Ground broken for area's only private residence club

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. -- Officials at National Golf Club broke ground late last week on an exciting new venture that's a first of its kind in the Sandhills. The project, known as The Cottages at National, is a private residence club allowing people to purchase partial ownership in a two-bedroom or four-bedroom residence overlooking the fifth green.

Owners of The Cottages will have use of their second residence for a minimum of 28 days per year at their choosing, and receive complete membership privileges at National Golf Club while on property.

"The Cottages will be an exclusive little enclave here that will be used as 'shared' second homes," said National owner Kenneth Robinette. "This idea of shared or fractional ownership is not a new one. It's been proven in other vacation destinations, although this will be the first residence club of its kind in the Sandhills."

The total project consists of 22 cottages, with each purchaser owning a deeded 1/13th share of a two or four-bedroom unit. These upscale cottages will include such amenities as granite countertops, Viking grills, flat screen televisions, DVD players and concierge service. Each unit has a garage that will house two golf carts for members to use on property during their stay.

"Ultimately we want to bring more people here to enjoy what we have to offer, not only at National Golf Club but in this region as a whole," said Robinette. "We expect some of them will eventually build a home here or move here on a permanent basis."

Don Morrison, director of sales at National, said market research suggests more people are interested in the benefits of a second home, without the burden of full-time ownership.

"Full ownership may not fit well with the amount of time they will spend at this home," Morrison said. "But with the private residence club, these buyers can match their purchase with their expected use of a second residence."

The first units are expected to be ready by October 2004.

October 17, 2003