It has a distinct resort quality. But West Virginia’s Glade Springs Village isn’t stopping there. With an eye to the future and residents who are the community’s biggest fans, there’s nothing but blue skies ahead for this people-centered, amenity-rich spot.

By Jessica Wright - Photography by David Hungate

Glade Springs Village has all the characteristics of a true resort community. In
fact, the people, amenities and scenery combine for a trio of irresistible draws.

Every home at Glade Springs Village is distinct. Styles range from log homes to stone and timber.

Situated on 4,100 pristine acres of lush woodlands that offer stunning mountain views, Glade Springs Village in Daniels, W.Va., features two golf courses – three by fall – an eclectic mix of single-family homes and a 69-acre “no wake” stocked lake for fishing and boating.

But the assets don’t stop there.

With the help of Cooper Land Development and eager residents, Glade Springs Village’s future looks even brighter. And they pledge to keep it that way for generations to enjoy.

“It’s our philosophy,” says sales manager Rich Farhat, “to create a property that will work 100 years from now, not just today.”

Creating A Community
The potential for this family-friendly community surfaced more than 30 years ago as the brainchild of Slab Fork Coal Company. According to Dave Swanson, a proud resident of Glade Springs and independent sales representative for it, the ambitious company bought the property in 1970 with hope of creating a leisure community. Home sites were sold and the George W. Cobb Golf Course opened in 1972.

Fifteen years later, during a pinch in the coal business, a resort complex – complete with manor houses and a recreation center – was added to the mix to increase interest. But the community needed more.

In 1998, Bill Bright of the greeting card business bought Glade Springs Village and later hired EMCO, a hospitality company, to help further develop it. The group found Cooper Land Development, a family business known for its success with eight other villages.

Dave and Linda Swanson decided to build their home in Glade Springs Village after one tour of the property. A proud resident, Dave now serves as an independent sales representative for the community.

The Rotunda, located inside Glade Springs Resort, serves breakfast daily.

“At first, Cooper wasn’t interested because the property was small,” Swanson says. “They were accustomed to 20,000-30,000 acres.” But even with substantially fewer acres to work with, the firm took the challenge. In 2001, they planned a 1,500-acre neighborhood and its hub of activity, Stonehaven
Golf Course.

Thinking ahead, Cooper put its efforts into another neighborhood on the opposite side of the community as the challenging Stonehaven course was completed. By 2005, Cooper had cut roads, designated home sites and devised another golf course at the newest neighborhood, Woodhaven.

Today, all 18 holes have been contoured; construction of a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, pro shop, fitness center and community center will begin soon. Expected opening is in September.

Resort to Fun
While the amenities planned for Woodhaven will enhance the community’s appeal, residents already laud the activities available at the Glade Springs Resort, part of the community’s original development.

“We’re not hurting for things to do,” Swanson says. “The resort is a separate business, but is an important part of what happens here.”

All residents have the opportunity to become members of the resort which, Swanson explains, has vastly improved over the years. EMCO added the hotel and upgraded the recreation center and equestrian center. Inside the recreation facility are Spa Orange – a full-service spa with treatments such as massages, facials, pedicures and manicures – an Olympic-size pool, fitness center and bowling alley.

The resort also features an outdoor tent, ideal for receptions, meetings, cocktail parties and other large functions, and four restaurants. At the clubhouse – which contains the pro shop and golf carts for use on the Cobb and Stonehaven courses – Glade’s Grill is available for fine dining and Bunker’s Sports Bar for casual fare. Nearby, Small Talk Café boasts sandwiches, pastries and specialty coffees. In addition, breakfast is served daily at The Rotunda, located inside the hotel.

And as a result of the resort, Swanson says, Glade Springs Village hosts numerous community gatherings during the holidays, golf tournaments and charity events.

The Social Scene

The home of John and Tally Stepp features a comfortable living room with lake views and an expansive kitchen. Building a home here was “probably the best decision we ever made,” says Tally.

Residents enjoy bowling, among other activities, at the resort recreation center.

With so many activities, it’s no wonder residents find common bonds. Many have even formed clubs, among them golf, book, yacht and hiking clubs.

Members of several groups, Swanson and his wife Linda admit they wondered how easily they would make friends after moving to Glade Springs from Washington, D.C. They were pleasantly surprised.

“What kind of situation were we getting into friends-wise,” Swanson says they questioned. “Everyone is anxious to make friends. We’ve made more here than we did in 30 years in D.C.”

Friends and fellow residents John and Tally Stepp couldn’t agree more. The couple built a lakefront home in Glade Springs to enjoy during the summer.

“The social network is key,” Tally says. “Everyone is trying to establish a life here, so we’re all very inclusive and help each other out.”

“We’ve met so many people we can truly call dear friends,” adds John. “It’s phenomenal.”

Why They Love It
The Stepps, Swansons and friends Bill and Mary Lee all stumbled upon this hidden gem while contemplating places to retire. Its quiet location, moderate elevation (2,600-2,900 feet) and pleasant temperatures sealed the deal.

After attending a wedding at Glade Springs, the Stepps made vacationing at the resort an annual event for 10 years or so. At the point of retirement, both wanted a home in Florida for winter, but a cool place in summer.

“We went to the North Carolina and South Carolina mountains,” Tally says, “but nothing hit us as a home.”

They later toured the still-developing Glade Springs and bought a home site on the spot. The Stepps agree, no community they visited felt as comfortable.
“We didn’t want a retirement community,” Tally explains. “We wanted to see families. There are people here from all walks of life and experiences. This was probably the best decision we ever made.”

Also summertime residents, the Lees, who spend the rest of their time in California, received an invitation from Cooper to visit Glade Springs. Anxious for a weekend of golf, the couple unfortunately happened upon bad weather.

“It was rainy and we couldn’t golf,” Mary says. “But we fell in love anyway.”
Though they toured during a rainy weekend as well, the Swansons found Glade Springs to be incredible.

“It’s the first place we came to,” Linda says. “It’s infectious.”

Priceless Perks

John and Tally Stepp use their lakefront home as a summertime retreat.

For Bill Lee, the affordability of Glade Springs drew him to the community.

“I like that Glade Springs is not exclusive,” he says. “You don’t have to be rich. Land and building costs are reasonable and there are plenty of amenities to take advantage of.”

With a property owners association in place that Cooper will leave to the residents once development is complete, homeowners pay a minimal fee to maintain roads year round. The monthly fee also allows residents to play an endless amount of golf on each course.

“The value you can get for your money here is unbelievable,” Lee says. “We’ll be out playing golf and just stop, look around and say, ‘We can’t believe we have this.’”

Thanks to Cooper, the Lees and other residents will marvel at the beauty and benefits of Glade Springs Village for many years to come.