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The Farm Story |
Once Upon A Time . . . . .
For two sisters growing up back a long country lane on a rolling Elkhart County farm, a life-long love of all things "simple" and "country" was born. For them, "The Farm" with magical creeks, fairyland woods, an abundance of wildlife and a fishing and ice skating pond has always recalled a lifetime of memories with all the legendary makings of storybook proportions.
Today, in honor of these memories and in the fulfillment of a dream to re-create a similar legacy for others, a country estate theme subdivision is under construction 2 miles north of Middlebury on State Road 13 just 3 miles south of the Indiana toll road and the Michigan state line.
This premier, one-of-a-kind subdivision, is proudly and simply called, "The Farm". Designed for understated elegance, "The Farm" features two natural fieldstone pillars with 1860's replica lantern lighting flanking either side of the entrance with a 400' fenced and softly illuminated tree-lined "Old Country Lane". At the end of the lane, for all to enjoy is "THE FARM" written in large letter topiary - described as being "a gift for all those who live there and a memorable occasion for all who come".
Home sites on the "The Farm" range from 1-5 acres and offer choices of sunrise/sunset views with rolling hills, waterfront ponds, wooded trees and open meadows. And, what farm would be complete without a woods? So... for those who remember and love "The Woods", "The Farm" now proudly offers 37 absolutely gorgeous prime wooded acres, featuring private nature preserves and large secluded rolling timber lots abundant in wildlife.
Most important to the Country Lane Development Group, Ron and Gail Hostetler and Linda Parker (the two sisters who grew up with fond memories of just such a farm), is the goal they share to respect the lay of the land and to provide an idyllic setting where gracious country homes with front porches and friendly neighbors come together to recall a simpler, more connected time.
They believe that for many people, where and how they choose to live is a reflection of who they are. "Today", say the developers, "there is a growing shift in attitudes, tastes and preferences, a certain astuteness and a sense of nostalgia. Consumers have experienced the sterility of mass produced housing developments which have made the shortcomings of typical builder subdivisions all too clear."
So what do residents really want when it comes to choosing a special place to build a home? The sisters say that most people are longing for more than look-alike houses with nondescript, repetitious architecture. "Instead", they say, "they're looking for neighborhoods with a consistent, rich sense of diversity and whose style and character of the homes and yards reflect their individual tastes and personalities."
More desirable than the standard cookie cutter homes seen everywhere, they add, "is an authentic sense of style - a certain sense of intimacy, friendliness and charm in a thoughtfully crafted home. A home with high quality finishes and features such as front porches, interesting roof lines, balconies and welcoming entry ways - even if it means trading these items for slightly less square footage."
The Country Lane Development Group says that research supports the fact that people are just tired of lifeless neighborhood environments where everybody's surroundings look pretty much the same and where garage doors and driveways dominate the streets.
The developers describe their project as having a distinct personality, a "retreat full of tradition and history" and a place to "build a legacy with generations of memories". Recalling their own past - for Ron Hostetler, who represents the 5th generation to call Middlebury home and the two sisters growing up on their storybook farm, they insist the appeal is even more simple. "The Farm", they say, "is for those who remember or long for less complicated times, tree-lined lanes and a country farm, sun-warmed days filled with new life and countless blessings and long winter nights overflowing with the joy and laughter of family and good friends. "Welcome to THE FARM. Welcome Home."
More information is available by calling (574) 825-2340.
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