The Latest in Luxury Resort & Real Estate News

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Talking Rock Golf Community Energy Efficient Homes

(PRESCOTT, AZ) -- Talking Rock, a private golf club community north of Phoenix-Scottsdale, introduced a new home portfolio, the Lone Spur Collection, earlier this summer.

To meet today's standards for energy efficient, smaller and more affordable homes, the Lone Spur Collection blends smaller spaces with larger design concepts and incorporates quality features typically found in custom home designs. Designed by TRD&B Inc., the Lone Spur Collection homes in Prescott have an authentic rustic ranch design that incorporates the creative use of fiber cement siding, cedar, and culture stone applied with old-fashioned craftsmanship.

"As a design and build team we are always looking for new approaches to affordable building and innovative designs," said Steve Iverson, vice president of construction for TRD&B Inc. "The new Lone Spur Collection at Talking Rock is a perfect reflection of this goal with quality features, eco-friendly design and luxury amenities for a reasonable price."

Homes in the Lone Spur Collection are built to be energy efficient with continuous insulation wrapped on all exterior walls to resist moisture and wind, Anderson series 200 dual-pane windows and patio doors, highly-efficient electric heat and cooling pump, and more.

The pre-designed and -priced models are concepts that are customizable to buyers' needs, desires and budget with floor plans starting in the mid-$400,000s to just under $500,000. Homes are built to incorporate the lot topography, views, trees and existing landscape, and feature low-maintenance exteriors with Trex decking on raised porches, concrete pavers on driveways and patios, choice of standing seam metal roof or Eagle concrete shingles, and more. Luxury amenities include Alder, Hickory or Knotty Oak cabinets, granite countertops, vaulted ceilings, stainless steel appliance allowance, and propane fireplace with native stone facing.

Located in a peaceful, rural setting, just minutes from Prescott, Talking Rock is a 3,600-acre private, new homes community with a casual western lifestyle and the amenities of an exclusive country club. The Jay Morrish-designed 7,350-yard championship golf course in Prescott intertwines through more than 1,000 acres of preserved open space, presenting residents with the spaciousness of Arizona's high country. Talking Rock offers spacious custom homesites in Prescott, as well as Ranch Cottages, Ranch Homes and custom homes designed in an authentic ranch style and built by the area's finest craftsmen. Talking Rock is a development of Harvard Investments, a Scottsdale-based real estate development company respected for its high quality, residential projects throughout the Southwest. The Talking Rock golf course and Ranch Compound are professionally managed by OB Sports.

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Lion Lake Country Club Named China's Top New Club

(GUANGZHOU, CHINA) -- Troon Golf, the world's largest operator of golf course properties, announced  Lion Lake Country Club took home the "Best New Golf Club" in China award at this year's "Golfers' Choice" awards presented by Golf Vacations.

Located approximately 45 minutes northwest of Guangzhou - the country's largest golf market, Lion Lake Country Club currently has 27 holes open for play with magnificent clubhouse and driving range facilities. When fully complete, the property will feature 36 holes of championship golf, two five-star resorts and convention centers, yacht club, hot springs, cultural center, and a high-end residential community. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has been chosen to operate one of the luxurious resorts, which will feature 350 rooms.

"We are especially proud of the team at Lion Lake Country Club on being recognized for this prestigious award," said Ryan Walls, Troon Golf's senior vice president, managing director, Australasia division. "When we see the hard work from all those involved pay off, it gives a great sense of pride in what we have achieved. There are great plans for new courses in Asia and we are optimistic about the future of the golf industry here. The levels of service and hospitality we provide to both our members and guests are essential in continuing to attract new golfers to the region."

 The two 18-hole courses at Lion Lake were both designed by American golf course architect Rick Jacobson, whose designs have been highly acclaimed by Golf Digest and Golfweek magazines. The "Moon" course at Lion Lake was also awarded the 2009 "Best Golf Course Design" in China. While both courses at Lion Lake represent two different styles, each course utilizes the area's natural surroundings and unique water features to bring them together in harmony.

A new three-storey, 160,000 square-foot Southern California-style clubhouse features a golf shop, two restaurants specializing in Chinese and western cuisine, five private dining rooms, grand ballroom and a full-service spa.

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf oversees 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. Troon Golf properties include Oneida Golf and Country Club, Green Bay, Wis.; Troon North Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; The Golf Club at Equinox, Manchester Village, Vt.; Classic Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island, Bahamas; and The Grove, London, England.

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