Two North Carolina Estates Head to Auction in July with Platinum Luxury Auctions

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On the last weekend in July, two unique mountain properties in western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains will be sold at live auctions conducted by veteran auction firm Platinum Luxury Auctions. The properties are offered in cooperation with Mountain Sotheby's International Realty, an independently owned and operated franchisee of the Sotheby's International Realty network. Listing agents Mike Donnell and Gary Waters are representing Mountain Sotheby's in the transactions.

From its headquarters in Miami, Florida, Platinum has been strategically expanding its operations throughout the United States during the past 12 months. The North Carolina auctions follow a string of recent transactions the firm has handled across the country, which included properties in Colorado, Arizona, California and Georgia. "I have been closely monitoring Platinum's success stories, and I'm excited to be able to work with them to offer these two unique properties during a beautiful time of year here in the High Country," stated Derek Rowley, broker-in-charge of Mountain Sotheby's.

While the two estates will be promoted jointly, each will be sold at a separate auction. On the evening of July 26^th, one auction will be conducted for a 16-acre mountaintop retreat in the town of Sugar Grove. The property was recently offered for $1.6 million, but will now be sold to the highest bidder above $800,000. The following afternoon, a second auction will be held for a 13-acre mountainside estate in neighboring Valle Crucis. That property was previously offered for nearly $4 million, but will now be sold to the highest bidder above only $1.65 million. Both properties are located at an elevation above 3,000 feet, and offer striking, long-range mountain views.

Sugar Grove and Valle Crucis are small, charming mountain towns that are renowned for their magnificent natural surroundings. Both areas are located immediately adjacent to the town of Banner Elk, which has gained popularity as a posh mountain retreat for the wealthy, specifically those from the northeast and southeast United States. As such, many multi-million-dollar estates are discretely dotted amongst the mountains of these otherwise very modest communities.

"Both Valle Crucis and Sugar Grove are lovely pocket communities neighboring Banner Elk," stated Trayor Lesnock, Platinum's president. "The folks who desire more acreage and added privacy than what is available in central Banner Elk generally choose to custom build estates and high-end farms in these areas. There is a significant amount of wealth hiding in these beautiful little towns."

Both properties have been designed as peaceful and upscale retreats, tucked away from the stresses associated with the typical urban life. The 13-acre Valle Crucis estate, lovingly named Meadowood House by its owners, offers a 6,700 sq. ft. residence with 5 bedrooms, 5 full and 1 half baths. Special features include an elevator, large art gallery, sunroom, custom fireplaces, 16-seat dining room, and multiple terraces.

In addition to the main residence, Meadowood House offers impressively developed grounds. Two koi ponds, extensive stonework, a gazebo and fire pit, multiple "look-out" decks, a children's play cave, and robust gardens can all be found behind the property's gates.

Located just 7 miles from Meadowood House, the Sugar Grove estate is equal parts family compound and sportsman's retreat. Perched atop a mountain overlooking the Watauga River Valley, the 16-acre parcel offers three living structures, comprised of one main residence and two separate guest cottages. All structures feature a "luxury log cabin" design that is prevalent within many of the area's upscale mountain communities.

The main residence offers 4,300 sq. ft. of living space, with 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Beautiful, exposed log beams and vaulted ceilings are prevalent throughout the interior, providing a rustic mountain charm. The guest cottages include a 1,200 sq. ft. cabin with 1 bedroom, 1 full and 1 half bath, and a 575 sq. ft. cabin with 1 bedroom and 1 bath. All living quarters feature a private, outdoor Jacuzzi tub (3 in total).

Special features of the compound include luxurious additions such as a walk-in wine cellar and cedar-lined sauna. And for the sportsman, there is also a trap house for clay pigeon shooting and an ATV/wood shed (an Arctic Cat ATV conveys with the property).

Previews for each property begin July 2nd and continue on a regular schedule until the auction dates. Additional details can be found at CarolinaLuxuryAuctions.com, or by contacting a Platinum representative at 1.800.262.5132. Interested parties may also visit Platinum's central website at PlatinumLuxuryAuctions.com.

SOURCE Platinum Luxury Auctions