Lake MacLeod matches amenities with the natural environment

Low interest rates and good value make for great opportunities in the housing market, and so do communities that stand out from the crowd. A newly developed community can strike a special chord, creating a heightened sense of anticipation. That was the case recently at Lake MacLeod in Pine Township, where Shipley Brothers Development, Inc. held a Grand Opening for 36 new lots now available at the pristine community. The lots are the final phase in the carefully planned, wooded development of 75 home sites, where sparkling, 10-acre Lake MacLeod serves as the centerpiece.

Brothers Neal and Tim Shipley originally began planning the community in 2001, and first opened it to the public three years later. With a background in resort development, the Shipleys saw Lake Macleod as an amenities-based community. From the outset, the brothers were intent on complementing and enhancing the beautiful surroundings. The guiding principle in developing the 152-acre site, said Tim Shipley, general partner and president of Shipley Brothers Development, was to “tread lightly on the environment.”

The concept intrigued Bill Dietrich, director of new homes for Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services. “We look for developments that are varied and different,” said Dietrich. Having found one in Lake MacLeod, Coldwell Banker Real Estate has been involved with the development since its earliest stages.

Beyond the stone-walled, tree-lined entry, a rustic timber bridge leads to Lake MacLeod, setting the environmentally sensitive tone. More than a third of the community is devoted to open space, including a 40-foot wide greenway that circles the community’s perimeter. Contoured to the natural topography, with acre-plus lots and frontages of 200 feet or more, Lake MacLeod provides a perfect setting for architectural and technical innovation. “We have the ‘A’ list of builders in the Pittsburgh region,” said Tim Shipley. Their homes represent an eclectic mix of stunning styles and designs, tucked discreetly away or under construction on previously developed lots.

An example of available technology and innovation is as near as the 1,200-square-foot Boathouse, a community center situated on the shore of Lake MacLeod. Accessible to all home sites by walking and hiking paths, the energy-efficient Boathouse was built with cutting-edge technologies. It represents some of the best thinking in new home design, and serves as a showcase for builders, manufacturers and installers. At the same time, with its welcoming stone fireplace and great waterfront views, the Boathouse serves the residents in many ways, including as a gathering place. It is the perfect jumping-off point for relaxing, boating and fishing.

A mile-long trail encircles Lake MacLeod. The trail includes five fitness stations, while providing access to two neighborhood parks, picnic areas, the boathouse and separate fishing piers.

True to their vision, the Shipley brothers have built a pristine community, preserving and enhancing its natural environment. Now, with the opening of the last 36 lots, others will get the chance to share in the vision that created Lake MacLeod.