One Community; An Array of Architectural Styles

July 18, 2019
Beth Burgee

Wilmington Star News July 2019– Quite the opposite of a cookie-cutter development, the award-winning, master- planned community of Brunswick Forest is a cohesive collection of neighborhoods that reflect a diversity of architectural themes.

“We don’t have one specific style or size or price point,” explained Jerry Helms, Director of Sales for Brunswick Forest. “We have found that many people share an idea of what makes a perfect community, but they have very individual ideas about their dream home. Because we offer so many home choices, those who fall in love with Brunswick Forest can almost always find a home here that suits their taste and budget.”

A Sunny Bit of Florida

Homes in Brunswick Forest’s Banyan Bay feature a Floridian design of brick and stucco, where the emphasis is on outdoor living. Many have been customized with backyard swimming pools in screened lanais, fire pits, fountains and summer kitchens. Surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, these features create a resort-like atmosphere for the homeowner.

Logan Homes is the exclusive builder in this gated enclave, located at the entrance to Cape Fear National. In addition to providing immediate access to the golf course and clubhouse, Banyan Bay is centrally located between the main Fitness and Wellness Center and Hammock Lake, with its park, trails, swimming pool and fitness center. The neighborhood has been extremely popular and has almost sold out.

“We have a few remaining opportunities in Banyan Bay,” said Helms, “and interest remains high. It’s a very unique concept, even within Brunswick Forest.”

East Coast Meets West Indies

Another architectural style with a tropical flair is that of the West Indies-inspired homes of North Lake, a section of one of the community’s newest neighborhoods called The Lakes. The neighborhood is named for three lakes that anchor the area and provide these contemporary coastal homes with views of the water or natural wooded areas.

Kent Homes is the exclusive builder of this design, which originated in another popular Brunswick Forest neighborhood, The Leewards. Among the features that define the style are large overhangs and Bahamian shutters that are functional as well as aesthetic.

These homes also place a premium on outdoor spaces, which can be customized for the homeowner. Options include everything from fireplaces to full outdoor kitchens.

Coastal Cottage Chic

Helms said by far the most popular architectural style in Brunswick Forest is the coastal cottage, although many builders offer their own take on the classic design.

Legacy Homes by Bill Clark, along with Logan Homes and Kent Homes, are the primary builders of coastal cottages, which are showcased in various neighborhoods, including Park Landing, The Hammocks at Shelmore, and the newly launched Egret Cove.

“The style is emblematic of the coastal lifestyle people look for when they move to southeastern North Carolina,” said Helms. A welcoming front porch is one of the defining features, as well as lighter coastal color palettes and elements of oyster shell tabby, stacked stone and hints of board and batten.

The size is also a draw, according to Helms. “As people are looking to downsize, they are finding this design offers everything they want in under 3,000 square feet,” he commented.

The Beauty of The Bungalow

The look is nostalgic, harkening back to the 1920s and ‘30s, but the bungalows of Brunswick Forest offer all the comfort and conveniences of modern living.

Showcased best in Spring Branch and Shelmore, “the bungalow style is southeastern North Carolina’s version of Norman Rockwell,” said Helms. Legacy Homes by Bill Clark has perfected this look, marked by white picket fences, brick column entryways, and front porches that invite neighborly interaction. While the front is a convivial public space, attached garages and alley access create a private courtyard in the back of the home.

Buying Options Abound

Helms said Brunswick Forest also offers various options, depending on when the homeowners wish to relocate.

“We have already completed homes that are move-in ready for those who don’t want to wait to begin enjoying the Brunswick Forest lifestyle,” he explained, “and land/home packages for those who want to begin the process of building a more customized home that will be ready in a year or so. Finally, some people simply want to secure their ideal homesite now and build at some point in the future.”

Community-wide, homes range from low-maintenance townhomes in the low $300s to custom homes up to the $800s. Premier homesites begin in the $80s.

Unlike with some communities with similar amenities, there is no club to join at Brunswick Forest. Simply purchasing property gives a homeowner access to the award-winning golf course, two fitness and wellness centers, three swimming pools, outstanding pickleball and tennis facilities, miles of walking and biking trails, a creek-side small boat launch and a vibrant town center that includes excellent dining, shopping and professional services, including medical care.