The Record (Bergen County, NJ)
04-08-2007
Roads not taken can lead to luxury
By SHANNON ROXBOROUGH, SPECIAL TO THE RECORD
Date: 04-08-2007, Sunday
Section: REAL ESTATE
Edtion: All Editions
Column: GETTING AWAY
Forget the South Florida condo, the cottage in the Hamptons and the chalet in Aspen. They're far too clich, not to mention ridiculously overpriced. Savvy weekenders, vacationers and retirees are surfing the Web for up-and-coming residential developments in areas that will never become the next Hilton Head.
Even though most of these places lack the cachet of many traditional second-home communities and are much harder to get to than the Jersey Shore, they are scenic, not yet overrun and, in some cases, quite affordable.
White Point Estates, Queens County, Nova Scotia
Once a retreat for well-heeled outdoorsmen, this quaint seaside development consists of wooded, waterview and oceanfront home sites in a luxury resort on the Atlantic Ocean. Lots range from three-quarters of an acre to 2 acres on which buyers can build homes. The enclave, like Nova Scotia itself, attracts American, European and Canadian second-home hunters seeking New England charm at a fraction of the cost. Residents will enjoy a Canadian PGA-rated golf course, a wide range of outdoor recreational pursuits and a laid-back lifestyle. Prices start at $45,000. 800-613-2171 or whitepointestates.com.
Four Seasons Residence Club, Vail, Colo.
In recently renovated Vail Village (one of the world's top ski resorts and year-round outdoor destinations) at the new Four Seasons Resort, this club consists of 19 cabins, each divided into 12 shares. Amenities include a ski valet, a 25,000-square-foot spa, and heated outdoor pool. From $390,000. 800-343-0799 or fourseasons.com/ownvai.
The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, S.C.
Situated on the banks of Lake Keowee — one of the Southeast's most pristine freshwater lakes — this 394-acre development boasts panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This community consists of lakefront, lake view and lake access home sites, and a collection of cottages overlooking the 18th hole of a brand new Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Home lots start at $200,000 and the homes start at $750,000. 866-435-5123 or cliffscommunities.com.
Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Maui, Hawaii
On picturesque Kapalua Bay with views of Lanai's and Molokai's volcanoes, the Ritz is offering 84 full-ownership and 62 two-, three-, and four-bedroom fractionally owned condos (each divided into 12 shares) at its oceanfront resort, plus 107 full-owned condo suites at the nearby hotel. In addition to a 30,000-square-foot spa and a 6,100-square-foot beach club, there is a lagoon-style pool, as well as tennis courts and a stretch of some of the world's finest white sand. Priced from $300,000 for the club resort; from $895,000 for condo hotel suites. 800-278-0121 or ritzcarltonrealestate.com.
Trump at Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Donald Trump is developing a 30,000-acre luxury resort, above, that will include private bungalows, villas and estate lots with ocean views. Located on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, Cap Cana will feature 5,000 residential units (with private infinity pools, stone patios, and outdoor hot tubs), 500 hotel rooms, three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses and a 1,000-slip marina. Amenities will include luxury shopping, fine dining, world-class spas, water sports, polo, and horseback riding facilities, to name a few. From $465,000. 800-785-2198 or capcana.com.
Bay Club at Falcon Point Ranch, Seadrift, Texas
Just 2 hours from Houston, surrounded by a 6,000-acre ranch and wildlife preserve, this intimate gated coastal community consists of 108 waterfront and water view home sites on San Antonio Bay. Residents will enjoy easy living close to a luxury lodge with 24-hour concierge service, a swimming pool, community piers and a trail system for hiking and biking. $250,000 and up. 877-375-4868 or falconpointranch.com.
The Palmyra Resort & Spa, Montego Bay, Jamaica
This luxurious 16-acre Caribbean resort has 656 full-ownership units, running the gamut from one-bedroom condo units to three-bedroom oceanfront villas. Residents have access to the world-class Espa, a five-star, 23,000-square-foot spa, and receive three golf course memberships. From $450,000. 866-725-3969 or thepalmyra.com.
Lincoln Harbor, Lake Logan Martin, Ala.
About 90 minutes west of Atlanta, Lincoln Harbor is courting second-home buyers with 952 lakeside condos, town houses and estates, which will be built over the course of seven years. Known for its world-class bass fishing, Lake Logan Martin is nestled in the southernmost foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Amenities will include fitness facilities, opportunities for water sports, nature trails, concierge and housekeeping services, and a lakefront restaurant. From $369,000. 877-525-3378 or lincolnharbor.net.
R&R Holding Developments, Hamilton County, Fla.
Located in northern Florida just across the Georgia border, Pine Shadow Ranch, Deer Park Ranch and other communities under development will consist of custom-built log homes on 5-, 10- or 20-acre rural lots in gated communities near Suwannee River State Park. In addition, there are plans for a 50-acre camping area, swimming facilities, a restaurant and convenience store. All price ranges. 407-448-0567 or sales@fssii.net.
The Phillips Club at Lincoln Center, New York City
For those who crave big-city stimulation, this private residence club in Manhattan near Central Park West was created as an alternative to more expensive apartments and less spacious luxury hotel rooms. The club offers fractional ownerships for one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences. Perks include access to the members' lobby and lounge, privileges at Reebok Sports Club/NY, concierge services, pre-arrival grocery shopping and long-term clothing storage. From $315,000 (the new The Phillips Club II has prices starting at $155,000). 877-644-8900 or phillipsclub.com.
Got a second-home story you'd like to share? E-mail Shannon Roxborough at ForeignPassport@aol.com
Illustrations/Photos: 3 PHOTOS - 1 - White Point Estates in Nova Scotia offers waterview and oceanfront home sites in a luxury resort on the Atlantic Ocean.
Keywords: TRAVEL, REAL ESTATE
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