For Families
Many homebuyers are drawn to the less stressful, more relaxing pace of life offered by living in the country. These new developments offer both adventure and culture, giving homeowners the option of not having to choose so starkly between the excitement of the city and the restorative powers of nature.
Silo Ridge Field Club
Amenia, New YorkOnce a dairy farm (hence the name) in New York’s historic Hudson Valley, 850-acre Silo Ridge centers on sporting pursuits and enjoying the great outdoors—lifestyles supported by the property’s lakes, woods, wildlife, old-fashioned swimming hole, and world-class Tom Fazio–designed golf course. Golf courses are often the focal point of Discovery Land Company residential resort communities and Mike Meldman, founder, chairman, and CEO, noticed early on that, if he wanted to interest his young kids in golf, he needed to take a casual approach. Here you can golf barefoot and visit gourmet snack stations at several of the tees. Discovery’s signature recreation-concierge program Outdoor Pursuits remains a highlight of all 27 Discovery communities, providing knowledgeable guides, expert instruction, and the latest equipment for sports and unforgettable adventures (like luxe or adventure camping expeditions) into the surrounding countryside. You can also go fly-fishing in local streams, shoot sporting clays and skeet, try upland hunting, and pursue miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. Silo Ridge just launched Condo 3 (four buildings, five two- to four-bedroom residences per building) with expansive views of the Hudson Valley. From $2.3 million; siloridge.com
The Ford Field and River Club
Richmond Hill, GeorgiaThe Ford Field and River Club has roots that reach back more than a century to 1917, when American industrialist Henry Ford and his wife Clara bought this property as their winter retreat. Overlooking the Ogeechee River and just 20 miles southwest of Savannah, The Ford is now a member-owned community made up of 400 residences and homesites in five distinct neighborhoods. The architecture ranges from regional Lowcountry cottages to New Orleans French colonials to Charleston-style Garden homes. For recreation there is a 250-acre Pete Dye links course, a 36-slip, deep-water marina (accommodates boats up to 65 feet, an ideal launching spot for fishing expeditions), and privileged access to the 5,000-acre Dorchester Shooting Preserve for sporting clays and upland wing shooting. Of course, bring your horse. The Equestrian Center is a full-service boarding facility set across seven lush acres. Kids’ programs include day camp, trail rides, expert-led archery, and shooting tutorials, supervised fishing excursions plus golf, tennis, and pickleball clinics. The Ford’s Discovery Experience offers prospective buyers the opportunity to stay at The Main House, Henry and Clara Ford’s winter retreat (completed in 1939 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places), and experience all The Ford’s amenities. Homesites from $175,000 to $675,000; homes from $1.5 million to $6 million; fordfieldandriverclub.com
Palmetto Bluff
Bluffton, South CarolinaThis 20,000-acre riverfront development features horses, hunting with falcons, plus salt- and freshwater fishing. Surrounded by salt marsh views, live oak–lined neighborhoods, and native wildlife protected by a conservancy, homes feature varied floor plans, all with spacious gathering areas, including open-living living and dining rooms, kitchens with ample space and professional-grade appliances, and large, screened-in porches providing residents and their guests a place to relax and enjoy that timeless Southern afternoon ritual known as “porching” (sitting and socializing on a porch, while sipping sweet tea or lemonade and sampling some homemade cookies). Nearly every home is within walking distance of plenty of amenities—art galleries, restaurants, swimming pools, tennis courts, community docks—and there are miles of nature trails through lush maritime forests and winding tidal creeks. Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club has a professionally designed sporting clays course. Down here, they call this “golf with a gun.” Homesites from $475,000 to $5.95 million; homes from $2.28 million to $7.9 million; palmettobluff.com
For Couples
A home can enhance the ease and rhythm of life by accommodating its owners’ leisurely pursuits, whether that means being at home in wine country, accessing Sin City’s nightlife and surrounding natural wonders, or mooring a boat steps from a living room filled with brilliantly reflected, off-the-water light.
The Canopy at Mill District
Healdsburg, CaliforniaSet in a grove of old-growth redwoods and just one block from the historic town plaza, the 10-acre Mill District is Healdsburg’s newest neighborhood. Olson Kundig (known for creating innovative homes) and Chef Kyle Connaughton (globally recognized for SingleThread, a local Michelin three-star farm, restaurant, and inn) have imagined an extraordinary integration of architecture, kitchen design, and wine amenities in the residences at Canopy. The Flats (single-level homes), ranging from studios to three bedrooms, make for the perfect pied-à-terre for homeowners from the city wanting a weekend getaway in the heart of wine country. Garden Homes (lofty, two-level residences) have double-height living rooms with 18-foot ceilings, wine features, offices, walk-in closets, and pantries, while outdoor spaces come with water features, kitchen gardens, and landscaped privacy. Penthouses are the only opportunity in Northern California wine country to experience tree-level living and feature wraparound terraces with sliding glass walls, temperature-controlled wine rooms; outdoors find kitchens, dining and lounging areas, and watercolor views of Healdsburg and the surrounding mountains. “We’re proud to have so many different options in terms of size and configuration,” said Mike Brennan, director of sales. The Flats studio from $925,000; two bedrooms from $3.5 million; three-bedroom Garden Homes from $5.9 million; three-bedroom Penthouse from $6.9 million; milldistricthealdsburg.com
Ascaya
Henderson, NevadaPerched at 3,000 feet above sea level, many Ascaya homesites provide big views of the Las Vegas Valley and the city’s iconic Strip; others look out on deep canyons and the hills of the McCollough Mountain Range. Set across 680 acres, the homesites are edged by dramatic and distinctive stone walls that are thoughtfully positioned to maximize privacy while still offering views. The design-centric, contemporary desert architecture—earthy colors and textures and floor-to-ceiling glass—was conceived by notable architecture-and-design firms Blue Heron and Swaback Partners. Indoor/outdoor living spaces welcome the desert in. For buyers unable to wait for an architect-designed home, Ascaya has partnered with notable, local design-build and architect firms to create custom residences with expedited move-in dates. These move-in ready homes (called the Accelerated Homes Program) are under construction and will be available in the autumn of 2022. Additional perks: a 23,000-square-foot clubhouse with pool, private cabanas, and fitness center; lushly landscaped community trails; access to hiking and biking. Homesites from $999,000; ascaya.com
Alba
Palm Beach, FloridaAlba Palm Beach (55 two- to three-bedroom residences with private elevators and four townhomes) offers direct Intracoastal frontage and a private dock with boat slips reserved for residents. Every residence has oversized glass-framed terraces with summer kitchens and remarkable views. On a practical note: floor-to-ceiling hurricane impact windows and sliding doors are installed on all terraces. The 22-story tower’s entire sixth floor is dedicated to amenities, including a sunrise pool overlooking the Intracoastal, a sunset pool for the warm afternoon sun, as well as dedicated grill and lounge areas. The on-property fitness studio includes cardio, resistance training, and yoga. There will also be virtual conference spaces, a theater, and multi-sport simulator rooms. The development offers a covered porte cochere entry, valet parking, and covered parking with electric vehicle charging stations. From $2.5 million; albapalmbeach.com
