Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Havenwood at Hunter’s Crossing in New Braunfels offers a prime location for anyone looking to build a custom home surrounded by natural beauty, tranquility, and modern conveniences. This gated community blends luxurious living with the charm of country life, making it an ideal place for families, retirees, and professionals alike.
Building a home in Havenwood comes with its own set of requirements and considerations. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Havenwood such a desirable place to build, as well as the guidelines and regulations you’ll need to follow when constructing a custom home in this prestigious community.
Why Build in Havenwood at Hunter’s Crossing?
Havenwood at Hunter’s Crossing offers large, wooded lots that provide privacy, space, and the perfect backdrop for a dream home. The community is located in New Braunfels, a city known for its blend of small-town charm and easy access to major metropolitan areas like San Antonio and Austin.
Here are a few reasons why Havenwood stands out as an ideal location for building a custom home:
- Spacious Lots: Havenwood features generous lot sizes, typically ranging from 1 to 3 acres. This gives homeowners plenty of space for expansive floor plans, large yards, outdoor living areas, and even additional amenities like pools or guest houses.
- Natural Surroundings: The Texas Hill Country provides breathtaking views, with mature oak trees, rolling hills, and wide-open skies. The natural beauty of the area makes it easy to design a home that harmonizes with the environment.
- Amenities: While Havenwood offers the serenity of country living, it doesn’t sacrifice on modern amenities. Residents enjoy access to community pools, tennis courts, walking trails, and a park. There are also frequent community events that foster a sense of neighborhood connection.
- Convenient Location: Situated just minutes from downtown New Braunfels, Havenwood residents have easy access to excellent schools, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plus, with quick access to I-35, commuting to San Antonio or Austin is a breeze.
Requirements for Building in Havenwood at Hunter’s Crossing
As a master-planned community, Havenwood at Hunter’s Crossing has a set of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) that ensure a cohesive aesthetic and maintain property values. These requirements are designed to create a high standard of living while preserving the natural beauty of the community.
Here are the key requirements and guidelines to keep in mind when building a custom home in Havenwood:
1. Minimum Square Footage
One of the primary building requirements in Havenwood is the minimum square footage for homes. According to the CC&Rs, homes in the community must meet a certain size to maintain the luxurious and spacious character of the neighborhood. Typically, homes are required to be at least 2,400 square feet of heated and cooled space, although this can vary depending on the specific section of the community in which you’re building.
Larger homes are common in Havenwood due to the size of the lots, allowing for custom designs that include multiple bedrooms, expansive living areas, and outdoor features like covered patios or courtyards.
2. Architectural Guidelines
To preserve the aesthetics of the neighborhood, Havenwood has established architectural guidelines that homeowners and builders must adhere to. These guidelines ensure that homes complement each other and contribute to the overall charm and style of the community.
Some of the key architectural requirements include:
- Exterior Materials: The use of high-quality exterior materials is required to enhance the durability and appearance of homes. Many homes in Havenwood feature masonry exteriors, such as stone, brick, or stucco, which blend well with the Hill Country landscape.
- Roofing: Certain roofing materials may be required to ensure visual consistency and durability. Typically, high-end materials like metal or dimensional shingles are encouraged.
- Color Palettes: While homeowners have flexibility in choosing their home’s color scheme, colors must align with the overall style of the community, with earth tones and neutral hues being popular choices that reflect the natural surroundings.
- Garage Placement: Homes must include a garage, and some sections of the community may have guidelines on garage placement to maintain curb appeal and prevent garages from dominating the home’s front facade.
All home designs must be approved by the Havenwood Architectural Control Committee (ACC) before construction begins. This ensures that each home meets the community’s standards and maintains its cohesive look.
3. Landscaping Requirements
Landscaping is another important aspect of building a custom home in Havenwood at Hunter’s Crossing. The community values the preservation of its natural beauty, so landscaping plans must be carefully considered and approved by the ACC.
- Native Plants: Homeowners are encouraged to incorporate native plants and trees into their landscaping to ensure compatibility with the local environment. Using drought-resistant plants not only enhances the appearance of your property but also reduces water usage—an important consideration in the Texas Hill Country.
- Tree Preservation: Havenwood places a strong emphasis on preserving the mature trees that dot the landscape, especially the iconic Texas live oaks. Homeowners should work with their builder to minimize the removal of trees and incorporate them into their design plans where possible.
- Fencing: Fencing is allowed in Havenwood, but it must adhere to specific guidelines regarding height, materials, and placement. The goal is to ensure that fencing is aesthetically pleasing and does not obstruct the natural views of the area.
4. Setbacks and Lot Coverage
When building in Havenwood, it’s essential to be aware of the setback requirements, which dictate how far your home must be positioned from the front, sides, and rear of your lot. These setbacks help maintain privacy and create a sense of openness between homes.
- Front Setbacks: Typically, homes must be set back a certain distance from the road, allowing for attractive front yards and curb appeal. In Havenwood, front setbacks usually are 50 feet, depending on the lot size and location.
- Side and Rear Setbacks: Side and rear setbacks are also required to ensure space between neighboring properties and maintain privacy. These distances may vary but generally range from 15 to 50 feet on the sides and rear of the property.
Lot coverage guidelines dictate how much of your land can be covered by your home and any additional structures, such as garages or outbuildings. These rules ensure that homes are not overbuilt on their lots, leaving ample space for outdoor living and landscaping.
5. Utilities and Infrastructure
Havenwood at Hunter’s Crossing offers modern infrastructure and utilities, making it convenient for homeowners to build and live in the community.
- Water Supply: The community provides access to a reliable water supply, and homeowners must connect to this system. Some lots may also allow for the installation of private wells for irrigation purposes, although this is subject to local regulations.
- Sewage: Due to the large lot sizes, homes in Havenwood require private septic systems rather than being connected to a municipal sewer system. Homeowners should work with their builder and a septic system designer to ensure that the system is properly sized and installed according to county guidelines.
- Electricity and Internet: Havenwood offers access to modern utilities, including electricity and high-speed internet, making it easy to stay connected while enjoying the peaceful Hill Country surroundings.
6. Building Timeline and Process
Once you’ve chosen your lot and finalized your home design, the building process in Havenwood typically takes 8 to 14 months, depending on the size and complexity of the home. Homeowners should work closely with their builder to develop a realistic construction timeline, considering factors like permitting, weather delays, and supply chain issues.
The community’s Homeowners Association (HOA) oversees the building process, ensuring that all homes are constructed according to the established rules and guidelines. Regular inspections may be required at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with the ACC’s approval and the community’s CC&Rs.
Conclusion: Building Your Dream Home in Havenwood at Hunter’s Crossing
Building a custom home in Havenwood at Hunter’s Crossing offers the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind residence in one of the most beautiful areas of the Texas Hill Country. With spacious lots, stunning natural surroundings, and a commitment to maintaining high architectural standards, Havenwood is the ideal location for those seeking luxury living in a serene setting.
By adhering to the community’s building requirements and working with an experienced builder, you can ensure that your custom home not only fits seamlessly into the landscape but also becomes a cherished part of this prestigious neighborhood. With careful planning and attention to detail, your dream home in Havenwood will be a place where you can enjoy the best of both country living and modern convenience for years to come.