Coastal Communities

Mark Saunders Developer Ocean Ridge

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Ocean Ridge Plantation Named BEST by Where to Retire Magazine

Where to Retire

Ocean Ridge Plantation is named for the 7th time by Where to Retire magazine as one of the top places to retire in America. Ocean Ridge has been recognized as one of the top 100 Best Communities since the magazine launched its biennial list in 1999. This year’s inclusion in the magazine’s “Short List: 50 Best Master-Planned Communities in the United States” in the upcoming July/August 2011 issue (on newsstands June 21) marks the 7th time the magazine has compiled the honor roll of America’s best master-planned communities, naming Ocean Ridge Plantation each time.

The editorial group from the magazine researched communities in every state and narrowed their search to the final 50 in 17 states.  The magazine considered both active-adult and all age group communities in a variety of natural settings in popular retirement destinations, including near the ocean and in the mountains.

Where to Retire described the lure of the coastal community of Ocean Ridge Plantation being its ability to eventually boast 90 championship holes of Big CatsTM golf, with four distinctive courses in place and a fifth on the way.  Touting its three clubhouses, three restaurants and its location in the southeastern most part of Coastal North Carolina, the article recognizes Ocean Ridge’s appeal to a variety of interests in both North and South Carolina.  According to the article, Ocean Ridge’s “Plantation Club, overlooking a four-acre lake, has soft-surface tennis courts, heated pools and a fitness center, and its Beach Club is about five minutes away, providing convenient amenities on noted Sunset Beach.  Miles of walking and biking trails wind around the neighborhoods and nature preserves in woodlands, and a community garden flourishes with a variety of vegetables and colorful flowers.”

Ocean Ridge Entrance

In addition to the amenities, homes, golf, beautiful landscaping and community, the article captures what residents seem to appreciate just as much – their neighbors.  The single-family homes in Ocean Ridge range from the low $300,000s to $1 million and up.  Of the 1,800+ homes planned on 3,000 acres, about 500 homes are built.

“What an honor to once again be selected for such a prestigious award byWhere to Retire magazine.  Although there is no age restriction for living in Ocean Ridge, many are continuing to discover just what a special place Ocean Ridge is to retire, especially for active retirees,” commented Mark A. Saunders, CEO of The Coastal Companies, the parent company for Ocean Ridge.  “The lifestyle activities and enjoyment are unlimited.”

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The Pure Joy of Paddling

“Voyage upon life’s sea, to yourself be true, and whatever your lot may be, paddle your own boat.”  -Sarah Bolton

As we journey through life, many of us have attempted and failed to do what great poets and philosophers have advised for centuries: “paddle your own boat.” Alas, life’s unpredictable circumstances usually end up steering us instead. This is probably why the literal side of the saying has become one of the most popular past times for retirees in southeastern Brunswick County North Carolina.

On the Atlantic Ocean, Shallotte River, Mercer Mill Creek, Intracoastal Waterway, or local streams and lakes, the canoe and kayak are personal craft that envelope and embody the variant nature of both humans and water. Long before interstate highways, railway systems, or the Internet, exploration was first and foremost indulged with a paddle. Just ask the American Indian, Inuit fishermen of the Arctic, and Lewis and Clark as they mapped the amber waves of grain and purple mountains majesty.

Paddling is a voyage of discovery as you maneuver your canoe or kayak over the gentle waters of a glassy lake or stream, escape from a crowded day through winding creeks and marsh savannas, or push your way courageously through a spectacular set of waves and sea, streaking up and over a giant swell into the blue valley of the next great wave. It’s just you and the water, experiencing the natural world the way it was meant to be…head-on.

Of course, you don’t necessarily have to live on the coast to experience the ride.  But if you are fortunate enough to live in southeastern North Carolina, your choices for adventure are endless. Seawatch at Sunset Harbor, Rivers Edge, and Ocean Ridge Plantation all offer opportunities for you to enjoy the pure enjoyment of paddling. These impressive communities all offer the experience of kayaking or canoeing with several locations to launch your boat. If it’s your first adventure, don’t worry…there are boat rentals and guides available locally.

After all, paddling your own canoe or kayak is what it’s all about and here on the coast. Plan your visit today and you may find an adventurous new pastime that you adore with health benefits.

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Fortune Magazine cover story: It’s time to buy real estate

“Forget stocks. Don’t bet on gold. After four years of plunging home prices, the most attractive asset class in America is housing.”

A recent issue of Fortune Magazine featured an article on the real estate market that we thought was very interesting. The article pointed out a few observations to describe their assessment. Two important trends mentioned in the article were:

1 – The steady decline in prices which has been going on nationally since 2005 has finally hit the level where it costs less to own a house than to rent in many cities.
2 – Home builders have held back on building new homes for several years, creating the conditions for a shortage of new homes when demand goes up just a little bit.

If you would like to read the article, click here.

Now is a great time to buy real estate!

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Visiting the Brunswick County Beaches? Here’s a Quick List of our Favorite Things to do.

Our #1 vote goes to the BEACH

Brunswick County beaches encompass 45 miles of beautiful shoreline. The gentle surf is generally free from strong currents because they face south. You and your family can enjoy milder, warmer water temperatures and beach activities geared towards family fun.

#2 Playing Golf

The southeastern coast of North Carolina, particularly the South Brunswick Islands, offers 30+ of the best golf courses among the 100+ within a 45 minute drive. Avid golfers come from all over the country to play the area courses, many named among the best in the state by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. Of course, our favorite courses are the Big Cats in Ocean Ridge Plantation…Lion’s Paw, Panther’s Run, Tiger’s Eye, and Leopard’s Chase.

#3 Going Fishing

Local fishing charters are often as popular as playing a round or two. Several area guides offer one of a kind deep sea and backwater fishing trips, from the Gulf Stream to inland creeks where you can catch flounder, drum, trout, mackerel, spade fish, blue fish, lady fish, cobia, and tarpon. One of our favorite local guides can be found at www.CoolRunningsCharters.com.

#3 Shopping

Quaint local shops offer brand names and fun weekend beach wear. A day trip into the walking town of Southport provides a scenic spot to take in the sights and sounds of the Cape Fear River and three area islands as well as many places for thoughtful souvenirs and personal accessories.

#4 Dining

Waterfront dining is as beautiful as it is relaxing. Several locally owned and operated restaurants feature not only a delicious menu but also spectacular views of boats entering and leaving the harbors. Choose your scene…oceanfront, riverfront, marina front, and more. Best dining experience- Sharky’s in Ocean Isle Beach.

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Building a Coastal North Carolina Retirement or Vacation Home?

Living along the coast is at the top of the list for many baby boomers and southeastern North Carolina is a location hard to resist with its rich coastal environment. The area simply inspires relaxation, and is a perfect place for the retirement or vacation home most dream of.

Many of the homes built in the coastal area of Brunswick County, North Carolina are reflective of the surrounding habitat and include historical elements of homes reminiscent of popular 19th century designs before the luxury of air conditioning and other modern amenities. Common architectural elements of these styles take into consideration the abundant southern sunlight, moderate temperatures, aged shade trees, and natural views. Not to mention the coastal breezes are a benefit of living near the Atlantic Ocean and many other bodies of water. Low-pitched or hipped rooflines, columns, and wide front porches offer shade and lend an inviting, comfortable appearance to entryways. Recessed covered and screened porches, and large transom windows and doors capture natural light and prevailing breezes on cool evenings. Elevated foundations with charming cupolas or multilevel porches take advantage of captivating views and offer functional ground floor areas.

Well known and respected, the building company, Mark Saunders Luxury Homes, has built over 700 of these admired homes in every size and style in Brunswick County. They are dedicated to preserving this precious coastal environment and building homes within it that are nestled into their surroundings appearing as if they’ve been there for a hundred years. It’s that responsible approach to home building and love for classic southern architecture that has earned the company top honors in the business including being recognized nationally as the builder of Coastal Living magazines’ Idea House and being awarded multiple blue ribbon diamond awards in the local Parade of Homes.

Southeastern North Carolina

Southeastern North Carolina

All of our coastal communities are conveniently located between Myrtle Beach, SC and historic Wilmington, NC in beautiful Brunswick County, NC. Nearby each community is a pristine island and the only beaches on the entire east coast that are south facing which allows for breathtaking panoramic views of beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the same horizon.

Award-Winning Communities

Our communities have annually been honored with placement and praise in nationally recognized publications. Here are three examples:

  • Ocean Ridge: Listed in the "Top Places To Retire" from Where To Retire Magazine.
  • Seawatch: Model home & community chosen by Coastal Living Magazine for the 2009 Coastal Living Idea House".
  • Rivers Edge: Golf course listed #12 in "Places to Play" from Golf Magazine.

Seeing is Believing

When you call or send us an email ask about our 3 days & 2 nights visitation packages. We'll help get you here at a discount so you can spend time in our communities and in coastal Carolina.