Grande Pines - Easy Access to World Class Medical Facilities

Clearly, the availability of excellent health care is a key decision factor when considering relocation.  This was no different when we first considered the Pinehurst area as a possible new home for the two of us and Del's mother, who lives with us.  We read and heard a lot about the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital and its status as one of the leading hospitals in the state.  When we first visited the area, we drove through what has become a sprawling campus of Moore Regional facilities and specialty clinics  like Pinehurst Medical Clinic, Pinehurst Surgical and Pinehurst Cardiology.  The care that is received here and the technology and resources made available to patients is unmatched anywhere in North Carolina, and in many cases the country.

Little did we know that we would unfortunately have an opportunity to experience this world-class care first hand:

-  Del's mother has failing eyesight and had previously undergone lens replacements in both eyes.  Just before leaving California the lens in one eye slipped, leaving her with double and blurred vision.  Specialists in California advised us that while repair was possible, it was a dangerous procedure because of her advanced glaucoma.  After reading about Carolina Eye Associates, we decided to wait until we had relocated.  The specialists at the clinic confidently took on this delicate procedure and completely restored her vision to where it was prior to the slippage.  The quality of the care at the eye clinic was so good that it surprised us.

-  While working with the horses at the barn, Del experienced a sudden and rapid increase in her heart rate.  Medics from the local FoxFire fire station rushed her to Moore Regional.  During the ambulance ride her heart rate at one time exceeded 200 beats per minute.  I followed and witnessed first-hand the emergency personnel in full action.  Fortunately, the diagnosis was positive and she was at home the same day with no ongoing problems to be concerned with.  The professionalism and thoroughness of the emergency room staff was simply amazing.  Hopefully we won't be back any time soon, but it is comforting to know that this type of treatment is just down the road.

-  A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with a full tear of the rotator cuff in my right shoulder.  Last week I had surgery to repair it at Pinehurst Surgical, a multi-specialty clinic comprised of eight specialty centers located in a state-of-the art facility.  Dr. Ward Oakley did the surgery.  I have unfortunately experienced other major surgeries at highly rated facilities in Southern California and in Houston, TX.  I am happy to report that Pinehurst Surgical, in little Pinehurst NC, is more than comparable to anything that I have experienced.  Throughout all of the treatment and pre-op prep work, I felt as if I was the only person being treated that day -- and the clinic was really busy!  I left with the feeling that every person that worked with me truly cared about my well being.

It is perhaps unfortunate that we had to deal with all of this in our first few months of living in the Pinehurst area, but it sure makes us feel even better about our decision to make Grande Pines our home!  The doctors, nurses and administrators across all of the facilities and practices in the Pinehurst area are all very special people.  It is a blessing that a relatively small population can have immediate and easy access to world-class care.

Grand Pines -- Great for Horses!

Grande Pines is horse heaven.  Only 7 miles from Pinehurst, Grande Pines is located in an area commonly known as the Sandhills.  This strip of ancient beach dunes is the evidence of a former coastline when the ocean level was higher, or the land lower.  Amazingly, it is claimed that the beach deposits were formed principally during the Miocene Epoch, circa 20 million years before the present.

The result is that Grande Pines is basically a pine forest on a beach!  The footing for the horses is excellent, making long trail rides a real pleasure.  The Grande Pines trails wind through 750 acres of peaceful rolling hills.  Pete Mace's vision in establishing 15 foot easements throughout the development will ensure that the trails will always be there.  Every lot of 8 acres or more has a trail along at least one side, making for easy access.

Our property is a good example.  We have 11 acres and trails on three sides of the lot.  Saddle up at the barn and ride straight onto a trail!  No traffic, no streets to cross, just miles of quiet, peaceful riding with the dogs following.  This weekend we are kicking off a project to name the trails and signpost them.  A great opportunity for the residents to get together and to name the trails that run by their properties.

In these photographs are our horses Apollo, a 20 year-old Arabian Thoroughbred, Lola a 8 year-old Tabiano Paint and Guinness, their faithful pony companion (and troublemaker!).  We are hoping that Lola is pregnant after spending a few days earlier this month with a very handsome Palomino sire.

The weather is perfect at this time of the year.  The golf courses are busy, with many of them fully booked.  Amazing that you can have 43 golf courses in a small area and they are all busy -- but that's the attraction of Pinehurst!  Golf, horses, great people, pleasant weather, laid back attitudes -- what more can I say...

Our First Spring in Grande Pines

Wow!  Before we moved here, we heard about the Dogwood Trees in the spring.  We totally under-estimated the beauty and the number of trees.

They are spectacular -- and they are everywhere.  Among the pine trees in Grande Pines, along the side of every country road, in all of the parks, lining village roads.  Pink, red and white.


 It seems that every house has at least one in the garden and I am positive that each of the area's 43 golf courses features a number of Dogwoods.  The official state tree of North Carolina is proudly on display in the Pinehurst area!  Visitors welcome...

The view on the left is of the railway line that runs through the middle of the Village of Southern Pines.

Steeplechase Racing in the Pinehurst Area

Another super weekend in Grande Pines, another enjoyable event in the Pinehurst area.  The Stoneybrook Steeplechase races have been an annual tradition in the area since 1949.  Originally run at the Stoneybrook facility owned by the late Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Walsh, they now take place at the Carolina Horse Park -- just a short drive from Grand Pines.

This was our first time at the Stoneybrook races.  The event showcases the versatility of the 25 acre Carolina Horse Park.  Stoneybrook turns the park into a giant party!  Tailgating at its very best.  A large, festive, friendly crowd -- exactly what we expected.

For those wanting to go a little upscale, the Turf Club offered a prime spot at the finish line, good food and liquid refreshments.  A beer garden and entertainment in the center of the track added to the fun.

The racing was serious and entertaining.  Five races, four over jumps, were on the program.  Organized by the National Steeplechase Association, all of the color and beauty of horse racing at its best was on offer.  Beautiful thoroughbreds, with jockeys in colorful racing silks, putting their skills on show.  The organization was superb and the friendliness of the people ensured a pleasurable day at the races.  We'll definitely be back next year.

All round, a great day -- feeling good about living in Grande Pines!