News Room
First home in equestrian-friendly development begins to take shape
By Cathi Aycock - For Williamson A.M., The Tennessean
April 20, 2007
LEIPER'S FORK COMMUNITY ? Beechwood Plantation doesn't do anything small. It has miles of riding trails. Miles of rolling hills and hidden valleys. And miles to go. But at least the first mile ? or more accurately, the first milestone ? has already been reached.
"We have the first property going up right now. The footings are poured and the vertical walls will be going up next. And we have sold six lots in phase one and two already," said Ray Helmsworth, an agent with RANN Realty in Franklin who is selling the lots in the Leiper's Fork development.
He says Beechwood Plantation is on the verge of much more building activity.
"We are getting the roads completed. All the lots will be accessible for the builders. It is an exciting time here," Helmsworth says.
The planning of Beechwood Plantation was critical because the developers wanted to make sure the development was a seamless addition to the community.
"We want homes that will be timeless, homes that will look as good in 50 years as they do today. Nothing contemporary, no Mediterranean. We want classic Southern homes," Helmsworth says.
Builders must submit plans for approval. And buyers must work with approved builders.
"This community is about the homes fitting in to the unique setting ? the rolling hills, the equestrian trail. The houses have to be jewels that fit in this setting," he says.
Builder John Ring, owner of Performance Builders, agrees that the Leiper's Fork location makes the development unique. And it is why he is the first builder in the development.
"We are building a true Southern home. In fact, it is a home designed by William Poole. He is really known for his work with Southern Living and his home designs," Ring says.
The first house in Beechwood Plantation will be a Louisiana-style home. With 5,500 square feet, three stories and two large open porches, Ring says the house will be a perfect fit with the landscape.
"This community is going to be special, even if you don't have horses," Ring says.
The development, though equestrian-friendly with riding trails and a proposed covered riding arena, is for anyone with an eye for beauty, not just folks who own horses, according to Helmsworth.
"No doubt horse lovers will want to live here. We allow private barns; the acreage is amenable to horses and, of course, the trails. But even if you don't ride or own horses, this location is beautiful. You can look out your window and see horses grazing in beautiful fields. That is a view that you can't put a price tag on," Helmsworth says.
With lot sizes from 5.9 acres to 41.8 acres, the development offers wooded lots, hilltop vistas and open pasture. Helmsworth says the large lot sizes give buyers a range of options for building the house of their dreams.
"We have already sold six lots in phase one and phase two. And with the first home under way, we really feel that Beechwood Plantation is coming to life," he adds.
Construction on the first home in a development that will doubtless log many miles of country roads, riding trails and more. Beechwood Plantation has taken the first step.