Back to nature

Summer Village at the Pond, and its sandy beach, are only a short 25 miles from Boston.

Enter lovely Walden Woods, and you'll find echoes of the legacy of the famed naturalist Henry David Thoreau in this Metrowest community, where environmental and economic stewardship spring to life through acres of conservation land and spectacular home value. In its first year of sales, Walden Woods (508-478-2251) has outsold all surrounding communities due to its balanced blend of nature, quality, and truly stylish custom homes. At this 165-unit residential development, only 50 acres of the 294-acre site is designated for development. The majority of the remaining land has already been donated to conservation, preserving a wooded enclave nestled in natural landscaping.

The first of four phases is just about sold out, as homeowners relish the experience of quality two-by-six construction. Create your own personalized homes with oversized windows and garages, inviting three-season porches or patios, cozy home-offices, tank-less water heaters, and deluxe kitchens with custom cabinetry. You'll also enjoy hardwood flooring, granite countertops, and a gas fireplace. Natural light streams through the windows into your choice of home style: sophisticated single level ranch, traditional townhouse, or dual master townhouse, ranging in size from 1,920 to 2,440 square feet. Flexible floor plans allow you to adapt interior and exterior features to compliment your lifestyle.

At the Trading Post, the planned community center, a fully-equipped kitchen, large-screen television, and great room will serve as a friendly gathering place. You'll be able to work out in the fitness center or enjoy a barbeque in the picnic area. Located in Milford, Walden Woods is just minutes away from the Upper Charles bike trail, which also offers walking, skating, and cross-country skiing. Shopping, arts, dining, and entertainment are also conveniently located nearby, with easy highway access to Boston, Providence and Worcester. As first-time home-buyers, young professionals, downsizing homeowners, and active adults discover Walden Woods, they're finding a community that inspires respect for nature while kindling friendships with neighbors. "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately," said Thoreau, and there is no more deliberate and carefully thought-out condominium complex than Walden Woods. Come to the woods, and bring your individual style.

Imagine if, instead of the usual routine, your "to do" list was filled with fun activities. Check them off: swimming, boating, fishing, tennis, reading on the porch, playing games with friends and family, meeting neighbors at the bonfire, catching a free movie, or listening to live music under the stars. Wouldn't it be wonderful to enjoy these pastimes? You can do all this and more at Summer Village at the Pond (800-750-8611).

Summer Village is a waterfront resort community of seasonal cottages in Westford, just 25 miles from Boston. You'll be close enough to commute to work or family commitments, but free to enjoy the beauty of Summer Village.

At Summer Village, residents can fish, boat or swim in the crystal clear pond, as well as relax on the sandy beach, and stroll the woodland trails. Or take advantage of the village's many amenities, including a heated adult pool with a hot tub, family pool, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, playground, putting green, and bocce and shuffleboard areas.

An on-site recreation director and an extensive recreation staff coordinate daily activities such as an organized kids program; sports and game tournaments; live music and dances; parades and parties; Friday Night movies; karaoke and games; adult-only card nights; special activities such as farmer's markets and book groups; and more.

When you just want to relax, meet a friend for coffee at the General Store, enjoy an ice cream at The Pine Cone, catch a movie at the outdoor pavilion, or check out the book swap offerings in the community post office.

Residents talk about the wonderful sense of community at Summer Village. Neighbors cook out or walk together, adults form fast friendships, and children are never at a loss for playmates. "The kids here ride their bikes together all day long," said one resident. "You don't see that anymore in most neighborhoods."

The charming cottages at Summer Village feature 9-foot ceilings with options to vault and add storage lofts; oversized windows that provide lots of natural light; full kitchens, laundry, and, depending on your choice of model, either a three-season porch or an open porch with optional screens. All five styles of new construction cottages are priced from the low $190s.

Cottage neighborhoods are tucked throughout the charming site. Enjoy the privacy of a tranquil wooded cottage location, then walk, bike, or ride your golf cart to all the activities in the waterfront area. The Sales Center is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; closed Wednesdays.

There's only one word for The Residences at South Cape Beach (508-726-2600), and that's "unique." Where else can you find a handsome gated community that borders a golf course, as well as one of the finest beaches on the Cape? Nowhere but The Residences at South Cape Beach. This neighborhood of 24-luxury condominiums offers location, location, location: it is next to the exclusive New Seabury golf course–as well as the pristine Waquoit Bay Reserve, which encompasses South Cape Beach. You can enjoy the best of both worlds–a round of golf, or a long walk on the beach.

And when you return, well, there's no place like home, especially at these homes, Mashpee's most exclusive new condos. Ranging from 2,600 to 2,800 square feet, each unit includes details not usually found in new construction, equipped with a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient heating system, hardwood floors, custom marble or granite bathrooms, and gourmet kitchens with granite trimmings and Viking appliances. The minute you walk up the elegant brick path into the spacious foyer, you'll fall in love with these homes, distinguished by nine-foot ceilings, stone fireplace, and exquisite marble baths. And, each basement features a home theater, so you can relax with a night of movies and popcorn.

The Residences at South Cape Beach are conveniently located near the best of the Cape's dining, shopping, and entertainment. The neighboring Waquoit Bay has 2,500 acres of open waters, marshlands, and beaches to meander. Or practice your swing at New Seabury or one of the many other golf courses in the area. You'll savor the beauty of being close to the pastimes you relish, while living in the kind of home you deserve. At Residences at South Cape Beach, you'll be uniquely happy.