We began this adventure when the 2,005 acres of forest next to our Serenity Farm was put on the market in 2003. We wanted to save it from the kind of dense development that is occurring everywhere in Western North Carolina. We have tried to keep this original goal in mind with every decision we make. Walnut Creek Preserve has been conceived of as a community designed for families who love the outdoors and nature and value the concept of preservation of open spaces. We have included our 94 acre farm in the Walnut Creek Preserve community so that it was clear that we personally are committed to this.

The philosophy of "save the land first" plays out in the site planning for the 2,100 acres of Walnut Creek Preserve. A very limited number of homesites (no more than 25) results in extremely low density and exceptional privacy. Homesites, roadways and trails have been selected for reasons that began with the question "what is best for the land". The answers included protecting the land, the streams and the varied habitats created by the topography and minimizing any additional destruction of woodlands. We are privileged to share in the life of this wild place. Whether we are riding our horses on one of the many trails that have been created by man over a period of hundreds of years, or hiking along a stream with our Golden Retrievers, or jogging up a road or merely sitting quietly by the waterfall, the spirit of this Preserve calms and enriches our daily lives. When we help a homeowner choose a house or barn site, our decisions are not only about beautiful views but also about our impact on the land itself, about the need to protect mature trees, to avoid erosion, to provide wildlife corridors in every direction.

Secondly, Walnut Creek Preserve is not intended as a community that fits every life style. The setting is rural; starlight will take the place of street lights; each home site will be isolated from any other. You will have your own farm, yet with like minded neighbors nearby and more acreage to play on than you could ever imagine. Although you can easily go to town for services and supplies, and a high end grocery store is minutes from here in Lake Lure, if shopping is your idea of daily fun, then you will probably not want to live here. On the other hand, modern technology makes it possible to conduct business from Walnut Creek Preserve just as you would from any other place. Babs' laptop travels regularly from her office in Jacksonville, Florida to her home office at Serenity Farm. This is true freedom!  

Although some families will choose Walnut Creek Preserve as a second home place, most of our buyers intent to live here full time, making new friends with similar interests, sharing in the pleasures of this land with others who have also wished they could live their passion, enjoying the deep satisfaction of watching their horses happily at pasture, or teaching children or grandchildren how to really observe nature up close. This area has attracted many families from all across the country who sought the climate, the varied cultural activities, the golf opportunities, and the equestrian culture. Walnut Creek Preserve adds to those attractions a different dimension that comes from its low density development and its commitment to the protection of the land and its natural inhabitants.