'New Ruralism' In Florida

Two acre lots selling for up to 1$ million for "people who have always wanted to live on a farm but don't see themselves as farmers."

1 minute read

August 26, 2005, 10:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

A Florida developer inappropriately quotes Thoreau in his sells pitch for what has been dubbed new ruralism; a corporate hijacking of new urbanism that looks like part of Frank Lloyd Wrights Broadacre City rather then Walden Pond. The target market is people 42 to 60 who, tired of coastal hurricane threats or the beach scene in general, want something more like Walden Pond or Walton's Mountain. Most are expected to use these ranches, camps and farms as second homes, though a surprising number of prospective buyers want full-time rusticity, St. Joe executives said.A far stretch from Thoreaus $28 dollar cabin, these rustic abodes, serviced with wireless internet access, provide the perfect get-away to invite your neighbor for fine glass of 1998 Cheval Blanc.

Thanks to John Edward Adams

FULL STORY: In Florida, a Big Developer Is Counting on Rural Chic

Monday, August 22, 2005 in The New York Times

Housing Florida

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