Sustainable Land Development Today - November/December 2007 - (Page 10) COVER STORY Rail Fences, Horses & Homes Equestrian Farms: a centerpiece amenity that can set developments apart Post-and-rail fence lines, stables and green pastures dotted with grazing horses create an atmosphere that is showing to be enticing to developers who are driven to make their projects stand out in the competitive residential housing market. T By Rob Kundert horse or if they simply appreciate the view of horses grazing in a field. “It’s been a strong, working horse farm since 1779. We were very intrigued by the property and wanted to preserve it and its historical significance,” Dodd said. “We built a community around it. It literally sits in the middle of 151 home sites.” The project, including the farm encompasses 154 acres. Typical 1/3rd acre lots, which make up the majority of the development, will accomodate147 single family homes. The remainder of the project includes four, two-acre sites which adjoin the equestrian center and can accommodate a small stable. Most of the homeowners in Saddlebrook actually do not own a horse, according to Dodd. “But they like to drive by and see the horses running around he connection between such equestrian centers and surrounding homeowners can vary depending on the development plan and the needs of the local market. In some areas, horse farms will attract those who neither ride nor own a horse, but love the environment they create. In others, such centerpiece amenities can be a functional element woven into the fabric of the horse-riding community. Though such developments necessitate lower housing density, Jennifer and Michael Donovan of Equestrian Services, LLC, a company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, contend that because horses and their owners need space, buyers will pay a premium for the chance to interact with their animals and nature. They also say that communities that include some kind of equestrian amenity conserve the land and utilize the natural environment, whether they have a Building on and Around a Heritage Virginia Beach, Virginia-based Reese Smith Associates is developing Saddlebrook Estates, a residential community which wraps around an historic 80 acre equestrian operation, Indian Point Farm. “We wanted to differentiate ourselves from other neighborhoods. There are a lot of developments built around golf courses, open common areas or water features, but not many have equestrian centers,” said Wesley Dodd, vice president of the firm. The family owned real estate development, management and investment properties company acquired the operation, located in Suffolk, Virginia after it was put up for sale a few years ago. The equestrian center can trace its heritage to the time of the American Revolution. 10 November/December 2007 Sustainable Land Development Today
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