Greener Pastures

FIVE GREEN REAL ESTATE OPTIONS IN THE WEST
BY BRUCE GREENLAW

Clint Eastwood’s Tehama development covers more than 2,000 serene highland acres above Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula, offering everything from secluded meadows to rolling hills with panoramic views of the Pacific. Preserving more than 85 percent of the land as natural open space and making ample use of renewable energy while conserving water, the gated community features a fitness center with swimming pools and tennis courts, a native-tree nursery, a private golf course (membership by invitation only) and 90 home sites. The tracts range from 4 to 17 acres and cost from $2.5 to $6.25 million. Buyers are governed by design guidelines that honor the surroundings and favor thoughtful green architecture.
tehama-carmel.com

The Enchantment Way
Las Vegas, Nevada

Eleven miles from The Strip, with views encompassing everything from casinos to Red Rock Canyon, The Enchantment Way is a new five-acre gated community that will offer seven contemporary upscale vacation homes designed by Tate Snyder Kimsey to earn at least a LEED for Homes Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Amenities will include solar power, rainwater-catchment systems and straw-bale walls, not to mention indoor/outdoor kitchens, private swimming pools and a  habitat for threatened desert tortoises. Homes are scheduled to be completed by late 2008, with prices ranging from $274,900 for 1/12 fractional ownership to $2,747,000 for exclusive ownership. shareenchantment.com

Pine Glades
Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Located just seven blocks from historic Town Square and offering ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes of Snow King and views of Grand Teton National Park, Pine Glades will consist of 27 three-bedroom luxury townhomes that are on track to earn the first LEED for Homes certification in Wyoming. The environmentally friendly townhomes will cluster on five acres, with shared walls that reduce energy consumption by 40 percent, leaving 12 acres of open space. The first phase of the project should be completed in late 2008, with prices ranging from about $1.7 to $2.2 million. pineglades.com

5th and Madison
Seattle, Washington

Scaling 24 stories in the financial district, 5th and Madison’s boutique “condominiums with a conscience” are part of an entire city block that’s taking shape according to sustainable LEED standards. Condos feature open floor plans and include expansive high-performance glazing that captures views and permits natural ventilation, Energy Star-qualified appliances, formaldehyde-free and recycled building materials, efficient dual-flush toilets, a green plaza that reduces the urban heat-island effect and rainwater recycling that irrigates the landscaping. The second floor houses everything from a fitness center to a designated pet area. Condos range from an 808-square-foot unit to a 1,957-square-foot penthouse, with prices ranging from $495,000 to just under $2 million. 5thandmadison.com

Rutherford West
Driftwood, Texas

Developed by Green Builders, Inc., and occupying 612 acres in the Texas Hill Country on the site of a historic ranch, Rutherford West currently offers 53 home sites flanked by undisturbed conservation easements. Prices range from about $50,000 to $90,000. Add an Energy Star-qualified home from Green Builders, and prices start at about $345,000. The award-winning affordable homes are energy efficient, conserve water, use green materials and promote healthy living. greenbuildersinc.com and rutherfordwest.com