Post-and-rail fence lines, stables and green pastures dotted with grazing horses create an atmosphere that is showing to be enticing to developers who are driven to make their projects stand out in the competitive residential ­housing market.

The connection between such equestrian centers and surrounding homeowners can vary depending on the development plan and the needs of the local market. In some areas, horse farms will attract those who neither ride nor own a horse, but love the environment they create. In others, such centerpiece amenities can be a functional element woven into the fabric of the horse-riding community.

Though such developments necessitate lower housing density, Jennifer and Michael Donovan of Equestrian Services, LLC, a company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, contend that because horses and their owners need space, buyers will pay a premium for the chance to interact with their animals and nature.

They also say that communities that include some kind of equestrian amenity conserve the land and utilize the natural environment, whether they have a horse or if they simply appreciate the view of horses grazing in a field.

Building on and Around a Heritage
Virginia Beach, Virginia-based Reese Smith Associates is developing Saddlebrook Estates, a residential community which wraps around an historic 80 acre equestrian operation, Indian Point Farm.

“We wanted to differentiate ourselves from other neighborhoods. There are a lot of developments built around golf courses, open common areas or water features, but not many have equestrian centers,” said Wesley Dodd, vice president of the firm.The family owned real estate development, management and investment properties company acquired the operation, located  in Suffolk, Virginia after it was put up for sale a few years ago. The equestrian center can trace its heritage to the time of the American Revolution.

“It’s been a strong, working horse farm since 1779. We were very intrigued by the property and wanted to preserve it and its historical significance,” Dodd said. “We built a community around it. It literally sits in the middle of 151 home sites.” The project, including the farm encompasses 154 acres. Typical 1/3rd acre lots, which make up the majority of the development, will accomodate147 single family homes. The remainder of the project includes four, two-acre sites which adjoin the equestrian center and can accommodate a small stable.

Most of the homeowners in Saddlebrook actually do not own a horse, according to Dodd.

“But they like to drive by and see the horses running around the fields, they like to feed them and watch the horse shows. They like to be in that general environment, but anyone is allowed to board a horse there,” Dodd said.

Marketing of the equestrian center was relatively simple. Well-established Indian Point Farm is well known in the area, which means it has a built-in clientele. The developer’s plan also made the equestrian center a money-maker for the Saddlebrook Estates Community Association.“We have a long term lease with an equestrian center operator who actually lives on site, in the original farm house built in 1779,” Dodd said. “The equestrian center is responsible for keeping the grounds and taking care of the horses.”

By continuing the operation, the developer also enjoyed the spin-off benefits of the green space it provides.

“As you know, most developments are required by the cities to have a certain amount of open space and amenities and this helps to satisfy those requirements,” Dodd said.

Reese Smith has set down guidelines to maintain a certain traditional “look” for the development meant to blend with the historic equestrian operation. Pains were also taken to maintain the existing landscape “We tried hard to keep woods and pastures behind most of the home sites so that very few are looking into the back of another person’s home,” Dodd said. She also pointed out that most people wouldn’t want to take care of a farm, but they like the atmosphere.

“This way, we feel they get the best of both worlds,” she said. “We think it is a win-win because we know that people enjoy living around horses, farms and equestrian pastoral settings.”