by Michael dEstries
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Actress Andie MacDowell is getting ready to build a new home in the environmentally-friendly mountain community of Balsam Mountain Preserve, North Carolina. The 4,400 acre development is heavily focused on conservation with 3,000 acres of protected land and 354 home sites. According to the Wall Street Journal, the houses — at elevations from 3,000 to 4,700 feet — can’t be larger than 4,500 square feet and “must use materials that blend the building into the environment.”

MacDowell originally threw down $1 million for a vacant lot just under two acres in size, but has since swapped her property for one of the community’s largest lots; which at 3.5 acres can accommodate a pasture and small barn. Apparently, the property also connects to the community’s equestrian center through a series of trails.

I have no idea if the building materials for the home must be sustainable as well as ‘blended’, but at least the development itself is highly respectful of the nature around it. We’re hopeful Andie will incorporate some eco-friendly elements into her new diggs.

via Wall Street Journal


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About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

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  • http://gulahiyi.blogspot.com Gulahiyi

    If you lived downstream from Balsam Mountain Preserve you might not be so quick to say that they are “highly respectful of nature”. The dam break on their golf course last year (which occurred after a series of erosion and sedimentation violations)devastated Scott’s Creek.

    Downstream neighbors would tell you that Balsam Mountain Preserve’s response to the disaster has been pathetically inadequate.

    Here’s the photographic evidence of just how “environmentally friendly” this golf-course development actually is.

    http://gulahiyi.blogspot.com/2007/06/seeing-is-believing.html

  • A

    How much land she will need on her burial? Just curious that she is going to live in 4,400 acre house. 4,400 acre can be used to build home for hundreds of family.