The British Are Coming! The British Are Coming!
Well, maybe not quite yet, but if the U.S. national debt continues to grow and the power of the dollar erodes much more, golf community clubhouses could begin to take on the accents of a London pub. Bubble and squeak, anyone?
As of this writing, one British pound sterling is worth $1.63 American. For comparison’s sake, I did a quick scan of London homes for sale. In the Wandsworth section of the city, for example, a nice 2 bedroom, 1 bath Victorian home is listed at £500,000. The U.S. dollar equivalent is $815,000 at today’s prevailing rate. For those UK golfer retirees contemplating a reverse migration, here’s what roughly £500,000 can buy in U.S. golf communities today (all prices in U.S. dollars):
Owl's Nest, Campton, NH
Owl’s Nest Resort & Golf Club, Campton, New Hampshire, 5 BR,
3 1/2 BA, 5,000 sq. ft., super insulated home at gateway to the White Mountains. 18-holes of golf, with skiing (downhill and x-country), tennis, hiking, and fishing. $699,000
Woodside Plantation, Aiken, South Carolina, 4 BR, 4 ½ BA, 4,033 sq. ft. on 1 acre in a town that is one of America's great equestrian centers. Sunroom overlooks Koi pond. Three 18-hole golf courses, with 18 more on the way; home looks out to fairway of Nicklaus course. $749,000
The Ford Plantation, Richmond, GA
Ford Plantation, Richmond, Georgia, 4 BR, 4 BA, 2,322 sq. ft. “low country” home on .25 acre in upscale golf community in Savannah area (most homes over $1 million). Private Pete Dye golf course runs along Ogeechee River and marsh. $795,000.
Queen’s Harbour Golf & Yacht Club, Jacksonville, Florida, 4 BR, 4 BA, 3,600 sq. ft. on 1.25 acres. At 100 ft above sea level, highest point in NE Florida and overlooking river. Detached studio 420 sq. ft. Just a few miles to beaches. $795,000
Wachesaw Plantation, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, 5 BR, 4 BA, 4,600 sq. ft. on 1 acre. Features outdoor pool and hot tub, with views of lake and Tom Fazio private golf course. Convenient to Myrtle Beach and more than 100 other golf courses. $799,000.
Cliffs at Keowee Vineyard, Salem, SC
Cliffs Communities/Keowee Vineyards, Salem, South Carolina, 3 BR, 3 ½ BA, 2,512 sq. ft. on 2.5 acres. Includes electric golf cart and boat slip lease for one year, with option to buy. Most homes well over $1 million. Tom Fazio golf club membership (which includes six other excellent courses) is available for purchase. $829,000.
Note: I have visited and played the golf courses in all these communities and have excellent contacts there. No matter your currency, I can provide you with more information and my personal observations about these communities. Knowledge is (buying) power in the current market. Contact me by clicking here.