An important recent trend in the development of neighborhoods is the focus on protecting the environment and employing “green” building practices. Community developers have utilized new techniques for clearing and preparing the land while preserving as much of the natural habitat as possible. New home builders who specialize in “green building” practices are constructing more energy efficient homes and using eco-friendly materials- all with the goal of minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment. Master-planned communities in all regions of the country are now featuring green spaces where buyers enjoy the preserve-view property and the knowledge that their community is helping to preserve the land it’s built upon.
‘Conservation development’ is an approach for development that seeks to protect and preserve natural resources from the impacts of development. Homes, roads, and infrastructure are clustered together, allowing the most sensitive ecological and natural features to be protected in perpetuity. Typically, each homeowner has access to all of the open space areas, which are permanently preserved by a conservation easement -a restrictive covenant forbidding any type of development at any time in the future. The community’s developer benefits from the lower infrastructure costs and the homeowners can benefit from a greater sense of community and access to acres of protected land to be preserved forever. This style of environmentally sensitive planning can also protect against flooding, protect wildlife habitats and preserve water quality.
Another common form of conservation is known as ‘sustainable development’, which combines conservation development and low impact development to consider how sites and buildings affect natural resources and the surrounding environment. An example of a sustainable development project would include energy-efficient homes and the use of recycled and non-toxic materials in construction.
See how nature’s beauty can be preserved and enjoyed responsibly at Therealestatehomeguide.com’ collection of environmentally sensitive neighborhoods.
Adjacent to Falls Lake Park, minutes from downtown Raleigh, is a European style private community offering remarkable estate residences and golf villas. Discerning families will appreciate Hasentree’s attention to detail and world–class resort amenities including a splendid European inspired clubhouse. Enjoy golf on the Tom Fazio championship course which is laid out through beautiful woodlands and along Hasentree Lake. Nearly half of the community is dedicated to open space– you’ll experience a natural wonderland in your own backyard at Hasentree. °
Send Me Free Information Now! View More Photos & InfoLooking for a waterfront retreat which is convenient to Dallas or Houston? Look no further than The Shores at Richland Chambers Lake, located on I–45 near Corsicana, Texas. Regarded as the newest coast in Texas, the lake area is ideal for full–time residence, a weekend escape, vacations or your retirement. Fabulous 2 to 5 acre homesites are available including horse parcels and direct lakefront. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoThe pride of Fort Mill is Springfield, a 640 acre family oriented golf community offering outstanding outdoor amenities and fine Southern living. Surrounding the Springfield Golf Club, two–thirds of the neighborhood’s homesites are located along the 18 hole golf course. This remarkable community includes a 5–acre family activities center and miles of sidewalks and nature trails. Located 3 miles from I–77, just 25 minutes from Charlotte. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoCreate your own personal ranch on 2 to 8 acre FL equestrian or Florida (FL) lakefront parcels at the new Jacksonville Ranch Club. This private, gated community, is just 25 minutes from downtown Jacksonville and features a fabulous 200 acre nature preserve and miles of horse riding trails. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoAn active lifestyle is easy to maintain at Ford’s Colony Rocky Mount, with North Carolina’s gentle southern climate and recreational amenities including championship golf, an 80–acre lake, tennis, and paved walking and biking trails. Ford’s Colony Rocky Mount is a 1,400 acre master–planned, gated community located just minutes off I–95 in the heart of Eastern North Carolina. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoJust minutes from Palm Coast’s Atlantic beaches, Grand Landings offers you a splendid collection of neighborhoods and home choices connected by beautiful walkways, trails and community parks. This new 1,395 acre master–planned club community features over 50 lakes and will set aside half of the land as nature preserves and wetland areas. Nearly every homesite is set along a nature preserve or lake, providing you the ultimate in privacy and scenic views from your backyard. Grand Landings invites you to start enjoying the grand life! °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoRiver Hall celebrates the grand tradition of southern coastal living. Featuring a championship Davis Love III golf course in the historic river area of Lee County, this new hometown community features a grand Town Hall amenity center, new elementary school, a Fire House and a Town Square with shops and services. The River Hall Country Club village, Hampton Lakes and the Cascades villages just beyond the gates makes this the perfect setting for all lifestyles. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoEscape to the mountain bliss of this new Blue Ridge community set in the historic town of Todd, offering just 97 spectacular homesites spread across 284 acres. Experience awe–inspiring mountain views from elevations of up to 4,620 feet and enjoy the peace and tranquility of a secluded high country community. Near the charming, picturesque mountain towns of Boone and Blowing Rock, just a short trip from Winston–Salem and Charlotte. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoAt Echota, life is a little more relaxed– you’ll live in harmony with the natural surrounds in exquisitely crafted single family homes, townhomes and condominiums. This 250 acre mountain community has been beautifully preserved to include ponds, streams and natural rock formations. Located close to the charming towns of Boone and Blowing Rock, Echota’s homes and homesites offer stunning views of nearby Grandfather Mountain and the magnificent North Carolina High Country. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoLive the Texas lakeside lifestyle at Water’s Edge Ranch, a private ranch community located outside Dallas in the historic town of Athens. Once a private ranch and sporting club, this 2,150 acre community has been transformed into spectacular 1to 10 acre homesites surrounding a 328 acre lake. Perfect for outdoor enthusiast and horse lovers, Water’s Edge Ranch offers affordable property with superb amenities in a pristine, East Texas setting. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoCombining Southern hospitality with New England charm…this community is being developed with a special vision in mind - to create a unique place where people can live in a central Florida waterfront home with New England themed architecture in Mount Dora. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoWelcome to The Reserve at SugarTree. Nestled on the shores of the Brazos River, this beautiful, master–planned community features homesites up to one acre including golf course sites, waterfronts and spectacular views. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoFind the perfect Crescent Community on Lake Keowee for your taste and lifestyle with a stunning collection of five exceptional waterfront neighborhoods to choose from. Each community offers a unique perspective on the lake and its own selection of recreational amenities. These remarkable neighborhoods are set along 18,500 acre Lake Keowee near the towns of Seneca and Clemson in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoPerfectly situated within the Research Triangle is a brand new private golf community surrounding a magnificent Fred Couples signature golf course. Select nicely sized homesites with superb golf or nature views of the rolling countryside. Located in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Research Triangle with convenient access to all the nearby colleges and universities. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoA lakefront golf course community on Lake Norman, minutes outside of Charlotte, NC, offers an upscale country club lifestyle in a casual setting. Add to that the beauty of Lake Norman and the expert touch of PGA star Greg Norman, and you’ve got a winning combination - which is why The Point was a finalist in the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Awards of Excellence two years in a row. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoSet on a quiet lake near Charlotte, The Sanctuary is a rare find– a luxury community where nature rules and just 187 homes will occupy over 1,300 preserved acres. This lakefront nature community sets the new standard for connecting people with their environment and creating a plan sustainable living. Build your custom home on spacious family compounds which range from 2 to 13+ acres. °
Send Me Free Information Now!View More Photos & InfoAmidst two unspoiled mountains in Marshall, North Carolina lies the Bear River Lodge, an eco-sensitive gated community with an emphasis on affordable mountain living. Whether seeking a weekend getaway, second home or retirement property, buyers will enjoy mountain living just 40 minutes from Asheville. °
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