The idea of the Great American Dream captivates everyone from Baby Boomers to Gen-Xers and Millennials as they all desire a safe, private, and charming community in which to call home.

 

Golf course communities are becoming increasingly popular among residents wishing to retire, relax, or raise a family in a desirable setting. Folks of all ages are choosing to live in these quaint outdoor-centric communities because of the idyllic lifestyle they provide.

 

Life in a golf community is not only ideal for golf lovers but it is also appropriate for those with a variety of interests. In addition to challenging golf courses, many communities provide numerous clubhouse events and recreational activities such as tennis, swimming, fitness clubs, and trails for hikers, bicyclists, and walkers. Marinas, boating activities and restaurants can also be found. With amenities akin to five-star resorts, many golf course communities epitomize the ultimate weekend getaway and life of leisure.

 

Located atop Lookout Mountain, Canyon Ridge offers mountain views and amenities across 420 acres. An 18-hole championship golf course is a centerpiece of the development, yet residents are also treated to nature trails, a mountain lodge offering casual dining and a fitness, swim and tennis facility. At Windstone community, residents are treated to walking and jogging paths, fishing lakes, mountain views and Windstone Golf Club; an 18 hole championship golf course.

 

Tennessee National, a waterfront golf community in Loudon, prides itself on its golf course being the “heart of Tennessee National” while its Marina and Waterside Village is its soul. Residents can experience an afternoon of boating, fishing, sailing or water skiing on Watts Bar Lake. Condominiums and townhouses blanket this community that boasts a private Greg Norman Signature Golf Course amid a storybook setting.

 

A Kaleidoscope of Homes

A kaleidoscope of homes, embodying diverse facades, often speckle lush greens and fairways. From single family homes to townhouses an array of exteriors ranging from hardy board, stone and brick to stucco or stacked rock exude a distinct character all to their own. Each reveals a certain sense and depth of architectural grandeur.

 

According to Randy Baker, owner and developer of Canyon Ridge, located atop Lookout Mountain, “Home sites and luxury mountain homes include golf bungalows, cottages, maintenance-free villas or custom-built homes tailored to fit your individual style.” Ival Godlstein, developer of Windstone, is now building Whisper Creek, and offers several living options, including garden houses, carriage homes, townhouses and creek-front lots.

 

Architectural themes for homes are often found and provide specialness to golf course communities. At Rarity Communities each development has its own character and charm. According to Beth Kuberka, marketing director for Rarity Communities, Rarity Club, now being developed on Lake Nickajack, will be designed with European architecture punctuated with prominent chimneys, strong masonry exteriors, arched entries and tall casement entries. She notes, “The homes reflect a dignified and beautiful ambience customary of all Rarity communities.”

 

National and World Renown Architects

Often, communities are designed developed with award-winning architects to preserve and capture the essence of their surroundings. According to Beth Kuberka, Rarity Communities only chooses land that can be considered rare or by definition: highly valued, owing to uncommonness, and special. “Our goal is to always leave the surrounding area’s natural beauty and development intact,” Kuberka says.

 

Many golf courses, resting within golf communities, are designed by national and world known architects. At Tennessee National, golf is played on a private Greg Norman Signature Golf Course. At Rarity Club, championship golf will be offered on a Lee Trevino designed championship course. At Canyon Ridge, a par 71, 18 hole championship course was designed by Rick Robbins. At Eagle Bluff golf course, overlooking Chickamauga Lake and Harrison Bay, the 18 hole, 6700 yard course was designed by Bill Bergin. Council Fire golf course, located in East Brainerd, was designed by Robert Cupp.

 

Beauty to Enjoy

As golf has become a popular spectator sport, an entire day or evening for golf community residents could be spent studying golfers’ techniques and watching them wander the course. With back decks, lanais, and courtyards that hug meticulously manicured fairways, residents can bask in the dramatic views of rolling hills, lakes or mountains.

 

Toby McKenzie's vision was to create a world class championship golf course and provide a gated community where players could live and call it home. In 2004, The Champions Club at Hampton Creek was opened for residents and for play. “The beauty of our course and community is unparalleled in this area with the views of the ridge, lakes, manicured fairways and greens,” says Rich Balthrop, P.G.A. general manager and director of golf of Hampton Creek Development which features 300 acres of rolling countryside, streams and pasture lands, forested ridges, and valleys in Ooltewah. “Our main goal was to take advantage of the surrounding views while maximizing retail lot opportunities and creating a world-class golfing experience for our members and guests.”

 

For golf lovers, many communities offer challenging, nationally-recognized courses on which to enhance their game. Black Creek Club, located in Lookout Valley at the base of Raccoon Mountain, has received several accolades by golf publications. In 2004, Golf Digest labeled Black Creek as one of the Top 10 courses in Tennessee. In its March 2005 edition, Golfweek ranked Black Creek as the #25 Residential Golf Course in America. The Club has also been selected to host several prestigious championships.

 

The peaceful countryside and outdoor nature of golf course living brings people together. In addition to meeting on the greens, neighbors bond through numerous amenities offered within these special communities. A sense of closeness develops from sharing similar interests and social activities. A special charm is collectively enjoyed from wonderfully crafted beauty, varied and unique homes, sport, entertainment and community all together as one.