which countries should be visited and when? Given South African native Alastair’s lifelong immersion in southern and eastern Africa and Laura’s Peace Corps experience on the continent, their encyclopedic knowledge of Africa is unrivaled. Here, Laura reveals her expertise on the best seasonal destinations and — for the golfing-inclined — where to tee off in style under the warm sun. AFRICA IN FALL AND WINTER

Heading to Africa is the ultimate sun-kissed escape in the colder months. “Winter in North Carolina is summer in much of southern Africa,” explains Laura. “Warm, green, and alive with young wildlife and migratory birds. So, truly, when the Plateau is wrapped in snow, Africa is in full bloom.”

SOUTH AFRICA (CAPE TOWN & WINELANDS)

WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS AT COTTAR’S 1920s CAMP IN KENYA. AFRICAAWAITS.COM

November through March is ideal for heading to Africa’s southwestern tip. Alastair notes, “Cape Town’s long, sunny days make for perfect golf rounds, wine tastings, and seaside escapes.” Foodies can explore farm-to-table dining and Michelin-starred restaurants, while adventurous types can hike the iconic Table Mountain (a New 7 Wonders of Nature) for panoramic views.

BOTSWANA (OKAVANGO DELTA) “The Delta is one of nature’s crown jewels,” Alastair says of this water-filled paradise where wildlife congregates in extraordinary numbers. Private mokoro (traditional canoe) excursions and guided game drives showcase elephants, lions, and birds in extraordinary density, offering encounters that feel both intimate and cinematic. Shoulder months such as November offer fewer crowds but breathtaking scenery as wildlife gathers along the flooded delta.

ANTARCTICA Pack your thermals. For the truly intrepid, late November through February unlocks the frozen continent via fly-in expeditions from Cape Town. “You can even do a five-hour flight, three hours exploring, and five hours back; a day trip to the last frontier!” Laura enthuses. Longer itineraries offer emperor penguin colonies, ice climbing, and unforgettable polar landscapes.

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NAMIBIA West-coast-sitting Namibia’s peak season is typically spring to summer. However, in the offseason between November and March (Africa’s summer), the desert comes alive with verdant green colors, unique seasonal blooms, and migratory birds. Travelers can sandboard on the surreal dunes and gasp in awe at the shimmering Etosha Pan.

WILD HILL IN KENYA (COLLECTION IN THE WILD). PHOTO BY STEVIE MANN AFRICAAWAITS.COM

AFRICA IN SPRING AND SUMMER

While spring and summer heat up back home, Africa Awaits points travelers to destinations where wildlife is on the move, predators are on the hunt, and the continent bursts with life at every turn.

EAST AFRICA (KENYA & TANZANIA) The Serengeti and Maasai Mara pulse with life from May through October during the Great Migration. Guests witness millions of wildebeests and zebras moving in a mesmerizing rhythm, punctuated by dramatic predator-

prey encounters. Laura adds, “January and February are also excellent to visit — clear skies and active predators make for unforgettable safari photography.”

RWANDA & UGANDA Gorilla trekking is comfortable from June to October and December to February. Alastair explains, “Rwanda even hosts the Big Five, so you can combine primate encounters with classic safari experiences.” Luxury camps nestled in misty forests offer a rare combination of adventure and distinction, perfect for travelers seeking intimacy with nature.

MADAGASCAR

April through November is optimal for exploring lemur-filled rainforests, striking baobab landscapes, and azure beaches on this megadiverse island paradise. Whale watchers can witness humpback whales along the coast from June to September, while diving enthusiasts can discover some of the planet’s most vibrant coral reefs.

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ZIMBABWE & ZAMBIA

June to September brings clear views and pristine conditions for river safaris in these striking landlocked countries. Guests can combine thrilling white-water rafting, sundowner cruises along the Zambezi, and game drives at Chobe National Park, one of Africa’s top wildlife viewing spots. S W I N G A M I D S AVA N N A S

Scotland’s St. Andrews. New Zealand’s Cape Kidnappers. Georgia’s Augusta. These Western icons are among the most sought-after destinations on golfers’ bucket lists. However, according to Laura, some of the most stunning courses are to be found in South Africa. And to accommodate their golf-loving travelers, Africa Awaits’ golf safaris are crafted to combine world-class golf with vivid wildlife and cultural experiences.

ABOVE: BREAKFAST IN LEWA WILDERNESS OVERLOOKING MT. KENYA. AFRICAAWAITS.COM TOP RIGHT: MAASAI BEADS IN KENYA. AFRICAAWAITS.COM BOTTOM RIGHT: ALASTAIR LAMONT AT KWANDWE IN SOUTH AFRICA. AFRICAAWAITS.COM

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“Incredible courses exist in South Africa,” Alastair enthuses. “Some are even designed by Tom Fazio, Ernie Els, and Gary Player from Leopard Creek. You’ll find fairways that overlook wildlife in the Kruger National Park, Fancourt and Pearl Valley in the Cape Winelands, and Steenberg under the shadow of Table Mountain.”

RIGHT: GIRAFFES AT AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK. AFRICAAWAITS.COM BOTTOM: LA RESIDENCE HOTEL IN THE STELLENBOSCH WINELANDS. AFRICAAWAITS.COM

What can one expect on an Africa Awaits golf safari? Wall-to-wall luxury, of course. “Our golf days unfold with a morning round and an evening game drive, wine tasting, or Michelin-star dining, all connected by private transfers,” says Laura. And for the co-travelers who may not like to tee off? From wellness treatments and gallery excursions to wine tastings and botanical gardens, there is a full roster of experiences to keep everyone happy off the fairway. T H E A F R I C A AWA I T S E X P E R I E N C E

Laura and Alastair’s Cashiers studio allows travelers to “sit in Africa” before leaving home — a hands-on approach Laura describes as part of the company’s ethos: “Much of this world has gone virtual, but we cherish meeting clients in person, immersing them in Africa from our safari studio.”

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DINING AT COTTAR’S 1920S CAMP IN KENYA. AFRICAAWAITS.COM

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES IN KENYA. AFRICAAWAITS.COM

Yet for non-locals, the team is equally adept at crafting journeys via email, phone, or Zoom. The company’s dual perspective — Laura’s lifelong Plateau ties and African experience combined with Alastair’s continent-spanning expertise — creates a perfect storm of American expectation with on-the-ground insight. “We literally get more joy out of sending clients on safari and hearing them brim with joy over a sighting than being on the vehicle ourselves,” Laura and Alastair say. Whether your winter dreams involve vineyard terraces in the Cape, gorilla trekking in misty Rwandan hills, or teeing off with elephants strolling nearby, Africa Awaits transforms travel into something life-shatteringly epic. “Africa is alive, ever-changing, and endlessly surprising,” she concludes. “Our mission is to help travelers explore it in a way that is deeply personal and unforgettable.”

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WILDERNESS BISATE LODGE IN RWANDA. AFRICAAWAITS.COM

INDIAN OCEAN SNORKELING AT MIAVANA IN MADAGASCAR. AFRICAAWAITS.COM

HOW AFRICA AWAITS CURATES YOUR JOURNEY TA I LO R E D F R O M T H E STA RT

Expect a deep dive into your interests, style, and dreams, crafting a safari that’s entirely yours, be it wildlife wonders or hidden cultural gems. GUIDED EVERY STEP

From itinerary planning to insider tips on packing, weather, and local life, Africa Awaits ensures you feel prepared, inspired, and excited long before you depart. LUXURY IN EVERY MOMENT

From the moment you land to your final sunset, you’re met, guided, and cared for, with every detail handled to create effortless yet remarkable experiences. A F R I C A AWA I T S

africaawaits.com 32 Hwy 107, Cashiers, NC 28717 828-360-8910 info@africaawaits.com

TAKE A DAYTRIP TO ANTARCTICA AND SPOT EMPEROR PENGUINS. PHOTO BY KELVIN TRAUTMAN AFRICAAWAITS.COM

ROYAL MALEWANE DINING. AFRICAAWAITS.COM

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951 CHEROKEE TRACE

a s i lv e r c r e e k r e a l e s tat e g r o u p e xc lu s i v e o f f e r i n g

WELCOME TO AN EXCEPTIONAL RESIDENCE IN THE WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB. AS YOU FIRST APPROACH, THIS DISTINGUISHED RESIDENCE CONVEYS A SENSE OF QUIET SOPHISTICATION. WITH ITS TIMELESS ARCHITECTURE, HAND-LAID STONEWORK, AND CUSTOM-CRAFTED WOOD AND GLASS ENTRY DOOR, THE HOME ESTABLISHES A WARM AND INVITING PRESENCE FROM THE MOMENT YOU ARRIVE.

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The kitchen and dining areas are equally inspiring, with generous windows that embrace the majestic views. These spaces strike a balance between function and elegance, making them ideally suited for both casual dining and entertaining.

Inside, the two-story great room creates an immediate impression of grandeur and comfort. A soaring stone fireplace anchors the space, while walls of glass frame the long-range mountain views perfectly. The natural light accentuates the craftsmanship and architectural details that define the home, creating a welcoming environment that is elegant without pretension. Outdoor living is seamlessly integrated into the design. The covered porch, complete with a second stone fireplace, offers an ideal setting to gather with friends and family — whether recounting the day’s victories on the golf course or sharing the tranquility of a Plateau evening. A stone terrace and private garden provide additional intimate outdoor retreats, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

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On the main level, the primary suite offers a private retreat. Featuring its own fireplace, a spainspired bath with marble finishes, and vistas overlooking both the mountains and the home’s secluded garden, this suite is a sanctuary within the residence. The upper level is designed with guests in mind, offering two spacious suites that carry forward the light and refined aesthetic found throughout the home. Each space is thoughtfully appointed, ensuring comfort and privacy for family and visitors alike. This elegantly decorated home is being offered fully furnished, allowing for immediate occupancy and effortless enjoyment from the very first day. Situated within Wade Hampton Golf Club — consistently recognized among the finest private clubs in the nation — this residence combines architectural artistry, natural beauty, and a lifestyle of distinction. Membership is by invitation only. For those seeking a refined retreat in one of the Plateau’s most esteemed communities, this home represents a rare opportunity. It is more than a residence — it is a sanctuary of elegance and comfort.

O f f e r e d f o r $ 3 , 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 b e d r o o m s t h r e e b at h r o o m s t h r e e – a n d – a– h a l f Y e a r 2 0 0 1

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Behind the

Bowtie

words by zach james

MODERN HOUSEHOLDS ARE THRIVING WITH TRADITIONAL HELP – AND THE BUTLERS OF TODAY HAVE EVEN MORE SKILLS UP THEIR IMPECCABLE SLEEVES

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PHOTO BY RAUL RODRIGUEZ VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

TWO STUDENTS ATTENDING PROFESSIONAL BUTLER COURSES. PHOTO BY OLGA YASTREMSKA VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

When one thinks of a butler, they likely envision one of the many famous household managers of fiction: Batman’s ever-loyal Alfred Pennyworth, the comedic British musings of Jeeves or maybe even the towering Addams Family presence of Lurch. They may even see recent historical figures, such as former White House butler Eugene Allen or Grant Harrold, the former servant of King Charles III. All of these representations, real-life or otherwise, are from the past century or so, but the origins of the role date back several hundred years to the medieval ages. British nobles and affluent individuals of the era began to adopt the early concepts of a butler into their homes, drawing from the French term bouteillier, meaning “cup-bearer.” The role initially entailed the meticulous management of the employer’s wine cellar, slowly growing over time to encompass the kitchen and, eventually, the entire estate, with the butler becoming a service-focused confidante of their master by the Victorian era. “By the 19th century, the butler in England was responsible for the entire house as well as the grounds, and his day was consumed with managing the staff and acting as the go-between for staff and principals,” says Steven Ferry, founder and

chairman of the U.S-based International Institute of Modern Butlers. “It was a managerial role in the larger houses, and in smaller houses would include hands-on when it came to orchestrating the service at dinner, for instance.” Today, the International Guild of Professional Butlers estimates that around 3 million butlers are working around the world, a number that has surged in the past decade, building off of momentum that began in the 1990s. The role has grown in responsibility alongside its increased global presence and the ever-developing demands of high-end clientele. The position of butler now expands across nearly every facet of an employer’s life, with daily duties including, but not limited to: managing all other house staff (often across multiple properties), fulfilling the responsibilities of a personal assistant, shopping for the home’s daily needs, packing suitcases, driving their client to appointments, serving as a bodyguard during public appearances, preparing meals, thoroughly cleaning residences, entertaining guests and booking flights, hotels and restaurants. Some may be asked to take on more niche responsibilities, such as healthcare, in the case of an elderly or ailing employer, or even stock portfolio management.

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This switch toward a less formal butler experience coincides with cultural trends, with formalwear being reserved for events rather than daily apparel. While

the U.S. “The modern butler recognizes that and is able to learn what luxury and what service mean to each specific different principle and adapt to that accordingly.” To meet the expectations of their employers, butlers often attend tailored educational institutions around the globe, honing their household craft with intense hands-on lessons, though some may forgo this and opt for experience at five-star hotels and resorts. At butler schools, students learn a variety of skills, including: deeply optimized household cleaning techniques, the latest technology and software, managerial proficiency, plating and table-setting, how to launder high-end fabrics, pet care, proper etiquette, effective and appropriate communication, cooking, sommelier skills, financial literacy and highpressure multi-tasking, such as balancing multiple glass plates, bowls and cups while walking with one hand behind their back and a book atop their heads. These lessons are presented in both traditional classroom environments as well as experiential opportunities across multi-week programs at schools such as The

International Butler Academy and the International Institute of Modern Butlers. some markets, such as Britain, still prefer the image of the bowtie-wearing butler, most other major business hubs seek out a more laid-back and relaxed helper.

As for why people choose to enter the field and train to become a butler, reasons vary greatly for each person. Mr. Deijkers considered attending the school he now manages for nearly a decade before taking the leap, seeking change from his routine after carving out a career in high-end construction.

“Nowadays, a lot of people are much more casual and don’t want to feel stuffy in their own homes,” adds Steven Laitmon, cofounder and co-CEO of The Calendar Group, a household staffing agency in

The summer 2025 class of The International Butler Academy casts a wide net, from one professional wanting to improve their proficiencies gained over a

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HIGH-END HOSPITALITY TAKES MANY FORMS AND OFTEN REQUIRES TAILORED EDUCATION AND TRAINING. PHOTO BY ANDREY POPOV VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Despite many of the job obligations aligning with those of a traditional butler, overall presentation is widely diverging. “Let’s say you were the butler of Snoop Dogg, for example — you probably will not wear traditional clothing but, at the same time, he might even like that,” says Niels Deijkers, general manager of The International Butler Academy in the Netherlands. “For certain occasions, certain moments, he may want to have that traditional style, because it elevates something. Still, on the weekend, you would work in your sports clothing — your attire is completely different from what you would imagine of the English traditional butler, who, probably most of the time, would wear a suit with a morning coat. So the attire would change, but language and speech [could as well].”

multiple-decade career to a student seeking to deepen their understanding of people’s wants and desires for a future career in the mental health field. Others simply wish to elevate their current workplace’s service standards or gain useful life skills.

DUTIES OF THE MODERN DAY BUTLER CAN RANGE FROM HOME MANAGEMENT TO HEALTHCARE TO SECURITY, DEPENDING ON THE EMPLOYER’S NEEDS. PHOTO BY IEVGEN CHABANOV VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

According to Nathalie Laitmon, cofounder and coCEO of The Calendar Group, high-end hospitality, specifically that of a butler, is a pursuit that goes beyond one’s mindset and aspirations. “In our industry, we talk about having something we call a service heart,” she explains. “A lot of people know that they have this at an early age, but don’t necessarily know they want to be in this industry. They just know that they’re caretakers at heart, that they’re sensitive to other people’s preferences and they get their joy from taking care of other people. So, by the time they arrive to us, you can really get a sense of when that’s authentic or not.” When one seeks out hiring household staff, they typically go through a dedicated home hospitality agency. These organizations, both big and small, seek to meet the client’s needs in vastly different ways. For example, going with a larger, global entity could provide a greater breadth of candidates as well as enhanced security and compatibility screenings, while smaller businesses may offer more personalized and direct round-the-clock service.

PHOTO BY SEVENTYFOUR VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

“I would look for an agency that’s large and established,” advises Anita Rodgers, founder and president of British American Household Staffing. “If you look at how big their team is...you want to see ops, management, [talent acquisition] and marketing. That means they have money and they’ve done well in the business.” Hiring a butler can drastically enhance the day-to-day of everyone within the household, as the professionals are trained to both cater to and anticipate the principal and their family’s wants and needs. Caretakers at this level can especially help those with nontraditional, often 24/7, work schedules that leave little time for household management and much of the daily minutiae one would forget with a lifestyle lacking an off switch. Butlers put something priceless back in the hands of their employers: time.

PHOTO BY KALIM VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

“The most valuable thing in life is time,” Mr. Deijkers says. “You cannot buy time, but you can make sure that everything is arranged so you can live your life. If you then consider the modern butler, all the modern butler does is make sure that you are able to live the life that you want.” Text reproduced with permission from Luxury Portfolio International and Luxury Portfolio magazine. © Luxury Portfolio International. All rights reserved.

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EXCLUSIVE LAND OFFERINGS P R E S E N T E D BY S I LV E R C R E E K R E A L E S TAT E G R O U P

POTENTIAL LONG-RANGE VIEWS IN CULLOWHEE FOREST. MLS# 1002042 ON PAGE 125 120 S ILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

ENJOY OVER 100 ACRES WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF LAKE GLENVILLE MLS# 1001344

BALD ROCK

Live a life of luxury in the stunning community of Bald Rock, where larger estate lots offer the perfect blend of privacy and equestrian paradise. Nestled against the National Forest, this lot provides breathtaking views and easy access to scenic trails for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Ownership of this property grants access to both the community and Sapphire Valley’s amenities. Take advantage of an opportunity to build your mountain dream home in this exceptional community. 10.05 ACRES

$349,000

MLS# 1000077

This 6.86-acre lot in Bald Rock offers elevations of over 4,000 feet with stunning views of Chimneytop and DoubleKnob. The property’s features include a private, serene setting, a gentle build site, an expired four-bedroom septic, and available high-speed internet. Residents enjoy a premier equestrian center, 9.2 miles of trails, and access to Sapphire Valley Resort amenities, including pools, a golf course, a ski slope, and Fairfield Lake. 6.86 ACRES

$259,000

MLS# 1000565

B E A R WA L LO W SPRINGS

Discover tranquility in Bear Wallow Springs, Lake Toxaway Estates. This private wooded lot provides access to North Carolina’s largest private lake and is close to Brevard and Cashiers. Enjoy community amenities such as a fitness center and Fazio Golf Learning Center. Optional Lake Toxaway Country Club membership includes a tennis court, a swimming pool, a golf course, croquet lawns, and a clubhouse. It’s the perfect location to craft the ideal mountain retreat. 1.303 ACRES

$60,000

MLS# 106278

BIG RIDGE

Escape to Big Ridge with over 1.25 acres at 4,600 feet of elevation. Build a mountain retreat on a gently sloped site with community water and an expired four-bedroom septic permit. Connect with nature, enjoy cool summer breezes, and explore nearby lakes, trails, and charming mountain towns. 1.29 ACRES

$89,000

MLS# 1000738

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BRIDGE CREEK

Discover the perfect canvas for your dream mountain retreat on this 2.2-acre lot in the sought-after Bridge Creek. Surrounded by the serene beauty of Western North Carolina, this prime parcel offers a rare opportunity to design and build a custom home that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Enjoy a blend of privacy and tranquility in this idyllic setting, all while maintaining convenient access to the region’s best hiking, fishing, and outdoor activities. 2.22 ACRES

$150,000

MLS# 1000385

Discover mountain serenity on this 1.53-acre wooded lot in Bridge Creek. Enjoy an idyllic community with a covered bridge entrance, Chimney Garden, scenic trails, and Knob Creek. Nearby Cashiers, Lake Glenville, and Highlands offer dining, entertainment, and outdoor adventures. Build your dream retreat and savor a blend of nature and convenience. 1.53 ACRES

$89,000

MLS# 1000978

Build your own park-like oasis in the Bridge Creek community near Cashiers and Highlands. With your home built atop a gentle knoll at 3,600 feet in elevation, cut a pathway down to the stream where you could create a relaxing outdoor living space. You’ll also enjoy access to the community pond and picnic area, which features a stone fireplace. This 0.79-acre lot already has access to electricity and community water. 0.79 ACRES

$22,000

MLS# 104375

BUCK CREEK

Imagine the possibilities with 16.52 acres of land just minutes from Highlands! Build several homes or create your private estate with a creek, springs, small waterfalls, and long-range views. 16.52 ACRES

$499,000

MLS# 1002289

BUCK KNOB ISLAND

Discover life on Buck Knob Island, a unique retreat on Lake Glenville accessible only by boat. Surrounded by natural beauty, enjoy this secluded enclave from your private dock, with pristine lake views and a tranquil lifestyle. Just 20 minutes from Cashiers, it’s an extraordinary opportunity to create a mountain sanctuary. 0.95 ACRES

$575,000

MLS# 1001010

BURLINGAME

Opportunities like this don’t come around every day! Build your dream mountain getaway on either of these Burlingame lots with frontage on the Horsepasture River. Soon you could be relaxing to the soothing sounds of the river from your own backyard and enjoying outdoor amenities like walking trails, fishing, and parks. LOT 1 HERITAGE DRIVE

2.05 Acres | $275,000 | MLS# 1001370 LOT 3 HERITAGE DRIVE

1.72 Acres | $275,000 | MLS# 1001372

BUILD YOUR DREAM LAKEFRONT RETREAT ON MLS# 1001010

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DISCOVER 200+ ACRES OF NATURAL BEAUTY AND PANORAMIC VIEWS ON MLS# 1001278

ENJOY PRIVACY AND SWEEPING VIEWS FROM MLS# 1000985

CANEY FORK

Explore over 200 acres on Moses Creek, featuring trout-filled waters, serene pastures, a barn, a cabin, and ridges with stunning views. Convenient paved access leads to this versatile property, offering endless opportunities for relaxation or rural living in a breathtaking natural setting. 208 ACRES

$1,500,000

MLS# 1001278

C E DA R R I D G E E S TAT E S

Just 10 minutes from Cashiers Crossroads, this secluded lot in Cedar Ridge Estates offers potential mountain views and a peaceful, natural setting. With buildable gentle slopes and moss-lined roads, it is an ideal location for your mountain retreat. Enjoy privacy while staying close to the amenities of vibrant Cashiers. 3.66 ACRES

C E DA R H I L L

Located in the upscale Cedar Hill subdivision, enjoy luxurious mountain living with spacious lots, nature trails, and mesmerizing views. This 22.97-acre lot at over 3,500 feet elevation offers cool summer temperatures and expansive long-range mountain vistas. Ready for your dream home, the lot is near level at the homesite and prepped with underground utilities. Just minutes from groceries, fine dining, shopping, and all the village of Cashiers has to offer. UNDER CONTRACT 22.97 ACRES | $850,000

MLS# 101234

Build a dream home on this 2.28-acre lot in Cedar Hill, an upscale gated community near Cashiers and Sapphire. This gentle building site offers privacy, potential northwest views with clearing, and access to Sapphire Valley amenities such as golf, pools, and Lake Fairfield. Luxury mountain living awaits! 2.28 ACRES

$205,000

MLS# 106438

OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE AND CHINQUAPIN AMENITIES ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER ON MLS# 1002009

$125,000

MLS# 1000164

C H I N Q UA P I N

Tucked away atop one of the highest points of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, Chinquapin is an amenity-rich community that provides the ultimate mountain lifestyle while maintaining a reverence for the natural landscape. Nearly one-third of its 2,000 acres are kept in a conservation easement, preserving its stunning environment while providing unparalleled access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing, and even UTV and equestrian trails. Residents can take advantage of modern conveniences, including a fitness room, pickleball courts, a driving range, and a clubhouse, ensuring a truly engaging experience in this peaceful mountain setting.Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Chinquapin features elegant, custom mountain homes designed with contemporary, upscale style, creating the perfect retreat. In addition to its peaceful location, the community is just minutes from the

THIS GENTLE BUILD SITE IS READY FOR YOUR DREAM MOUNTIAN RETREAT. MLS# 1001467

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attractions of nearby Cashiers, where world-class dining, art, shopping, and music await. Chinquapin offers an unmatched opportunity to enjoy the best of mountain living, combining outdoor adventure with sophisticated comfort. LOT D52 SPRINGWATER ROAD

9.4 Acres | $599,000 | MLS# 1001677 C46 ROAMING ROAD

3.62 Acres | $440,000 | MLS# 1000451 C44 ROAMING ROAD

4.84 Acres | $429,000 | MLS# 1001168 D49 SPRINGWATER ROAD

1.5 Acres | $425,000 | MLS# 1000985 85 REDROCK TRAIL

0.7 Acres | $410,000 | MLS# 1002009 C55 ROAMING ROAD

3.6 Acres | $349,000 | MLS# 1001021 L O T E 8 N E W S E T T L E R S WAY

4.05 Acres | $349,000 | MLS# 1001286 C20 ROAMING ROAD

2.67 Acres | $299,000 | MLS# 1000449 L O T 2 2 N E W S E T T L E R ’ S WAY

6.93 Acres | $299,000 | MLS# 1001774 LOT C38 ROAMING ROAD

LOT 123 RIPPLING WATERS TRAIL

2.65 Acres | $185,000 | MLS# 103010 96 BLAZING STAR DRIVE

3.46 Acres | $150,000 | MLS# 1000987 LOT 98 BLAZING STAR DRIVE

1.91 Acres | $139,000 | MLS# 1001759 L O T E 7 N E W S E T T L E R ’ S WAY

1.632 Acres | $129,000 | MLS# 1000313 W23 FISH CAMP TRAIL

0.97 Acres | $119,000 | MLS# 1001780 LOT N12A OUTPOST TRAIL

0.48 Acres | $99,000 | MLS# 1000681

CROSS CREEK P R E S E RV E

Build your private mountain estate inside the gates of Cross Creek Preserve. Situated at over 3,900 feet elevation, this 2.86-acre parcel includes peaceful mountain streams around and throughout the property. Short-range views are obtainable with some trimming. Residents of Cross Creek Preserve enjoy outdoor amenities such as a stocked trout lake, kayaking, and a community fire ring just 5.5 miles from the crossroads in Cashiers. 2.86 ACRES

$165,000

4.46 Acres | $299,000 | MLS# 1001467 C45 ROAMING ROAD

3.13 Acres | $265,000 | MLS# 1001239 W5 WATERSOUND TRAIL

1.3 Acres | $259,000 | MLS# 1000986 L O T E 4 N E W S E T T L E R ’ S WAY

4.72 Acres | $249,000 | MLS# 1001457 C7 SNOWCREST DRIVE

2.25 Acres | $235,000 | MLS# 1000158 6 3 N E W S E T T L E R ’ S WAY

1.199 Acres | $220,000 | MLS# 1000452 LOT N16 OUTPOST TRAIL

0.47 Acres | $215,000 | MLS# 1001469 N20 OUTPOST TRAIL

1.24 Acres | $199,000 | MLS# 1000984 LOT C51 ROAMING ROAD

1.58 Acres | $189,000 | MLS# 103676

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CREATE YOUR DREAM MOUNTAIN HOME ON MLS# 1001239

MLS# 1000354

C U L LO W H E E

Imagine over 50 acres of pure serenity. Stargaze by the fire, hike amidst soothing streams, and enjoy stunning mountain views. A short drive from Cashiers and endless outdoor adventures, this unrestricted haven is a dream escape waiting to happen. Don’t miss the chance to build a mountain retreat! 55 ACRES

$ 4 6 7, 5 0 0

M L S # 1 0 0 1 0 74

Located in the gated Cullowhee Forest community and surrounded by lush forest, these combined lots total just over 6.5 acres and sit at a 3,600foot elevation, making this an ideal location for a mountain getaway. They feature high-speed internet, potential views, and a stunning common area with access to the Tuckasegee River and a 75foot waterfall. Enjoy miles of hiking trails as well as nearby dining and entertainment options within a 15 to 30-minute drive. 6.54 ACRES

$45,000

MLS# 106148

FA LC O N R I D G E

Discover long-range views and tranquility on 7.31 acres in Falcon Ridge at over 4,000 feet elevation. This private homesite features a waterfall, a partially cleared building site, and resort amenities such as a golf course, pools, and Lake Fairfield access. Build an ideal mountain retreat surrounded by natural beauty and recreational opportunities. 7. 3 1 A C R E S

$132,999

MLS# 1001013

F I V E S TO N E 7.31 ACRES WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEWS IN FALCON RIDGE. MLS# 1001013

Discover the perfect blend of privacy and scenery on this stunning 8-acre ridge-top parcel. Enjoy expansive long-range views and the flexibility of multiple potential building sites. With no building restrictions and only minimal road-maintenance HOA fees, this lot is the perfect place to design the ideal mountain retreat, vacation escape, or investment property. 8 ACRES

$115,000

MLS# 1002268

C U L LO W H E E F O R E S T

Build your private retreat on over 8.5 acres in gated Cullowhee Forest, offering long-range views, a natural knoll homesite, and deeded access to the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River and Hatcher Falls. Enjoy high-speed fiber-optic internet and nearby dining, recreation, and cultural experiences in Cashiers, Sylva, and Lake Glenville. U N D E R C O N T R A C T 8.79 ACRES

$99,000

Explore more than 40 acres of high-elevation land in Sapphire’s gated FiveStone community. This package of six surveyed lots features build-ready sites with underground utilities, four-bedroom septic evaluations, and community well water. Enjoy sweeping views of Whiteside and Chimneytop Mountains with tree-trimming potential. Ownership includes access to Sapphire Valley amenities like lakes, golf, pools, and more, offering privacy with easy access to nearby dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation. 41.35 ACRES

$799,000

MLS# 1000023

GLEN POINTE

Discover one of Lake Glenville’s finest lots, boasting unbeatable views of the lake and surrounding mountains, guaranteed by deeded view easements. The easements allow tree clearing to maintain stunning vistas, making this property feel like a prime waterfront spot. Enjoy easy access to Glen Pointe community’s newly rebuilt dock, shared by eight lots. With a four-bedroom septic permit valid and gentle slopes for easier construction, this lot is the perfect blend of beauty and convenience. 1.23 ACRES

$499,000

MLS# 1000237

MLS# 1002042

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VIEWS OF WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN AND NATIONAL FOREST LAND FROM MLS# 1002095

GLENVILLE

Experience 105 acres of serene privacy with panoramic Lake Glenville and Blue Ridge mountain views. Featuring pond and stream frontage, this property offers endless possibilities. Create a family compound, a private retreat, or explore multiple potential homesites, all just minutes from Cashiers. 105 ACRES

$2,150,000

MLS# 1001344

H O L LY B E R RY E S TAT E S

Get it before it’s gone! The last lakefront lot available in Holly Berry Estates provides a beautiful view of the lake. Build your weekend getaway or full-time residence within this secluded 430-acre community, and enjoy access to two private lakes and the Rocky Gulch hiking trail. From this easy-building site located between Cashiers and Highlands, you will enjoy all that both towns have to offer. 2.5 ACRES

$189,000

MLS# 104470

Discover 4.5+ private acres at the end of the road in Rocky Gulch within Holly Berry Estates. Bordering National Forest land, this idyllic property features a creekside entrance, dramatic boulders on approach, and Whiteside Mountain views, all minutes from Cashiers and Highlands, where mountain beauty meets timeless Appalachian living. 4.62 ACRES

$145,000

MLS# 1002095

H O L LY F O R E S T

Holly Forest is a collection of subdivisions featuring beautiful Western North Carolina mountain homes, homesites, and condominiums. It is the largest single-family and condominium community on the mountain. Holly Forest is located within a short drive to the unique shops, world-class dining, and distinctive culture of the resort village of Cashiers. Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby picturesque National Forest with waterfalls, overlooks, hiking and walking trails, and a wide range of flora and fauna. The Holly Forest community provides residents access to the incredible Sapphire Valley Master Association amenities. These include the 50-acre Lake Fairfield, Red Bird Golf Links, a nine-hole golf course, one indoor and two outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, pickleball courts, a health club, a game room, miniature golf, a ski and tubing slope, musical concerts and more. Sapphire Valley is also home to two private golf and country clubs, the Country Club of Sapphire Valley and Burlingame Country Club (membership by invitation only).

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LOT 59 NARROWS ROAD

0.55 Acres | $29,000 | MLS# 103970 LOT 91 BALD EAGLE COURT

0.36 Acres | $20,000 | MLS# 103632 LOT 35 BUCKBERRY

0.87 Acres | $18,000 | MLS# 103619 LOT 30 ROCK CREEK COURT

0.71 Acres | $15,000 | MLS# 1002308 LOT 4 LAUREL DRIVE

0.59 Acres | $6,500 | MLS# 1001322

LAKE FOREST

Build your dream home in the North Carolina mountains! Enjoy beautiful long-range mountain views and Lake Glenville from 3,700 feet with a bit of clearing. Just outside the gates of Glenshore, and situated in a quiet community, this lot offers peaceful sounds of a nearby waterfall. Conveniently located between Cashiers and Highlands, you can take advantage of all the water and outdoor activities Lake Glenville has to offer as well as nearby shops and restaurants. 1.2 ACRES

$175,000

MLS# 1001211

L A K E TOX AWAY E S TAT E S

$449,900

MLS# 104718

L AU R E L FA L L S

$1,190,000

MLS# 1000866

$45,000

MLS# 1002277

L I T T L E H O G B AC K C R E E K E S TAT E S

Unrestricted double lot with lake frontage and views on Hogback Lake, complete with survey, septic permit, house plans, and retaining wall plans. Ready for a full-time home or weekend retreat, this property offers a serene lakeside setting with a head start on the building process. 0.82 ACRES

$115,000

MLS# 1001624

P I LOT M O U N TA I N

Enjoy short-range mountain views from this buildable lot in the Pilot Mountain community. A nearly level building site, views of Coney Bell Mountain and Prickly Ash Mountain, and close proximity to Lake Glenville create an inviting setting for a future home and a mountain lifestyle. |

$ 4 7, 0 0 0

MLS# 1002247

R AV E N E L L A K E P R O P E RT I E S

Discover the perfect canvas in Ravenel Lake Properties with deeded access to Ravenel Lake and a gently sloping, easy-to-build setting. Recent clearing reveals a new trail to the prime homesite beside a gentle stream. Enjoy privacy, natural beauty, and a central location between Highlands and Cashiers for a relaxed mountain lifestyle. 1.71 ACRES

Escape to tranquil living in gated Laurel Falls. This property boasts a 35-foot waterfall, Robinson Creek frontage, multiple homesites with westerly views, and access to Panthertown Valley trails. Build a dream retreat amid pristine wilderness and enjoy unmatched privacy and natural beauty in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 1 7. 8 2 A C R E S

3.33 ACRES

1.73 ACRES

For the prospective homeowner with a vision, this 3.9-acre parcel in Lake Toxaway Estates provides the perfect backdrop to create a masterpiece. Careful consideration of detail and home placement will allow you to take advantage of captivating longrange views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The wooded property, close to Meadow Ridge, provides a private setting while remaining close to luxurious amenities. Make your mountain living dreams come true! 3.4 ACRES

Experience peaceful mountain living on this 3.33acre parcel in Laurel Falls, offering privacy, lush forest surroundings, and exclusive access to Robinson Creek. With direct entry to Panthertown Valley’s renowned trails and minimal community fees, this property provides an ideal setting for a mountain retreat immersed in natural beauty and outdoor adventure.

$149,000

MLS# 1002230

SAPPHIRE RIDGE

Discover 2.58 acres of mountain tranquility in Sapphire Ridge! Enjoy long-range Blue Ridge views, a gated community setting, and access to Sapphire Valley Resort’s exceptional amenities. Build your dream home on this gently sloping lot, blending natural beauty with an adventurous, upscale lifestyle. A perfect balance of relaxation and recreation awaits! 2.58 ACRES

$315,000

MLS# 1000940

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TRANQUIL MOUNTAIN LIVING ON MLS# 1000750

SHEPHERDS M O U N TA I N

S I LV E R R U N R E S E RV E

Build a mountain retreat on over 3 acres of land in Shepherd’s Mountain, which has view of Lake Glenville and the mountains beyond, cool breezes, and community amenities. Enjoy a private park, a picnic pavilion, and deeded lake access. Conveniently located near dining, shopping, and outdoor adventures, this property is a gateway to Blue Ridge Mountain living. 3.32 ACRES

$169,900

MLS# 1000750

Experience serene mountain living on this 4.72-acre lot, nestled within the gated Shepherd’s Mountain community. This parcel offers potential views of Lake Glenville and mountains, with a stream and a walking trail leading to a building site. The community features paved roads, underground utilities, a communal center with a playground, exclusive lake access, view spots with seating, and proximity to recreation areas and marinas. This tranquil retreat is ready for your dream mountain home! 4.72 ACRES

$79,000

MLS# 104667

Experience sweeping mountain and lake views from Shepherd’s Mountain. With multiple build sites, an expired septic permit, shared well, and gated access to amenities and lake recreation, this parcel offers the ideal foundation for your private mountain retreat near Lake Glenville. 2.55 ACRES

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$69,900

MLS# 1002122

Build an elegant retreat on 2.3 acres in Silver Run Reserve, a gated community of preserved meadows, lakes, and trails. At 3,800 feet with long-range mountain views and curated amenities, this homesite offers privacy, sophistication, and a refined mountain lifestyle minutes from Cashiers and Highlands. 2.3 ACRES

$985,000

MLS# 1001860

S I M S VA L L E Y

Sims Valley is a mountain community shaped by history and defined by natural beauty. At the turn of the 20th century, Willis and Laura Sims built their homestead in this high valley, a place framed by sweeping 40-mile views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Today, the community carries forward that pioneering spirit, offering a serene environment between Cullowhee and Cashiers that feels more like a national park than a traditional development. Winding nature trails designed by Trail Dynamics weave through forests, waterfalls, and wildflowers, creating a landscape that invites exploration. The original Sims family home remains a cherished gathering space, joined by a clubhouse with a fitness center, spa, pool, fireplaces, outdoor grill, and caterer’s kitchen. At the north end, the open-air Mountain Chapel provides a quiet perch overlooking the valley. Blending history, scenery, and a strong sense of place, Sims Valley captures the enduring essence of mountain living.

21R PILOT KNOB ROAD

2.69 Acres | $98,500 | MLS# 1001470 LOT 76 PASTURE ROAD

0.95 Acres | $59,500 | MLS# 1001419 LOT 60 PILOT KNOB ROAD

2.11 Acres | $52,400 | MLS# 106172 LOT 62 PILOT KNOB ROAD

2.03 Acres | $52,400 | MLS# 106173 LOT 27 AUTUMN BLAZE TRAIL

0.89 Acres | $49,998 | MLS# 1000441

S TO N E C R E E K E S TAT E S

Stonecreek Estates offers the best of mountain living with unmatched convenience. Ideally situated just minutes from both Sapphire and Cashiers, this community provides easy access to the area’s premier amenities, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and renowned golf courses. Located just beyond the gated entrance of the Country Club of Sapphire Valley, which offers membership by invitation only, residents can enjoy the serenity of the mountains without sacrificing accessibility. With its close proximity to Highway 64, Stonecreek Estates allows for effortless travel throughout the Plateau while avoiding long, winding mountain drives. Discover the perfect balance of elevation, privacy, and year-round comfort, making the community an exceptional choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat or a permanent residence amid the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. LOT 23 ROCK MOUNTAIN ROAD

2.65 Acres | $200,000 | MLS# 1001842 LOT 25 ROCK MOUNTAIN ROAD

1.19 Acres | $150,000 | MLS# 1001841 18 COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES DRIVE

0.94 Acres | $129,000 | MLS# 1000616 1 J U D G E M E N T WAY

1.98 Acres | $50,000 | MLS# 1000383

S TO N E F LY

Located just 1.2 miles from the center of Cashiers, the gated community of Stonefly provides convenient proximity to town combined with the seclusion and natural surroundings that one expects from a Blue Ridge Mountain community. Homesites ranging

from 1 to 5 acres are thoughtfully placed within the development, sheltered by a lush canopy of hardwood forest and bordered by trickling streams. Nature lovers venture out their front doors and find themselves comfortably embraced by the native rhododendrons, mountain laurels, reflective ponds, and cascading waterfalls ever-present throughout the neighborhood. With just over two dozen homesites, Stonefly provides an intimate setting for a tranquil mountain paradise, only minutes away from shopping, dining, public golf courses, and other amenities. LOT 13 STREAMSIDE DRIVE

1.51 Acres | $390,000 | MLS# 1001395 LOT 14 STREAMSIDE DRIVE

1.5 Acres | $390,000 | MLS# 1001396 LOT 16 ZEB ALLEY ROAD

2.61 Acres | $390,000 | MLS# 1001406 LOT 10B STREAMSIDE DRIVE

1 Acres | $280,000 | MLS# 1001393 LOT 1B STREAMSIDE DRIVE

1.1 Acres | $240,000 | MLS# 1001391

SUMMER HILL

Take advantage of this opportunity to build your mountain home in the gated Summer Hill neighborhood, one of Lake Glenville’s premier lakefront communities. This picturesque building site enjoys both lake and mountain views. You will enjoy waterfront access and potential dock access. Swim in the crystal-clear waters or take your boat to the rushing waterfalls. Summer Hill provides a luxurious, secluded mountain lake retreat with convenient access to downtown Cashiers and Highlands. 1.21 ACRES

$199,000

MLS# 104071

Located in the peaceful and secluded Summer Hill subdivision, this 1.58-acre gently rolling lot provides an easy building site for your dream home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The private neighborhood includes a gated entrance and deeded lake access to Lake Glenville, located just seven miles from Cashiers. Enjoy the community dock, beach, boat ramp, and two pavilions for picnics and family gatherings, or seek adventure on the many hiking trails. 1.58 ACRES

$139,000

MLS# 102261

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TA H A L A S H O R E S

Experience the tranquility of mountain-lake living in Tahala Shores. Featuring a concrete driveway, a partially cleared homesite, and mountain and lake views, this lot offers privacy, convenience, and access to year-round recreation on Lake Glenville, the highest lake east of the Mississippi. 0.9 ACRES

$39,900

MLS# 1002121

Find serenity and natural beauty in Tahala Shores. Featuring a mountain spring, mountain and lake view potential, and lake access through Woudes Mountain Village, this peaceful parcel offers the perfect balance of privacy, recreation, and connection to Lake Glenville’s breathtaking surroundings. 0.89 ACRES

$19,900

MLS# 1002123

T H E P O I N T AT GLENVILLE LAKE

Build your dream home on this gentle lot near Lake Glenville, offering a private boat slip, lake and mountain views, paved roads, community water, and a three-bedroom septic permit on file. Enjoy 7.5 acres of green space and a lakeside pavilion with gathering amenities, all just minutes from Cashiers’ shopping and dining. 0.588 ACRES | $525,000 | MLS# 1000635

TRILLIUM LINKS & L A K E C LU B

True to its credo, “Where Families Belong,” Trillium is a welcoming, family-oriented community on Lake Glenville. Community amenities include an 18hole championship golf course designed by Morris Hatalsky, a relaxed par-three Garden Golf course, stocked fishing ponds, croquet lawns, and a central clubhouse offering dining, gathering spaces, and views across the fairway. Apple Orchard Park serves as the fitness and wellness hub, with indoor and outdoor clay tennis courts, modern equipment, classes, and spa services. Homes reflect classic Western North Carolina design, featuring Arts and Crafts and Adirondack influences that complement the natural setting. Lake Glenville anchors daily life with boat rentals and water activities, while the nearby village of Cashiers provides easy access to shopping, dining, and seasonal events.

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LOT 1&2 TRILLIUM RIDGE ROAD

4.21 Acres | $425,000 | MLS# 1001743 LOT 4 TRILLIUM RIDGE ROAD

3.87 Acres | $425,000 | MLS# 1001306 LOT 1 TRILLIUM RIDGE ROAD

2.23 Acres | $235,000 | MLS# 1001739 LOT 2 TRILLIUM RIDGE ROAD

1.98 Acres | $205,000 | MLS# 1001742

WAT E R DA N C E

Dreaming of riverside living in the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains? Build your perfect home above the serene Tuckasegee River in the gated Waterdance community. With stunning river frontage and easy access to water features, this lot is ideal for anglers and nature lovers alike. Waterdance features paved roads and a covered bridge. Access to the community water system is included. Don’t miss this slice of paradise! 1.3 ACRES

$99,000

MLS# 105920

W H I T E WAT E R R I D G E

Enjoy peace and privacy on this magnificent 12.97acre property, comprised of three combined lots to create the perfect estate setting. Offering highelevation mountain views and an ideal canvas to build your dream mountain home, this property is nestled within a gated 285-acre community bordering the Nantahala National Forest. Discover the perfect blend of seclusion, natural beauty, and convenience, complete with underground utilities that ensure comfort without compromising the mountain experience. 12.97 ACRES

$140,000

MLS# 1001847

W O U D E S M O U N TA I N V I L L AG E

Discover a 2.5-acre haven in Woudes Mountain Village, teeming with hardwoods and vibrant flora. Experience tranquility with features like a quaint stream and private trail to the community docks on Lake Glenville, providing water adventures at your doorstep. With gentle terrains easing your building process and access to the nearby attractions of Cashiers, Highlands, and Glenville, this lot perfectly combines nature’s charm and modern conveniences. Secure your serene escape today! 2.53 ACRES

$55,000

MLS# 106383

ENJOY ACCESS TO A 35-FOOT WATERFALL AND TROUT-FILLED ROBINSON CREEK. MLS# 1000866

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A Fish Older Than Time U N R AV E L I N G T H E M Y T H O L O GY O F C AV I A R

w o r d s by pat r i c i a l au r e n t

132 S ILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

ON THE SHORE OF THE CASPIAN SEA, THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE ANCIENT STURGEON. PHOTO BY YERBOLAT VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

The first thing you notice is the silence — a fleeting pause suspended delicately between anticipation and indulgence. On the edge of a mother-of-pearl spoon rests a small heap of glistening, charcoal-gray pearls. Each bead signifies far more than mere culinary luxury: it represents a relic of ancient lineage — the sturgeon, a creature older than human civilization itself. As these eggs touch the palate, they dissolve imperceptibly, leaving behind only a ghostly whisper of oceanic salt and silky subtlety. This is not mere food; it is an encounter with history, time, and mythology encapsulated within a single, deliberate bite. Yet when we taste caviar, precisely what are we tasting? Is it merely the roe of a fish essentially unchanged for 250 million years? Or are we willingly seduced by the mythology we’ve constructed around luxury, heritage, and exclusivity? Is caviar inherently rare, or is its rarity carefully cultivated — a necessary illusion to justify its extravagant price? To answer these questions, we must venture beyond taste and mere indulgence. We must probe deeper into why the sturgeon, among all creatures, has become the epitome of luxury fine dining. THE STURGEON AND THE SEA

To fully appreciate caviar, we must first consider the ancient sturgeon and its birthplace, the Caspian Sea. This inland marvel is so immense that it cannot be categorized as either sea or lake, existing instead as a vast geological paradox. Formed around 5.5 million years ago and severed from the prehistoric Tethys Ocean through tectonic shifts, this isolated expanse of water — bordered by Russia and Iran — has nourished the sturgeon as one of Earth’s oldest surviving species. A survivor from the Mesozoic Era, the sturgeon is a paradoxical creature: armored, prehistoric, silent, solitary, and yet compellingly sophisticated. Belonging to the Acipenseriformes order, sturgeons bear an unmistakable form. Their elongated bodies are lined meticulously with five rows of rigid, bony plates called scutes, while their skin is a tactile tapestry of smooth and rugged textures. At the tip of their long snouts, their

NC LIV I NG W I NT E R 2026 13 3

RESTAURANT PUTAINE CAVIAR DISH. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROYAL BELGIAN CAVIAR ROYALBELGIANCAVIAR.BE

delicate barbels drift gently through dark waters, acting as sensors and guiding them through their shadowed world — a visual reminder of evolution undisturbed by millions of years. The Caspian’s sturgeon are particularly celebrated, most notably the majestic Huso huso, commonly known as the beluga. Beluga, once capable of exceeding 6 meters in length and weighing over 3,000 kilograms, were historically abundant in the Caspian with seemingly inexhaustible populations. Their roe was harvested generously by local Persian and, later, Russian fishermen, initially as a simple source of sustenance rather than an indulgence. And indeed, it was ancient Persia that granted caviar both its name and cultural mystique. Khâvyâr, translating evocatively as “egg-bearing,” suggests fertility, abundance, and hidden luxury. Caviar — the unfertilized eggs — became a delicacy inseparable from notions of elite refinement, its identity shaped profoundly by aristocratic favor. Enthralled by the subtle textures and delicate flavors of salted sturgeon roe, Persian nobles — long before the Russian Tsars — embraced it not merely as sustenance but as a luxurious symbol of potency and privilege. They believed it possessed medicinal qualities that granted strength and vitality — attributes particularly desirable among the ruling class. Caviar traveled when Persian trade routes blossomed along the legendary Silk Road, carried by merchants who understood that “rarity” alone commanded attention. By the Middle Ages, caviar’s mystique had captivated European monarchs. In England, its exclusivity was codified when King Edward II formally declared the sturgeon a “royal fish,” reserving it explicitly for nobility and embedding caviar permanently into Europe’s consciousness as a delicacy of high social status.

134 S ILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

A R I STO C R AC Y: LUXURY MYTHMAKING

When we savor caviar today, we might imagine ourselves inheriting the refined tastes of monarchs and aristocrats whose palates once dictated luxury’s very definition. Yet, do we truly appreciate caviar for its intrinsic qualities, or are we simply enchanted by a narrative skillfully curated over centuries by royal mythmaking?

The allure of caviar intensified during the Russian Empire’s golden age. Tsars such as Peter the Great and later Catherine the Great became well-known connoisseurs, using caviar not merely as food but as a potent symbol of imperial magnificence. Known for her sophisticated tastes, Catherine regularly served caviar at lavish court gatherings, turning each banquet into a grand theatrical affirmation of wealth

CAVIAR DISH SERVED AT L'AIR DU TEMPS RESTAURANT. PHOTO COURTESY OF L'AIR DU TEMPS AIRDUTEMPS.BE

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STURGEON PROTECTED BY CONSERVATION EFFORTS. PHOTO BY EUGEN WAIS VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

and sophistication. The Russian nobility, eager to emulate their sovereign, quickly adopted this culinary fashion, embedding caviar’s aristocratic prestige deeply into Russia’s — and soon Europe’s — cultural fabric. No longer merely sturgeon roe, caviar was an edible emblem of power and exclusivity. As the 19th century unfolded, this mythos extended westward across Europe’s finest salons and dining rooms. It influenced figures from Queen Victoria, whose royal chefs regularly incorporated caviar into elegant menus, to celebrated gourmands such as France’s Marquis de Cussy, whose culinary writings praised its unique and subtle flavor. By the early 20th century, caviar’s reputation as the ultimate signifier of refined living had captured the American aristocrats of the Gilded Age; it was relished at the Vanderbilt parties in New York mansions and the extravagant dinners at the Rockefeller estates. Each taste affirmed their social position, subtly shaped by centuries of aristocratic conditioning. Yet beneath this glamorous veneer, a provocative question emerges: have we inherited our appreciation for caviar solely through the stories these aristocrats told themselves—and us —or from an authentic understanding of its genuine value? Royal approval has always bestowed status, but does it truly guarantee quality or substance?

136 S ILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

Today, the seduction remains powerful; we still instinctively equate aristocratic endorsement with superior quality. But perhaps true luxury should be measured less by the grandeur of those who have approved it and more by our own discerning tastes. When we reflect quietly, we may discover that the greatest sophistication lies in thoughtfully interrogating tradition rather than following it blindly. We can reclaim luxury — not merely as a legacy of royal mythmaking but as a deeply personal appreciation of excellence itself. INDULGENCE WITH A CONSCIENCE?

And yet, the sturgeon’s noble historical narrative belies a contemporary ecological tragedy. Wild sturgeon — particularly the majestic beluga — are precariously endangered due to relentless human pressures. These include aggressive overfishing, devastating pollution, and the systematic destruction of spawning habitats along the Caspian shores and rivers. Before the First World War, at one point Caspian fisheries yielded a staggering abundance. Paradoxically, political and social turmoil from the Russian Revolution and subsequent conflicts granted brief respites to sturgeon populations, demonstrating nature’s resilience when allowed even a fleeting recovery. In modern times, sturgeon fishing bans — most recently renewed by Caspian-bordering nations in 2022 — seek to preserve and protect these ancient

Coveted Caviars

ROYAL REPORTAGE CAVIAR. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROYAL BELGIAN CAVIAR ROYALBELGIANCAVIAR.BE

TOP 10

OSETRA — RUSSIA

(Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)

Nutty, firm beads with complex depth, golden hues, and medium-sized eggs. BELUGA — IRAN & RUSSIA

(Huso huso)

Revered for its delicate, buttery texture and gentle subtlety. Luxuriously creamy, large beads. SIBERIAN STURGEON — RUSSIA

(Acipenser baerii) Earthy and aromatic, with a stronger character. Rich, subtle sweetness and dark pearls. SEVRUGA — RUSSIA

(Acipenser stellatus) Intensely flavorful, with smaller pearls bursting with marine notes. Salty and finely textured. WHITE STURGEON — NORTH AMERICA

Crisp and buttery with a versatile flavor. ALMAS — IRAN

(Albino beluga) An exceptional rarity, with pale creamy eggs. Celebrated for its exclusivity. STERLET — RUSSIA

Mild, buttery, and delicately sweet. HACKLEBACK — USA

Nutty, subtly sweet, and approachable. B R E S C I A C AV I A R — I TA LY

Briny with fruity undertones, carefully farmed. KALUGA — CHINA

Large beads and a buttery texture reminiscent of beluga.

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SALMON AND CAVIAR APPETIZER. PHOTO BY M.STUDIO VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PHOTO BY VIACHESLAV LOPATIN VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

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CHEF SANG HOON DEGEIMBRE PREPARING A CAVIAR DISH. PHOTO COURTESY OF L'AIR DU TEMPS AIRDUTEMPS.BE

ROYAL BELGIAN OSIETRA CAVIAR SERVED AT CHÂTEAU DE BOURGLINSTER. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROYAL BELGIAN CAVIAR ROYALBELGIANCAVIAR.BE

fish from extinction, acknowledging belatedly the necessity of sustainable stewardship. But even amid conservation efforts, a powerful irony emerges. Caviar, historically symbolic due to scarcity and exclusivity, now finds itself massproduced through aquaculture, an industry rapidly evolving in China, France, Italy, and even the United States. Siberian, kaluga, osetra, and white sturgeon varieties emerge from these carefully managed farms, redefining the very essence of this once-exclusive indulgence. This democratization prompts a provocative inquiry: Does the widespread accessibility of farmed caviar preserve or diminish its luxury status? When rarity fades, does our concept of luxury shift from tangible scarcity to symbolic prestige? Thus, as we trace the sturgeon’s journey through history, geography, and ecology, caviar invites thoughtful contemplation alongside sensual pleasure. We are led to question whether luxury must always depend on scarcity or if its value might better be found in sustainability and authenticity. The Caspian Sea, quietly shimmering with natural treasures, therefore stands as both a testament and a warning: luxury is not merely something we consume; it is something we must thoughtfully preserve, reflecting deeper values beyond mere indulgence. Swimming in the Caspian’s darkened depths, the sturgeon — graceful yet vulnerable, ancient yet modern — reminds us gently yet persistently that luxury is ultimately defined less by abundance or rarity alone and more by our deliberate, conscious relationship with the natural world.

The spoon rises again, poised in the elegant hush. The caviar gleams, beads trembling slightly with a quiet promise of age, status, and taste. You place the spoon gently on your tongue. The beads burst softly and saltily against your palate, releasing not just texture but memory. It is primordial, sensual, and strangely cerebral. The taste is not loud. It doesn’t scream to be admired. It whispers in a language that predates ours. You close your eyes and let the roe caress your palate. It is a fleeting moment, suspended between decadence and reflection, between pleasure and introspection. And as the caviar melts again upon your tongue, you whisper inwardly, seduced and uncertain: “WHAT EXACTLY AM I TASTING?” And luxury, as ever elusive, smiles knowingly. For the pleasure, the pain, and the longing are all in the exquisite impossibility of ever truly knowing.

THE LAST BITE, THE FIRST THOUGHT

Ultimately, caviar consumption is an ingestion of a carefully curated mythology — the nuanced taste, texture, and nutrient-rich complexity paired with internalized centuries-old cues and codes about luxury. The stories we are told shape our desires, but the deeper, quieter dialogue lingers. Does our palate truly know what it adores, or has it been gently taught to cherish only what has been crowned? CAVIAR DISH. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROYAL BELGIAN CAVIAR ROYALBELGIANCAVIAR.BE

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T H E C R O S S W O R D P U Z Z L E H A S B E E N P R O V I D I N G A N A L O G E N T E R TA I N M E N T, CAMARADERIE, AND COMPETITION FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY

words by zach james

PHOTO BY DRAGONIMAGES VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM 140 S ILVE R CR EEK R EA L ESTATE GRO UP

While many see crossword puzzles as a thing of the past, the community dedicated to the pursuit is witnessing a resurgence in the United States thanks to the cultural relevance of games such as Wordle and The New York Times daily crossword bringing younger generations into the fold. Across the pond in the United Kingdom, a clique of crossword solvers has maintained its presence for decades. The first “word-cross puzzle” was published in the New York World newspaper more than a century ago by English journalist Arthur Wynne, who served as an editor of the periodical. Appearing in the “Christmas” 1913 issue, it was created as a filler page for the “Fun” section of the paper. Soon after, it became a weekly feature and the concept spread to multiple newspapers around the U.S., serving as a meaningful distraction from World War I. The Sunday Times in London was the first newspaper to launch crosswords within Britain; its publishing partner, The Times, followed suit in 1930. From there, The Times set the bar for the puzzles’ quality, introducing the “cryptic crossword,” a more difficult variant of the brain teasers. The cryptic became a staple of European crossword puzzles, marking a stark differentiation between the United States’ more classic take and the United Kingdom’s complex challenges. “British crosswords were already diverging from American ones by having ever more cryptic wordplay, and The Times crossword quickly became the gold standard among cryptic crosswords,” says Mick Hodgkin, puzzles editor at The Times and The Sunday Times. “I suspect peak popularity for crosswords was somewhere in the 1950s or 1960s.” Alongside this evolution in content, the process of creating a crossword puzzle has dramatically shifted over the years. Beginning as a handcrafted and personalized grid made from graph paper and pen, the technique has shifted to an operation centered around computers. Now, crossword compilers use software to fill their grids, transitioning a job that previously took days to complete to a one-to-two-hour program. “When I tell people my job, they often imagine I sit here all day writing crosswords,” Mr. Hodgkin says. “In fact, I rarely do so — just the odd one to keep my hand in. There is a team of several dozen crossword setters creating the puzzles for The Times, and a smaller team for The Sunday Times.

“Each title has a crossword editor who commissions and schedules them and edits the clues to ensure they are fair and follow our house style. I do solve all the crosswords before publication, mainly because I enjoy doing them, but also just in case I spot an error that has slipped through.” In the years following peak midcentury popularity, growth stagnated, but a dedicated community had already formed around the puzzles, leading to a more hardcore and in-tune fanbase. Across the globe, competitive crossword events began to crop up more frequently. The Times was among the first to launch a major crossword competition in Europe, debuting The Times Crossword Championship in 1970. The event has run for the majority of the years since, only pausing when sponsors failed to materialize or, more recently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mark Goodliffe, a 58-year-old former corporate executive, holds the most crossword titles of any contestant in the championship’s more than five decades of history. After winning his first top prize in 1999, he went on to win 13 of the last 18 competitions, even going on a 10-yea streak from 2008 to 2017. Mr. Goodliffe first gained interest in the puzzles thanks to a nudge from his parents, who taught him the rules and conventions of crosswords at an early age, and learned the ins and outs of the cryptic while attending boarding school. He dabbled off and on while granting much of his time to athletics, but then felt the urge to enter the competitive cryptic scene and won his first championship at 31. “[I was] principally amazed [winning my first championship], but also relieved given those previous experiences with individual incorrect answers,” Mr. Goodliffe reminisces. “It was also quite fun to prove myself to a group of solvers who hadn’t ever really considered me amongst the likely winners. “There’s a small hit of satisfaction every time you solve a clue, and a slightly larger one every time you finish a puzzle,” he says. “I also suffer from some sort of ‘white-square antipathy,’ where I take any empty grid presented as a challenge to be completed. It stirs my competitive instincts.”

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With his last title coming in 2019, the winningest Times Crossword Championship competitor ever is still on the hunt for his 14th victory. Standing in his way is a software developer and fourtime Jeopardy winner from Portland, Oregon, named Matthew Marcus. Born and raised in North Wales, Wales, Mr. Marcus also took an interest in puzzles at a young age thanks to his grandfather’s “shameless” solving of The Times cryptic crossword. “My eight-year-old thoughts immediately turned to plotting how I could beat them at their own game, and by the time I was in my early teens I was able to out-solve them,” Mr. Marcus says. “I remember, to this day, my uncle’s disbelief that I came up with an answer of ‘Yataghan’ while still in short trousers — Robert E. Howard’s Conan books may have contributed to that. “Crosswords are obviously an excellent mental exercise and a chance to pit your wits against those of the setter — a challenge that the setter should always, if they’ve done their job properly, gracefully lose,” he muses. “But never without a fight.” In more recent times, Mr. Marcus drew inspiration from Mr. Goodliffe’s Magpie Magazine and Cracking the Cryptic YouTube channel, both of which are dedicated to crosswords, sudoku and other logic and trivia puzzles. Magpie Magazine took shape in 2002, while the web series kickstarted in 2017. Both ventures are still going strong, with the latter sporting nearly 600,000 subscribers.

Although seeing global attention and having a healthy competitive scene, Mr. Goodliffe likens The Times Crossword Championship community to a small group of old friends. “Although, obviously, there are people like me, who take the competitive element very seriously, almost everyone who turns up at the Times Championship is there for a reunion with old friends or to meet some compilers and like-minded solvers, and to have a good time celebrating their hobby,” he says. “The championship is accompanied by an all-day session at a local pub, which facilitates this bonhomie.” Despite maintaining an active and involved community, those entrenched in the grid fear that cryptic crosswords could fade from the public consciousness in Europe in the somewhat near future. “There’s a big anxiety in the cryptic crossword community, as it’s not the same as in the U.S., where you even get teenagers turning up to the [American Crossword Puzzle Tournament], and youngish people are really very competitive at solving The New York Times puzzles,” Mr. Marcus says. “Even though the format is brilliant and basically an art form at this point, it’s not something that I see too much evidence of young people flocking to,” he says of the famed U.K. cryptic. “The fact that the main way of stumbling across crosswords is reading a newspaper all the way to the back page is a problem. I mean, when was the last time you saw a young person or, indeed, anyone leafing through a newspaper for their information? It’s just not how things work nowadays. “So, I think some of the appeal of crosswords is similar to that of vinyl,” Mr. Marcus adds. “For better or worse, it’s a very analog, very old-school form of entertainment.” Text reproduced with permission from Luxury Portfolio International and Luxury Portfolio magazine. © Luxury Portfolio International. All rights reserved.

PHOTO BY SEBASTIAN CROCKER VIA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

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NC LIVING CROSSWORD H I N T: D R AW O N YO U R LO C A L P L AT E AU K N OW L E D G E A N D T H E PAG E S OF THIS MAGAZINE TO COMPLETE THE PUZZLE!

7 8 9

11 12

13 14

15 16 SCAN HERE FOR ANSWERS

ACROSS

5. Caviar fish 8. Sturgeon’s birthplace

DOWN

9. Falcon reintroduced to the Plateau in 1985

1. 13.2 acre park in Cashiers, NC, with "the"

11. Sleep away summer camp in Sapphire, NC

2. Popular landmark famous for its bear-shaped shadow

12. Highest lake east of the Mississippi

3. Your local guide to the "Mother Continent"

13. Crossroads coffee shop

4. Cashiers Farmers Market BBQ spot

14. Famous Savile Row customer, David

6. Rare fleece with a helical shape

16. The only 5-star, ski-in, ski-out hotel in Aspen, NC, with "the"

7. “The Last Quiet Street” in London

17. Golf course designer, Tom

15. “Mount Olympus” of the art world

10. Aspen-adjacent village

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BRIGHT IDEAS I L LU M I N AT I N G YO U R H O M E I N W I N T E R L I G H T

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FOR

DARK DAYS words by ellen jones

PRECISION LIGHTING FEATURING KETRA, A WIRELESS LIGHT SOURCE. PHOTO COURTESY OF LUTRON LUTRON.COM

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PRECISION LIGHTING FEATURING KETRA, A WIRELESS LIGHT SOURCE. PHOTO COURTESY OF LUTRON LUTRON.COM

Short winter days aren’t just a nuisance; they alter how we feel and how we perceive space and move through it. Of course, those moody, misty mornings lend drama to the Plateau’s vistas, but a lack of light can leave homes shadowy and cold, leaving you craving warmth and visual comfort. And if you’re trying to sell your home at this time of year, the way it’s lit can affect its perceived value and market appeal. A Highlands-Cashiers house is a conversation between stone and sky. In winter, when the landscape goes quiet, light becomes the narrator. Find inspiration with these lighting ideas that will illuminate your soul and home in equal dazzling measure.

THE SCIENCE OF GLOW

A recent international survey on home lighting revealed a fascinating portrait of how residents in various countries perceive and deploy lighting in winter. Among the factors surveyed were daylight access, shade control, artificial lighting strategy, and usage patterns. What truly shaped respondents’ satisfaction wasn’t brightness — it was balance. Uneven pools and dim corners quietly eroded comfort, while consistent, well-distributed light dramatically improved how spaces feel.

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The researchers found that while daylight remains important, the real variable in winter becomes how well artificial lighting compensates when the sun has gone too soon. So, when daylight fades early, the homes that feel best aren’t those with the biggest windows but those where artificial lighting steps in seamlessly to keep the mood, warmth, and visual harmony intact.

CHASE THE WINTER SUN

So that your mountain house looks, feels, and photographs like a luxury refuge all winter long, maximizing natural light is non-negotiable. Keep windows sparkling and free from obstructions; trim branches that think they own the view, and choose treatments that don’t hog the sunshine. As the survey found, unbalanced light creates disharmony. So, have mirrors, polished stone, and pale floors do the heavy lifting, bouncing light into every shadowy corner. If it’s doable, reposition your furniture to let rays roam free, and if you can, use skylights or clerestories as a fast-track to daylight drama, turning fleeting midwinter hours into a room-wide spotlight.

W H AT ’ S H O T I N L I G H T

The right fixtures and bulbs will quite literally choreograph the way you experience space and mood. Take cues from 2026’s hottest lighting

BALANCED LIGHT IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN BRIGHT LIGHTING DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. PHOTO BY NC LIVING MAGAZINE

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AVOIDING OVERLY BRIGHT OR COOL BULBS IS KEY WHEN CURATING YOUR INTERIOR LIGHTING. PHOTO BY NC LIVING MAGAZINE

ILLUMINATED EXTERIORS CREATE A WELCOMING FIRST IMPRESSION. SEE PAGE 31 FOR PROPERTY DETAILS. PHOTO BY NC LIVING MAGAZINE

THE ROOM PROJECT BY DARREN PALMER. PHOTO VIA PRESSLOFT.COM

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trends to layer brilliance in every part of the home, from vaulted living rooms and great halls to cozy corners alike.

Automate with dusk-to-dawn timers or presence sensors so your home always reads as approachable, elegant, and photographed to perfection…even on the cloudiest winter evenings.

CIRCADIAN LIGHTING

Bulbs and fixtures that shift from crisp daytime tones to amber evening warmth are now the baseline for luxury homes. Not only do tunable, white and warmdimming LEDs support circadian rhythms and evening relaxation, they’ll sculpt your space, reveal textures, highlight architectural details, and create a sense of intimacy that makes even vast rooms feel inviting and deliberately composed. SCULPTURAL FIXTURES AS ARCHITECTURE

Oversized, handcrafted pendants and clusters visually command a space in vaulted living rooms and large halls. Think blown glass bursts, geometric metal forms, or cascading clusters rather than a single small pendant. Bocci’s 28 series or a heritage antler chandelier remain evergreen choices for statement pieces. S M A RT CO N T R O L S T H AT D I SA P P E A R

Whole-house smart lighting systems such as Lutron or Ketra are not about flipping switches — they orchestrate light automatically. These high-tech systems adjust brightness and color temperature throughout the day to complement natural light, gently dimming as the sun sets or brightening to mimic daylight on those overcast mornings.

I L L U M I N AT I N G T H E G R E AT O U T D O O R S

Naturally, your home exterior is the first scene guests (or potential buyers) encounter, and in winter, dusk comes displeasingly early. Thoughtful outdoor lighting highlights landscape and signals that every detail of your home is intentional. Start with porches and entryways: low-glare uplights on specimen trees and subtle step lights on pathways guide visitors safely while drawing attention to key architectural features. Flank the main door with hooded sconces for a balanced, welcoming glow. For driveways and broader approaches, permanent festoon or Festavia-style lighting adds a soft, festive wash that turns even a long mountain ascent into a cinematic welcome.

F I X I N G L I G H T I N G FA U X P A S

Home lighting can stumble in surprisingly simple ways. Avoid these pitfalls, and your home ambience will feel thoughtfully curated rather than harsh or haphazard. TOO BRIGHT VS. TOO COLD

Many homeowners instinctively reach for high-lumen bulbs or “daylight” LEDs in the 4000-5000 K range, thinking more light equals better visibility. In reality, overly bright or cool light flattens textures, washes out natural materials such as wood and stone, and makes spaces feel clinical rather than inviting. Instead, choose variable-color-temperature, highCRI bulbs (2700-3000 K) that shift naturally from crisp daytime tones to amber evening warmth. These bulbs will complement your architecture and support circadian rhythms, helping rooms feel alive rather than artificial. EVERYTHING ON ONE CIRCUIT

It’s tempting to wire all lighting in a room to a single switch for simplicity, but this eliminates control and flexibility. Proper layering (ambient overhead lighting, task-specific sources, and accent illumination) allows you to compose your space like a designer, highlighting architectural features, art, or furniture while keeping the overall ambience soft and adaptable. Separate circuits, dimmers, or smart zones give you total control over mood and functionality, ensuring each space can transform from a winter morning breakfast to a candlelit evening gathering in one simple flourish. O U T- O F - P R O P O R T I O N L I G H T I N G

That chandelier may be stunning, but does it fill your living room? It’s easy to fall for a beautiful fixture, only to find it feels awkwardly small or overwhelming once it’s installed. In vaulted mountain great rooms, a delicate pendant can disappear into the height, while an oversized chandelier in a cozy dining nook can dominate the space and disrupt scale.

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1. GALLOTTI&RADICE ERIS CEILING LIGHT

Price upon request; gomodern.co.uk 2. FINLEY CHANDELIER

$ 3,205; arteriorshome.com 3. SMALL SQUARE TEA CADDY TA B L E L A M P

$2,617; besselink.com 4. CHROME SINGLE TOGGLE SWITCH

£39; dowsingandreynolds.com 5. POLARIS SCONCE

$603; arteriorshome.com 6. ALMA 6 LIGHT BAR PENDANT

£540; darlighting.co.uk 7. C A T A L I N A S C O N C E

$807; arteriorshome.com

7 6

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MULTITIERED CHANDELIERS ARE IDEAL FOR FILLING VERTICAL SPACES. SEE PAGE 37 FOR PROPERTY DETAILS. PHOTO BY NC LIVING MAGAZINE

When selecting lighting, think in proportions, not just aesthetics. Here’s a good rule of thumb: for a dining table, the fixture’s width should be roughly onethird of the table’s length. In vaulted living rooms, consider clusters of medium-sized pendants or multi-tiered chandeliers to fill vertical space without overpowering. For bedrooms, a single statement pendant or flush mount with a scale appropriate to ceiling height works best. From warm-dimming lights to set the mood and sculptural fixtures that make a statement to whole-house controls that choreograph the flow, this is the subtle alchemy of light that your guests and buyers feel the moment they enter, even if they can’t quite put it into words.

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UNDERSTAND THE TERRAIN

Decide With Confidence

B O O K A O N E -TO - O N E A D V I S O RY TO D AY

DISCOVER YOUR DREAM HOME WITH SWEEPING VIEWS OF THE PLATEAU. SEE PAGE 35 FOR PROPERTY DETAILS. PHOTO BY NC LIVING MAGAZINE

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LOCAL INSIGHT SO YOU CA N F E E L AT H O M E FAST E R

Where you live shapes how you live. We translate the nuances of the Plateau — seasonal rhythms, micro-markets, and community character — into clear comparisons. You’ll see the options, understand the tradeoffs, and move decisively.

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W E A R E T H E P L AT E AU .

INDEPENDENT BY DESIGN Local To The Core

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NC Living Magazine - Winter 2026