Neighborhoods: Burlingame
This is the first in a new series exploring neighborhoods all across the area, from the important historical clusters where local family groups originally settled to the newer named subdivisions of more recent development.
A beautiful home in the Burlingame community.
At first glance, the Burlingame neighborhood in Sapphire, NC, may seem a relative newcomer in the Historic Toxaway area. Established in the early 1980s, nearly two decades after the more widely publicized rebirth of Lake Toxaway, Burlingame gradually came into being across the rolling hills and valleys surrounding the Horsepasture River.
This neighborhood, though, is much more than just a developer’s dream. With the richest of histories behind it, the community of Burlingame may in fact be the real gem of Sapphire, NC.
Early History
The story of this community reveals the interplay of two terms— Sapphire and Burlingame – across many years.
It started way back, in 1892, when a group called the Sapphire Valley Mining Company began to mine for the mineral corundum (varieties include rubies and sapphires) along the interlacing creeks and waterfalls of the property.
Noted turn-of-the-century photographer R. Henry Scadin wrote this obituary for his friend, former postmaster and Sapphire resident W.A. Burlingame, printed in the Brevard News on October 16, 1914.
The eventual namesake of the neighborhood, W.A. Burlingame, joined this mineral hunt and became a well-known fixture in the area, taking on the role of Postmaster in 1908 at the original Sapphire post office. A tributary creek in the area was also later named for him after his passing.
At the turn of the century, the area began to be exploited for tourism, with headlines often heralding the “Sapphire Country” — partly in reference to the minerals, and partly in reference to the azure mountain skies.
Nearby resort areas began to develop – notably, the Fairfield Inn, Sapphire Inn & Cottages, and the famed Toxaway Inn. Over the next several decades, these developments changed and evolved.
In an ironic twist of fate, the Sapphire Inn burned to the ground and was not rebuilt, while the Fairfield Inn was renamed and eventually
Anglers enjoying a day on the water.
An aerial panorama of the Burlingame Country Clubhouse.
replaced, later becoming today’s Sapphire Valley Resort; and with the 1916 Toxaway dam burst, both the lake and much of the area’s tourism washed away (the Toxaway Inn was eventually dismantled in 1947).
Meanwhile, the grounds of the future Burlingame community lay pristine and undisturbed.
More Recently…
By the 1960s, an enterprising pair, Darnell Boyd and Reg Heinitsh Sr, joint principals of the Lake Toxaway Company, purchased a significant amount of acreage and began the revival of Lake Toxaway. However, it wasn’t until 1973 that the two agreed to dissolve their partnership and split the land parcels they owned across the area.
Heinitsh moved forward quickly with his holdings around Lake Toxaway, while Boyd took a more leisurely approach with his 1,450 acres of higher elevation wilderness, waiting until the early 1980s to establish a new community he named Sapphire Lakes.
With an average elevation of 3,000 feet, the land parcel presented logistical challenges; but it also offered the incredible beauty and peace of its natural surroundings. A sales office was built adjacent to Highway 64, and potential buyers began to flock in.
Within the development, the Boyds built a home on a prime piece of property overlooking Lake Soquilla, visiting often while also maintaining their primary residence in Columbia, SC. A decade later, they built again on a high point of the property, where a private retreat (Mountain Doxology) is now located. The couple remained beloved members of the community for many years.
Home sales continued over the next several decades. In 2005, with the community nearly 70% complete, the Boyds sold the property to Mark Meadows, a then-Realtor in Highlands, NC.
A view of Lake Soquilla from the original Boyd home.
Over the next three years, improvements continued and a second development was started, originally named Burlingame at Sapphire Lake because of its proximity to the creek. Over time, though, the simple name ‘Burlingame’ came to be adopted as the entire development’s name.
A panorama of the impressive Burlingame golf course.
When Meadows let it be known that he would like to sell the development, an advisory committee was established to investigate a purchase by the property owners themselves, which eventually occurred in 2010. A property owners association was formed to address the wants and needs of the community going forward, with membership in the country club an option as a part of a home or lot purchase.
And Now…
Today, some 700 residents enjoy the truly spectacular space they call home. Burlingame is meticulously landscaped and maintained, including nearly four miles of scenic hiking trails that lead to 11 waterfalls. A variety of homesites are discreetly nestled among the forest, with paved and well-maintained roads throughout, providing a pleasing contrast to the open golf course and the long-range mountain views. The defining natural feature of the property, the Horsepasture River, is stocked three times a year, ensuring some of the best fly fishing in the state.
If you would like more information about Burlingame, contact an area Realtor or visit the BPOA website. And for information about the Burlingame Country Club, call 828-966-9200 or visit their website.
A Nod To The Miller Family
Some of Burlingame’s history is also well-enshrined on the property, particularly that of the Miller family. Tolvin Miller was a well-known local whose particular claim to fame was as caretaker of the defunct Toxaway Inn after the dam burst (his story is chronicled here). The Miller family home was located within present-day Burlingame, at what is now a favorite gathering place for residents called Miller Falls Park. As well, the Miller family cemetery is located near the Horsepasture River alongside Fairway #2 of the Burlingame Country Club golf course.
Miller Falls on a recent winter day. Photo by Rebecca Stinson.
