Lifestone Communities: A New Way of Living, A New Way of Life
A new way of life has come to the Midlands, thanks to Lifestone Communities. Through its development Saluda River Club, Lifestone Communities has brought together three Columbia area Builder/Developers -- Walter Taylor, Bill Theus and Andy White -- who have created an innovative approach to residential development. However, Lifestone Communities is more than a residential development firm. It's a concept based on enjoying a lifestyle that intertwines and seamlessly unites community development and the gorgeous natural setting of the Midlands.
"Our goal is to build the type of community that will appeal to a broad base of residents, providing each one of them with an adventure-filled, amenity-rich lifestyle," Taylor said. "Although most developers would hold back the riverfront lots for the most exclusive home sites, we made the conscious decision to make the natural beauty of the river and accessibility to it, available to all residents."
Saluda River Club, built on 235 acres along a mile of the Saluda River, is laced with miles of nature trails, two clubhouses and a river launch. A combination of Traditional Neighborhood Design homes - townhomes, cottages, single-family homes and flats in the Village District; single-family and estate homes on large wooded home sites in the River District; and homes perfect for both new families and new retirees in the Woodlands District, the community brings together multigenerational residents all looking for a unique lifestyle.
"Research has shown that the appeal of the most popular communities lies in the combination of a natural setting and a variety of amenities for all ages," Theus said. "As the three of us sought to create Saluda River Club, we took into account what today's homeowners want: an attractive place to live, an active lifestyle and a diversity of architectural designs and prices."
The Village District, at the front of the community, features an attractive avenue lined with wide sidewalks, townhomes with generous front porches, cottages and single-family homes. By tapping into the Traditional Neighborhood Design concept, the three experienced developer/builders knew they were on to the leading edge of living for the 21st century.
"It's about envisioning a setting that invites a sense of community," White said. "With its curved streets and clusters of homes, the Village District is the epitome of this. In a way, it's like having an intimate residential area, but for the people who live here, it will be so much more, because they have access to the river and all the amenities that make today's newest communities viable and sustainable."
The River District's home sites are larger and located in a more wooded and natural setting. The single-family homes and custom-designed residences on spacious lots offer privacy for those who desire it.
The Woodlands District is the newest addition to Saluda River Club where each home presents timeless architectural details, innovative design, environmentally sensitive features and inviting indoor-outdoor living spaces that embrace the serenity of the surroundings.
"It's a forward-thinking concept to blend this many styles of architecture and types of homes into one community," Taylor said. "Part of what brings Saluda River Club together in such a positive way is the shared amenities - the Village Clubhouse for adults, the Chickawa River Clubhouse for all ages, the River Launch with kayaking and river adventures and the miles of nature trails and mini-parks."
The three experienced developers came together with one vision in mind - create a diverse community with broad-based appeal so that residents can be as engaged as they want while at the same time be able to enjoy a very personal environment.
"Our fresh mix of lifestyles, home styles and amenities are unique to Saluda River Club," White said. "With homes designed to reflect the architecture of small Southern towns, we've captured the familiar style of the late 1800s to 1900s whistle-stop era, with all the conveniences that today's homeowners seek. And we've done it in a way that promotes the riverbank's natural beauty and appeals to a broad spectrum of home owners."
Multi-talented Team
Taylor, Theus and White bring together decades of development and home-building experience. For many years, they have developed neighborhoods and built communities across Columbia and the Carolinas - more than 50 in all.
Each brings his own special passion and talents to the partnership that is Lifestone Communities. They've each developed land for residential developments, they've built homes within communities and they've taken projects full circle.
"Walter and I have worked together for more than 22 years on numerous projects and communities," Theus said. "The lifestyle communities and those that involve water and natural settings are among our favorites. We have always admired Andy's work and joined with him on several developments as well."
From having the vision to create leading-edge neighborhoods to dealing with the daily requirements of being successful and providing the utmost in personal service and quality design, each partner brings strengths to make the magical combination that is Lifestone Communities.
"Saluda River Club is our first project under the Lifestone Communities banner, and for us it's just the beginning," White said. "The future holds exciting times for builder/developers who are willing to think outside the box, offer diverse products and respond quickly to consumers by creating quality communities. That's what Lifestone Communities is all about - the commitment of the three of us to be forward-thinking, in tune with today's and tomorrow's consumers and to deliver the very best each and every time."
For more information, call 803-358-3969.
