The Blue Ridge Mountains of the Carolinas are popular among Canadians.

When Graham and Mary Hallward were searching for a retreat property, their “wants” were many. The couple wanted a community with an established social environment that they could join and make friends, and a location easily drivable from their Toronto home. Excellent golf and cycling and a place near a town or small city for additional activities and culture were other must haves.

The couple found that The Cliffs, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Carolinas, suited them to a “t”. The collection of residential communities, set among a million acres of protected forest, offers a range of amenities, including clubhouses, wellness centres, hiking trails, tennis courts, an equestrian centre and a beach club. Marinas and restaurants are also in the development, about a 13-hour drive from the Hallwards’ Toronto home. They bought in The Cliffs in 2010 and their dream retreat was finished in 2012.

“The Blue Ridge Mountains of the Carolinas are popular among Canadians because it’s roughly half the distance that they might ordinarily drive, to Florida for instance, for a second or seasonal home,” says Vince Roser, broker-in-charge of The Cliffs.

“The Cliffs is a really sweet spot, nestled along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, which is extraordinarily beautiful but also just a quick drive from two of the country’s most acclaimed cities for quality of life, Asheville, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina.”

The biggest upsides of living at The Cliffs are the natural beauty, ideal weather and the club memberships. “The Cliffs offers seven private golf courses and great social environment throughout each of the seven Cliffs communities,” Mary says.

“With our membership you belong to seven clubs, all within easy driving distance of one another,” Roser says. Members can choose from more than 1,000 annual activities.

During their search, the couple found that the cities they were attracted to had a collegiate presence.  “Clemson University, Furman University and North Greenville University, on a smaller scale, have great influence in the area. Greenville, S.C. and Asheville, N.C. meet the need for a small city outside the community,” Mary says.

“A mild climate here means warmer winters and cooler summers, and the enjoyment of four distinct seasons,” Graham says.

The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is about 25 miles from The Cliffs at Mountain Park community.

The Cliffs offers a buyer agent commission or referral commission. Agents are invited to contact the sales team at 866-411-5773.