The High Vista Story
On the evening of
July 5, 1976, Dave Robinson and his brother-in-law,
Geary Cordell, were grumbling at Dave's house in Candler
over a frustrating weekend of golf. The courses
they had just played were overcrowded and the resulting
conditions were not conducive to a happy time. Geary and Dave put their heads together to go and make
happen their own golf course.
They quickly approached six friends with the idea
and got enthusiastic approval. The group began a
search for a suitable site and focused on an available
540-acre tract of mountain and valley land that could
readily accommodate a 125-acre golf course. An
additional 45 acres were to be devoted to a clubhouse,
swimming complex, and tennis courts. This was
known as the Orr property, highlighted by a beautiful
two-story native stone hunting lodge that an E.S. Koon
had built upon a knoll.
The group grew to 40 at the close of the first
meeting on August 4, 1976 and the green light was on for
the project. Dave Robinson was named President and
Geary was Vice President. Within 49 days the club
consisted of 200 charter members with $1,000,000 raised
for the project. The property was purchased from
Mrs. Orr on November 1, 1976 and High Vista Country
Club, Inc. was a reality.
The club was formed as a non-profit enterprise.
Each of the original 200 charter members were granted
sustaining memberships and promised a one-acre parcel of
the remaining 370 mountainside acres. The lot
selection was based on a drawing, which gave all members
an equal opportunity at drawing the best lot. On
March 28, 1978 the Protective Covenants were publicly
registered to preserve the quality of the community that
Dave and Geary had envisioned. And so began High
Vista Estates. At that time the full 540 acres
were still owned by the club.
On February 28, 1983 the High Vista Estates
Homeowners' Association, Inc. was incorporated. |
History of
The Old Clubhouse
The wonderful original homestead at High Vista
boosts spectacular views of the Blue Ridge
Mountain range and the golf course in the valley
below. The stone house was built in 1928 for E.S.
Koon as a private residence and sold to William
Ford in 1930. George and Nona France
purchased the property in 1933, and with other
adjacent land acquisitions they increased their
land holdings to 540 acres. Thomas and Annie
Lee Orr purchased the property in 1968 from the
Frances. In
1976 it was sold to High Vista Country Club and
used as the clubhouse.
Now referred to as the, "Old Club House," club
members enjoy cool breezes while relaxing on the
covered porch.
High Vista's Administration office and the
Homeowners Association office share space in the
historic home now in need of renovation. Dedicated High Vista Country Club members have
created a
Preservation Committee
to make sure this grand old building returns to
her former glory. For now, Club Members enjoy
parties and meetings on the grounds adjacent to
the pool and new clubhouse. Fund raisers and
other events are planned to get the Gathering
Room remodeled for use as a Member Lounge and
meeting place.
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