When Dana and Albert Greshko purchased a homesite at French Broad Crossing in 2007, they didn’t realize how fortunate they were.
As fate would have it, the real estate market was about to crash in 2008, followed by the nation’s economy in general. But unlike a good number of second-home or retirement communities in Western North Carolina (and throughout the country), French Broad Crossing was one of just a handful of mountain communities that survived those bleak days and emerged stronger in the years ahead. “It was uncertain period back in 2008 and 2009,” says Dana. “As a real estate agent in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, I witnessed the housing market collapse firsthand. It was devastating to many families and communities. In retrospect, we feel very good about buying at a community that came out ok, and fully intact. I think that speaks not only to the quality of the mountain setting, but also to the sound vision of the community.” This year, French Broad Crossing will be home to the new 2016 Southern Living Home, as it continues to grow and add new homeowners each month—including young families seeking a vacation home, as well as pre-retirement couples looking for their dream mountain residence.
A Preserved Riverfront Community That’s Here to Stay
French Broad Crossing sits on a vast, majestic stretch of land that overlooks the mighty French Broad River—the third oldest river in the world. And like this iconic rushing river, which continues to flourish after thousands of years in these Western North Carolina hills, French Broad Crossing will remain equally vibrant and healthy for generations to come. “One thing that attracted us to French Broad Crossing,” says Dana, “is the fact that much of the land has been placed in a conservation easement. What that means is that this community and the natural beauty that surrounds it, will be protected. It’s not going anywhere and it’s not going to be overdeveloped. Our children’s children will be able to enjoy these same outdoor wonders as we are today. That’s pretty special.” True indeed. In fact, to lay one’s eyes on French Broad Crossing for the first time—the lush hills, old-growth forests, panoramic vistas, picturesque ridgelines, and the ancient river at the heart of it all—is to fall in love. “We had looked at a number of other communities,” says Dana, “and French Broad really won our hearts. Aside from the natural beauty, we loved all the amenities, the rustic Lodge, the riverfront park, the privacy, activities for the kids, and the fact that it’s just a short drive to Asheville. It had everything we wanted.”
The Perfect Family Mountain Retreat
With its proximity to Asheville, the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, and a wealth of finished amenities, and on-site recreational opportunities, French Broad Crossing offers a thoroughly satisfying vacation lifestyle for each family member, regardless of age or interest. “When we first bought our homesite,” says Dana, “the kids were younger, in their early teens. They have been able to grow up here over the years. It’s an easy drive from our home in Charlotte so we made a habit of coming up here for weekends, holidays, and special occasions. Our son loves the river rafting and four-wheeling. Our daughter likes to bring friends and go hiking, or into town. Albert has actually been bringing a group of work friends up here every October for nine years to camp by the river’s edge and go trout fishing. It’s funny, in the early days they camped out in tents because we were building our mountain house. Today they still camp out each October for the experience or tradition that they have started, even though our house was built several years ago.”
Schedule a Personal Tour
To learn more about the living experience at French Broad Crossing, please contact our sales office at sales@preservecommunities.com or call us at 866-947-9629.