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Within Sunalei Preserve the amenities focus around the conservancy lands, the "Main Camp" compound, and “The Shelter.”
The Main Camp
The Main Camp was completed in 2004 and typifies the architectural style and integrity sought in all future homes within the community. This wondrous 7000 square foot lodge constructed of bark, logs and stone serves as a gathering area for property owners and their guests. The living room, library, loft, and family room are perfect for relaxing and getting away or for social engagements and small gatherings.
Property owners and their guests are welcome to overnight in the lodge while visiting the area and/or while checking on the progress of the construction of their homes. Bedroom suites, in the tradition of America's great National Parks, offer private balconies and private baths. Bedding options include either a king, queen, or two twin beds.
When staying at the Main Camp, property owners enjoy use of the entire lodge – the bars are stocked with beverages and the kitchen is stocked with breakfast foods and snacks. Additional food items and provisioning can be provided or arrangements can be made for a private chef or caterer.
Housed at the Main Camp is a fitness center with free weights, resistance weight machine, treadmill, and elliptical cross trainer. A resistance swimming pool is located on the patio outside the fitness center. There is also a large covered pavilion at the Main Camp that property owners can utilize for larger, outdoor group events.
While the Main Camp may be rustic by design, the facilities for owners and their guests are very 21st century.
The Shelter – Tennis Court and Putting Green
Shelter - Tennis Court
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Shelter - Putting Green
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New to Suanlei Preserve and the Main Camp compound in 2005 is “The Shelter.” The Shelter, located just up the hill from the lodge, epitomizes North Carolina rustic architecture with its intricate twig work around the windows, twisted cedar deck railings, and impressive stone fireplace built using stones from the property.
Property owners at Sunalei are welcome to gather informally at the Shelter – a place for bridge or poker, perhaps. Shelter amenities include a putting green with artificial surface, tennis court, kitchenette, outdoor cooking area, and shower facilities. For those so inclined, the wide covered porches with Adirondack chairs are perfect for savoring the majestic mountain and valley views.
The Conservancy Lands and Trail System
Approximately 132 of Sunalei’s 1000 acres have been promised to become a part of a permanently managed nature preserve in order to protect and conserve the valuable natural and environmentally sensitive habitats. As of 2007, 132 acres have been deeded to the High Country Conservancy and will be protected and “forever wild.” These lands include the craggy ridge atop Snake Mountain and lower lying lands encompassing the head waters of the North Fork of the New River considered to be the second oldest river in the world. Approximately 100 additional acres will be set aside and be placed in a conservancy.
In the Fall of 2005, Trail Master Richard Hayes Phillips was recruited from the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York to design a trail system for Sunalei. Richard camped out and spent the month of November studying the topography and sensitive ecosystems of the mountain. As a result of his work, trail systems throughout the conservancy lands have been designed to allow quiet enjoyment of the property with the least amount of impact on the lands being preserved. Property Owners and their Guests can explore the craggy ridge of Snake Mountain knowing that they are doing so in balance with the community. As development continues, the trail system will be expanded into other areas of Sunalei Preserve.
A Nature Center is planned to help us gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the preserve's environment and intricate ecosystems. Whenever possible, the public may be invited to join property owners in programs lead by naturalists to explore areas of interest such as natural landscaping, animal habitats, indigenous plants and animals, and botanical subjects relevant to life in Sunalei Preserve.
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