When one thinks of Lake Norman housing developments, Butterfly Meadows, Crab Apple Orchards and a suggested plant list derived from the “North Carolina Wildlife Federation  Recommended Native Plants for Wildlife” don’t normally come to mind.  I think that is what I love most about Lake Norman because not only do we have lifestyles and homes designed for lake living, we also have innovative housing developments like The Woodlands in Davidson that is the first in North Carolina to be designated a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

The result of a collaboration between Greathorn Properties, Inc, Ridgeline Development  and the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, the 70-acre site of The Woodlands housing development is a 57-home community located about 3 miles from downtown Davidson on a 70-acre site where 24 acres are preserved for open space including natural hardwood forest, orchards and walking trails.

The three custom home builders at The Woodlands: Dienst Custom Homes, Marquee Builders LLC, and Walker Madison are committed to designing ecologically conscious homes that incorporate energy-efficiency and blend into the natural environment.  Homes range in size from 2,500 to more than 5,000 square feet and are priced from $400,000s up to $1.5 million. Architectural styles include Arts & Crafts, French Country, American Farmhouse and English Tudor. 

 The Woodlands was created to serve as a model of ecological sustainability by preserving the hardwood trees, creeks, wetlands and the paths for woodland creatures.

There are certain responsibilities the homeowner assumes as well.  Owners are “required to landscape their lots with plant material which is indigenous to the area and leave untouched as much as possible the existing vegetation and natural amenities.  The use of vegetation native to the North Carolina Piedmont Region is required.” Plantings for all common areas and public open spaces are designated habitat friendly by the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.  

What is really exciting is that it will take very little additional effort for homeowners in The Woodlands to have their yards become a “certified wildlife habitat”.  Just about all new homeowners of The Woodlands will have to do is add water! (Birdbath, pond etc.)  

The Certified Habitat Program for the National Wildlife Federation is growing in popularity around the entire Lake Norman area. ”The four essential elements of a wildlife-friendly habitat are food, water, cover and places to raise their young” according to Julie Higgie, a certified habitat steward with the National Wildlife Federation. 

So, if you want to live close enough to the services and amenities of the nearby towns of Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville yet enjoy the natural environment and wildlife of the country, The Woodlands in Davidson just may be your ideal community!

Learn More!

The Woodlands at Davidson 

The North Carolina Wildlife Federation

National Wildlife Federation

How to create a NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat in your own yard

Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists

I must admit I am extremely impressed with Simonini Builders.  Not only are they one of the few Lake Norman home builders to be breaking ground on a new, upscale housing development, but they are tackling this difficult Lake Norman real estate market by creating a community incorporating an acknowledgement of todays pricing and a design plan and vision clearly focused on the future with an important memory of the past.  

The Preserve at Robbins Park was designed blending the 19th century concept of a “preferred neighborhood bordering a capacious public park” with “the luxury of in-town living with a Lake Norman address”.

Why is The Preserve at Robbins Park Extraordinary?:

• They offer a “balance of a ”commitment to preservation of nature with the tranquility of a home“
• Their designers envision a community with true “neighborly connections” but still offering personal privacy
• The proximity to woodlands, public fields and natural habitats yet close to shopping and services
• There will be 100 Energy Star and Earth Craft certified “Green” homes.  To my knowledge this is the first “Green” housing community in Lake Norman! 
• Pricing, which starts in the $620,000′s, incorporates Simonini’s Company new pricing policy:  “One Builder’s Reaction to Looking for the Bottom”.  A White Paper written by Simonini home builder’s CFO William Saint and well worth the read, this policy reflects a home builder that truly gets it.  They understand home buyer’s reluctance to buy now as all indications are that prices will continue to fall.  Their response?  Instead of negotiating prices their current pricing reflects a 10% decrease from last year’s and their “Why Wait Guarantee”. “Simply put, should the Case-Shiller price index for Charlotte show a decline greater than 10% within a year of your purchase, we will refund the amount above 10%, up to a total decline  of 15%.”  I must say I am impressed with Simonini’s proactive approach to today’s economic challenges!

According to Holly Gantt of Simonini Builders, ther have started taking reservations for Phase 1 (There are 4 phases) and they will be releasing the first 12 homesites at pre-construction prices.

There are 7 different models/floorplans ranging in price from $620,000 – $834,000 and size from 3281 square feet to 4670 square feet. 4 of the 7 home designs will have the Master Suite downstairs.  6 of the 7 designs offer 3-car garages and finished Media Rooms.  4 of the sites in Phase 1 will have basements.  Lot sizes will be about .21 acres

The Preserve at Robbins Park reflects the future of Lake Norman Housing and Development.  From being “Green” to design features that consider the trends in elements desired by home owners, this is certainly not just another Lake Norman housing community.

If you want more information, I have all of the building specifications and the price lists or visit the Simonini Builders website or contact Holly Gantt at their new sales office in the Harborview Shopping Center across the street from Robbins Park.

Look for my upcoming article on the “green” details incorporated in The Preserve at Robbins Park!

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