If you’re subject to house envy or the type that becomes jealous when you see a neighbor installing a new backyard getaway with a pool, you may want to stop reading now.
Still here? Okay, you’ve been warned.
The Hills is a new and exclusive neighborhood under development just south of Interstate 840 where Dean Road terminates in Thompson Station. This is the site of an old cattle farm with tobacco fields but is soon to be a sprawling 40-house development on multiple acre estate-sized lots.
While seeing the new construction of large homes in this area of Tennessee is not an abnormal occurrence, these houses are expected to be unique.
“This is where luxury meets nature,” says Matt Wood of LTG Homes, one of the builders who in partnership with Arnold Homes is constructing the first build. “Each house will reside on 1-to-10 acres of land with one-hundred and thirty acres of green space. We’re planning $3 million to $8-9 million dollar homes.”
These are not just any homes though. Expected to be merged with the land, picture estate builds with large bay windows overlooking the forest, with multiple car garages, and surrounded by walking trails and bridal spaces.
There are three builders involved with the project under the development of Bill Varney, a previously retired real estate developer from Florida. Bill became un-retired after his son-in-law, Colt Morton, convinced him to come look at the area.
Colt and Matt are prior neighbors who had been looking for a construction opportunity. While Matt and his wife were born in the Williamson County area, Colt relocated a few years ago from Palm Beach, Florida.
“[Seven-years ago] we didn’t know where exactly to locate,” Colt says. “We fell in love with Thompson Station. Loved everything about it. Loved the rolling hills and the trees. Loved the proximity to shopping. It didn’t feel like you’re in a big city and still feels like you’re in Tennessee.”
Colt convinced his father-in-law to follow him to Thompson Station. “[Bill] had huge success with niche neighborhoods in exclusive areas. Estate neighborhoods. He loved the area as well, and together, we looked at property all over for about a year.”
They eventually came across a 225-acre plot of land that met their vision of creating an exclusive neighborhood that balances privacy with community.
“[It worked because] the owner wanted to sell it as one piece,” says Colt. “The zoning allows for one-acre parcels, but that is not our vision. We wanted to keep the integrity of the property and Thompson Station.” When faced with adjusting the plots to the land, “We moved the road, not the tree.”
LTG Homes, a partnership between Matt and Randy Arnold, has the first home under construction. It’s a sprawling 7,300 square-feet build with five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a custom pool, and four-car garage. The slabs are being poured for two other foundations and the other plots are in varying stages of development with about 18 still available for purchase.
“I got into real estate about five-years-ago,” says Matt. “Really good friends with Arnold Homes and Randy Arnold is a family friend and mentor, so we started a partnership to build one of a kind homes together. Owners can bring their own builder and architect, but we’re trying to push others to use one of the three builders with knowledge of the project. It’s easy to build a house with nice finishes, it’s harder to build a home with character and flow. We’ve figured it out.”
