Build your dream home on this undeveloped 121+ acre wooded sanctuary on a private road cul-de-sac in The Reserve, a popular community in southern Lancaster County. Enjoy the opportunity to pass down to generations. Few properties in the region that are of this size, are wooded, and don't contain an existing home, and where surrounding properties cannot be developed. If you're looking for serenity, this is ideal. The Reserve comprises just 6 homes. Bordered by Steinman Run nature Preserve, a 309 acre wooded property (owned by the Lancaster County Conservancy, so it won't be developed), and Drumore Estate, a 70 acre property with a mansion which was the former summer home of Lancaster magnate John F. Steinman.
Just 15 minutes from downtown Lancaster, your idyllic home will be safely nestled in the tranquil, undisturbed beauty of this distinctive property, away from neighbors and busy roads. Enjoy the blissful peace of being in your own relaxing refuge, hidden away from the outside world. This property is like having your own personal park. Explore it using the established trail system, some of which were old logging roads. This haven has a different look and feel in each of the four seasons. You won't tire of the never-ending beauty of this retreat. Enjoy abundant wildlife such as deer, squirrels, hawks, owls, and much more. There is no better therapy than to sit along the Steinman Run, which flows through the property. There is even a small waterfall. This soothing waterway is home to minnows, frogs, and the occasional turtle. You could easily spend hours listening to water make its way downstream. Relax on one of the many rock outcroppings perched atop the hills to view your personal paradise and to enjoy a higher view.
A bit of history . . . The property once contained several charcoal pits, which were used to make charcoal for nearby Martic Forge in the mid 1800's. Evidence of those pits still exist on the tract. The property was once part of the Drumore Estates, before that vast tract was subdivided to create The Reserve. Drumore Estates was founded in 1938 when Lancaster newspaper magnate & philanthropist John F. Steinman sought out a hilltop in the Lancaster County countryside to build a peaceful retreat. This estate is situated on the second highest peak in Lancaster County. Philadelphia architect Robert R. McGoodwin was commissioned to design the 16,000 square foot brick Georgian mansion so that it best complimented the natural beauty of the property. The mansion property adjoins this property.
To ensure the natural aesthetic of The Reserve and to maintain its private drive (Vestral Drive), an HOA has been established, averaging approximately$200.00 per year. Up to two horses are also allowed. To protect Steinman Run and the waterways to which it flows, a conservation easement along the stream has been established in cooperation with the Lancaster County Conservancy to ensure Steinman Run will be maintained in its current pristine condition. This ensures your enjoyment of this unique asset of this property.
The current owners have been conscientious stewards of the property. They have maintained the established trails and created new ones to further enjoy the beauty of this serene oasis . They have worked to keep the property in its natural, unspoiled state while looking ahead to ensure this forest will thrive in the years to come. They worked with a state forestry agency & with the U.S. Forest Service to have a Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) created for the property. A FSP provides the landowners with the information and tools they need to manage their forests and woodlands by protecting air quality, wildlife habitat, natural beauty, and establishing watershed protection. It has achieved a "Stewardship Forest" designation.
Enjoying the pride of your custom dream home, along with the peaceful and natural splendor of this property, is truly a unique, generational opportunity.