Seasonal Cottages in Recreational Communities are Hot in a Cold Real Estate Market

Westford, MA (PRWEB) April 14, 2008 -- When Summer Village at the Pond (http://www.SummerVillageWestford.com), a waterfront seasonal cottage community in Westford, MA, reopened for sales in mid-February after a winter break, it sold four cottages in just 48 hours. In its first sales season from January-November 2007, Summer Village at the Pond sold 70 cottages.

The Cottages at Summer Village, a seasonal cottage community located in Wells, ME, sold 220 cottages from 2005-2007 and is poised to sell out by Summer 2008 - a full year ahead of schedule.

According to Howard Hall, a partner in both projects, sales are strong because the seasonal cottage communities offer an affordable experience that is unique in the market place. "We are bringing back old-fashioned summers where the kids are busy outside from sunrise to sunset, adults have free time to visit with neighbors or enjoy the outdoors, and families have a chance to recharge and reconnect. People who only dreamed about enjoying classic summers at their own vacation home are excited when they realize that they can finally afford their dream."

Hall says that three main factors have helped keep sales steady in a challenging real estate market. "First, we're not building big, expensive, year-round homes. We're building seasonal, two-bedroom cottages that are very compact, so we're able to keep prices down. Second, we're providing a resort-like recreational experience - including activities for all ages - so buyers know that they are getting a lot more than they would with a typical second home. Third, we offer a chance to reclaim those lazy days of summer splashing in the pool or roasting marshmallows that is increasingly hard to come by in this day and age. People buy because they want to make family memories."

A high-profile location in sought-after Wells, ME helped fuel sales at The Cottages at Summer Village (http://www.SummerVillageWells.com), but Summer Village at the Pond faced a very different scenario. The community is tucked away in Westford, MA, a town that is home to many Boston commuters, but is an unlikely second home or vacation destination. "People fell in love with the concept of an old-fashioned recreational cottage community," comments Sales Director, Lee Traversa O'Brien.

Summer Village at the Pond offers 276 seasonal cottages clustered in small neighborhoods throughout the 159 acre site. The site features 2,600 feet of water frontage, a sandy beach and 105 acres of undeveloped woodlands with hiking trails. As a part of this trail system, each neighborhood has its own "pocket park" - an area for gathering by a campfire and visiting with friends.

Long-Sought-For Pond is the recreational focal point at Summer Village. Along the waterfront, there is a sandy beach staffed with lifeguards. The pond is a popular swimming spot, or residents can sign out a community-owned canoe, kayak or sail boat. In addition, the pond is stocked with trout in the spring and fall for wonderful fishing.

Recreational facilities include a heated adult pool with a hot tub and a family pool with an adjacent toddler pool; tennis and basketball courts; bocce and horseshoe areas; playground with play structures; and a synthetic golf putting green. Located adjacent to the adult pool overlooking the pond, the Hildreth Gym offers a complete fitness center, showers and changing rooms.

The Lodge is located at the waterfront area and includes a pub/grille, pool table and a patio with a fire pit. The building also includes a library alcove, computer area and screened porch.

A large, open-air structure called "The Pavilion" is where families gather for a wide range of entertainment, including family game nights, dances and weekly outdoor movies. This is also where many of the daily activities are held, such as children's activities, crafts classes and more.

Located close to the entrance of the community, The Barn houses a general store, carrying groceries, snacks, newspapers and gifts. Residents can grab a morning coffee with a muffin and catch up on the latest news, or make a stop at the ice cream counter for an afternoon pick-me-up. The front porch of the community post office is also a popular gathering place.

"Summer Village has a small town atmosphere, where family interaction and values are very important to those who own, as well as to the management team in place," comments cottage owner Bob Wolfe. "We initially looked at Summer Village as a good long-term investment. Now we see it as not only an outstanding investment, but as a long-term gathering place for all of our family and their future family to enjoy now and long into the years ahead," he adds.

The seasonal cottages at Summer Village at the Pond and The Cottages at Summer Village are priced in the $180,000s. Waterfront cottages are available at Summer Village at the Pond for slightly higher prices.

Contact:

New England Summer Cottages (http://www.newenglandsummercottages.com)

Wendy Ducharme

PR Director, Wentworth Marketing

603-483-0583

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