Discover the exclusive amenities, natural beauty, and luxury living options that define Burlingame Country Club – Western North Carolina’s premier mountain community at 3,000 feet elevation.
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The Ultimate Guide to Burlingame Lifestyle: Western NC’s Premier Mountain Community

Embracing Mountain Luxury at 3,000 Feet

Nestled at 3,000 feet among the majestic peaks of Western North Carolina, Burlingame Country Club isn’t just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle cultivated through decades of thoughtful stewardship. Since 1983, this private mountain community has combined natural splendor with refined amenities, creating a sanctuary where meaningful connections flourish against a backdrop of breathtaking beauty. What sets Burlingame apart is how it balances exclusivity with genuine warmth, offering a rare blend of luxury living without pretension.

For those seeking a retreat from the ordinary, Burlingame offers something increasingly precious—a place where time slows down, where families create lasting memories, and where nature’s grandeur becomes an everyday companion. Join us as we explore what makes this mountain haven so special.

The Burlingame Legacy: Heritage Meets Modern Luxury

The story of Burlingame began in 1973 when visionary Darnell Boyd purchased 1,450 acres of pristine land along the Horse Pasture River. What was initially called Sapphire Lakes would evolve into one of Western North Carolina’s most distinctive private communities. The front nine holes of the championship golf course were completed in 1983, with the back nine following in 1985, establishing Burlingame as a premier mountain destination.

What makes Burlingame special is how it has evolved while staying true to its founding vision. In 2009, the club transitioned to member ownership, ensuring that those who call Burlingame home have a genuine stake in its future. This commitment to stewardship reflects a core value—preserving the natural beauty and authentic character of this mountain retreat for generations to come.

Today’s Burlingame balances heritage with forward-thinking improvements. The club has undergone thoughtful renovations while maintaining its intimate, family-centered atmosphere. This isn’t a community that chases trends; instead, it focuses on timeless experiences that bring people together against the backdrop of mountain majesty.

Walking the grounds of Burlingame today, you feel both the weight of its history and the lightness of present joy. Families who have spent summers here for decades mingle with newcomers, all sharing in what locals simply call “the best of times.”

Natural Splendor: Where the Horse Pasture River Meets the Mountains

The natural setting of Burlingame is nothing short of magnificent. At 3,000 feet elevation, the community enjoys cooler summers and moderate winters, creating the perfect climate for year-round enjoyment. The clean mountain air, dappled sunlight filtering through ancient trees, and the gentle sound of the Horse Pasture River create a sensory experience that reminds you what truly matters.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Burlingame is heaven. The community’s trail system winds through lush forests, connecting neighborhoods while offering glimpses of native wildlife. The Horse Pasture River provides some of the finest trout fishing in the region, with quiet pools and rushing sections that challenge even experienced anglers.

The championship golf course deserves special mention—not just for its playing quality, but for how it exists in harmony with the landscape. Rather than forcing an artificial design onto the terrain, the course follows the natural contours of the land, creating a playing experience that feels both challenging and natural. As one member puts it: “Every hole feels like it was always meant to be there.”

Beyond the community boundaries, you’re surrounded by some of America’s most spectacular natural treasures. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Nantahala National Forest, and countless waterfalls are all within easy reach. Burlingame’s location in Sapphire places it perfectly for those who want to explore the broader Western North Carolina region while having a peaceful home base.

The changing seasons bring their own magic to Burlingame. Spring explodes with dogwood and rhododendron blooms. Summer offers perfect days for golf, tennis, and poolside relaxation. Fall transforms the mountains into a canvas of red, orange, and gold. And winter brings a quieter beauty, with misty mornings and the occasional gentle snowfall that turns the landscape into a wonderland.

Mountain Homes & Properties: Finding Your Perfect Burlingame Retreat

Burlingame offers a thoughtful variety of living options, each providing a unique perspective on mountain living while maintaining the community’s overall character. From riverfront homesites where you can fall asleep to the sound of rushing water to magnificent mountain view properties offering panoramic vistas, the real estate options respect both the natural environment and your desire for comfort.

For those seeking a more turn-key approach, the lodge-inspired condos along the golf course offer elegant living with minimal maintenance. These residences feature warm wood accents, stone details, and generous outdoor living spaces that blur the line between indoors and nature.

What unifies Burlingame homes is their authentic connection to the mountain setting. You won’t find cookie-cutter designs here—instead, residences reflect thoughtful architecture that works with the landscape rather than against it. Local materials like native stone, timber, and glass create homes that feel grounded in their surroundings.

The Burlingame Property Owners’ Association (BPOA) serves over 600 members, maintaining the community’s roads, parks, trails, and landscaping of common areas. This dedicated group also provides architectural guidance to ensure that new construction and renovations enhance the community’s character. With security services and responsive member support, the association helps create a sense of ease and belonging.

Perhaps most importantly, owning at Burlingame means having a stake in a community that values genuine connection. Your home becomes not just a retreat, but a gathering place where memories are created and shared across generations. As many residents note, the true value of Burlingame isn’t just in the real estate—it’s in the lifestyle and community that come with it.

Club Life & Amenities: The Heart of the Burlingame Experience

At the center of the Burlingame lifestyle is the club itself—a place that perfectly balances casual comfort with refined service. The amenities here aren’t about ostentation; they’re thoughtfully designed to enhance daily life and bring people together.

The championship golf course stands as one of Western North Carolina’s finest mountain layouts. Playing here isn’t just about the sport—it’s about the experience of moving through a stunning natural setting while enjoying the camaraderie that golf naturally creates. As member Dan Corcoran shares: “This course was my favorite on the trip. Even with the incredible amounts of water from the rain, the course was in great shape and easy to navigate. There are some spectacular views during the round and some of the elevation changes into the holes are incredible.”

For those who prefer other forms of recreation, Burlingame offers four Har-Tru tennis courts and four pickleball courts, catering to players of all levels. The heated swimming pool provides a gathering place during warmer months, while the 24-hour fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment for maintaining wellness year-round.

Dining at Burlingame transforms from simple nourishment to a central social experience. Multiple venues offer everything from casual fare to more refined dining, all prepared with care and attention to quality. As Marty Barger notes: “The food was over the top good…the fried chicken is the best in the mountain!”

What truly distinguishes Burlingame’s amenities is how they foster connection. The 3-acre enclosed dog park becomes a place where neighbors chat while their pets play. Craft programs, book clubs, Bible studies, and educational events create opportunities for shared interests to blossom into friendships. The recently renovated clubhouse serves as the community’s living room—a place where everyone knows your name and genuine warmth prevails.

Community & Connection: The True Luxury of Burlingame

If there’s one aspect that defines Burlingame beyond all others, it’s the sense of community that permeates everything. In an age where genuine connection seems increasingly rare, Burlingame has cultivated something precious—a place where neighbors become friends and friends become family.

This community spirit isn’t accidental. It’s nurtured through thoughtful programming that brings people together around shared experiences. From summer concerts on the lawn to holiday celebrations that become annual traditions, the club creates touchpoints that strengthen bonds between members.

The multi-generational aspect of Burlingame adds a special dimension to community life. Grandparents, parents, and children all find their place here, with activities that sometimes bring the generations together and other times allow each to enjoy their own pursuits. Watching a child learn to fish in the same spot where their grandparent first cast a line decades earlier creates a powerful sense of continuity and belonging.

Perhaps the most telling indicator of Burlingame’s community strength is how members speak about each other. Christopher Cobb observes, “Everyone waives and says hello. Truly a great place.” Ethan Welch adds, “Can’t speak more highly of this club and course! Really enjoyed our round of golf. Guys in the pro shop were great. Members were fun and kind.”

This welcoming spirit extends to the staff as well, who often become an integral part of the Burlingame experience. Many team members have been with the club for years, creating relationships with members that go beyond service to genuine caring.

In the end, what makes Burlingame special isn’t just the stunning setting or the refined amenities—it’s the people who share in the experience. As one longtime member puts it: “We came for the mountains, but we stayed for the community.”