Coastal Communities

Perfecting the Coastal Carolina Lifestyle

Mark Saunders Luxury Homes Celebrates 800th Home!

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For nearly 30 years, Mark Saunders Luxury Homes has been making a difference in Brunswick County by designing and building beautiful, stand-out homes.  An impressive portfolio of architectural innovation and superior craftsmanship has distinguished Mark Saunders Luxury Homes as master builders of extraordinary homes, a collection which includes the nationally acclaimed 2009 Coastal Living Magazine Idea House.

Mark Saunders Luxury Homes has recently signed a contract to build its 800th home.  “That equates to 800 homes in three decades,” explains Burton Sydnor, General Manager of The Design Center for Mark Saunders Luxury Homes.  “Many of our clients express their appreciation for our turn-key process and high regard to detail in each beautifully built home created especially for them.  We walk our clients through each stage of the building process – from the vision and design to the plans and construction.”

Located in Brunswick County, the heart of the highly desirable coastal corridor between the historic port city of Wilmington, North Carolina and the renowned vacation destination of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, The Design Center is staffed with a highly qualified and skilled team of design and building professionals.  It is equipped with the most current styles and selections for home interiors and exteriors for all home styles.  Clients can walk through fully-designed indoor rooms and outdoor spaces, as well as review samples on site to select the colors, fixtures, and finishes of their choice for unparalleled luxury and style.

 “The fact that 800 clients have selected Mark Saunders Luxury Homes as their builder is a huge testament to not only the trustworthiness and longevity of our company, but to the unparalleled caliber of our work,” adds Mr. Sydnor.

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.

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.

A Look Back and a Peek Ahead

In the message below, Director of Real Estate Sales Eric Johnson offers a look back at the Rivers Edge community and a peek ahead.

“A new year is well underway, and I thought you might be interested in a few 2010 highlights, as well as a projection or two for 2011.

Eight homesites were sold in 2010 for an average sales price of $103,785.00. We also had three Gallery Townhomes sell or go under contract for an average sales price of $211,333.00. Additionally, there was a large home along the Shallotte River and 16th Green that sold for over $700,000.00.

As for new construction, we were pleased to see the completion of four new homes in 2010, with three more currently under construction. With construction prices as low as they have been in years and interest rates at all time lows, it makes sense that many of our residents are taking advantage of the current opportunity to build their dream home – getting more for their construction dollar than they ever thought possible.

All indications are pointing to an increase in sales over 2010 numbers for this year. While it’s difficult to forecast an increase in values for our community, we do predict more sold properties this year and we are certain that we’ll see more people taking advantage of the tremendous opportunity to build.”

Director of Real Estate Sales Eric Johnson
Director of Real Estate Sales Eric Johnson

Rivers Edge Property Owner Appreciation Event

Over 70 Rivers Edge Property Owners and members from real estate sales shared in an afternoon and evening of fun in July. Everyone enjoyed dinner at the clubhouse after a 9-hole golf tournament on the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course.

Owners Appreciation Dinner2 072010
Fellowship among Rivers Edge Property Owners and Residents
Owners Appreciation Dinner2 072010
Rivers Edge Property Owners and Residents

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.