Farm Chic is the Latest Trend in Housing Developments

In the '00s, housing built around golf courses was all the rage. Stephanie Simon reports that today's consumer wants to live next to an organic farm, vineyard or other micro-rural setting.

1 minute read

September 14, 2011, 2:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur

Simon theorizes that agriculture-lite is the hot new real estate strategy is driven by "...environmental concern, nostalgia for a simpler life and a dollop of marketing savvy."

She interviews the principal developer behind Bundoran Farm, "...a 2,300-acre development set amid apple orchards and cattle pastures outside Charlottesville, Va." While development has slowed with the rest of the housing market, this project and others like it are faring better than most.

Simon explains the various strategies for incorporating farms into residential housing, from community gardens to contracting with local farmers.

"The trend has its roots in the growing distaste for prototypical suburban sprawl," she explains.

FULL STORY: An Apple Tree Grows in Suburbia

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 in The Wall St. Journal

Land Use United States Agriculture Suburbia

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.