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.

Arts and Crafts Show – Southport April 22nd & 23rd

Just a short drive from Seawatch, the historic waterfront town of  Southport, North Carolina is hosting its Spring Festival this weekend, April 22nd and 23rd in Franklin Square Park. Over 100 artists and crafters, mostly local, will showcase their coastal artwork from 10 am to 5 pm on  Friday and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday. Great finds for your beach-themed cottage or special tokens from the coast can be found throughout the show. Sea life pottery, handmade jewelry, and coastal themed artwork  are just a few favorites. Also, be sure to get your ticket for the annual Robert Rourk Chili CookOff contest from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday…it is going to be a fun way to spend the day.

Mark Saunders Homes Introduces Craftsman Style Architecture to Seawatch

Mark Saunders Luxury Homes, builder of the 2009 Coastal Living magazine Idea House, recently introduced a new Craftsman Style home in the Seawatch at Sunset Harbor community for the Sanders family.

A dramatic entrance and gracious front porch welcome you to this distinctive Seawatch Craftsman style home. The Craftsman theme is reflected by the distinctive cupola and the custom architectural detailing of the dormers, columns, railings, brackets and trim. Its classic 1½ story design features an open floor plan that includes a casual eat-in kitchen, semi-formal dining area, study with cherry wood built-ins, great room that opens to the cupola above, spacious vaulted master suite, 2 guest rooms, and 2½ bathrooms. The multi-purpose room over the garage has an additional half-bath, a dry bar and window seats. This secluded area will house a full-size pool table and media system. The rear of the home opens to a screened porch, with wooded views  accented by an outdoor kitchen and ground level patio with brick fireplace – a perfect spot for entertaining family and friends throughout the seasons. Heated square footages: First floor – 2,177, Multi-purpose room -371, Total: 2,548 square feet. This home is a featured model for Mark Saunders Luxury Homes and can be seen by appointment.

Seawatch Craftsman Style Home
Seawatch Craftsman Style Home built by MSLH for the Sanders Family

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.