Homestead Preserve
There’s something very special about a community that is able to offer a multitude of luxury lifestyle facilities and elegantly crafted new homes, while carefully preserving the rich history and culture of the surrounding land; and that is just what Homestead Preserve, respectfully situated in Virginia’s unspoiled Allegheny Mountains, does so well. Located on 2,300 acres along the western slope of Warm Springs Mountain and bordered by the pristine George Washington National Forest, this incredible residential development reverently celebrates the architectural heritage of the Alleghany Highlands in every one of the homes and structures found there. In an effort to fully preserve the natural beauty of this pristine region, developers have acted to insure that no more than 325 acres of the original 11,500 purchased, will ever be affected by development, carefully preserving it for generations to come. To further enhance this mission of natural and historic preservation, the developers of Homestead Preserve established the Virginia Hot Springs Preservation Trust. This not-for-profit organization provides grants for educational programs, the preservation of historic structures and a wide variety of research, conservation and management efforts.
To ensure the authenticity of the homes built, a pattern book was developed which details four historic home styles prevalent in western Virginia. This serves as a guide, providing examples of each style language to assist families and their builders as they seek to create their dream home. Buyers may select The Highlands Classical design, based on the elegant character of well-to-do rural residences during the 18th and 19th century; featuring a more formal style with warm, welcoming entrances, a dominant center pavilion and additive side wings. Or choose a Highlands Farmhouse design, based on the time-honored, colonial forms found throughout the surrounding valleys and mountains, typically offering moderately pitched roofing, and front facing, steeply pitched gables. The English Romantic, modeled on English country homes, blends Old World romance and timeless design, featuring native building materials such as stone, brick and timber, with tall, narrow casements, double-hung windows and recessed doors. Or, for those who are seeking a richly decorated home with deep, broad porches and an organic composition that blends beautifully into the landscape, the Highlands Arts and Crafts style is a late 19th, early 20th century celebration of classic country home construction.
Homesites range in size from ½ to 13 acres in one of 4 neighborhoods that feature gently rolling pastures, wide-open vistas, and quiet woods. One neighborhood is situated around the historic Old Dairy complex. Originally constructed in 1928, a six million dollar restoration recently revitalized the Old Dairy, converting this historic landmark into a community center, complete with meeting space, recreational facilities and office spaces. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Old Dairy consists of seven original buildings and two silos, offering residents a time-honored gathering place with swimming pools, spa, fitness center, game room, market, and much more. Many of the home sites in this particular neighborhood will overlook the village of Warm Springs and will range in size from ½ to 10 acres. Another neighborhood in Homestead Preserve is Sheep Meadow, offering comparable acreage lots with mountain views, woodlands, meadows and a quaint English village setting. Sheep Meadow is situated very near The Homestead Resort, another historic landmark that was established in 1766 and made famous in the 1890’s as the “playground of Presidents and dignitaries.” The Homestead Resort features three championship golf courses, a tennis club, multiple dining options, and an extensive array of outdoor activities such as, skiing, snowmobiling, tennis, horseback riding, skeet shooting, fly fishing and falconry. All Homestead Preserve owners will be eligible for membership at The Homestead; an initiation fee of $50,000 dollars is included in every home site purchase and the annual fee of just $3,660 grants members unlimited access to all of these fantastic amenities.
Also near the Old Diary is a neighborhood called Warm Springs Farm which features a densely wooded forest bordering sunny, pastoral meadows. Warm Springs Farm features a boarding stable for horses at the heart of the community. In addition, Delafield Rise neighborhood offers peaceful woodland sites with long distance views, easy access to The Homestead and several common areas including the Old Camp Meadow. Homesites in Delafield Rise will range in size from ½ acre to seven acres and occupy the lower slope of Brushy Mountain.
Old Dairy at Homestead Preserve
As part of Homestead Preserve’s enduring commitment to the environment, homeowners will find a wide variety of green building options available as well, including an opportunity to participate in the EarthCraft Virginia program. EarthCraft Virginia is designed to encourage homeowners to minimize their environmental footprint through the use of sustainable building materials and healthier, less environmentally degrading design. EarthCraft uses techniques such as recycling, tree protection, and building site management to ensure that the home meets certain “Green Building” guidelines. Generous roof overhangs provide shading that help save energy, while the use of local building products and chemical-free lumber endorse environmentally conscious development. Homes built under this program are also designed, sited, and colored to blend naturally into the landscape. Homestead Preserve is the first community in the Alleghany Highlands to certify a home under this program.
All in all, there are so many options for buyers to choose from with home sites starting at $280,000 to over $1 million and home prices starting at $1.4 million (site included). These amazing retreats offer residents a peaceful place to call their own. All the while, vigilant and ongoing conservation efforts ensure that the beauty of the natural landscape and its deeply woven history and treasured heritage will never be forgotten. For more information on this community, go to www.homesteadpreserve.com.
By Briana Mendonza
