During a pandemic, lake views and trails are calling

Home buyers in three fast-growing Sumner County neighborhoods seem to be asking the same question. If you have to work from home, why not live where you can spend your lunch hour on a quiet walking trail or enjoying Old Hickory Lake?

“People’s whole idea of home has changed after this pandemic. They want a place to retreat and work, somewhere they wouldn’t mind hunkering down for a week or so if another mandatory shutdown comes our way,” said Coby Comer, community sales manager for Parkside Builders.

“I have seen numerous people fleeing the city to be closer to outdoor activities such as the lake and outdoor trails,” he said.                                                   

Parkside Builders is rapidly expanding two Sumner County neighborhoods, Oxford Village in Gallatin and Hendersonville’s Waterford Village, which is steps from the lake.

Gallatin’s Mariners Cove townhome community, located on Lock 4 Road, is also expanding. The neighborhood, being constructed by Burnett Builders, is adjacent to Gallatin Marina. That’s the place where developer Matt Burnett keeps his own boat.

“Our interest has picked up a lot this summer and we have sold nine of our first 10,” said Burnett.

“We do have one lake-view unit available, but I suspect it will be under contract soon,” he said. The townhome is listed for $305,900.

Mariners Cove townhomes in phase one have 1,715 square feet of living space, three bedrooms and two and a half baths. Features include granite and quartz countertops, tile showers and hardwood flooring on the main level. Decks are built with Trex composite decking.

Realtor Martie Burnett, with Keller Williams Realty-Burnett Real Estate Group, is coordinating sales.

Burnett Builders has launched construction of a new phase of somewhat larger townhomes, which have two or three bedrooms and two car garages.

All of them are designed to provide one-level living with two bedrooms on the main floor with a bonus room upstairs. Some have a third bedroom and bath on the second level. Floor plans range from 1,955 to 2,116 square feet.

Three townhomes in the new phase of construction are available at prices starting at $309,900. When construction is complete, Mariners Cove will have 52 residences.

Townhomes and single-family homes are selling rapidly at Oxford Station and Waterford Village, as well, said Tiffany Caine, director of sales and managing broker for Parkside Builders.

Construction began at the first of the year in Oxford Station, located at 209 Mansfield Drive in Gallatin. The neighborhood will have 152 townhomes and single-family houses. More than half the homes in the initial phase of construction have been sold.

In Waterford Village, located at 3001 Kimley Shores Drive in Hendersonville, sales have been launched in the fourth and final phase, directly across from Old Hickory Lake.

“Both locations are selling at record speeds and have actually increased the rate since the pandemic,” said Caine.

Prices in Waterford Village begin in the $270,000s. Floorplans range from 1,214 to 1,920 square feet. Neighborhood amenities include a clubhouse, a playground, a dog park and green spaces – and the lake.

Homes in Oxford Station begin in the low $200,000s. Floor plans range from 1,214 to 1,719 square feet. The neighborhood has several green spaces. A commercial area is planned next door.

“We’ve seen our homeowners out walking our communities more during the day, enjoying the sidewalks, dog parks and green spaces and getting fresh air and exercise on breaks in their work days if they are working from home. It’s really amazing to see homeowners using the spaces we’ve intentionally designed for them to enjoy for a healthier, happier lifestyle,” said Caine.