A home that earns the ENERGY STAR is significantly more efficient than a standard home. By purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified home, you can have all the features you desire in your new home, plus better performance and lower utility bills- all while helping prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 as a voluntary partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers consumers and businesses energy-efficient solutions to save energy, save money, and help protect the environment for future generations.

More than 15,000 organizations, including over 6,500 of the nation’s home builders, are ENERGY STAR partners-committed to improving energy efficiency at home and at work. In 2008, Americans with the help of ENERGY STAR saved $19 billion on their utility bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million vehicles.

WHAT MAKES A HOME ENERGY STAR? Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR are significantly more energy efficient than standard homes. ENERGY STAR builders achieve this high efficiency for you by selecting from a variety of features:

• TIGHT CONSTRUCTION AND DUCTS- Advanced techniques for sealing holes and cracks in the home’s “envelope” and in heating and cooling ducts help reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, pests, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while lowering utility and maintenance costs.
• EFFECTIVE INSULATION SYSTEMS- Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, while using less energy. The result is lower utility costs and a quieter, more comfortable home.
• EFFICIENT HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT- An energy-efficient, properly installed heating and cooling system uses less energy to operate, which reduces your utility bills. This system can also be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of your home.
• HIGH PERFORMANCE WINDOWS- Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frame assemblies, to help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.
• EFFICIENT PRODUCTS- Your home may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products-lighting fixtures, compact florescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances-that offer additional energy savings.
• INDEPENDENT TESTING- While it’s easy to claim that homes are energy efficient, ENERGY STAR builder partners back that up with verification by an independent Home Energy Rater. The rater conducts on-site inspections and testing to verify the performance of the energy efficiency features in your home.

ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES HOME OWNER BENEFITS

ADDED CONFIDENCE- Home buying is complex enough without having to know all the details of energy-efficient construction. Instead, look for the government-backed ENERGY STAR to easily identify homes that are truly energy efficient. Find the house of your dreams and enjoy peace of mind knowing that it also meets rigorous energy efficiency guidelines set by EPA and verified by an independent Home Energy Rater.

LOWER OWNERSHIP COST- Compared with standard construction, ENERGY STAR qualified homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating- delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings. Although these energy savings may seem small relative to the cost of monthly mortgage payments, no one likes to waste money. And over the 7 or 8 years that a typical buyer lives in a home, it can add up to thousands of dollars saved. Additional savings on maintenance can also be significant.

BETTER PERFORMANCE- BETTER PERFORMANCE- Properly installed energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pests, pollution, and noise. An ENERGY STAR qualified home helps ensure consistent temperatures between rooms, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability.

SMARTER INVESTMENT- To date, more than 6,500 home builders have partnered with EPA to construct nearly 940,000 ENERGY STAR qualified homes. By 2010, more than 1 million homes are expected to earn the ENERGY STAR. The trend is clear. By choosing a home with the ENERGY STAR, you can be confident that it will have an increasingly valued feature when the time comes to sell.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION- Energy used in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants. Because ENERGY STAR qualified homes homes use less energy, they help prevent greenhouse gas emissions- an added benefit for today’s environmentally-conscious consumers looking for “green” choices.

Greater energy efficient helps us all make the most of our energy resources, mitigates the impact of high energy prices, decreases the need for new power plants, lowers our reliance on energy imports, and reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollution at the source.

We realize it’s not a matter of National Security who wins the title Best of Brunswick. It won’t save your job, the country or the world.  It also won’t be the end of the world if you don’t vote.  But as far as bragging rights are concerned, it is a pretty cool contest.

Last year we were fortunate enough to have been the #2 Home Builder.  Ernie Crews secured top honors again as he has for several years.  Whitney Blair came in at #3.  We feel privileged and honored to have been counted in that sphere of influence.  If we can stay in the top 3 it’ll be a good start to the year.  We don’t need a newspaper to tell us we have the best clients or live in one of the best areas of the country.  But it is nice, every once in awhile, to have it reinforced that we are trying hard to be the best builder.

This years contest is a few months earlier than last year.  It caught us by surprise and with the holidays it may catch many readers off guard as well.  Just click on Best of Brunswick and cast your vote.

Thanks!

A home that earns the ENERGY STAR is significantly more efficient than a standard home. By purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified home, you can have all the features you desire in your new home, plus better performance and lower utility bills- all while helping prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 as a voluntary partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers consumers and businesses energy-efficient solutions to save energy, save money, and help protect the environment for future generations.

More than 15,000 organizations, including over 6,500 of the nation’s home builders, are ENERGY STAR partners-committed to improving energy efficiency at home and at work. In 2008, Americans with the help of ENERGY STAR saved $19 billion on their utility bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million vehicles.

WHAT MAKES A HOME ENERGY STAR? Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR are significantly more energy efficient than standard homes. ENERGY STAR builders achieve this high efficiency for you by selecting from a variety of features:

• TIGHT CONSTRUCTION AND DUCTS- Advanced techniques for sealing holes and cracks in the home’s “envelope” and in heating and cooling ducts help reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, pests, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while lowering utility and maintenance costs.
• EFFECTIVE INSULATION SYSTEMS- Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, while using less energy. The result is lower utility costs and a quieter, more comfortable home.
• EFFICIENT HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT- An energy-efficient, properly installed heating and cooling system uses less energy to operate, which reduces your utility bills. This system can also be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of your home.
• HIGH PERFORMANCE WINDOWS- Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frame assemblies, to help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.
• EFFICIENT PRODUCTS- Your home may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products-lighting fixtures, compact florescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances-that offer additional energy savings.
• INDEPENDENT TESTING- While it’s easy to claim that homes are energy efficient, ENERGY STAR builder partners back that up with verification by an independent Home Energy Rater. The rater conducts on-site inspections and testing to verify the performance of the energy efficiency features in your home.

ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES HOME OWNER BENEFITS

ADDED CONFIDENCE- Home buying is complex enough without having to know all the details of energy-efficient construction. Instead, look for the government-backed ENERGY STAR to easily identify homes that are truly energy efficient. Find the house of your dreams and enjoy peace of mind knowing that it also meets rigorous energy efficiency guidelines set by EPA and verified by an independent Home Energy Rater.

LOWER OWNERSHIP COST- Compared with standard construction, ENERGY STAR qualified homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating- delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings. Although these energy savings may seem small relative to the cost of monthly mortgage payments, no one likes to waste money. And over the 7 or 8 years that a typical buyer lives in a home, it can add up to thousands of dollars saved. Additional savings on maintenance can also be significant.

BETTER PERFORMANCE- BETTER PERFORMANCE- Properly installed energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pests, pollution, and noise. An ENERGY STAR qualified home helps ensure consistent temperatures between rooms, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability.

SMARTER INVESTMENT- To date, more than 6,500 home builders have partnered with EPA to construct nearly 940,000 ENERGY STAR qualified homes. By 2010, more than 1 million homes are expected to earn the ENERGY STAR. The trend is clear. By choosing a home with the ENERGY STAR, you can be confident that it will have an increasingly valued feature when the time comes to sell.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION- Energy used in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants. Because ENERGY STAR qualified homes homes use less energy, they help prevent greenhouse gas emissions- an added benefit for today’s environmentally-conscious consumers looking for “green” choices.

Greater energy efficient helps us all make the most of our energy resources, mitigates the impact of high energy prices, decreases the need for new power plants, lowers our reliance on energy imports, and reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollution at the source.

That’s why we offer secure, online access to your very own web page with all the details of your new home.  You will be able to track photos of the construction progress, view the build schedule, view and approve selections, as well as access important documents.  Stay up to-to-date on the  progress of your new home no matter if you are at home, work or on vacation.

Document Management

Keeping track of all the paperwork required in building your new home is important.  You can now easily view critical documents from just about anywhere with online access.

Updated Calendar

We’ve included a detailed calendar that tracks the current project status, upcoming events and important dates.  Keeping yourself informed of the construction schedule has never been as easy.

Share Your Photo Album

One of the most enjoyable parts of building a new home is sharing the progress with your friends and family.  A customized photo album shows the progress of your home being built.  And you can share it via email or Facebook.

Selection Process

No more digging through old emails or a stack of papers to approve the time critical selections.  With 24/7 web-based access, you can review and approve your selections from anywhere.  Even 500 miles away…

• Pest control is focused in the walls -where pests live- providing greater protection for people and pets.
• They combine their national service network with in-depth local knowledge to give you pest control that works.

Build In the Power of TAEXX with Home Team Pest Defense, your local experts.  No one knows bugs like they do.  Your unique needs are determined by your local climate, seasonal changes and other factors.  That’s why they combine their nationwide pest control expertise with in-depth local knowledge to create a highly effective, efficient solution that works best for you.

6-Point Advantage Service that includes:

1. Inspecting the exterior of your home to identify potential pest problems.
2. Removing cobwebs and wasp nests within reach
3. Injecting the TAEXX system with pest control materials
4. treating pest entry points such as doors and windows
5. Applying pest control materials around the outside perimeter of your home
6. Providing a detailed service report and preventative tips.

The tiny tubes that make up the TAEXX system distribute out efficient pest control treatments throughout designated walls to make your home a “no-go” zone for household pests.  Which means your home remains your sanctuary-a comfortable and secure inner world for your family and pets remain out of harm’s way.

Blue Sky Building Company includes the TAEXX system in every home we build.  For more information visit the TAEXX website.

John Franklin Somersett, born April 23, 1854 in Columbus County, was one of Brunswick County’s largest landowners.  He raised cattle, fished commercially, was a merchant and dabbled in real estate.  Active in politics, he ran for U.S. Senate in 1900 as a Republican, and he served as Sheriff from 1894 until 1898.  He furnished food and shelter for many needy area families and offered jobs to anyone willing to work.

Somersett married his wife, Mary Jane Milliken in 1875 and built a farm house the same year.  The house stood a few hundred yards from the stop sign on Castlebrook Way and Dartmoor Way, which was part of the original road running through the property.  The farm house was moved to its current location at the Plantation Gardens sometime after the last residents moved out in 1979 and before home development began in 1995.  When the house was moved to its current location the kitchen and bathroom were removed.  When it stood in its original location it would be in front of the gray stucco home on West Spencer.  Unfortunately when homebuilding began in Ocean Ridge, all remaining homes on the land had to be torn down.

The Somersetts lived in the farmhouse until 1940 and all told had ten children.  Three daughters – Ida Elizabeth Caison, Mary Ellen Andrews and Daisy Russ along with four sons – John William, Joseph Mance, Andrew Jack and Harvey Isaiah survived their parents in death.  Tragically three sons preceded them in death.  James B. Somersett who had moved to Oak Hill, Florida passed before them while Robert and Jesse both died young.  The Somersetts are buried at Bingham Field Cemetery on Gladstone Circle.  The cemetery is thought to be full and an agreement was made between the family and the new owners of the property to retire the family cemetery.  Some of the burial plots have lost their markers and the cemetery has no written records.  Surviving family members maintain the cemetery.

Larry Andrews and Charles Somersett are second cousins who remain in the area and are descendants of John F. Somersett.

Larry Andrews, manager of Brunswick Funeral Service, is the great-grandson of the original land owner John Franklin Somersett.  His father Julius was the son of Somersett’s daughter, Mary Ellen. Larry explained that John Franklin Somersett gave his property to his sons, Bill Somersett and Harvey Isaiah Somersett, who then gave the property to grandsons Bobby Somersett and George Somersett.  Bobby eventually became sole owner of the property until he turned it over to great grandson Sam B. Somersett in 1967.  Sam B. sold almost all 500 acres to Shallotte Farm Partnership in 1979.  The owners stayed in the farmhouse through 1985.  They had 12 riding horses and a stable nearby.  Together in 1985 Shallotte Farms Partnership and Sam B. sold the land to Ed Gore.  Home development began in 1995.

Charles Somersett of Shallotte is the grandson of John Franklin Somersett.  His father was Rufus Somersett, son of John Franklin.  Charles recalled living and working on the farmland of his grandfather after Sam B. Somersett purchased the land.  He grew cotton, tobacco, corn, beans, and peanuts.  Animals raised meat included chickens, cows, hogs, sheep and goats.  There was also a rail, Jackson Brothers Lumber Company, which ran from the property to its Longwood headquarters with lumber it harvested from the property.  Charles left in 1966 after Sam B. sold the land to Shallotte Farms Partnership.  He recalled that in 1954 Hurricane Hazel took down many of the Live Oaks that were on the property, which explains why there aren’t many here today.

“The bridge on Dartmoor Way near the Cemetery, used to be an old wooden bridge,” recalled Charles, adding “The kitchen in the old farmhouse was separate from the rest of the house.  We used to store the milk in the floor of the kitchen to keep it cool.  At one point, the porch on the back of the house burned down.”  He explained there was an old pack house where tobacco and corn was stored which stood not far from the clubhouse on Ocean Ridge Parkway.

“John Franklin was a generous man. He gave jobs to anyone willing to work and he had many other families living on his land,” said Larry Andrews.

When Sam B. bought the land in 1967, he allowed his in-laws, George and Lucy Hughes, to live in the old farmhouse until 1974.  Then from 1977-1979 Odell Hughes (Sam B.’s brother-in-law) lived in the house.

William Hughes, grandson of George and Lucy, is a math teacher at Shallotte Middle School.  He remembers running all through the old property when visiting his grandparents as a child.  He said his family dog is buried on this land.

In Doris McLaughlin’s original article about the Plantation Garden’s Farmhouse, family member Daisy Hewett, who lived in the farmhouse until 1940, recalled wonderful memories of “the good old days” while living here.  Doris wrote that Daisy, the sister of Sam B., recalled living in the little farmhouse with her parents, their 10 children and her grandparents.  She said the kitchen had a long table where the family ate their meals together.  The upstairs had a large bedroom separated by curtains where the older children slept.  The smaller children slept downstairs with the parents.  On cold days the oldest child was responsible for lighting the fireplaces.  Since there was no electricity, oil lamps were used for lighting.  Her family had a vegetable garden, and even grew sugar cane.  They walked or took a buggy to church services at Shallotte Baptist Church on Longwood Road.  They fished for spots, mullets,and flounder which were cooked on a wood stove.  Children used to play under the old farmhouse which was on stilts, while their grandfather chased them out by throwing sticks so they wouldn’t encounter any “critters” that may have been lurking underneath.

It certainly was a different way of life, but just like us, the original landowners lived, played, loved, and raised their family on the same land that we do.  While modern day conveniences change over time, the important things in life remain; family and friends.

Many thanks to Mary Wayne who published the original story.

So, when the new owner’s found the home to be too small and in need of too many repairs for their needs, it created quite the dilemma.   To raze the camp seemed almost criminal given its history and importance in some families tree of stories.  So the decision was made to relocate it for a future family to spin tales around.  In it’s place will be a coastal cottage dubbed “Latitude Adjustment” by the new owners.  The new home is being built to todays tough flood and energy standards.  It’s strength, efficiency and beauty will allow for a whole new lifetime of stories and memories.  Time moves on…

Check out our Facebook page for up-to-date progress photos, including pictures of the house going across the Holden Beach bridge.