1980's
The history of Sapphire Valley, North Carolina in the1980s is defined by a transition from one corporation to another large-scale corporate developer, marking its emergence as a year-round resort destination.
The history of Sapphire Valley, North Carolina in the1980s is defined by a transition from one corporation to another large-scale corporate developer, marking its emergence as a year-round resort destination.
The first Resort Tennis Center in 1977. The Pro Shop was just a trailer. Realtec built the complex in 1974.
During the 1980s, the resort expanded its infrastructure and professionalized its recreational amenities:
Skiing Innovations (Late 1970s–Mid-1980s): Under local entrepreneur Jim Monteith, Ski Sapphire Valley modernized with its first snow groomer and new snowmaking equipment.
Golf Course Development:
The Holly Forest Golf Course was completed and opened in the summer of 1982.
In 1983, the Country Club of Sapphire Valley was sold back to its members.
Facility Changes (1986): The historic Fairfield Inn, originally built in the late 1800s, was razed in 1986 to make way for further modernization.
Residential Growth: Development expanded into numerous new divisions, including Holly Forest, Emerald Cove, and Whisper Lake.
Fairfield Lake
By 1990, the resort was transitioning toward owner control. The Fairfield Sapphire Valley Master Association became active to protect owner rights and manage the complex network of property owner associations that had formed during the previous two decades of expansion.