The Connection Bernards-Ridge Edition Feb/Mar 2019

www.theconnectionsnj.com HANDYMAN Over the Hills GENERAL HANDYMAN JOBS Repairs • Remodelings Installations Interior/Exterior Painting, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements Mack 908-507-6979 handyman_over_the_hills@hotmail.com Fully Insured License #13VH10140900 RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT DESIGN TAKES ROOT IN NEW JERSEY Mine Brook Farm 2 Homes Remaining… Selling out fast! There is a housing trend gaining inter- est and traction across the country as more and more homebuyers say they are looking for ways to save energy, live a healthier lifestyle, and reduce their overall negative impact on the environ- ment. In short, they are seeking ways to live more harmoniously with nature. Developers, architects and builders are taking the trend seriously and agricul- turally and ecologically inspired devel- opments are on the rise. “It’s a more responsible approach to developing land,” says Anthony Sblendorio, gen- eral partner of MBR Investment Part- nership, LLC, which is building a new conservation community of 12 luxury homes in Bernards Township called Mine Brook Farm. It is a diverse com- munity with empty nesters and millen- nials. “This is ecologically inspired,” says Sblendorio. “We’ve created a res- idential community where ecology, agriculture, housing and open-space can coexist in a beautiful way.” The 89-acre tract of land off of Mine Brook Road was originally zoned for a conventional subdivision, “which typically results in cookie-cutter style homes being stacked along the street,” Sblendorio says. “We were interested in doing something innovative with that parcel that would preserve more open space in the town and protect the rural set- ting,” he adds. “We were fortunate enough to work with a town whose officials had the vision to create the type of zoning that promotes this type of project.” “By clustering the homes, we give res- idents the best of both worlds,” says Sblendorio. “They can wave to their neighbors from their front porch, but then feel an incredible sense of privacy when they look out back across sweeping, uninterrupted views of meadow and forest. “ Mine Brook Farm will have an apple orchard, a vegetable garden, several honey bee hives and a mushroom grove, all designed to make fresh, local food available to the homeowners. But these are residual benefits. “Organic farming is much less destructive to the soil and healthier for beneficial insects and birds,” Sblendorio says. “Bees are important not for their honey produc- tion, but because they pollinate most of our native plants and flowers.” To promote outdoor exercise, Mine Brook Farm has a walking trail that runs along the perimeter of the property and crosses a variety of terrain. “It’s great for jogging or bird watching,” Sblendorio adds. The homes at Mine Brook Farm are built to provide a healthy, energy efficient living environment. Toxin-free paints and finishes are used throughout, and low-flow toilets and LED recessed light fixtures are standard. Additionally, the homes feature kitchen cabinets made from locally sourced materials, and flooring made of sustainable or recycled materials, like the reclaimed vintage brick used in the mudroom and laundry room area. Home sites at Mine Brook Farm are offered through Turpin Real Estate (www.TurpinRealtors.com). Visit MineBrookFarm.com for more information, or call Cathy Boe Racioppi 908-720-7090 or Turpin’s Far Hills office at 908-234-9100. Mine Brook Farm is shown by appointment. Founded in 1960, Turpin Real Estate is an independent, family owned agency with offices in Somerset, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Our outstanding, full-time sales staff is dedicated to pro- viding the highest quality service with uncompromising integrity. Strategic network alliances and extensive web- based marketing provide us with unsurpassed coverage for our clients regionally, nationally and internationally. Global reach, unparalleled local expert- ise and the flexibility of an independ- ently owned agency are the hallmarks of our organization. R EAL E STATE NEWS Cowell SEPTIC SYSTEMS Est. 1963 RICHARD COWELL NJ Contractors lic. #13vh03406000 cowellseptics@gmail.com 908-879-4643 www.cowellexcavating.com Designed & Installed F REE E STIMATES - F ULLY I NSURED Serving Chester and surrounding towns Selling a house? Need septic work done? Call us about special financing and don’t pay until your house closes! • Septic Systems Installed & Repaired • Sewage Pumps Installed & Repaired • Soil Testing & Engineering • Approved Septic Plans Starting at $2500 • Locate Septic Tan ks home & design PAGE 24