Discover the unique benefits and traditions of private club living at Burlingame Country Club nestled in North Carolina’s majestic Blue Ridge Highlands.
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The Insider’s Guide to Private Club Living in the Blue Ridge Highlands

Tucked away at 3,000 feet elevation in Western North Carolina’s breathtaking mountains, private club living transcends the ordinary. It’s where morning coffee comes with panoramic views, where neighbors become family, and where every day feels like a retreat from the world. At Burlingame Country Club, we’ve cultivated something special since 1983—a place where the natural splendor of the Blue Ridge Highlands meets the warmth of genuine community. Let’s pull back the curtain on what makes this lifestyle so extraordinary and why families have been calling our mountain sanctuary home for generations.

What Makes Club Living in the Blue Ridge Highlands Different

The Blue Ridge Highlands offer a distinctive setting for club living that you simply won’t find elsewhere. Here, the rhythm of life follows the seasons—vibrant springs, mild summers with clean mountain air, spectacular fall foliage, and cozy winters that bring their own quiet beauty. This isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a lifestyle immersed in natural wonder.

Unlike typical country clubs in urban settings, Burlingame was purposefully built for family and friends within a master-planned community spanning 1,450 acres. The Horse Pasture River flows through our grounds, hiking trails wind through ancient forests, and wildlife visits are part of daily life. This connection to nature forms the backbone of our community experience.

The elevation provides not just stunning views but a refreshing climate that members often describe as the perfect escape from summer heat elsewhere. When city dwellers are sweltering, our members are enjoying outdoor dining, twilight golf, and evening walks along tree-lined paths.

The Heart of Highland Club Community

Ask any member what makes Burlingame special, and they’ll tell you—it’s the people. Since members purchased the club in 2009, there’s been an unmistakable sense of shared stewardship and belonging. With over 600 property owners, we’ve struck that perfect balance: large enough to support world-class amenities, small enough that faces become familiar and greetings are genuine.

Our community thrives on connection. It’s visible in the spontaneous gatherings at the clubhouse, the friendly competitions on our Har-Tru tennis courts, and the way members look out for one another. Children who spent summers here return with their own families, creating a beautiful continuity across generations.

Beyond organized events, the true magic happens in everyday moments—neighbors helping neighbors, impromptu dinner invitations, and the ease of conversations that flow between people who share not just an address but values and experiences.

Traditions That Define Club Living Here

Every great community has its traditions, and ours have evolved naturally over nearly four decades. Opening weekend feels like a family reunion where everyone actually likes each other—catching up after winter travels, welcoming new members, and setting the tone for the season ahead.

From our Fourth of July celebrations to harvest festivals in the fall, holiday gatherings to summer concerts, these recurring events create the rhythm of club life. They’re full of laughter, golden and sparkling, encouraging us to be foolish and free and fierce together.

Even our everyday traditions matter—morning walks along the golf course, fishing in favorite spots along the river, Sunday brunches on the terrace, and evening gatherings to watch the sunset paint the mountains. These simple pleasures, repeated and shared, weave the fabric of belonging.

Beyond the Clubhouse: A Complete Lifestyle

While our championship golf course (completed in 1985) might be what first attracts many members, they quickly discover that Burlingame offers a complete mountain lifestyle. Our four pickleball courts buzz with activity, the 24-hour fitness center supports year-round wellness, and our heated swimming pool becomes a social hub during warmer months.

For those seeking quieter pursuits, book clubs gather regularly, educational workshops share knowledge and skills, and craft programs spark creativity. Our 3-acre dog park welcomes four-legged family members, recognizing that no home is complete without them.

The Burlingame Property Owners’ Association ensures that roads are maintained, common areas are beautifully landscaped, and security provides peace of mind. This attention to detail means members can focus on enjoying life rather than managing logistics.

A Balance of Privacy and Connection

Perhaps what distinguishes the Burlingame experience most is how it balances privacy with community. Your mountain home provides a personal sanctuary, while the club offers spaces to connect when desired. Members often describe it as “having your cake and eating it too”—the tranquility of a mountain retreat with the social connection of a vibrant community.

Real estate options reflect this philosophy, from riverfront homesites where you can hear the rushing water to luxury mountain view properties that frame spectacular vistas, to our lodge-inspired condos along the golf course. Each offers a different relationship with the landscape while maintaining that essential connection to community.

Experience the Best of Times at Burlingame

Private club living in the Blue Ridge Highlands isn’t just about premium amenities or exclusive access—though we certainly provide both. It’s about creating a life rich with meaningful connections, natural beauty, and the freedom to enjoy each day fully.

We invite you to discover what makes Burlingame Country Club one of the friendliest communities on the entire Plateau. Come see how we’ve balanced country and club, luxury and authenticity, privacy and belonging to create truly the best of times for our members and their families.