DRB Releases New Design Guidelines
The new Palmetto Bluff Design Guidelines are now available for download in PDF format. The restructured Guidelines feature two main books, Town and Country, which contain the primary concepts for each style. Town neighborhoods include Wilson Village (Center, West and South), Hayfields, Barge Landing I and River Road. Country properties are in Anson Park, May River Forest and Barge Landing II. Due to the size of properties in Headwaters and Longfield Farms, those neighborhoods will retain their own individual set of guidelines. Several of the Town and Country neighborhoods – Barge Landing, River Road, Hayfields and Anson Park – have their own individual supplements, which are still in production. The Construction Guidelines and the Design Sketchbook have also been revised. For more information on design review, contact Design Review Administrator Karen Dill at 843.706.6023.
_________________________________________________________________________
RT's Features Wines from Pacific Northwest
Following are property owner Scott Stein's reviews of two wines currently featured at RT’s Market.
’04 Cayalla Red Table Wine – Columbia Valley, Oregon: Many wine critics claim that the future of wines, especially reds, is in blends. It makes a lot of sense, really. Besides offering a winemaker the freedom to make the best wine he or she can each year without the constraints of varietal percentages, an otherwise ordinary and disparate lot of wines from here and there can be patched together by a good blender and turned into something quite nice – and affordable. The makers of Cayalla RTW (red table wine) have taken this concept of blending to another level. The appellation for the wine is Columbia Valley, which lies mainly in the state of Washington. But the Columbia Valley also dips into northeast Oregon. So not only is the wine a blend of different grapes (65 percent Cabernet, 20 percent Merlot, 15 percent Syrah), the grapes are sourced from both states. The 2004 is the first vintage of Cayalla, and the blend results in a clean, easy-drinking wine that includes flavors of mixed red and blue fruits, soft tannins and a medium to light palate weight. It's smooth and fruit-driven, with consistent follow-through flavors that are well integrated. The finish is not as memorable as some of the bigger California blends, but does carry a slight suggestion of oak.
’07 Flying Fish Riesling – Columbia Valley, Washington: Riesling sales surge this time every year and peak around Thanksgiving. And as the number-one producer of domestic Riesling, Washington outsells California by 52 percent and is growing three times faster. Flying Fish uniquely captures the spirit of Washington State with its distinctive aromas, flavors and the classic Northwest artistry featured on its label. Flying Fish was recently awarded "Best Riesling and Double Gold" at the 2008 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Flying Fish is crafted by veteran winemaker Gordon Hill of Wahluke Wine Company from vineyards in Washington's Columbia Valley. In these regions, daytime and nighttime temperatures are moderated by the Columbia River, producing grapes with great fruit flavors and crisp acidity. By blending grapes from these vineyards, Hill has achieved a well-balanced, fruity, food-friendly wine. Flying Fish Riesling has fresh floral aromas, bright peach and apricot flavors with a slightly spicy finish. This wine’s balance of flavors and crisp acidity would make it a delicious accompaniment to spicy cuisines such as Asian, Indian or Thai.
_________________________________________________________________________
Wall Named General Manager of Inn
Marty Wall, a veteran of more than 25 years in the luxury hotel market, has been appointed General Manager of The Inn at Palmetto Bluff. He began work at the Inn on August 18 and is responsible for all resort operations. Wall is no stranger to the Southeast, having served for the past 11 years at The Woodlands Resort & Inn in Summerville, South Carolina. During his tenure, The Woodlands received Mobil’s prestigious Five-Star Award for both lodging and dining, becoming the first property to ever achieve both in the same year. In addition to holding those honors since 2004, The Woodlands has also been a AAA Five Diamond Award winner for both its Inn and Dining Room since 1997. Additionally the resort, located 30 minutes from Charleston’s historic district, has been consistently highly rated by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report. The readers of Travel + Leisure ranked The Woodlands No. 1 in the continental U.S. and Canada, and No. 3 worldwide in the magazine’s 2008 World’s Best Service Awards.
“We are thrilled to have Marty Wall as part of our team,” said Jim Mozley, President and CEO of Palmetto Bluff. “He is definitely one of the hospitality industry’s best talents and we look forward to working together toward continued success at Palmetto Bluff.”
“Marty has distinguished himself as an excellent manager and leader and we are pleased to welcome him to The Inn at Palmetto Bluff,” added Eric Calderon, Chief Operating Officer of Auberge Resorts. “His dedication to exceptional service and fine cuisine are evident in his many professional achievements.
_________________________________________________________________________
Two Boat House Row Shops Open for Business
Two retail shops are now open at Boat House Row along the May River behind Buffalo's. Fine Furniture Galleries/Coastal Living Interiors offers an eclectic mix of classically styled upholstered and leather pieces, as well as an impressive array of accessories. Michael Rainey Antiques features 18th-century and early 19th-century American furniture and associated decorative objects. Both shops are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. For more information, call Fine Furniture Galleries at 843.815.7898 and Michael Rainey Antiques at 843.521.4532.
_________________________________________________________________________
Blobaum Named Executive Chef for Inn
The Inn at Palmetto Bluff has named Christopher Blobaum as its new Executive Chef. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Blobaum oversees all culinary aspects of the resort, including the River House Restaurant and Buffalo’s Café. Chef Blobaum has worked in kitchens all over the country, cultivating his interest and expertise in melding global dishes and food styles. He comes to Palmetto Bluff with a national reputation for his creative, unpretentious approach to new American cuisine and the use of handcrafted, organic, sustainable and small farm food sources, all of which have become signatures in the industry.
“We are delighted Chef Blobaum has joined the Auberge team,” said Eric Calderon, Chief Operating Officer of Auberge Resorts. “His unparalleled experience in award-winning restaurants and hotels, coupled with his belief in using organic ingredients from suppliers who use sustainable practices, make him an incredible asset to the Inn at Palmetto Bluff.”
Most recently, Blobaum served as Executive Chef and Partner for the acclaimed Wilshire Restaurant in Santa Monica, California. He has also served as Executive Chef in six famous hotel restaurants in California, including Surf & Sand Resort and Spa in Laguna Beach, Le Merigot Beach Hotel & Spa in Santa Monica, and the Beverly Prescott Hotel and Beverly Pavilion Hotel, both in Beverly Hills.
_________________________________________________________________________
Palmetto Bluff Club Introduces Shine as General Manager
Trip Shine, a veteran of nearly three decades in club operations, has been named General Manager for the Palmetto Bluff Club. In this newly created position, Shine will oversee all PB Club amenities and operations, as well as commercial operations including RT’s Market, Wilson Landing and Longfield Stables. A Certified Club Manager, he has extensive experience in club management, real estate project development and property management, including positions with Sawgrass Club and Resort in Florida, the University Clubs by Melrose, and most recently, Grizzly Creek, a private community located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to land,” said Shine. “I believe Palmetto Bluff is one of the top residential and resort communities, both nationally and locally. My first love is club operations and I am excited about the opportunity here.”
Concurrent with Shine’s appointment is an organizational change that will take effect on May 1. The Palmetto Bluff Club will take over operation of the Wilson Lawn & Racquet Club, the May River Golf Club and Grill, and the new Canoe Club, which includes dining, fitness and pool facilities. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, the Spa, Buffalo’s and Village Home rentals will continue to be operated by Auberge Resorts. The purpose of this management transition is to allow each entity to better focus on its respective services and amenities. Auberge can now concentrate solely on resort operations, and with the hiring of Shine, the PB Club now has a dedicated manager to oversee all of its operations and facilities. Privileges for PB Club members remain the same as always.
“This transition has always been part of Palmetto Bluff’s long-range plan,” said Jay Page, Palmetto Bluff General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. “With our continued growth in population and amenities, now is the appropriate time. This change will ensure that both Club members and Inn guests will receive even greater levels of the service and attention to detail that have always distinguished Palmetto Bluff.”
_________________________________________________________________________
Hargray Subscription Bundles Give Residents More Options
Hargray customers may have noticed an increase in their monthly bills this year. The reason is because prior to 2008, basic high-speed data was paid for out of Palmetto Bluff Trust (POA) annual dues, and residents had six phone-cable-data packages to choose from at additional cost. This year, the POA is no longer paying for basic data service, which accounts for the increase. However, the new arrangement includes improved basic high-speed data (a Palmetto Bluff-exclusive 5Mbps), and property owners now receive packaged savings on a wider selection of subscription bundles – nine to choose from in all. To view Hargray package options, click here (select Bluffton in drop-down menu) or call 843.706.1850 for more information.
_________________________________________________________________________
Governor Dedicates River Road Preserve
South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford visited Palmetto Bluff on Monday, December 10, 2007 to help dedicate River Road Preserve, the 120-acre conservation easement along the eastern edge of the property that will be shielded in perpetuity from development. “As a matter of public policy, I am here to thank Palmetto Bluff for taking unilateral action in preserving this land,” said Sanford. “This is a very important example to set for other developers to follow. The next generation of business and political leadership has a tremendous responsibility to take care of the environment. I think our success – as much as it will be defined by what we do – will also be defined by what we don’t do.” The conservation easement is another in a series of initiatives that Palmetto Bluff has taken to protect the area’s natural environment and in particular the waterfront along the May River. In 2003, the community recorded a conservation easement of more than 600 acres along the headwaters of the May River. The 20,000-acre property also includes a managed forest encompassing more than 6,500 acres. Located along Cauley’s Cut, a tributary of the May River that flows south of Wilson Village, River Road Preserve will ultimately feature a park-like environment that will allow property owners to explore and relax in this pristine stretch of wilderness. Work has already begun on a network of trails. Click here to view a conceptual plan, which also calls for an innovative canopy walk through the trees, scenic overlooks, interpretive signage, comfort stations and docks along the neighboring water trail.
_________________________________________________________________________
Vanacore Joins Palmetto Bluff Team as Equestrian Manager
Melissa Vanacore has been named Equestrian Manager for Longfield Stables, the expansive facility that is currently under construction and slated for an early 2008 opening. Vanacore spent 10 years in Ocala, Florida – considered the “Horse Capital of the World” – and brings to Palmetto Bluff a wealth of experience riding and managing horses. Vanacore credits her association with the United States Pony Club during her early teens with introducing her to proper horse husbandry. She went on to hold Yearling Manager positions at Ocala’s Winter Haven Farm, a 160-acre thoroughbred breeder that produced multiple stakes winners of more than $5 million; and Kinsman Farm, a 700-acre thoroughbred breeding and training facility owned by George Steinbrenner. Vanacore has played a key role at Longfield Stables already, serving as a consultant during the design and development phase. She will live on site and oversee all programming and facilities, which include three barns, a covered riding arena, a cross-country practice area and approximately 173 acres of pastures. “I am very excited about joining the team at Palmetto Bluff and being part of the upcoming opening of Longfield Stables,” said Vanacore. “Having been in the horse industry for many years, I believe that Longfield Stables is one of the finest equestrian facilities built to date. I am very proud to have played a small role in the creation of the stables, and I look forward to my larger role in developing a first-class equestrian program for the residents at Palmetto Bluff.” For more information on Melissa Vanacore, please click here.
_________________________________________________________________________
Understanding Homeowners Insurance in the Lowcountry
If you are new to the Lowcountry, you may be wondering what to expect when it comes time to purchase homeowners insurance. Basic homeowners policies in this region frequently include a wind deductible to cover hurricane-related damages. In addition, flood insurance is advisable (though not required) for Flood Zone C, in which most of Palmetto Bluff is located. You will want to confirm your home’s Flood Zone through a local insurance agent. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers policies (approximately $300 annually) covering up to a maximum of $250,000 on the dwelling and $100,000 on contents. Of course, Palmetto Bluff homes generally exceed that value, so you may want to consider Excess Flood insurance as well. NFIP and Excess Flood policies can be obtained through most local independent agents. Another factor affecting insurance prices is whether the home is used as a primary or secondary home. Primary homes will generally cost less to insure because the owner is on site and therefore aware of potential problems sooner. A secondary home in the Inn’s Rental Program may cost more due to liability issues. Basic policy costs also can vary depending on a carrier’s volume of clients in a particular area. Still, agents in the Lowcountry typically are more familiar with the area and its associated risks, and may therefore be able to negotiate a better rate. Find an agent that you trust and lean on his or her expertise, and be sure to point out that your home is in a gated community and whether it has central station alarms. Clearly, the topic of homeowners insurance is an inexact science, but according to Mark McDonald, president of Coastal Plains Insurance of the Lowcountry, some basic rules of thumb for estimating annual premiums are as follows:
