Sundrops on Caney Fork is a 44-family nano-resort operated by Sundog Places.

The gated community off N.C. 281 between Sylva and Cashiers opened its gates on May 23, 2008. On Labor Day 2010, the clubhouse and pool opened.

Phillip Gamble, sales manager at Sundrops, acknowledged that the recession of 2008 was probably not the best time to push a new real estate development.

“But we have strong partners and we made promises up front and we did what we were supposed to do and the result is we have a debt-free development with 100 percent of the infrastructure and designed amenities in place,” said Gamble.

The clubhouse, pool and hot tub complete with lounge area, wet bar, outdoor fireplace, rocking chairs and fitness center were the finishing touches on those amenities. Gamble said the clubhouse and pool complex also boasts an outdoor theater system where members and guests can enjoy “dive-in” movies.

The 55-acre gated community includes 2,200 feet along Caney Fork Creek, a great place for fishing, swimming, tubing or simply sunning on a boulder. Walking trails meander creekside and through open meadows past a community garden and orchard area.

Sundrops on Caney Fork is limited to 44 homes. There are plans for 28 single-family dwellings and 16 twin cottages. The cottages are available for either sole or fractional ownership. Sixty percent of the property is reserved as open green space.

Sundrops owners become Sundog Club members and as such also enjoy access to the Laughing Trout Camp on the 476-acre Bear Lake. The camp, an open timber-framed pavilion, includes a full kitchen, bathrooms and showers plus a grilling area and private pier. Gamble said the club’s proximity to Duke Energy’s public boat launch provides members with easy lake access.

If you didn’t bring your boat, don’t worry. Sundog has a pontoon boat plus canoes, kayaks, water bikes and tubes that members can rent. There are also two “luxury” yurts available for camping. Gamble said the yurts were currently available for vacation rental and that renters would have the same ala carte rental options that members do. And while all Sundrops owners are guaranteed club membership, there are memberships available, for a limited time, for Sundog clients building custom homes outside of any Sundog community.

And if business beckons, members have access to Sundog’s Business Center, nearby on N.C. 107. The center boasts high-speed Internet and a conference room plus office supplies and UPS and FedEx shipping.

Gamble believes Sundrops on Caney Fork is an exceptional value on two fronts.

“It’s a small intimate setting, beautiful, with easy access and a strong amenities package.” He said there was a feeling of seclusion, while Western Carolina University, Sylva, Cashiers, Highlands, Asheville and outdoor destinations like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway were all less than an hour away.

“And,” Gamble noted, “in today’s real estate environment, it’s a real plus to be in a development that’s 100 percent completed and 100 percent debt-free. It provides real peace of mind.”