Luxurious Family Retreat w/Gorgeous Mountain Views. 15 min Horseback. Free WiFi

About Bruce Fine

I have lived in the mountains with my family for 12 years. Having spent a good bit of my adult life in cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami, I can say with confidence that this is my family's last stop. This home sits at the crossroads of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, and there is no where else on earth that I've found that has the beauty, the peace and the restorative nature of this special place. My children are 19 and 15 and I feel blessed with the knowledge that they have grown up in a very unique and cultural rich environment. You'll feel the same way as well after just one week!!

Bruce Fine purchased this House in 2008

Why Bruce Fine chose Sylva

Balsam Mountain Preserve is unlike any mountain community I've ever seen. They all have beautiful views and picturesque settings, but living in Balsam is like living in a national forest. Most of the mountain can never be developed because it's in a conversation trust, so there is a sense of peace and a connection with nature that is real. The 24 hour manned security is also a plus. Balsam feels secluded, but it's really just ten minutes from Waynesville and Sylva. Both towns offer a huge variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Asheville is only 40 minutes away. Finally, the access to Balsam is hard to beat. It's located just off the Great Smoky Mountain Expressway, so it's literally a four-lane drive from anywhere - no 2-lane twisty mountain roads to maneuver to get here. It's easier to get to than any mountain location I've ever seen.

What makes this House unique

Balsam is a private community with 24 hour onsite security, a fully staffed Nature Center and over thirty miles of private hiking trails that wind across streams and waterfalls throughout the property, some reaching elevations as high as 5,400 feet. The trail system is truly amazing! My wife and kids love to get outdoors and have all-day adventures on the trails with peace of mind, knowing they are inside a private community. One of the trails leads to a private campground inside Balsam that has outdoor grills, a trout stream, a covered Pavilion, and camping sites. One of my kids' favorite spots!! There is also a Nature Center at Balsam staffed by full-time trained and educated naturalists, an experience not to be missed. Make sure you check out the live Birds of Prey program, which includes a close-up look at a beautiful Bald Eagle. The Nature Center is a real treat for young and old alike.