Thirty-three years ago when I was practicing real estate in Chapel Hill I developed this property which was listed by my real estate firm. I was living in a rustic cottage at the time and came upon this beautiful land, which I noticed had been recently surveyed, while walking in the woods. Determined to find the owner, when I went into my real estate company the next day, I found that we had just listed it!
Wanting to share this great discovery, I brought a few good friends out to walk the land and each one fell in love with it. Seven of us decided that we would buy it and sell it off in 5 acre pieces. We had Restrictive Covenants and Homeower Association Rules drawn up, but when the interest rates went up to 17% we got scared and didn't do it. I ended up finishing the surveying of the road and the lots, perking the lots and doing the rest of the development and the whole piece was sold in one year. Each of us bought a lot ourselves and that is how I come to have this lot today. Some of my oldest friends in Chapel Hill also live in the community.
I ended up moving away from Chapel Hill in 1986 after obtaining an MSW at UNC, to take a job in mental health on the Outer Banks. I never thought I would be able to live on this land, but now I have seen my way to build this second home close to family and friends. I am thoroughly enjoying the serenity of the woods and the special birds and wildlife I see there. I saw a box turtle laying eggs right next to the house, the last time I was there.