Nestled just south of the vibrant downtown district, Knollwood Village stands as one of Southern Pines’ beloved and enduring neighborhoods. Its leafy avenues, welcoming homes, and storied past create a tapestry of history, camaraderie, and Southern charm that has drawn generations of residents. Whether you’re taking a stroll down Knollwood Drive, admiring the gentle slopes of Midland Road, or chatting with neighbors at the Village Green, you quickly discover why Knollwood Village is more than a place—it's a treasured way of life.
Origins: From Pine Forests to Community
Before Knollwood Village graced the landscape, this area of Southern Pines was a rolling, pine-dotted countryside that echoed with the whispers of longleaf pines and the footsteps of Native American tribes who called these lands home. With the arrival of the 20th century and the post-war boom, Southern Pines began to grow, beckoning those seeking a restful retreat from city life.
It was in the early 1950s that developers saw promise in these gentle knolls just west of the heart of town. The neighborhood’s name, “Knollwood,” was inspired by the gently rolling “knolls” (small, rounded hills) that characterized the area—a landscape that gave rise to the vision of an inviting residential enclave surrounded by natural beauty.
The Birth of Knollwood Village
Knollwood Village officially took shape in 1954, when the first lots were platted on the north side of Midland Road, a historic artery that had long connected Southern Pines to Pinehurst and beyond. The layout focused on creating quiet, picturesque streets such as Knollwood Drive, Village Green Drive, and Cypress Circle—designed to foster both aesthetic beauty and a neighborly spirit.
From the outset, Knollwood Village set itself apart as a community focused on both leisure and connection:
- Knollwood Golf Club: Founded in 1959, this now-iconic 9-hole course (sometimes known as the “Little Course”) quickly became the neighborhood’s centerpiece. The club brought together residents and guests alike for a friendly round, and its fairways remain a green haven for golfers of all ages.
- The Village Green: Nestled at the heart of the neighborhood off Village Green Drive, this beautifully maintained park is the site for community picnics, holiday celebrations, and simple afternoons spent under the shade of ancient hardwoods.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
Several buildings and institutions in and around Knollwood Village frame its story and serve as touchstones for local history:
- Knollwood Heights Baptist Church: Established in the 1960s at the corner of Knollwood Drive and Midland Road, this church quickly became a gathering place for neighbors and a hub for outreach activities.
- Midland Road: Running along the edge of Knollwood Village, Midland Road itself is a historic corridor, bordered by long stretches of azaleas and stately pine trees. It’s known for its scenic beauty and the classic, understated brick homes that line its way.
- Proximity to Weymouth Woods: Just a short walk or bike ride from the neighborhood is Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, one of Moore County’s natural jewels. Residents of Knollwood Village have long enjoyed this forested haven as a spot for bird-watching, hiking, and connecting with Southern Pines’ wild heritage.
Milestones and Growth Through the Decades
As Southern Pines flourished, so too did Knollwood Village. The neighborhood evolved alongside the community, with each decade bringing its own flavors and traditions:
- 1960s and 70s: The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets filled out, and garden clubs encouraged locals to maintain lush, colorful yards—setting a standard for curb appeal still seen today. Festive block parties along Cypress Circle became lore, fostering a neighborly ethos that endures.
- 1980s and 90s: Families were drawn by the top-notch schools (with Pinecrest High School just a few minutes away on Voit Gilmore Lane) and the steady rhythms of community life. The original homes, many of classic ranch and split-level designs, saw period updates and careful preservation, blending tradition and modernity.
- 2000s to Present: New generations of residents have invigorated the area. Annual events—like the springtime garden tour and holiday luminaria nights—add a modern twist to old traditions. The neighborhood association spearheaded sidewalk improvements and green space upgrades, balancing growth with preservation.
Sense of Place: What Makes Knollwood Village Special
Ask any longtime Knollwood Village resident, and you’ll likely hear stories that capture the heart of this neighborhood:
- The friendly wave exchanged between neighbors on their evening walks down Fairway Drive.
- Children’s laughter drifting from the Village Green during summer games and Easter egg hunts.
- Loyal regulars at Knollwood’s coffee klatches, held at the historic “mid-century modern” ranches that dot the landscape.
Knollwood Village is a place where heritage matters—from the shade of century-old pines to the preservation of classic postwar architecture. Here, past and present intermingle. Residents take pride in maintaining their homes, while also embracing newcomers who add to the neighborhood’s character and vibrancy.
Looking Forward: Preserving Heritage, Welcoming the Future
Today, Knollwood Village stands as a microcosm of Southern Pines—a neighborhood rooted in history, but always looking ahead. Community efforts continue to enhance walkability, preserve green spaces, and celebrate local heritage through oral history projects and neighborhood gatherings.
The charms of Knollwood Village endure because of its people—those who remember when Knollwood Drive was a dirt lane lined with saplings, and those who just moved in, enchanted by the same beauty and belonging. Whether you trace your roots here or find yourself drawn to its tree-canopied streets for the first time, Knollwood Village welcomes you to share in its ongoing story.