Stunning design and green architecture shouldn’t be reserved just for adults, as showcased by this gorgeous green treehouse built by the architects at Lord, Aeck & Sargent. Constructed as an extension to Camp Twin Lakes, a camp dedicated to kids with special needs, this treehouse is not only beautiful, fun and kid friendly, but green as well!
War and conflict often bring about the destruction of architecture, however these forces can also result in new constructions that define a cultural identity and place. Stressed by China’s growing population, the Hakka people have been confronted with armed warfare for local resources since the 17th century. To remedy their situation the Hakka began building massive structures that could not only stave off intruders, but would also form amazing self-sustaining micro-communities complete with food storage, space for livestock, living quarters, temples, armories and more.
The High Country Association of REALTORS released statistics today for residential homes sold through the end of November. Sales are off from October’s numbers, approaching June’s total residential units sold.
Sales continue to fall below last year’s figures. When comparing year-to-date numbers with the same time period in 2008, the number of residential units sold is down 11.1 percent, and the median sold price for residential property is down 11.3 percent. The total number of new residential listings is down 6.2 percent from 2008.
Mortgage rates are also dropping, which is good news for homebuyers. According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to 4.88 in November, down from 5.06 percent in September. The rate was 6.09 percent in November 2008.
In addition to lower mortgage rates, buyers now have more time to secure big tax savings. On Nov. 6, President Obama signed The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which includes an $8,000 tax credit for qualified first-time buyers and a $6,500 tax credit for qualified existing homeowners. This gives prospective buyers an additional six months to take advantage of the popular tax credits, which have helped boost sagging homes sales.
 Boone Mountain Times | Operation Medicine Cabinet returns May 19 Boone Mountain Times Operation Medicine Cabinet volunteers, including representatives from Boone Drug, Watauga County Sheriff's Office and the Watauga office of the NC Cooperative Extension, man a collection center at a previous event. Operation Medicine Cabinet allows ... |
Book festival comes to Blowing Rock Aug. 3-4 Boone Mountain Times Friends of the Watauga County Public Library will host the first High Country Festival of the Book at Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock on Aug. 3 and 4. The High Country Festival of the Book will bring 30 acclaimed authors to the High Country to ... |
 Boone Mountain Times | Watauga defies state on amendment vote Boone Mountain Times By Kellen Moore (kellen.moore@mountaintimes.com) Watauga County is one of seven NC counties in which a majority of voters opposed Amendment 1. The others are Orange, Buncombe, Durham, Chatham, Mecklenburg and Wake counties. A majority of North Carolina ... |
 Boone Mountain Times | Southern Accent hosts fellowship celebration Boone Mountain Times By Sherrie Norris (sherrie.norris@mountaintimes.com) For more than half of its 19-year existence, the High Country-based and well-loved bluegrass gospel group known as Southern Accent has hosted an annual celebration that brings its fans and fellow ... |
Ashe seniors prepare for High Country Games in Watauga Jefferson Post by By Linda Burchette A group of spirited senior citizens in Ashe County understand this as they prepare for the annual High Country Senior Games, starting May 18 in Watauga County. In their 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s, these seniors will be tossing ... |
 Watauga Democrat | The downtown Boone post office, built in 1938, will continue to retail ... Watauga Democrat by Anna Oakes With the Wednesday announcement that the US Postal Service has adopted a new strategy for preserving post offices throughout rural America, a North Carolina USPS official confirmed the downtown Boone post office is no longer in danger of ... |
Temptation is hiding in your medicine chest Watauga Democrat In what amounts to an amnesty day — Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman says no questions will be asked of those who turn in the medications — twice a year in May and October, High Country Operation Medicine Cabinet has to date removed more than ... |
 Appalachian State University | Businesswoman and philanthropist receives honorary doctorate from Appalachian Appalachian State University BOONE—Among the people receiving degrees from Appalachian State University this weekend was a distinguished businesswoman known for her philanthropy in North Carolina, Florida and New York. Bonnie Schaefer of Blowing Rock and Florida received an ... |
Rock-n-Roar Boone Mountain Times By Jamie Shell (jamie.shell@averyjournal.com) The High Country's largest and loudest biker extravaganza returns, and it's bigger and better than ever. The roar of engines and the sounds of classic rock and roll bands will fill the air for Boone Bike ... |
NC passes amendment — but not Watauga Watauga Democrat by Kellen Moore A majority of North Carolina voters are “for” a constitutional amendment stating that the marriage of one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state. As of 11:15 pm Tuesday, ... |
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