Preserving Natural Beauty and Fostering Community

Silver Run Reserve is a place to call home

Story by ANNE DUCHAC

Photos by JOHNNY KRAWCHECK

In the idyllic setting of Cashiers and Highlands NC, replete with natural beauty, opulent residences, and upscale developments, Silver Run Reserve introduces a refreshing departure from the norm. Once a sprawling family estate, the property has retained its spaciousness and sense of privacy while imbuing a community spirit for its residents and their families and guests.

Nestled on three sides by the Nantahala National Forest and other Nature Conservancy lands, Silver Run encompasses 300 acres, with a third dedicated to an expansive green space known as "The Meadow." Here, families, children, and even four-legged companions can freely explore, following the wide mowed paths, or lose themselves amidst the clover and tall grasses, harvested as hay during the summer.

Silver Run’s developer, Jay Hurt, shares that the vision throughout the development process has been to "preserve the natural beauty while creating a low-density community that feels like your own private estate." One of the allures of Silver Run lies in the comfort of knowing that you can open your back door, let your kids or grandkids run out to play, and not be concerned.

The outdoor treasures are abundant, featuring two lakes for swimming and fishing, and Silver Run Creek, sourced from the Nantahala National Forest, which meanders through The Meadow and boasts a thriving population of native brook and wild brown trout, ideal for fly fishing. An extensive trail system leads along the creek and to the highest point in Silver Run, offering access to the National Forest. The Chimney Garden, centered around a red brick chimney from an old farmhouse, provides an ideal setting for relaxation and neighborly connections. Residents often gather around the fire pits, enjoy a game on the bocce ball court, or partake in community-hosted evenings with live music and cocktails.

The Chimney Garden and The Meadow also serve as popular venues for various events, such as a 4th of July celebration complete with face-painting, fire trucks, balloon animals, and a fishing derby. Notably, field games and obstacle courses featuring llamas are enjoyed by both adults and children alike.

Liz Harris, Silver Run’s exclusive listing agent, notes that the community boasts a rich and ever-expanding calendar of organized events, including fly fishing lessons, guided hikes, watercolor and pottery classes, and many other options that adapt to the evolving needs and desires of its residents. Silver Run Reserve is particularly enthusiastic about its Chef in Residence program. Throughout the summer season, regional, national, and international chefs will grace the community, offering an array of culinary experiences, including fine dining paired with guest wine makers and live music from a diverse range of singers and songwriters. The community recently hosted its first two dinner events, delighting many of the residents.

Plans are also underway for the construction of The Meadow House, a laid-back "clubhouse" nestled in the heart of the community that offers panoramic views of the meadow and mountains and a welcoming ambiance where owners can socialize and relax at their leisure. A bartender will be on hand to serve delightful wines and cocktails. 

Among the most enticing amenities at Silver Run is The Water Plant, an activity and fitness center renowned as one of the plateau's finest. Its name harkens back to the estate's previous owner, Ralph Neely, who operated a water sales business from The Water Plant, peddling fresh mountain water in bags with a unique pitcher before bottled water became a mainstream enterprise.

Today, The Water Plant boasts an extensive array of fitness equipment, a TV lounge, indoor games, including pool, shuffleboard, darts, and foosball, locker rooms, a group exercise studio, and an art studio. Additionally, it features a state-of-the-art golf instruction and simulation lab that replicates renowned courses worldwide, including the nearby Wade Hampton. 

Ben Harris, a partner on the development team, recollects a memorable evening when he and a group of residents watched the TPC Sawgrass Tournament on the lounge's television and played the same course on the golf simulator. Such spontaneous gatherings typify life at Silver Run Reserve, where residents cherish the blend of solitude, open spaces, and room to explore, while nurturing strong connections with family and neighbors. As Harris envisions it, “Silver Run will be more than a mere vacation destination, evolving into a cherished place to call home, where lifelong friendships are forged.” For more information, call Liz Harris at 828.342.3194.