Bruffeys plan 'next big thing' with Deercreek at Wyboo

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John and Nena Bruffey have a vision. "We want people to find their way home to Deercreek at Wyboo," Nena Bruffey said. "We're all in. It's time. The real estate market is headed upwards and we think there's nothing but blue skies." The Bruffeys have been sitting tight and riding out the toughest economic conditions in several generations. As the owners and developers of Deercreek at Wyboo, they're ready to take advantage of renewed interest in what they hope will be the next big thing. The tag line is simple: Golf course living in the heart of lake country. Golf, as it turns out, is what drew John Bruffey to hit the links of Wyboo and fall in love with the area. About 10 years ago, a friend from Campbell University Law School invited him to tee it up at Wyboo. "I'm a big golf guy," said the Fayetteville, N.C. native, who admits his passion for golf is still there when his schedule allows it. "I came to play here and was thinking my gosh, this is just drop dead gorgeous. It's just beautiful." Bruffey jokes about the 1988 movie "Funny Farm," starring Chevy Chase as a struggling writer who moves with his wife to Vermont to write a novel. When things go terrible for the two, they want to sell their picturesque home and employ the townsfolk to ham it up. A deer is released with impeccable timing for a visiting couple lured by the small town charm. Children ice skate and sing Christmas carols in a very staged Norman Rockwell-esque effort to entice buyers. "It was almost like that for me. Cue the deer. There's the ducks swimming by in the lagoon, and there's some wild turkeys," he said, laughing. "It was perfect. The sandy soil reminds me of home. It's just so beautiful and this is such a great course. I said, 'You've got be kidding.'" He also enjoys spending time on the water, and the ability to hop in a boat and navigate all the way to Charleston and into the Intracoastal Waterway is something he still finds fascinating. "We're right in the middle of everything and not many people realize how easy it is to get to Charleston or Myrtle Beach to spend the day," he said. "How cool is that?" His wife grew up in Buford, Georgia, which she finds shares many traits with Manning. "It's a wonderful, friendly small town atmosphere -- just like Manning," she said. "Everyone here has been so welcoming and we love being part of the community. We just feel at home here." Having a backyard view situated along the fairways of the Tom Jackson designed Wyboo Golf Club is something Nena thinks is a big selling point for what is known as Gregory Pointe. The first phase of Deercreek at Wyboo has two model homes -- the Magnolia and the Cypress. The former is a fully furnished 1,888 square foot, two bedroom home with a study or optional third bedroom, an open floor plan and granite countertops. The latter is unfurnished and a little bit larger. Both Hardiplank-constructed homes have courtyards overlooking the 18th hole of Wyboo Golf Club and the two car garages have enough space for a golf cart. "We're very pleased with the quality of construction," she said. "I just think they did a really good job. It's an open floor plan with plenty of natural light and there's all kinds of closet space. We think young, active retirees from the north to the Midwest -- and probably here from here, too -- will really enjoy calling Deercreek at Wyboo home." Sidewalks, underground utilities and existing water and sewer are other appealing facets the couple thinks will draw interest to their burgeoning neighborhood. The Bruffeys said they feel like Clarendon County is home away from their home in Georgia, and when they get the chance, they're often here, drawn by the natural beauty, serene environment and moderate climate. "We just want people to get to know Deercreek at Wyboo," Nena said. "We're looking forward to seeing dreams come true and the beautiful setting, natural beauty and great golf is only part of the story." Existing amenities include a clubhouse and pool, and they have plans to add more entrances once more folks plan on home sites. "We want this to be a source of pride for Manning and all of Clarendon County," she said. "People are finding out about us and we're going to do everything we can to get the word out." For more information, check out www.deercreekatwyboo.com