The Sharp Mountain Preserve

The Preserve at Sharp Mountain (also called The Sharp Mountain Preserve) is a nature-based community located near Jasper Georgia in Pickens County. It is one of three mountain communities in Pickens County, and the only one dedicated to maintaining its natural amenities. There are convert|12|mi|km of paved roads running through the community, but the population density is intentionally low (approximately 300 lots over convert|1600|acre|km2 ranging in size from a minimum of convert|3|acre|m2 to a maximum of 37 acres.) The Preserve at Sharp Mountain was named the "Best Community for Outdoor Lovers" by Pinnacle Living magazine [cite news|url=http://www.mountainhomessouthernstyle.com/ci/feature/index.htm|title=Pinnacle Living magazine|date=2008-06-25|accessdate=2008-06-25] , Unlike many planned communities, the Preserve at Sharp Mountain does not have swimming pools and tennis courts with club houses or golf courses. Instead, the Preserve at Sharp Mountain offers many acres of green space, hiking and nature trails, a nature pavilion, waterfalls, a bird sanctuary, a butterfly garden and various nature parks. The community is gated to restrict use of its convert|12|mi|km of privately-owned roads to those living in the community. The Preserve at Sharp Mountain was developed by Four Seasons originally, which later became Naterra Land [cite news|url=http://www.naterraland.com/sharpmountain/|title=Naterra Land Corporation|date=2008-06-25|accessdate=2008-06-25] . Naterra's stated goal in all of its projects is "to better connect people with nature."

Location and Environment

The community is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and offers convert|70|mi|km|sing=on panoramic views. The city of Atlanta Georgia can be seen on the horizon from Sharp Mountain (2,327 feet MSL @ LAT 34.439168, LON -84.507327) and Talley Mountain (1,903 feet MSL @ LAT 34.453723, LON -84.492457). The climate is that of a temperate southeastern forest. Flora includes red and white oak families, tulip poplar, maple, dogwood, and at the higher elevations, sourwood trees. Wild turkeys, deer, golden eagles, and an occasional black bear live within the community.

Proximity

Jasper is a thriving community filled with entertainment, business and education opportunities. Residents of The Preserve are approximately ten minutes drive away from the Jasper business district and only about seven minutes from the Piedmont Mountainside Hospital [cite news|url=http://www.piedmontmountainsidehospital.org/|title=Piedmont Mountainside Hospital|date=2008-06-25|accessdate=2008-06-25] . North Georgia is also "wine country," and hosts a number of large wineries, one of which [cite news|url=http://www.catchwine.com/wineries/georgia/sharp_mountain_vineyards/|title=Sharp Mountain Vineyards|date=2008-06-25|accessdate=2008-06-25] , is immediately adjacent to The Preserve on the southeast corner. The Pickens County airport [cite news|url=http://www.fltplan.com/AirportInformation/JZP.htm|title=Pickens County Airport|date=2008-09-16|accessdate=2008-09-16] with its 5000 x 100 foot (1524 x 30.5m) air strip at a field elevation of 1535' (468 m) MSL lies three miles (5 km) to the East.

Amenities

Community Features include:
* Acreage: 1,600 acres (640 hectares) encompassing parts of Sharp Mountain, Talley Mountain, and Henderson Mountain.
* Density: Zoned to allow no less than 3 acre (1.2 hectar) lots.
* Recreation: Hiking and biking trails, a bird sanctuary, wildlife feeding area, and 8 nature parks
* Parks: 8 different parks, each featuring gazebos, barbecues, playgrounds, native plant gardens, rock and hewn wood tables, and an open-air lodge and formal lawn.
* Infrastructure: Private gated community with wide paved roads, and underground utilities.
* Structures and Protections: Community has covenants and architectural guidelines.
* Security: Gated entrance.

References

External links

* [http://preserveatsharpmountainhoa.net/sharpmountain/outside_home.asp Official Sharp Mountain Preserve Home Owner's Association site] (Retrieved 16 July 2008)