How to Build a Custom Home | The Pinehills

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How to build a custom home.

And other useful tips.

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

P l y m o u t h ,

T H E

P I N E H I L L S

M a s s a c h u s e t t s

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First things

first.

W hen you come to The Pinehills and take a look around, only then do you begin to comprehend the beauty and magnitude of this place. And, like us, you may find the experience a bit humbling.

Actually, that’s a good way to begin thinking about building a custom home.

It helps us keep our priorities straight. It reminds us that nature is much more than just another amenity—it’s the defining feature of The Pinehills.

And it leads us to a refreshingly different idea of what a custom home can be.

Here, “custom” is not just about square footage; it’s about fitting the land.

It’s not just about bells and whistles; it’s about harmony in everyday life.

It’s not just about exclusivity; it’s about inclusivity (if that’s not a word, it ought to be) and all the things that make a community a community.

When all is said and done, we want you to have an experience you’ll remember with pleasure. That’s why we’re presenting you with this book. It’s an introduction to The Pinehills and our custom homes. But more importantly, it’s a collection of things to think about as you look ahead and consider your own priorities.

e n j o y .

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Define tip

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“custom.”

Find your comfort level.

W hen you start looking closely at the idea of “custom,” you find that it means different things to different people. For instance, you might be the kind of person who wants to be involved in every decision at every step of the process. Or you might be very busy and want only to be consulted on certain key points. You might want to start with a blank sheet of paper and create something original.

Or you might prefer to see a variety of plans and modify from there.

The beauty of custom at The Pinehills is that you can do any of the above. Or something in between.

H ere, the very meaning of custom is customizable.

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tip

There’s a home

in your head.

N o w, h o w t o g e t i t o u t .

I n other words, let’s find a way to communicate your vision to your architect/builder/designer so that they know exactly what you have in mind. First, think about the people and the things you love. What makes you happy? Write it down.

Think about your personal style. Can you describe it in words? Feel free to use visual aids. Cut out pictures that are close to the mark. Think about art pieces, collections, books, heirlooms and other objects of inspiration that you may want to showcase in your new home. These are your touchstones.

Stepping stones to bigger things.

S T A R T

H E R E .

What do you love? Name five things.

1} 2} 3} 4} 5}

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tip

Choose a location

that feels worthy.

I t ’ s p a r t o f t h e d r e a m, t o o .

D o not compromise on this. Make sure you choose the kind of place that makes a great home even better. A place, say, with lush pine forests and picturesque ponds. Hills and valleys and winding roads. Here and there, a glimpse through the trees of manicured golf fairways.

And, nestled into the landscape, beautiful homes clustered in a way that brings people together and creates a real sense of community.

You want the kind of place that begs for windows, lots of windows, because there is so much to see. A place that’s so full of surprises, it will always feel new. A place like The Pinehills, for instance.

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Imagine how you will tip

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spend your day.

And the next day. And the next...

W e’re adaptable creatures by nature. We tend to make adjustments and compromises to squeeze our remarkably full and complex lives into limited time and space. This is just how life is. But if a custom home represents anything, it is an opportunity to do the opposite: to make home conform to the way we live. What a refreshing thought that, finally, you can have a music room where your Steinway concert grand can pop its top and stretch its legs. Or a kitchen and a dining room where inviting your neighbors (say, ten or twelve of them) to dinner is no problem. Or a rec/tech room just for the kids. Because, ultimately, the beauty of a home is in what it makes possible.

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tip

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Wa k e

up.

How to deprogram.

I t’s a curious thing that the more peaceful your surroundings, the more you notice. Imagine waking up, not to an alarm clock, but to the call of a mockingbird. You step out onto your deck and take a deep breath of crisp, pine-scented air. You feel the warmth of the rising sun. Then you smell the coffee. And instead of wishing for this moment to pass, you are perfectly content to dwell in it. Savor it.

And make it last.

There will be many moments l i k e t h i s .

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How to select tip

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a home site.

No two are alike.

W hen it comes to selecting your home site, there is no substitute for getting out of your car and walking the land. Many times. Notice the way it changes with the rising and setting of the sun. Learn the topography and how your home will fit into it. We’ll show you how we go to great lengths to preserve the trees and the natural contours of the terrain. We’ll make you an expert in glacial land formations. We’ll surround you with natural beauty so spectacular, you’ll feel it—from the toes up.

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Custom begins tip

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with choice.

Actually, lots of choices.

In a world where you can order a decaf soy cappuccino (extra foam, please) without causing a single raised eyebrow, it only stands to reason that your custom home choices at The Pinehills would be ... let us say, abundant. First, we give you a distinguished group of custom builders to choose from, each offering a unique design portfolio and fresh interpretations of traditional New England architecture. Or you can choose one of our preferred architects and create your own original plan. We’ll also introduce you to a variety of home sites in several different neighborhoods, featuring ocean, woodland or golf course views. Lots of choices. But don’t worry, you’ll have expert guidance along the way.

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tip

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Stay

fit.

Ta k e a w a l k . Ta k e a f r i e n d .

T he Pinehills is the kind of place that knocks on your door and asks if you can come out to play. It’s a gregarious kind of place that likes to be among friends.

Over at the pool, on the courts, or in the fitness room at The Stonebridge Club.

Along the countless miles of walking trails. In shops and businesses that surround The Village Green. And on the fairways of two world-class golf courses. Heck, just walking to pick up your mail can be an occasion to run into friends . . . and walk together. Because the key to staying fit is not having to think about it much. Just go about your day. Oh, and as for the cookies at The Summerhouse, pace yourself.

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M a k e s u r e y o u r community tip

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has a plan.

And not just any old plan.

W e’re talking a well-thought-out, one-in-a-million kind of plan here. In fact, you should be able to look at the community map and tell several things right from the start. That there is a certain sensitivity to the natural landscape. That homes and roads are placed with care to save trees and open space and view corridors.

You might see a commercial district with a mix of shops and services coming together to create a village atmosphere. And if you’re lucky, it will also feature a couple of championship golf courses by Rees Jones and Nicklaus Design. Then it might earn the same kind of recognition that The Pinehills has.

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Ta k e

good notes.

No, there won’t be a test.

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33 summerhouse drive plymouth, ma 02360 508-240-2000

www.pinehills.com take route 3 to exit 3