Cotswold Village brings style, communal concept to lake
Posted on Thursday, July 17, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/News/63779/
Minutes away. Worlds apart.
That’s how Kristen Boozman, principal broker with Pinnacle Investments, describes Cotswold Village at Castleberry Point.
Never heard of it ?
You’re not alone.
Cotswold Village, a gated community being developed in the Rocky Branch area, may be the best-kept secret coming to scenic Beaver Lake. And that’s by design.
“ This is much more a labor of love for us than an investment, ” said George Westmoreland, one of several partners in Cotswold Village. “ There hasn’t been a lot of advertising, and you’re not going to find listings on MLS. We’re trying to keep it exclusive. We believe this is a very special concept. People are going to find us. ”
Nestled on a rolling, treelined, 25-acre peninsula on Beaver Lake, most of the 34 home sites at Cotswold Village boast 180-degree views of the water. The site is set in proximity to such natural attractions as the Rocky Branch Recreation Area and Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. Cotswold Village is just 20 minutes from the Pinnacle Hills Promenade, 30 minutes from Bentonville and 45 minutes from the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport.
The architectural design of the front gate, clubhouse and homes — the first of which are expected to break ground in the next month — are inspired by the historic limestone village located on the gentle slopes of the Cotswold hills in West Central England: the cottage feel; the high peaks, stone exteriors and attention to detail. Several of the housing options include small detached carriage houses.
While future residents of Cotswold Village will be able to take advantage of lake access, boat slips and the quiet, natural surroundings, the development also offers a sense of community. That, in addition to the design, is what those behind the project — the Westmoreland, Fung and Boozman families — believe separate it from what’s already been constructed around Beaver Lake.
“ There’s already been a lot built around Beaver Lake, but the one thing I think is missing is a sense of community, ” Cathy Boozman said while giving The Daily Record a tour of the site on Wednesday. “ Everyone enjoys the peace and natural surroundings that having a lake house offers, but you’re normally out there on your own. With Cotswold (Village ), it’s been designed with a sense of community, where people know each other, get together and hang out. ”
A gated community, Cotswold Village will remain quiet and private. Residents will be allowed to drive their cars from the front gate to their homes, but the majority of traffic within the community will be limited to golf carts, bikes and good oldfashioned walking shoes. Several house sites boast views overlooking the lake, but some are available with water right outside the back door. And while $ 100, 000 to $ 400, 000 will buy a lot with a breathtaking view, it also gives access to the entire development with its two-level community clubhouse, pool, walking trail, boat slips, gazebo and Beaver Lake frontage.
Cotswold Village will feature restrictive covenants and a property-owners association, full-time caretaker / concierge service, property security and maintenance. And for those concerned with servicing their watercraft, Prairie Creek Marina is just on the other side of the cove.
“ When you buy a home pad at Cotswold Village, you’re actually getting onethirty-sixth of everything, ” Kristen Boozman said. “ You don’t just own your house. That’s very unique. ”