There is a housing trend gaining interest 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 environment. In short, they are seeking ways to live more harmoniously with nature.
Developers, architects and builders are taking the trend seriously and agriculturally and ecologically inspired developments are on the rise. “It’s a more responsible approach to developing land,” says Anthony Sblendorio, general partner of MBR Investment Partnership, LLC, which is building a new conservation community of 12 luxury homes in Bernards Township called Mine Brook Farm. It is a diverse community with empty nesters and millennials. “This is ecologically inspired,” says Sblendorio. “We’ve created a residential 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 setting,” 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 residents 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 production, 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 is 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 www.MineBrookFarm 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.
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