For more June area events in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Pleasure Island, click here. For more events in the Oak Island / Southport area, click here. For more events in the Ocean Isle Isle, Sunset Beach, and Holden Beach areas, click here.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
For the almond crumble topping: In a food processor, pulse the almonds until finely ground. Add the flour, sugar and salt. Pulse to incorporate. Add the butter and pulse until the butter is dispersed in walnut-size pieces throughout. Set aside at room temperature.
For the crumble: Mix the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl. Fill four 4-inch ramekins almost to the top. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of the almond crumble on the top and place in the oven. Bake until the filling bubbles and the topping is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes.
For the topping: Using a whisk or whisk attachment and stand mixer, whip the mascarpone on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, to increase the volume. Reserve and refrigerate until ready for use.
To serve: Once rested, top each ramekin with 2 tablespoons of whipped mascarpone.
As our partnership with Luxury Portfolio allows, Intracoastal Realty’s listings are often featured on LuxuryPortfolio.com. We often peruse the other listings around the world and become enamored with a number of the features, the outdoor spaces, and the interior design and decor of these lavish properties. This week, we have opted to share a few of our favorites with you.
Welcome to “Kingsview”! Magnificent shingle style home at the mouth of Little Harbor with water views from most every room. This landmark residence is situated on two acres with spectacular gardens featured in the American Gardens Program at the Smithsonian. Extraordinary turn of the century details blend seamlessly with high end renovations. Only the highest quality finishes have been chosen with hand painted murals, stunning wood moldings and five gas fireplaces with marble surrounds.
Custom designed kitchen features Habersham cabinetry, granite counters, island seating, breakfast nook, butler’s hall and built-in wine curio. Spectacular all glass conservatory with radiant heat. Elegant living room and dining room with built-in china cabinet. Incredible master suite with dressing area, cherry paneled library and balcony overlooking the Atlantic.
Enjoy seaside living from the sweeping wraparound porches, outdoor kitchen, pool and stunning pool house. Step to the beach, kayak.
PROPERTY FEATURES INCLUDE: Waterfront, detached garage, central air, forced air gas heating system
Situated on a lush 2.4-acre lot, this custom Frank Lloyd Wright inspired prairie style home will astound you. The horizontal lines of the exterior are one with the natural landscape while the interior embraces a Craftsman aesthetic. Cherry wood beams and paneling adorn the ceilings and walls. Travertine floors, natural stone elements and stained glass windows complete the architectural characteristics that make this a true Craftsman masterpiece.
With over 11,000 finished square feet including five bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a custom finished basement, multiple outdoor living spaces and expansive manicured grounds, this estate is a unique property of exceptional character.
19 Cherry Hills Parkway is located in the city of Cherry Hills Village, which is situated just a few miles south of Denver. Cherry Hills Village offers close proximity to the Denver Tech Center, Cherry Creek and Downtown Denver.
This properties most appealing feature is the floor plan. The open concept floor plan has been thoughtfully designed to connect formal and casual living spaces, indoor and outdoor entertaining areas with an overall flow that makes the home comfortable and inviting.
What we like most about this home is the location, floor plan and schools. The home is located in Cherry Hills Park One, the most desirable neighborhood in all of Cherry Hills. The floor plan is up to date and the open concept layout functions well for the modern household. Lastly, the schools in this district are arguably the best in the state.
The primary advantage to owning this property is the exclusivity the neighborhood represents. The street is a veritable who’s who in Denver and the Front Range.
Cherry Hills Village One is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Colorado and the United States. The area is home to Cherry Hills Country Club, which is ranked in the top 100 private country clubs in the world. The neighborhood also boasts some of the best public and private schools in the state.
Upon entering the home one gets a true sense of Richard Lubischer the architect’s vision for a true Craftsman. Two magnificent Mission Style chandeliers adorn the foyer and invite you into a dramatic great room with expansive entertaining areas. 20’ barrel vaulted ceilings and a dual sided limestone fireplace are the epicenter with a wall of French doors seamlessly connecting the interior space to the extraordinary backyard oasis. An immediate sense of home is felt after only a few sorts step with the house.
This home works well for families, as the schools are outstanding. A main floor master is appealing to retirees and empty nesters. High profile buyers will enjoy the security and privacy of the gated community.
We are excited to introduce buyers to the property because this estate represents a rare opportunity. This neighborhood offers a lifestyle that is unmatched in the Denver area. 19 Cherry Hills Parkway is a stunning home that is the perfect combination of location, layout and setting. Living in this home is what dreams are made of and we can’t wait to connect the new owner with this superlative estate.
PROPERTY FEATURES INCLUDE: 4 Fireplace(s), Gated Entry, Security System, Security Patrol, Intercom/Music System, four-car attached garage, central air conditioning, forced air heating system, balcony, covered deck, covered patio, garden area, gas grill, patio, professional landscaping, sprinkler system, garden level
INTERIOR FEATURES INCLUDE: eating space/kitchen, 5 piece bath, jet action tub, kitchen island, open floor plan, security system, smoke free, updated
When it comes to selling your house, you’ll find there’s no shortage of people who have an opinion on the matter or “insider” tips — and sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming! So, we’ve provided a simple, basic stepping stone to help you sell your Wilmington NC home to get you started. And, as always, we are here to answer any questions you may have to help you with your home-selling journey!
1. Throw “Don’t judge a book by its cover” out
Oftentimes, sellers become so focused on prepping the inside of their house, that they forget about the outside — and this is a big no-no! The outside of your home is a first impression for potential buyers, so make sure it looks presentable and inviting. Here are just a few quick fixes for updating your house’s exterior:
Make sure your yard is neat, tidy and trimmed. Wilmington NC homes can’t all be blessed with luscious green grass (thanks to our sandy soil) but you can make sure weeds and brush are removed, and maybe put out a couple of bright, potted plants.
Wash your house. The salty air and humidity can contribute to dingy-looking exteriors, so it might also be worth your time to invest in a pressure washing service to breathe some life into your home’s facade by making sure fences, decks and siding are free from grime.
Spring for a can of paint. Nobody’s saying you need to repaint your entire house, but you’d be amazed at how effective a fresh coat of paint on peeling shutters or an old front door can be! Add a new welcome mat and maybe a seasonal wreath or flag, and your home instantly looks more inviting.
2. Help the buyer “see themselves” inside
The majority of buyers need help visualizing themselves actually living in your home — even though you love the way you’ve decorated your home, now is the time to minimize personal touches for a more neutral setting. Think of it as setting up a “blank canvas” for buyers. Clear up clutter, make any minor repairs that are needed, tidy up kitchen cabinets and shelves, and opt for a few more cleaning sessions than usual. You can even hire a professional stager to go through your home and update the decor and make suggestions according to their very professional staging eye. Skeptical? Get a better idea of the benefit of home stagers in another article of ours here.
3. Find the right asking price
This is extremely important. Determining the best price to ask for your home can determine how much room you have to negotiate with when it comes time to consider your offers. Figuring out the price that’s right for your house depends on several different factors: the value of your property, how much you need from the sale of it (especially if you are planning on purchasing a new property), the budget of potential repair costs that buyers may ask for before purchasing and closing costs.
It’s good to get an idea of your ideal price on your own, but what’s the best way to determine the right price? Talk to a REALTOR®. Not only can they help you navigate the aforementioned factors, but they can also integrate their up-to-date knowledge of how the market is performing right now, and how that’s likely to affect your sales process. For Instance, at Intracoastal we keep a weather eye on the Wilmington NC housing market, as well as trends taking place nationwide. So not only can they help you settle on the best asking price for you home, but they can help you determine when the prime time to sell is.
4. Determine when to sell
As mentioned previously, this is another instance wherein having a REALTOR® can be beneficial. Now, most people can get a general idea of what their local housing market is doing with a few Google searches, but a REALTOR can provide you with in-depth information to guide you on when to get your house on the market, as well as how much to ask.
Now, for example, is an excellent time to sell in Wilmington NC; the demand for houses in certain price points and locations exceeds the supply, making this seller’s market with the potential for higher prices and possibly multiple offers. Real estate sales in the area are up over 17 percent compared to this same time last year, meaning buyers are active and the market is hot! Combine that with the fact that interest rates are remaining low (with a 30-year mortgage averaging interest rates as low as four percent), and you have more qualified buyers out there ready, and able, to move!
5. Be ready!
Looping back to the cleanliness and curb appeal of your home, make sure you are ready when a potential buyer actually wants to see your home. You may not always have a full 24 hours between showings, but you don’t want to miss the opportunity for a buyer to see your home. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Find a place for your pets. It’s best to arrange for them to spend the day (or just the time spent showing the house) at a neighbor’s house, at doggy daycare or with a pet boarding service (which is offered as a service by many Wilmington NC vets, so ask yours!).
Swap showing responsibilities. If you’re living with a spouse or significant other, determine set days wherein one is responsible for pulling the house together and the other is not. This can help lighten the load, and you can designate days based on your schedules.
Clean regularly. You may have to clean up more than you usually do, but this can make the showing process so much easier if your house is already ready for visitors. Before you leave your house, clean off bathroom and kitchen counters, make sure beds are made, clothes are in hampers or drawers where they belong and surfaces are uncluttered. When you get the chance, make sure to vacuum or sweep regularly, dust, and wipe down your counters and sinks.
Now is the time to sell! If you’re ready to get started and need a helping hand selling your Wilmington NC home, contact us today to find the agent for you!
With some of the most beautiful and accessible beaches in the nation, it’s no wonder that the North Carolina coast is so appealing as a destination, whether for vacationing, retiring or living. Among all the beach towns that NC has to offer, from quaint to urban, there are a few hidden gems that are on the rise — Leland NC, and nearby neighbor Belville NC, being two such towns.
So if coastal living is on your mind, read on to learn why Leland NC or Belville NC may be just the town you’re looking for, starting with what may very well be the driving factor behind your search: the beach.
The Beach? More Like: Beaches
While Leland and Belville don’t run right up to the coast like neighboring North Carolina beach towns, they are in a prime location for quick access to several beautiful beaches, each featuring their own unique atmosphere, whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a beach humming with people. Locals have their pick of the very best beaches that the area has to offer, being an average of 30 to 40 minutes away from Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Caswell Beach, Oak Island, Holden Beach and Ocean Isle. And that doesn’t even include the beaches that are a little farther off the beaten path, such as Bald Head Island or Sunset Beach, both of which are only an hour or so away. No matter what your motivation for moving closer to the shore, the beach is normally a prime factor — and who can blame you? Had a rough day at work? Within 30 minutes you can be burying your toes in the sand, letting the ocean ebb away your stress.
Parks to Play in
Leland NC is home to several large parks, most of which are equipped with paved paths, picnic areas, playgrounds and more, so area residents are within close proximity to scenic paths for running, walking or biking, in addition to picturesque settings for family outings or children’s play.
Included among Leland’s parks is the Leland Community Garden, where locals can grow their own veggies to be donated to a local food pantry. Leland’s Sturgeon Creek Park, comprised of 27 acres of wetlands and 1.2 acres of uplands, offers locals water access for kayaking, canoeing, boating and fishing. The Westgate Nature Park in Leland NC, as implied by the name, offers an enormous natural landscape of nearly 150 acres of wetlands and uplands and features trails for hiking and biking, an outdoor classroom, nature-inspired playground, picnic area and more.
Golf, Fishing, and the Great Outdoors
Golfers can take refuge in Leland’s two, superb golf courses, comprised of Magnolia Greens and Cape Fear National, the latter of which has been the recipient of multiple awards throughout the years. A third golf course is also set to open in 2016, within the newly developed Compass Pointe resort-style housing community.
While Leland and Belville offer a few fishing holes of its own, fishers can flock to nearby Wilmington NC for all the fishing charters and fishing spots they could possibly desire — only a mere 15 minutes from home. And for those hoping to take to the water in pursuit of paddling, there are also a vast number of kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals located within Wilmington as well, offering equipment rentals, in addition to classes and guided tours. Carolina Paddleboard Company, Mahaneim Adventures, Paddle NC, Cape Fear River Adventures, and Hook, Line and Paddle are just a few such companies.
A Community on the Rise
The current population of Leland NC sits at 18,000, but is projected to rise to 30,000 within just four more years and 60,000 within another 14 years. The town has hired a new economic development director and is in the process of carrying out multiple plans for development, including those for new housing, retail and other commercial spaces.
In conjunction with Leland’s projected business growth, the town is rapidly expanding its housing with the creation of housing communities ranging from housing ideal for budding families, such as in The Willows, to the environmentally conscious neighborhoods within the Brunswick Forest community, to the luxurious accommodations of Compass Pointe and more.
Plans also include the development of three to four apartment complexes to be completed over the next two years, resulting in approximately 1,000 apartments to be added.
Educational Opportunities
Brunswick County, the county that encompasses Leland and Belville, is comprised of 20 public, K-12 schools, and includes higher education opportunities for high school graduates, or those seeking continuing education.
One of the most advantageous perks to living in Leland NC or Belville NC, though perhaps not the most widely recognized, are their locations. Their close proximity to other beach towns, such as Wilmington, ensures that residents have access to the amenities, entertainment and buzz sought after in more urban areas, without actually immersing residents in the racket. The Leland/Belville area has a remote feel, without actually being so, and still enjoys the close range to the beach without being directly on its sandy shores — which can also help to decrease the cost of living that beach residents experience.
With Leland’s plans for expansion, combined with its existing charm and perks, this destination will likely become a prime destination for new residents considering one of North Carolina’s many beach towns. Don’t miss out! Contact us today to learn more about houses for sale in Leland NC and Belville NC.
“We don’t like being too far from our families” and “ We still like a change of seasons” are the two most oft-heard phrases from people moving from a Northeast state to North Carolina, making it among the top southeastern states that enjoy an influx of new residents looking to improve their quality of life.
Wilmington, North Carolina, featuring its extraordinarily beautiful beaches and a vibrant and expanding historic downtown stands out as one of the favorite destinations within the state. While everyone would love a home fronting the ocean and that property in Wilmington is available…it comes with the appropriate price tag!!
Pointe Summerset is one of a handful of moderately-priced communities that are within a short drive to the ocean beach. A group of homes primarily occupied by year round residents, Pointe Summerset is located off of Eastwood Road and situated on (? Acres) with (?) homes and features a beautifully landscaped and well-lit main entrance. Well-constructed, low maintenance brick homes (front lawn maintenance and landscaping are included as part of community living) are situated off cul-de-sacs backing up to stands of the state’s protected long-needled pine trees. Single-family homes range in size from 1800 to almost 2700 sq. ft and feature a mix of floor plans on smaller/easily maintained lots.
“We love feeling that we have it all” notes a resident, “…we can choose to walk to Starbucks in Mayfair, an award-winning outdoor shopping village that features such stellar brands as William-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, the Gap, Banana Republic, Barnes and Noble and J.Crew, and when we’re “beaching it” for the day, we simply make a right turn onto Eastwood Road and head to Wrightsville Beach, less than 3 miles away. Some residents even choose to cycle there.
New arrivals to the area are surprised to see the large number of walkers and cyclists on “The Loop”, a walking route near Wrightsville Beach; outdoor exercise is an easy option to choose with milder year ‘round weather and accessible walking paths.
“We Love the easy access to pick up family and friends from the airport” is another commonly heard phrase from residents at “The Pointe.” Turning left out of the development HWY 74/76 leads directly to Wilmington International Airport, about ten minute away. With direct and connecting flights from major northeast airports, it makes it easy to invite loved ones to visit.
Wilmington is a growing community offering the best in Southern tradition; it’s also the home of well-known artists and a bedrock of American history with a historic district that is one the largest in the state. Chef-owned restaurants and waterfront dining offer some of the best cuisine to be found in the Southeast.
Among coastal communities, Wilmington, North Carolina stands out as a highly desirable place to live and Pointe Summerset is one of a handful of moderately-priced, well cared for residential communities that is in the center of it all!
There are currently (2) homes for sale in the community being offered by Intracoastal Realty, the largest regional real estate company in the area. Both are different in size and layout ranging in size from over 2100 sq. ft. to almost 2700 sq. ft. Check out Intracoastal Realty at www.intracoastalrealty.com and enter “Pointe Summerset” to view before making an appointment for a private showing (and enjoy the beautiful weather in Wilmington while you are here!). To go straight to available homes in Pointe Summerset, click this link.
