The Latest in Luxury Resort & Real Estate News

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Newly Redesigned Sky Valley Golf Course Community Releases First New Home Sites

(SKY VALLEY, GA) -- Sky Valley Resort and Country Club recently released its first home sites since developer Merrill Trust Communities and Resorts, LLC, purchased the community in 2004. 

There are currently 12 new developer home sites available, most of them situated at 4,000 feet or higher with long distance views toward the mountains of northern Georgia and western North Carolina.  

"This is a historic opportunity for new buyers to own some of the prime property in Sky Valley," says Merrill Trust Group's Director of Sales and Marketing Steve Schneider. 

"For the last several years, the only way buyers could find views like this at Sky Valley was to purchase a resale property.  Now we have choice home sites available with some of the best views in the community."

Established in 1969, Sky Valley is Georgia's highest elevation community, originally established as the southernmost ski resort in the country.  The community's valley floor rests at an elevation of 3,200 feet while the surrounding forested ridgelines climb to elevations over 4,000 feet. 

One of North Georgia's most well-established resort residential communities, Sky Valley has a newly redesigned golf course by Bill Bergin, one of Atlanta's premier golf course architect. The master-planned resort-style community features more than 600 single-family homes,  condominiums and timeshare units.

The recently released high elevation home sites are one acre plus in size with prices starting at $125,000.  In the last 10 weeks, Sky Valley has sold nine properties, showing a definite turnaround in the North Georgia real estate market.

"I think people feel comfortable buying here," says Schneider.  "Many of our buyers have parents or grandparents who have owned here for years, and the community has a long history."

Merrill Trust Group, LLC, is a developer of private clubs and resort communities throughout the southeast.  Among Merrill Trust's noted communities are Foxhall Resort and Sporting Club, an equestrian and golf resort residential community in Atlanta, Sky Valley, Catatoga near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina; and Daytona Beach Resort, an oceanfront community in Florida.  

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Troon Golf Picked to Manage Club de Campo de la Zagaleta

(ANDALUCIA, SPAIN) -- Golf Course management and marketing giant Troon Golf announced this week it was adding the prestigious Club de Campo de la Zagaleta as the latest addition to the company's growing portfolio of golf resorts. Situated here in one of the most attractive areas along the Costa del Sol, the exclusive facility is one of Europe's most picturesque residential resort-style communities.

Breathtaking views are synonymous with the area where two championship golf courses sit prominently amidst the natural landscape. Incorporating a mix of traditional golf course design and unsurpassed quality, the golf courses are among the very finest in the region. The resort also includes recreational facilities such as tennis courts and an equestrian center that give La Zagaleta the perfect balance of exclusive residential and world-class leisure amenities.

"Club de Campo de la Zagaleta is a spectacular place," said Bruce Glasco, Troon Golf's managing director, Europe, Middle East & Africa. "It is one of the most beautiful and exclusive resorts in Europe and has two very unique golf courses. We are committed to enhancing the quality of golf operations and delivering two perfectly conditioned courses for the membership and residents to enjoy."

This private members golf club is regarded as the highlight in the area's thriving golf metropolis. The La Zagaleta course meanders seamlessly through its natural surroundings while the second course, Los Barrancos de la Zagaleta, is situated on some of the most challenging terrain in the area.

"After careful consideration of all of our options, we are very pleased to welcome Troon Golf to manage our facilities," said club president Dr. Jorn Kreke. "The established reputation of Troon Golf in maintaining the highest possible standards of quality was the key to our decision and we are convinced that this will be in the best interest of our members."

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Troon Golf EMEA is committed to developing Troon Golf's presence in Europe, Middle East and Africa. This rapidly expanding division now oversees operations at 39 courses in 14 countries including Dubai, Portugal, Spain and England with further expansion planned across all regions.

With global headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf is the world's largest golf management company, overseeing operations at properties located in 31 states and 26 countries. Additionally, 39 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Among the acclaimed Troon Golf properties are Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, the Classic Club in Palm Desert and The Grove in London.

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