Gated Community Developing on Doorstep to Appalachian Trail
By Christan M. Thomas

The concept is something different for the highlands of Roan Mountain - a gated community, adjacent to the Appalachian Trail, which features environmentally protected "green spaces" and is geared toward second home ownership.

That community, Wind Crest, is the dream of owners John and Deanna Julian and is part of land that John Julian's father bought around 1950.

"We had about 2,700 acres, most of it being in North Carolina," John Julian said. "In the early '80s, he (John Julian's father) sold that to the forest service with the Appalachian Trail included. We kept about 500 acres on the Tennessee side. It's just laid here and grown up and hadn't been utilized in any way, so we decided about two years ago that we'd like to develop it into second homes."

Located four miles off of U.S. Highway 19E in Carter County, the mountainside retreat ranges from 3,600 to 4,500 feet above sea level, offering residents some spectacular views. The chimney from the original home on site remains.

The subdivision has 39 lots - nine of which have already been sold - that range in size from approximately one-half acre to 2 acres. Barbara Miller, Realtor with Coldwell Banker and the property's listing agent, said most of the lots have been sold to out-of-towners looking for a second home in the mountains, though there is already one couple who intend to make Wind Crest their primary residence. The first home under construction broke ground earlier this month.

Keeping the mountainside looking natural is one of the Julians' main goals. According to neighborhood guidelines, each house must be a minimum of 1,500 square feet and plans must be pre-approved before building. Cedar siding, natural siding or other building materials keeping with the rustic theme are encouraged. Brick, vinyl or aluminum siding are all prohibited.

All utilities are underground and each lot is adjacent to its own "green space". There will also be plenty of park-like common areas across the property, which naturally features dozens of species of wildflowers, rhododendron and other vegetation among the thick woods, rolling meadows and a winding stream.

"Every lot borders on some kind of common area or conservation area," John Julian said. "So, they're (property owners) not just getting a lot, they're getting some other land to use. We'll have interior hiking trails that will contour through here, just so people can get out and enjoy the surroundings. And if they want to, there's a nice trail that leads to the Appalachian Trail and they can utilize that. Then they've got 2,200 miles of trails."