News & Events

Demographer William Frey of the Brookings Institution in Washington says that Baby Boomer retirees will soon be flocking south in large numbers, and it’s a good bet that many of them will be seeking NC mountain land for sale.  More than 76 million strong, they differ from their predecessors in one important way.  Although they may be done with the nine-to-five, they’re not yet ready for the rocking chair. Many are opening home based businesses, focusing on improving their health and are more engaged with their neighbors than ever before.

The Boomer Generation is more active, has a more sophisticated style, is not wed to the past, and wants to have choices that better align with their retirement lifestyle when the time comes to buy a home.  They look for modern appliances, energy-efficient doors and windows, spacious kitchens, an open floor plan with plenty of light, and layout and décor that’s both practical and reflective of their individual taste.  We find many have spent decades in “used” houses and are delighted with having the opportunity to design their own from the ground up.

Here are some of the mountain home building trends we began to see in 2016:

No More Formal Dining Rooms

Today’s retirees are seeking open, single-story floor plans, and the key word is “flexibility”.  They want multi-purpose spaces and not unimaginative rooms that are reserved to perform a single function.  Having tired of the rigid similarity of the houses they grew up in, they’re more likely to be impressed by an unusual feature such as a window seat or a built-in desk.  And rooms that can be adapted for a new purpose as their needs change are a big plus.

Outdoor Living Rooms And Fireplaces

Moving beyond the old concept of a home being contained within the walls that enclose it, today’s buyers want their Carolina mountain homes to have a seamless transition from inside to outside.  For casual entertaining, family gatherings or just to live more in harmony with the wonderful mild weather here in the foothills, Baby Boomers like having the ability to prepare a meal in the kitchen and enjoy it on the patio by a cozy fireplace.

Low Maintenance Homes

We’re finding that Baby Boomers want touch-screen thermostats, long-lasting and energy-efficient appliances, and time-saving conveniences.  Building materials are chosen with the same thought in mind.  Stucco, brick and siding require little effort to maintain.  And work-intensive lawns are being replaced with living patios, decorative landscaping, or flower beds.  Boomers would prefer enjoying the many things the mountain towns in North Carolina have to offer instead of working on their houses or yards.

Three-Car Garages

A golf cart soon becomes the preferred mode of transportation when you come to live at The Coves Mountain River Club.  They’re practical, environmentally-friendly, and just plain fun.  Of course, we have an excellent golf course right on the property, but you’ll find plenty of other places to go as well.  We’ve noticed that a lot of retiree home buyers have begun specifying a three-car garage for proper storage of their carts.

Dual Master Suites On One Level

A full 75 percent of Baby Boomers prefer a single-story home, and for seniors it’s 88 percent.  Those figures clearly reflect a desire not to have to climb stairs with the aching backs and bad knees that often come with age.  And two master suites on the first floor is a frequent request.  It’s an excellent arrangement for those who often have overnight guests, have spouses that snore or are sharing a house for some reason.

Small Offices In The Laundry Room Or Kitchen

It’s not uncommon for Boomers to continue working past the age of 65.  Many are transitioning from a traditional 9-to-5 job into part-time work, consulting, or even a second career.  So they need and want a space in the home devoted to whatever they’re going to be doing.  It can be an extra bedroom or just a corner set aside elsewhere for that specific purpose.  Even if the area only serves to keep bills and personal papers organized, it’s worth having available.

When retirees seek NC mountain land for sale, part of the appeal is their ability to design and build a home that not only takes full advantage of its land and natural surroundings but affords them the opportunity to make it uniquely their own.  Carolina mountain homes can be whatever you want them to be, and Baby Boomers have had a lifetime to decide what features work best for them.

The perfect lifestyle awaits you here in the foothills, where you’ll be surrounded by nature’s splendor, have a wealth of outdoor activities available to enjoy and be within easy driving distance of anywhere you want to go. 

When you’re visiting any of the mountain towns in North Carolina, be sure to stop by The Coves Mountain River Club in Lenoir.  Take a tour to see our unique and innovative Smart Builder floor plans, talk with our design team, and learn how we make building a home stress free. 

Now is a great time to look around.  Here’s the 7 top reasons to buy land in the winter.

Call us now to schedule a visit at 828.754.0700.