"Although this will be resort-style living, I don't see these as secondary homes," Oliver said. "I think these will be for the guy who's going to like to be there and will think 'I've got my own little area and community' up there.
"These won't necessarily be for the first-time buyer, but maybe for someone who wants to get a nice piece of property and possibly take a step up. They'll have their own bit of heaven 20 minutes away from here (Hagerstown)."
Homes at Deerwood Mountain will start in the mid-$200,000s and range up to $400,000-plus. Vogel said buyers will be able to work off a variety of Oliver plans, including cape cod, single-story and two-story models, or have a custom home built.
Oliver said stone, brick and stucco facings will be extensively used in many of the homes.
"We trying to avoid the acres of vinyl siding aspect you get in some subdivisions," he said. "We want to have a nice mix of homes in this development that will fit in with the setting up there.
"I can see where someone might want to customize and go with a sort of chalet style with a lot of windows up there. There are really some lots where you could get a nice view by doing that."
Vogel said the exteriors will be designed in shades such as tans and sierras (which he described as a driftwood shade) that will fit in harmoniously with the wooded surroundings. Homes will include low-e windows, heavy insulation and other energy-efficient features. Other modern touches such as gas fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and large master suites will highlight many of the designs.
A single road, Deerwood Drive, will serve the development, ensuring there won't be heavy vehicular traffic. Some of the homes will be located off cul-de-sacs. Homes near the development entrance will be at the lower end of the price range, with homes rising in value to the uphill end of the road.
Even though a model hasn't been completed yet, Oliver said buyers have already placed deposits on some of the lots.
"It can be an advantage to get in early and not only to get the lot you want," he said. "You can also save money, because our experience recently has been that the price could go $20,000 or $30,000 higher if you wait around for a year. These will be affordable homes in a gorgeous area."
Vogel said Oliver Homes expects to have a model completed at the development by late spring.
For more information on Deerwood Mountain Estates, contact Oliver Homes at 301-797-0000 or e-mail: info@oliverhomes.com.
