Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

Across the country, theres a new type of community emerging: luxury ecovillages. Catering to homeowners who want to lower their impact on the environment without compromising on quality of life, there are plenty of reasons to believe that these exclusive neighborhoods will only become more popular in the coming future. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, here are few reasons to get excited about the new trend.

Sustainability
A defining feature of these communities, of course, is their focus on smart design and renewable energy, like geothermal heating and cooling systems. In addition to promoting an environmentally friendly way of life, however, these features will likely also be sought after for those who are experiencing a wake-up call during this current crisis. Luxury homeowners who want to be prepared in the event of catastrophe can enjoy peace of mind in a home that runs on alternative energy sources.

Wellness
Wellness is practically synonymous with luxury these days, so it should come as no surprise that there is an emphasis on taking care of oneself. Health-conscious individuals can expect an atmosphere that rivals a five-star resort, with spa facilities, yoga studios and fitness centers. Ecovillages also tend to embrace nature with an abundance of trails and outdoor activities at your disposal.

Culture and Community
These full-service neighborhoods strive to have everything you could ever need within the enclave to allow for a walkable lifestyle rather than having to drive everywhere. That means they can boast a wide range of restaurants and boutique shops, as well as concert halls, theaters and even farmers markets right outside your door. In the top-tier, concierge services are part of the package to ensure a stress-free lifestyle.

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Is there anything more soothing than an aromatic cup of tea? If youre looking for a perfect home activity that will leave you feeling both productive and relaxed, try planting a small tea garden outside the house. Heres a quick rundown of whatll you need to know before enjoying your homegrown herbal blend.

Pick Your Herbs
With an abundance of herbs to choose from, picking the right ones to grow is a matter of personal preference. If you want a tea that will aid in digestion, then peppermint and fennel are both excellent options. For a cup you can sip in the evening before bed, herbs like lavender, lemon balm and chamomile can help you fall asleep at night.

Use Containers
Even if you have ample space in the backyard, containers are usually ideal for several reasons. For starters, certain herbs, like mint and lemon balm, are known to spread rapidly. Containers can prevent them from taking over your garden. Another benefit is that you can bring the containers inside when temperatures drop and easily turn it into an indoor herb garden.

Prepare to Harvest
When theyre ready to be harvested, the ideal time is widely considered to be early morning right after the dew has evaporated. Interestingly, the time of day that its plucked can significantly impact the flavor of your tea. Youll want to first clip the stem below the leaves, and once its been cut, you can pick the leaves off. For flowering herbs, its best to harvest right before they start to bloom.

Dry and Store
While you can certainly brew a cup of tea with fresh herbs, you can also dry the herbs and keep them for up to a year. There are various methods for doing so, such as placing them in a food dehydrator or the oven on low heat. You can also simply bundle the herbs together and hang them to air-dry. Afterward, be sure to properly store your dried herbs in an air-tight container.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Everyone wants a home with breathtaking views. From cityscapes to mountain vistas and everything in between, theres no denying that impressive views will always help to lure luxury homebuyers. Thats why its important to make the most of your propertys panoramas before putting it on the market. Following are a few tips to ensure that your homes surroundings are on full display.

Oversized Windows
It probably goes without saying, but more windows means more views. Walls of glass are the perfect way to frame an unforgettable backdrop and quite literally bring the scenery into your house. By opening your home up to far-ranging views, the interiors can benefit from a unique sense of space with visual drama.

Thoughtful Landscaping
You might want to consider pruning any trees or bushes that block your views. Ideally, your landscaping should enhance the scenery, not take away from it, while also maintaining privacy. Working with a professional landscape architect can go a long way when undertaking such a project, as theyll know just how to maximize views and sun exposure in your home.

Decorate Accordingly
There are a couple of factors that come into play when considering how interior design can impact your view. For example, low-slung furniture can be useful to avoid creating obstructions in a room, and the color palette that you choose should complement the scenery. You can also try using mirrors to showcase surprising reflections, but be careful about adding any dramatic focal points that command the eye and compete with the views.

Focus on Seating Arrangements
Try to create seating areas that capture the best viewpoints in the house. By focusing on the furniture arrangement, as well as the flow of traffic, you can naturally guide people to your homes most impressive vistas. Taking the time to walk throughout your residence and even around the exterior can be a helpful way to pinpoint these spaces.

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As we shift into summer, theres no better time to tackle a fun DIY project for the backyard. If youre the type who likes to build things with your hands, you can make an exciting addition to your outdoor living space and enjoy a sense of accomplishment each time you step into the yard. Following are several ideas to help you get creative outside of the house.

And, of course, if youre not a big DIYer, you can always hire a professional to build these items for you.

Wood-Fired Hot Tub
Want the perfect place to unwind after a long day of work? Try building a wood-fired hot tub for your deck or patio. A wooden barrel design thats heated with a stove will offer a timeless look that fits right into any backyard. While there are many different options for the type of wood, cedar is likely your best choice for withstanding the elements. Once its done, you can enjoy a hot soak under the stars all year round.

Chicken Coop
Backyard chickens are having a moment, which is something that nobody ever expected to hear. Nonetheless, if you want to have farm-fresh eggs just a few steps away from your kitchen each morning, then you might want to consider getting on board with this trend. A small chicken coop is all youll need to keep your new pet happy and it makes for a unique backyard feature that anyone can build.

Treehouse
Want to give your kids a fun place to play outside the house this summer? A backyard treehouse is every childs dream come true. These days, there are no limits to what you can build, as some luxury homeowners have gone above and beyond with treehouses where the kids can comfortably spend the night, complete with electricity and all.

Sauna
If you want to embrace the Finnish tradition of sauna, then why not build one in the backyard? Sure, you might not be using it as much in the summer, but as soon as winter rolls around, itll be the ideal spot to escape for some peace and quiet while reaping the benefits of heat therapy.

Published with permission from RISMedia.