SerpApi.Org
When people visit the future site of Wildhaven Reserve, an upcoming resort and home development, they're often surprised by what they see.
Between Denton and Sanger, the topography is unusual for North Texas, said Larry Spelts, managing director and co-developer of Wildhaven.
"We have dynamic topography with high ridge lines that have long unobstructed views," Spelts said. "It's really extraordinary because everyone we bring out to see the site who is from the area is frankly somewhat gobsmacked when they see. They say ‘Oh my God, this looks like hill country.'"
The real estate firm An Ki Land Development LLC is hoping to capitalize on the rolling hills and unobstructed views in the area. The developer is building a 740-acre mixed-use development in Denton that will be themed for an active Western lifestyle.
Wildhaven will include residential living, multifamily housing and outdoor recreation, according to a news release. The site will have about 150 residential lots, up to 500 multifamily units, a 120-bed hotel including cabins, two restaurants, a spa, commercial uses and other amenities.
Second to the site's views, Spelts said the project is noteworthy because of its planned housing density. Building 150 homes within a nearly 750-acre property allows home density to be low and home sites will be a minimum of one acre, Spelts said. About 300 acres will be open space, he said.
"It's consistent with the idea or the ethos of the membership club, which is enjoying the outdoors and outdoor recreation," Spelts said. "And we just felt like there needed to be plenty of open space."
Spelts said that Wildhaven is aiming for homebuyers that are discerning and want more privacy than what some denser developments might offer. Early estimates for the homes include a price range of $1 million to $3 million, Spelts said. The Argyle-based company Noble Classic Homes is a home builder on the project.
The hospitality and club portions of the development will have a combined development cost of about $250 million, Spelts said. The total value of the lot sales are undetermined. An Ki Land Development is working to raise equity and secure financing for the project, then the company expects to build assets like the hotel, spa and clubhouse within 24 months, he said.
Wildhaven aspires to have four locations, each with a different recreational focus, he said. The Texas location will focus on a Texas equestrian lifestyle with roping, horseback riding and trails, he said. The Texas location will be the first in the series of projects. The development company hosted its first event at the site for founding members on Thursday, Spelts said.
A planned location in Colorado will focus on ski opportunities, a site in North Carolina will be golf-focused and the last development will be an oceanfront location. Wildhaven operates as a membership club, giving members access to all of the locations and club privileges.
"We'll have great access to all of the infrastructure necessary for Western lifestyle and for people who live in the Wildhaven Reserve community to be able to very conveniently keep their horse nearby, and to be able to ride their horse on our trails, and use our arena for, whether it's dressage or whatever type of equestrian activity they enjoy," Spelts said.
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