The development of Chimney Crossing, a new neighborhood at Champion Hills Club, is more than a real estate project—it's a testament to the community's enduring legacy and the vision of the Club and POA Boards working alongside the longtime member family of Kurt and Dorinda Bagwell.
Post Covid, Champion Hills faced a growing challenge: the club's rising popularity created an increased demand for homes to accommodate prospective members. Home turnover at Champion Hills is relatively low, and most new members want to live on the property/campus. Enter Bagwell, a recently retired cell tower developer with global experience and a passion for his community.
“When the Club and Community approached me, they needed a development solution to support their goals,” Bagwell explained. “They knew I had the development background and our family had a longstanding commitment to Champion Hills, and that’s how Chimney Crossing came to life.”
A Unique Approach to Community Growth
Bagwell partnered with local realtor Scott Barfield and formed Pine Shadow Developers, LLC., and their group quickly partnered with Amarx Construction, a long-term, local Builder in the Western North Carolina community. The Chimney Crossing project involved piecing together three parcels of land adjacent to the club, totaling seven acres. Working with engineers, the Team designed a plan that maximized the property’s potential while creating a beautiful and functional neighborhood on a rugged piece of land. The result? Fourteen luxury residences in the form of seven villas, offering a “lock-and-leave” lifestyle perfect for seasonal homeowners or full-time residents.
“We were looking to maximize the number of units to meet the challenge the Board gave us, while still ensuring a beautiful setting for these units,” Bagwell said. “Offering Lock-and-Leave was key for us. The POA takes care of everything – landscape maintenance, paint, even the roofing reserves - so owners can enjoy their time here without worry. They can come and go as they please, knowing everything will look the same when they return.”
Each villa is designed with high-end finishes and modern amenities, embodying a level of quality synonymous with the Bagwell family name. “My parents instilled in me a high standard for quality, and we wouldn’t put our name on anything that wasn’t first-class,” he said. “These aren’t just homes—they’re an extension of the Champion Hills lifestyle.
Many of the home’s features are optional in other new construction projects, but at Chimney Crossing these elements all went into the units as standard fare. On top of natural upgrades like granite or Quartz counters, there are solid core doors and owner-selected cabinetry in each unit, the latest in dual fuel AC/Heating systems using natural gas and heat pump technology, wi-fi controlled systems for AC/Heat/Garage doors/Hot water, EV charger ports in the epoxy floor coated garages, Cat 6 cabling to every room with a centralized location for the modem, private offices for work at home, 10 foot ceilings, the latest in appliances; and the neighborhood is all ready for these owners with Dominion natural gas, Hendersonville City water, Duke Power, CH WWTP services, and new high speed, fiber optic internet from AT&T. Buyers will also be able to customize the interior finishes with their personal selections on paint colors, countertops, lighting, plumbing fixtures, appliances, screen rooms, cabinetry and flooring choices.
A Commitment to Champion Hills
The development isn’t just a business venture for Bagwell; it’s a personal investment in a community his family holds dear. His family’s roots at Champion Hills run deep—his parents joined the club in 1993, and his family took over the membership several years ago. Today, they live in the family home overlooking the third green and are now themselves becoming active participants in club life.
“Our family has always believed in this club and what it stands for,” Bagwell said. “My parents loved this Club for over 25 years. Our 4 kids spent many summers here, and we now have grandchildren spending time here with us. This project is our way of giving back and helping ensure its long-term health and vibrancy.”
In keeping with Champion Hills’ focus on golf, Chimney Crossing homes offer an exclusive incentive: each purchase includes an equity golf membership (currently a $50,000 value), with a five-year dues commitment. This requirement reflects the community’s dedication to its golfing roots while creating a direct and economical pathway for new members to join the club.
Building for the Future
As of late 2024, four of the fourteen villas are complete, with two more set to break ground in early 2025. The first homeowners will take possession in January 2025, marking a significant milestone.
“This is a multi-year project and it’s going smoothly – we worked hard with the Club and POA on setting this all up, going through the standard processes like any new homeowner, and we are on track with the Development process” Bagwell said. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s exciting to see this vision come to life. This was a tough piece of property to work with but it is shaping up nicely.”
For prospective buyers, Chimney Crossing offers more than just a home—it’s an invitation to experience the Champion Hills lifestyle. With its breathtaking mountain views, renowned Tom Fazio-designed golf course, and vibrant community, the neighborhood is a perfect choice for seasonal retreats or year-round living.
“We’re offering something truly special here,” Bagwell said. “High-end, modern villas in a prime location, paired with the unparalleled experience of being part of Champion Hills. For the right buyer, it’s a perfect match.”
As Champion Hills prepares to welcome its newest members, the success of Chimney Crossing stands as a testament to the power of community, vision, and the enduring legacy of those who call it home. For Bagwell, it’s a labor of love—and one he plans to stand behind for years to come. “This is more than a project,” he said. “It’s a reflection of our family’s belief in Champion Hills and its future.”
Click here for more information about Chimney Crossing and Champion Hills' menu of modern membership offerings or to schedule a tour with Director of Membership and Marketing Heather Myers.
