Chestnut Lodge Community in Rockville Opening Bucks Housing Trends with Strong Initial Interest and Immediate, Fast-Paced Sales

Currently the Only New Home Community in Rockville, Chestnut Lodge is Turning a Historic Estate Property into a Sought-After New Address

ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 20, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The weekend debut of Michael Harris Homes at Chestnut Lodge in the City of Rockville drew nearly 100 qualified potential homebuyers with no more advertising than a simple sign placed on the property. The November 6th and 7th debut resulted in four lot reservations, all of which converted to signed contracts. In the weeks since the soft launch of Chestnut Lodge, the community garnered two more sales for a total of six sales to date. In fact, 30 to 40 prospects each week are visiting the property - a remarkable result in today's housing market.

"We're pleased with the unprecedented pace of home sales at Chestnut Lodge. Considering there are only 31 single-family homes available in the community, having 20 percent sold before a model home is built is a major coup, especially given today's sales climate," states Harris Schwalb, Vice President of Michael Harris Homes.

This surprising response is the result of a unique blend of design, location and history. Chestnut Lodge is the nearly 21-acre redevelopment of the former Chestnut Lodge campus that operated throughout most of the 20th century. The site began life in the late 19th century as a summer resort for wealthy Washingtonians, known as The Woodlawn Hotel. In addition to the hotel, which was destroyed in a devastating 2009 fire, the site includes a small cottage, another single-family home, an icehouse and a historic barn, all of which are still standing and will be retained and comprehensively renovated as part of the project.

"The attention to detail at Chestnut Lodge is paramount not only to the success of the project," states Schwalb, "but also to the historic nature of the site, the beautiful grounds and the preservation of the flavor and spirit of this community."

What is capturing the inspiration and motivation of area homebuyers, however, is the unique blend of Victorian, Craftsman and American Farmhouse design that integrates the homes into the historic context of Rockville, yet nonetheless sets them apart as something special.  The homes will feature wide front porches, historic detailing, deep rear yards and many upgraded standard features. Pocket parks and sidewalks will weave throughout the intimate neighborhood.

Assisting with the property is Streetscape Partners, a Washington, DC metro real estate investment and development firm comprised of veteran members of the region's real estate industry. Michael Harris Homes is a family owned and operated homebuilder with a reputation of crafting prestigious neighborhoods of quality and value. Every home being built by Michael Harris Homes will have EPA Indoor Air Quality and ENERGY STAR® certifications. Prices start in the upper $800's.  

For more information about the historically inspired new homes in the City of Rockville's Chestnut Lodge community, please phone 301-340-2747, or visit online at LiveAtChestnutLodge.com.

SOURCE Michael Harris Homes