The Ledges

Development making progress

By Steve Keenan

While various developers plow ahead with plans to build gated communities in Fayette County, G.A. Carlson and Co. already has some finished product to display.

Glenn Carlson’s The Ledges is a gated, eco-friendly community under way on about 50 acres off Belmont Road outside Fayetteville. Carlson’s project, which has been ongoing for about two years, already boasts some finished and lived-in homes, and others could be ready soon, he says.

“We’ve taken it slow and small,” said Carlson.

On a recent tour, Carlson and Steve Clark of New River Real Estate discussed the amenities of the development, which is on a smaller scale than three other developments planned in the county and will feature custom homes or condominium-style structures. The duo touts that the houses are free of exterior maintenance and are being built to leave minimal impact on the area’s natural surroundings.

More importantly, all zoning and utilities — including state-of-the-art waste treatment capable of discharging potable water — are in place, and lots are immediately available to build. Clients can customize their houses as they see fit, provided it’s within the guidelines.

One of the keys to success, Carlson feels, is to follow the original plan, strictly enforce covenants, and not to embrace homeowners who aren’t willing to abide by the rules.

“If you can’t get the right client (one who is willing to leave the area largely undisturbed), you’ve got to be willing to walk away from the money,” he said. “Can you do eco-development and not destroy the very thing you’re trying to sell? I think so.

“We let the land drive what the best design is, not the money and the zoning.”

All told, The Ledges boasts nine rim lots — all but two of which are already sold — and about 20 interior lots. Lots are at least an acre and cost from $75,000 up. Houses will range from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet and will be designed to be compatible with the surroundings. And, Carlson and Clark stress that the houses won’t be visible to neighbors.

“People don’t realize houses are being built here,” said Clark. “Glenn is doing what he said he’d do.”

Carlson, who has eight state residents working full-time right now, says he isn’t too worried that a glut of houses in the various developments, provided they all come to fruition, will cause his houses to go unwanted.

“We have a great quality of life here,” he said. “People want their mountain, outdoor-style community.

“The Baby Boomer market is phenomenal.” He admits the sell may not be easy at times, but “there is a market out there.”

Clark adds the lots can also be good investments for the future.

A New Hampshire native who’s lived in Fayette County for over a decade, Carlson said real estate agents and others representing the project must buy into his vision for the development. “We’re very careful about who we have representing us.” Carlson also praised BB&T; for staying with the project from the beginning.

For more information, visit www.gacarlson.com.



— E-mail: skeenan@fayettetribune.com

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