WATERVILLE VALLEY, N.H. (PRIMEZONE) -- Today it was announced that the new Cascade Ridge project will offer the last large single-home development homesites available under the Waterville Company's master plan. Only 19 parcels make up this preserve surrounded by the White Mountains National Forest.
"The sites are designed to take complete advantage of the outstanding natural attributes of the Valley, which has been a vacation base to second-home owners for more than four generations," said Waterville Company President Bill Cantlin. "We approached the development of the last one-acre homesites with respect and with the recognition that Cascade Ridge should be as special as the physical setting it is part of, and the National Forest that bounds it."
What began in the 1960s as U.S. Olympic skier Tom Corcoran's dream of the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors became the planned community of Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. Waterville Valley, two hours north of Boston, started with only 500 developable acres (of which 85% are now developed) surrounded by 700,000 acres of the White Mountain National Forest. Cascade Ridge offers one-of-a-kind homesites that abut the National Forest and face the surrounding 4,000-foot peaks, including the resort's famed ski slopes on Mt. Tecumseh. The lots offer underground utilities, protected views, thousands of protected acres on two sides, and access to cross-country skiing and hiking from the front porch.
With interest rates at a 40-year low, the market for second homes outperformed the still-strong broader housing market in nearly every region in 2002. According to a recent report in the Realty Times, "Since the September 11th attacks, more buyers are seeking vacation homes deemed more secure in small, secluded, sanctuary-like communities, away from the troubles of the world."
According to Cantlin, "Cascade Ridge continues Waterville Valley's tradition of building strong family and community ties through shared recreational experiences. In today's market, that type of investment is a rare opportunity on a variety of levels."
In the 1960s Tom Corcoran brought planning, zoning, development controls, ski lifts and lodging amenities to the Valley. It soon became the foremost ski resort in New England, hosting international ski championships and introducing new generations to the sports of alpine and cross-country skiing. A self-contained resort community of select homes and condominiums, Waterville Valley offers a selection of shops, health club, restaurants, an indoor ice skating arena, and year-round special events and festivals. A full-service conference center attracts conventions, retreats, weddings and reunions. Family golf is available in the valley, and several championship courses are a very short drive away. The town also offers a kindergarten to 8th grade school system and public transportation.
Waterville Valley has about 300 permanent residents and 1,200 seasonal families and provides a large array of year-round recreational and cultural opportunities. First settled in the 1800s, Waterville Valley catered to summer visitors who reveled in the mountain air, climbed the surrounding high peaks, fished its streams and enjoyed games of croquet, tennis and golf. Guests found renewal in the quiet of this high mountain valley. Skiing came to the Valley in the 1930s, when hardy souls climbed its old logging roads and schussed down in daring splendor.
To get more information on Cascade Ridge contact Waterville Valley Realty, at 9 Valley Road, www.watervillevalleyrealty.com or call toll-free 1-888-987-8333, ext. 200.