Our Story


Bundoran Farm was a family farm operated by the Scott family when Fred Scott was approached
by Bob Baldwin Sr, a developer from New England, in 2005 to explore the idea of converting the
farm into a special kind of residential development. Bob Baldwin’s plan – one that had evolved
through previous projects – involved preserving the rural land of the farm while providing
homesites for families. These homesites would be carefully placed around the farm in order to
minimize their impact on farming operations. The farm, its fields and woodlands, would coexist
together.

Bob Baldwin called his approach “preservation development.” It was designed to preserve rural
lands and their farms while allowing families to build and live scattered around the farm.

After much planning, almost 100 homesites were identified. Most would be tucked into the
existing landscape so as to protect view sheds and not interfere with farming operations. They
would be separated from one another for privacy and a “rural feel.”

Bob Baldwin died in 2006 but his largest project – Bundoran Farm – survived and thrived.

How Does It Work?
 
While the concept of preservation development seems simple, the legal structure of the farm
was carefully set to ensure the protection of the farmlands in perpetuity. Here are a few key
points:
  • The farm was chartered as a development with a property owners association (POA). A POA
    is similar to a homeowners association.
  • The farm was divided into lots ranging from a few acres to more than 100. There is little
    “community-owned area” aside from the two lakes.
  • While lots are fully owned by the individual owner, they are subject to rules outlined in the
    community Charter. Owners should spend time understanding the Charter to fully
    appreciate the unique aspects of ownership at Bundoran Farm.
  • Each lot has a designated location and area for a “Homesite.” This area is usually 2 acres or
    a little less. The remainder of the lot is dedicated to an Easement controlled by the
    community association.
    • Each Homesite is divided into a Development Zone (DZ) and a Selective Clearing
      Zone. The Development Zone is where the house and other improvements are
      located. The balance of the Homesite is the Selective Clearing Zone. In this area, the
      owner may do some selective trimming of trees and vegetation after approval by the
      Design Committee.
  • That Easement (technically the Farmbelt and Greenbelt Easement) essentially holds all the
    land on the farm not specifically designated as homesites. That means the easement
    contains about 90 percent of the farm primarily pastures and woodlands.
    • Except for trails across woodland easement, owners are prohibited from crossing
      pastures or entering protected woodlands whether on their lot or on the lot of
      others.
  • Each lot is shown on a Lot Portfolio, which describes the planned area for the Homesite with
    associated Development Zone and Selective Clearing Zone. Other features, some of which
    may be unique to a lot, are also shown.
  • The lot ownership structure described above is an essential aspect of Bundoran Farm. It
    restricts the normal use of portions of a lot by its owner but gives every owner a stake in
    the whole of Bundoran Farm    . (The summary above is not intended as definitive; please
    refer to the community charter and other documents for a full understanding of the
    structure of Bundoran Farm.)

What Else?
 
Bundoran Farm has a full-time Farm & Natural Resource Manager and tenant farmers.  Guided by the
community charter and other documents, owners play an active role in managing the farm through its
board and other committees.

There are ample opportunities for owners to become involved but there is no requirement. It’s
entirely an individual matter.

There are some things you won’t find at Bundoran Farm. We don’t have a community pool or a
golf course and tennis courts. What we do have are birds, cows, horses, sheep and donkeys,
groundhogs, foxes and bears. And trails in the woods and along streams. And peaceful vistas
just perfect for enjoying in a favorite rocking chair on your porch.

And you won’t have neighbors right next door. Houses are situated to give privacy. But that
doesn’t mean you won’t have good and friendly neighbors a short walk away.