Portofino Announces Builders Team; Ten Local Builders Selected for High End Equestrian Community

(Clayton, NC) November 8, 2007 - The Walthom Group has selected ten area builders to be the builders team for Portofino, its new exclusive equestrian community. Located on 300 acres along the Neuse River in Johnston County, Portofino will provide its residents with unique amenities including a full-service equestrian center and indoor riding facility.

To ensure the high-quality craftsmanship that will set Portofino apart from other communities, the Walthom Group chose a select group of local builders to be on the team. The builders team will consist of:

Corker Construction - Family owned and operated for over 30 years, Corker Construction entered the Clayton market 20 years ago. Corker strives to build the best home money can buy with the highest quality standards and attention to the smallest details.

DenMark Homes – Partners Dennis Cyrus and Mark Dowdy started the DenMark Corporation in 1989. They formed their company with one simple premise: satisfy the customer by building value and quality into every project and stand behind every home with extended warranties and unparalleled service.

Dreambuilders – Established in 1999, Dreambuilders is owned and operated by Wendy Wolbert. Dreambuilders’ focus is on quality and customer service, taking pride in working one on one with their clients throughout the entire building process.

Edwards Contracting Group – Since 1996, Philip Edwards has built more than 200 innovative, custom homes in Wake and Johnston counties. Edwards Contracting Group is committed to build each home with individuality and a style all its own.

Exquisite Homes – Established in 1998, Robert Pinkus has built a business that establishes itself on the cornerstone of quality and care. Each home is built with the client in mind and the highest attention to the desires and needs of the family moving in.

Fairview Builders – Owned and operated by Tripp Jackson, Fairview Builders has more than 20 years of homebuilding experience. Fairview builds throughout Wake and Johnston counties and takes pride in providing close attention to detail and high quality materials to produce great quality homes.

Kirkwood Homes – In 2002, husband and wife team, Art and Teresa Kirkwood, founded Kirkwood Homes. Their approach to building homes is simple: build each home as if it were being constructed for their own family. Kirkwood Homes continues to follow the philosophy that only the best will do.

Mill Creek Homes – Mill Creek Homes was established in 2002 by three Johnston County natives. Lee King, Rodney Jones and Steven Jones have a simple business philosophy: build homes of exceptional quality designed with the client’s wants and needs in mind.

Mike Norris Homes – Established in 1993, Mike Norris Homes is based in Johnston County and brings a unique, well-established perspective to their luxury homes. Mike Norris Homes takes pride in their close attention to detail in each home they build.

North Hills Homes - In its tenth year of homebuilding, North Hills Homes, Inc. continues to build award-winning homes in the Triangle. Owned and operated by David Wagner, each home is built with integrity and enduring value.

“We took extra care to select builders for Portofino who have the same high standards of customer satisfaction, quality and attention to detail that we do,” said Norwood Thompson of the Walthom Group. “These builders are skilled craftsmen with local knowledge that will help propel Portofino to the forefront of the Triangle’s luxury communities.”

The natural beauty of Portofino’s 300-acre property with access and views of the Neuse River will blend with the community’s equestrian center, private club house, newly-designed beach entry pool, tennis courts and homes. Sales of Portofino will be handled by HomeTowne Realty of Clayton. The on-site Sales Center is scheduled to open in December 2007.

About Portofino
Portofino is a 300-acre upscale community located on NC 42 East in Johnston County. Located on part of the historic Flowers property in Clayton, Portofino has 267 breathtaking lots with a choice of 10 local custom builders. Bordered by the Neuse River, Portofino offers an exceptional luxury lifestyle with convenience to Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park. Its swim club, clubhouse and fully-staffed stables and equestrian center make Portofino a one-of-a-kind community for Johnston County. For more information, call 919-553-3785 or visit www.portofinonc.com.