Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lots cost in Birds of a Feather LGBT community?
Prices for lots are located on the lot pricing page of our web site. Please call or e-mail to request additional information about the re-sale lots available in Phase I or the newly created lots available in Phase II, which we are calling Hawk's Landing at Birds of a Feather Community. All of the lots in our community range in size from 1/4 to 3+ acres and are pine-forested. Many of our lots have magnificent views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
What types of housing styles are available?
Currently, there are four types of homes for you to choose from... Casitas, EcoNests, Los Nidos and custom designed single-family homes. As of March, 2013 we are also offering a "little house" of approximately 900 sq. ft. on "casita lots" 1 - 4 of phase I. Call or write for details about any of our housing options.
EcoNests are simple, elegant, and healthful handcrafted dwellings that welcome owner participation in their construction. The EcoNest utilizes natural building techniques including: timber framing, straw/clay walls, earth plastering, and natural non-toxic finishes throughout. These homes are healthy, energy efficient and built to last. Standard floor plans are available or you may custom design your own EcoNest by working with architect and baubiologist, Paula Baker-Laporte.
Single family homes may be custom designed or you may choose from one of our preferred builders' floor plans. We highly recommend that homes be designed for simplicity of form and construction and therefore, be less consumptive of energy and resources. Some alternative building materials to consider are E-Crete, Faswall or Insulated Concrete Form (ICFs) because of the enormous energy savings available and the resistance to fire for up to three hours. Homes using these materials are also extremely sound proof.
Casitas are pre-designed floor plans of 1620 sq. ft. Casitas are grouped by twos and are mirror images of each other, but there are no common walls. There are double car garages in the center with a walkway between them. Each 2 bedroom/2 bath casita is located on an individual lot with its own driveway.
Los Nidos or "the nests" are our 1275 and 1425 sq. ft. architect designed homes to be built on Lots 5 -10 of Phase II. You may "feather your nest" with many energy efficient and eco-friendly materials using LEED/US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building techniques. The homes will be situated on magnificent pine-forested sites ranging in size from one-half to one acre. Lot pricing also includes all underground utilities and a state-of-the-art advanced nitrate wastewater treatment system. High speed wireless internet service is currently available. DSL coming soon! Buy one of these lots and take up to five years to begin construction of your home!
Our covenants currently state that all homes must be a minimum of 900 sq. ft. and a maximum of 3000 sq. ft. in size. Free standing studios, offices or guest houses of up to 600 sq. ft. are also allowed on individual single-family lots. There are two casita lots large enough to accomodate a guest house or studio/office. As of October, 2012 the HOA Board members have approved the concept of offering a smaller home of approximately 900 sq. ft. on casita lots 1-4 of Phase I.
Our covenants also require that homes be conceived and constructed in the Santa Fe spirit using traditional "Southwestern" architecture or contemporary versions thereof.
How much will homes cost and who will build them?
We have chosen Prull & Associates as our primary builder for the casitas, although you may choose any builder from our preferred list. We are attempting to keep the cost as affordable as possible for the 1620 sq. ft. base unit casitas with several options to customize homes available if desired.
We have chosen Palo Santo Designs as the builder for our Los Nidos home/lot packages.
Single-family homes may be designed by an architect, designer or builder of your choice (after approval), but must adhere to the design covenants and restrictions of the community. We will have several preferred local builders for you to choose from to build your custom home. You may also choose from our preferred builders' existing floor plans. Building costs for custom homes and casitas begin at approximately $220 per square foot. EcoNests tend to run a bit higher per square foot because of all of the natural materials used in their construction.
When did lot and home sales and ground breaking begin?
Lot and home sales in Phase I began in May 2004. All eighteen lots in Phase I were sold-out by the fall of 2006. We began offering our first four lots in Phase II, called Hawk's Landing, in 2010. Seven additional lots in Phase II became available in 2012. Two of these new lots have been sold as of October, 2012.
The rough cutting and shaping of roads and the installation of drainage culverts were completed in September 2002. Underground utilities were installed in the summer/fall of 2004. Roads in the subdivision were completed in the fall of 2004. Home building began in December 2005 with Bonnie's EcoNest. There are currently eight occupied homes in our community. Four additional homes are currently scheduled to begin construction in the next two years. Lot owners have five years from the date of lot purchase to begin building their homes. A two year extension to build can be purchased for a minimal fee. Our goal is to create a community where you would like to live, feel safe and develop connections with neighbors and friends!
Are floor plans available?
Floor plans for casitas are available on our web site or in our online brochure. Two different size floor plans for Los Nidos are available on our website. Econest standard floor plans are available from Paula Baker-Laporte, the architect who designed and created Econests with her builder, husband, Robert Laporte. Single-family homes will be custom designed or you may choose from one of our preferred builder's floor plans.
What are the design covenants for the community?
The design covenants and restrictions were originally filed with San Miguel County in January 2005. Revised covenants were filed in January 2010. Our disclosure statement is filed with San Miguel County. Both documents are available for review upon request.
Will there be a Birds of a Feather Homeowner's Association and if so, how will it be run and who will determine the policies/bylaws?
Anyone owning a lot and the developer (as long as Bonnie owns lots) are members of the Homeowners Association. Each lot will have voting rights (see covenants for details). Members of the Association elect a Board of Directors. There are currently five members as of January, 2013. The Association is responsible for design review, protection of property owners' rights and maintenance of all common areas, roadways, utilities and trails. (refer to covenants for details).
Will there be an annual fee for the Homeowner's Association members?
Yes, the fee currently provides for all maintenance of common areas and roads. The Board Members of the Homeowner's Association determine the services covered and the annual fee. Currently, the annual fee is $450 and covers such things as maintenance/repair of our electronic gate, split-rail fencing, roads, street signs, landscape lighting, fire hydrants and weeding. We anticipate that this fee will be raised in the future as more residents move into our community and more maintenance of roads and common areas will be required. Our goal is to keep this fee as low as possible while still maintaining the beauty and upkeep of our community!
Will pets be allowed?
Yes, dogs, cats, birds and other typical household pets will be allowed. A limit to the number of each type of animal per household has been tentatively set as a "reasonable" number per lot as long as they are not offensive to neighbors.
Will horses be allowed?
Yes, a stable is proposed for the future for a limited number of horses. Riding will be restricted to areas marked for trail riding and the acres of adjoining National Forest Land.
Who will live in this LGBT community?
Birds of a Feather Community has been marketed primarily to gays and lesbians, but is open to anyone who is looking to purchase property for a second home or vacation home with eventual retirement in mind, or are currently retired and looking for a community where they can live an active lifestyle and grow older with friends and neighbors. Several people not yet of retirement age are currently living in our community full-time while continuing to work at home based businesses or commuting. High speed internet is available through satellite or wireless and DSL will be available in the very near future from our local telephone company. Our community welcomes anyone wishing to live harmoniously in a non-traditional, lesbian & gay community. We will not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, age or familial status.
Can I make provisions in my will to leave my home/property to my heirs?
Yes, you may leave your property to whomever you desire.
Will there be assisted living or aging in place services available?
Plans for assisted-living housing will be considered in later stages of the development. We are a multi-generational community with the average age of people interested in our community being the mid-forties to late sixties. Of course, we have had both younger and older people express an interest in our community. We feel that our residents will be well prepared to "age in place" because of the relationships developed in the community and the support and care residents will provide each other, as we grow older together.
Will there be commercial services available?
The future community center* plans include exercise facilities, hobby room, small theater room for watching movies, lectures and/or classes, library, kitchen, dining room (dance hall) and fireplace. Other community amenities proposed include "pocket" parks, community gardens, trails and a dog park. Custom street signs, split-rail fencing and an electronic entrance gate for security have already been installed.
*All future plans are dependent on financing from members in the form of a Community Equity Membership fee (call or write for details) and approval from County and State agencies. Members of the Homeowners Association will ultimately decide the timing, size and features of the proposed community center based on cost of amenities desired.
EcoNests are simple, elegant, and healthful handcrafted dwellings that welcome owner participation in their construction. The EcoNest utilizes natural building techniques including: timber framing, straw/clay walls, earth plastering, and natural non-toxic finishes throughout. These homes are healthy, energy efficient and built to last. Standard floor plans are available or you may custom design your own EcoNest by working with architect and baubiologist, Paula Baker-Laporte.
Single family homes may be custom designed or you may choose from one of our preferred builders' floor plans. We highly recommend that homes be designed for simplicity of form and construction and therefore, be less consumptive of energy and resources. Some alternative building materials to consider are E-Crete, Faswall or Insulated Concrete Form (ICFs) because of the enormous energy savings available and the resistance to fire for up to three hours. Homes using these materials are also extremely sound proof.
Casitas are pre-designed floor plans of 1620 sq. ft. Casitas are grouped by twos and are mirror images of each other, but there are no common walls. There are double car garages in the center with a walkway between them. Each 2 bedroom/2 bath casita is located on an individual lot with its own driveway.
Los Nidos or "the nests" are our 1275 and 1425 sq. ft. architect designed homes to be built on Lots 5 -10 of Phase II. You may "feather your nest" with many energy efficient and eco-friendly materials using LEED/US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building techniques. The homes will be situated on magnificent pine-forested sites ranging in size from one-half to one acre. Lot pricing also includes all underground utilities and a state-of-the-art advanced nitrate wastewater treatment system. High speed wireless internet service is currently available. DSL coming soon! Buy one of these lots and take up to five years to begin construction of your home!
Our covenants currently state that all homes must be a minimum of 900 sq. ft. and a maximum of 3000 sq. ft. in size. Free standing studios, offices or guest houses of up to 600 sq. ft. are also allowed on individual single-family lots. There are two casita lots large enough to accomodate a guest house or studio/office. As of October, 2012 the HOA Board members have approved the concept of offering a smaller home of approximately 900 sq. ft. on casita lots 1-4 of Phase I.
Our covenants also require that homes be conceived and constructed in the Santa Fe spirit using traditional "Southwestern" architecture or contemporary versions thereof.
How much will homes cost and who will build them?
We have chosen Prull & Associates as our primary builder for the casitas, although you may choose any builder from our preferred list. We are attempting to keep the cost as affordable as possible for the 1620 sq. ft. base unit casitas with several options to customize homes available if desired.
We have chosen Palo Santo Designs as the builder for our Los Nidos home/lot packages.
Single-family homes may be designed by an architect, designer or builder of your choice (after approval), but must adhere to the design covenants and restrictions of the community. We will have several preferred local builders for you to choose from to build your custom home. You may also choose from our preferred builders' existing floor plans. Building costs for custom homes and casitas begin at approximately $220 per square foot. EcoNests tend to run a bit higher per square foot because of all of the natural materials used in their construction.
When did lot and home sales and ground breaking begin?
Lot and home sales in Phase I began in May 2004. All eighteen lots in Phase I were sold-out by the fall of 2006. We began offering our first four lots in Phase II, called Hawk's Landing, in 2010. Seven additional lots in Phase II became available in 2012. Two of these new lots have been sold as of October, 2012.
The rough cutting and shaping of roads and the installation of drainage culverts were completed in September 2002. Underground utilities were installed in the summer/fall of 2004. Roads in the subdivision were completed in the fall of 2004. Home building began in December 2005 with Bonnie's EcoNest. There are currently eight occupied homes in our community. Four additional homes are currently scheduled to begin construction in the next two years. Lot owners have five years from the date of lot purchase to begin building their homes. A two year extension to build can be purchased for a minimal fee. Our goal is to create a community where you would like to live, feel safe and develop connections with neighbors and friends!
Are floor plans available?
Floor plans for casitas are available on our web site or in our online brochure. Two different size floor plans for Los Nidos are available on our website. Econest standard floor plans are available from Paula Baker-Laporte, the architect who designed and created Econests with her builder, husband, Robert Laporte. Single-family homes will be custom designed or you may choose from one of our preferred builder's floor plans.
What are the design covenants for the community?
The design covenants and restrictions were originally filed with San Miguel County in January 2005. Revised covenants were filed in January 2010. Our disclosure statement is filed with San Miguel County. Both documents are available for review upon request.
Will there be a Birds of a Feather Homeowner's Association and if so, how will it be run and who will determine the policies/bylaws?
Anyone owning a lot and the developer (as long as Bonnie owns lots) are members of the Homeowners Association. Each lot will have voting rights (see covenants for details). Members of the Association elect a Board of Directors. There are currently five members as of January, 2013. The Association is responsible for design review, protection of property owners' rights and maintenance of all common areas, roadways, utilities and trails. (refer to covenants for details).
Will there be an annual fee for the Homeowner's Association members?
Yes, the fee currently provides for all maintenance of common areas and roads. The Board Members of the Homeowner's Association determine the services covered and the annual fee. Currently, the annual fee is $450 and covers such things as maintenance/repair of our electronic gate, split-rail fencing, roads, street signs, landscape lighting, fire hydrants and weeding. We anticipate that this fee will be raised in the future as more residents move into our community and more maintenance of roads and common areas will be required. Our goal is to keep this fee as low as possible while still maintaining the beauty and upkeep of our community!
Will pets be allowed?
Yes, dogs, cats, birds and other typical household pets will be allowed. A limit to the number of each type of animal per household has been tentatively set as a "reasonable" number per lot as long as they are not offensive to neighbors.
Will horses be allowed?
Yes, a stable is proposed for the future for a limited number of horses. Riding will be restricted to areas marked for trail riding and the acres of adjoining National Forest Land.
Who will live in this LGBT community?
Birds of a Feather Community has been marketed primarily to gays and lesbians, but is open to anyone who is looking to purchase property for a second home or vacation home with eventual retirement in mind, or are currently retired and looking for a community where they can live an active lifestyle and grow older with friends and neighbors. Several people not yet of retirement age are currently living in our community full-time while continuing to work at home based businesses or commuting. High speed internet is available through satellite or wireless and DSL will be available in the very near future from our local telephone company. Our community welcomes anyone wishing to live harmoniously in a non-traditional, lesbian & gay community. We will not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, age or familial status.
Can I make provisions in my will to leave my home/property to my heirs?
Yes, you may leave your property to whomever you desire.
Will there be assisted living or aging in place services available?
Plans for assisted-living housing will be considered in later stages of the development. We are a multi-generational community with the average age of people interested in our community being the mid-forties to late sixties. Of course, we have had both younger and older people express an interest in our community. We feel that our residents will be well prepared to "age in place" because of the relationships developed in the community and the support and care residents will provide each other, as we grow older together.
Will there be commercial services available?
The future community center* plans include exercise facilities, hobby room, small theater room for watching movies, lectures and/or classes, library, kitchen, dining room (dance hall) and fireplace. Other community amenities proposed include "pocket" parks, community gardens, trails and a dog park. Custom street signs, split-rail fencing and an electronic entrance gate for security have already been installed.
*All future plans are dependent on financing from members in the form of a Community Equity Membership fee (call or write for details) and approval from County and State agencies. Members of the Homeowners Association will ultimately decide the timing, size and features of the proposed community center based on cost of amenities desired.
Lot and home sales in Phase I began in May 2004. All eighteen lots in Phase I were sold-out by the fall of 2006. We began offering our first four lots in Phase II, called Hawk's Landing, in 2010. Seven additional lots in Phase II became available in 2012. Two of these new lots have been sold as of October, 2012.
The rough cutting and shaping of roads and the installation of drainage culverts were completed in September 2002. Underground utilities were installed in the summer/fall of 2004. Roads in the subdivision were completed in the fall of 2004. Home building began in December 2005 with Bonnie's EcoNest. There are currently eight occupied homes in our community. Four additional homes are currently scheduled to begin construction in the next two years. Lot owners have five years from the date of lot purchase to begin building their homes. A two year extension to build can be purchased for a minimal fee. Our goal is to create a community where you would like to live, feel safe and develop connections with neighbors and friends!
What are the design covenants for the community?
The design covenants and restrictions were originally filed with San Miguel County in January 2005. Revised covenants were filed in January 2010. Our disclosure statement is filed with San Miguel County. Both documents are available for review upon request.
Will there be a Birds of a Feather Homeowner's Association and if so, how will it be run and who will determine the policies/bylaws?
Anyone owning a lot and the developer (as long as Bonnie owns lots) are members of the Homeowners Association. Each lot will have voting rights (see covenants for details). Members of the Association elect a Board of Directors. There are currently five members as of January, 2013. The Association is responsible for design review, protection of property owners' rights and maintenance of all common areas, roadways, utilities and trails. (refer to covenants for details).
Will there be an annual fee for the Homeowner's Association members?
Yes, the fee currently provides for all maintenance of common areas and roads. The Board Members of the Homeowner's Association determine the services covered and the annual fee. Currently, the annual fee is $450 and covers such things as maintenance/repair of our electronic gate, split-rail fencing, roads, street signs, landscape lighting, fire hydrants and weeding. We anticipate that this fee will be raised in the future as more residents move into our community and more maintenance of roads and common areas will be required. Our goal is to keep this fee as low as possible while still maintaining the beauty and upkeep of our community!
Will pets be allowed?
Yes, dogs, cats, birds and other typical household pets will be allowed. A limit to the number of each type of animal per household has been tentatively set as a "reasonable" number per lot as long as they are not offensive to neighbors.
Will horses be allowed?
Yes, a stable is proposed for the future for a limited number of horses. Riding will be restricted to areas marked for trail riding and the acres of adjoining National Forest Land.
Who will live in this LGBT community?
Birds of a Feather Community has been marketed primarily to gays and lesbians, but is open to anyone who is looking to purchase property for a second home or vacation home with eventual retirement in mind, or are currently retired and looking for a community where they can live an active lifestyle and grow older with friends and neighbors. Several people not yet of retirement age are currently living in our community full-time while continuing to work at home based businesses or commuting. High speed internet is available through satellite or wireless and DSL will be available in the very near future from our local telephone company. Our community welcomes anyone wishing to live harmoniously in a non-traditional, lesbian & gay community. We will not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, age or familial status.
Can I make provisions in my will to leave my home/property to my heirs?
Yes, you may leave your property to whomever you desire.
Will there be assisted living or aging in place services available?
Plans for assisted-living housing will be considered in later stages of the development. We are a multi-generational community with the average age of people interested in our community being the mid-forties to late sixties. Of course, we have had both younger and older people express an interest in our community. We feel that our residents will be well prepared to "age in place" because of the relationships developed in the community and the support and care residents will provide each other, as we grow older together.
Will there be commercial services available?
The future community center* plans include exercise facilities, hobby room, small theater room for watching movies, lectures and/or classes, library, kitchen, dining room (dance hall) and fireplace. Other community amenities proposed include "pocket" parks, community gardens, trails and a dog park. Custom street signs, split-rail fencing and an electronic entrance gate for security have already been installed.
*All future plans are dependent on financing from members in the form of a Community Equity Membership fee (call or write for details) and approval from County and State agencies. Members of the Homeowners Association will ultimately decide the timing, size and features of the proposed community center based on cost of amenities desired.
Will there be an annual fee for the Homeowner's Association members?
Yes, the fee currently provides for all maintenance of common areas and roads. The Board Members of the Homeowner's Association determine the services covered and the annual fee. Currently, the annual fee is $450 and covers such things as maintenance/repair of our electronic gate, split-rail fencing, roads, street signs, landscape lighting, fire hydrants and weeding. We anticipate that this fee will be raised in the future as more residents move into our community and more maintenance of roads and common areas will be required. Our goal is to keep this fee as low as possible while still maintaining the beauty and upkeep of our community!
Will pets be allowed?
Yes, dogs, cats, birds and other typical household pets will be allowed. A limit to the number of each type of animal per household has been tentatively set as a "reasonable" number per lot as long as they are not offensive to neighbors.
Will horses be allowed?
Yes, a stable is proposed for the future for a limited number of horses. Riding will be restricted to areas marked for trail riding and the acres of adjoining National Forest Land.
Who will live in this LGBT community?
Birds of a Feather Community has been marketed primarily to gays and lesbians, but is open to anyone who is looking to purchase property for a second home or vacation home with eventual retirement in mind, or are currently retired and looking for a community where they can live an active lifestyle and grow older with friends and neighbors. Several people not yet of retirement age are currently living in our community full-time while continuing to work at home based businesses or commuting. High speed internet is available through satellite or wireless and DSL will be available in the very near future from our local telephone company. Our community welcomes anyone wishing to live harmoniously in a non-traditional, lesbian & gay community. We will not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, age or familial status.
Can I make provisions in my will to leave my home/property to my heirs?
Yes, you may leave your property to whomever you desire.
Will there be assisted living or aging in place services available?
Plans for assisted-living housing will be considered in later stages of the development. We are a multi-generational community with the average age of people interested in our community being the mid-forties to late sixties. Of course, we have had both younger and older people express an interest in our community. We feel that our residents will be well prepared to "age in place" because of the relationships developed in the community and the support and care residents will provide each other, as we grow older together.
Will there be commercial services available?
The future community center* plans include exercise facilities, hobby room, small theater room for watching movies, lectures and/or classes, library, kitchen, dining room (dance hall) and fireplace. Other community amenities proposed include "pocket" parks, community gardens, trails and a dog park. Custom street signs, split-rail fencing and an electronic entrance gate for security have already been installed.
*All future plans are dependent on financing from members in the form of a Community Equity Membership fee (call or write for details) and approval from County and State agencies. Members of the Homeowners Association will ultimately decide the timing, size and features of the proposed community center based on cost of amenities desired.
Will horses be allowed?
Yes, a stable is proposed for the future for a limited number of horses. Riding will be restricted to areas marked for trail riding and the acres of adjoining National Forest Land.
Who will live in this LGBT community?
Birds of a Feather Community has been marketed primarily to gays and lesbians, but is open to anyone who is looking to purchase property for a second home or vacation home with eventual retirement in mind, or are currently retired and looking for a community where they can live an active lifestyle and grow older with friends and neighbors. Several people not yet of retirement age are currently living in our community full-time while continuing to work at home based businesses or commuting. High speed internet is available through satellite or wireless and DSL will be available in the very near future from our local telephone company. Our community welcomes anyone wishing to live harmoniously in a non-traditional, lesbian & gay community. We will not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, age or familial status.
Can I make provisions in my will to leave my home/property to my heirs?
Yes, you may leave your property to whomever you desire.
Will there be assisted living or aging in place services available?
Plans for assisted-living housing will be considered in later stages of the development. We are a multi-generational community with the average age of people interested in our community being the mid-forties to late sixties. Of course, we have had both younger and older people express an interest in our community. We feel that our residents will be well prepared to "age in place" because of the relationships developed in the community and the support and care residents will provide each other, as we grow older together.
Will there be commercial services available?
The future community center* plans include exercise facilities, hobby room, small theater room for watching movies, lectures and/or classes, library, kitchen, dining room (dance hall) and fireplace. Other community amenities proposed include "pocket" parks, community gardens, trails and a dog park. Custom street signs, split-rail fencing and an electronic entrance gate for security have already been installed.
*All future plans are dependent on financing from members in the form of a Community Equity Membership fee (call or write for details) and approval from County and State agencies. Members of the Homeowners Association will ultimately decide the timing, size and features of the proposed community center based on cost of amenities desired.
Can I make provisions in my will to leave my home/property to my heirs?
Yes, you may leave your property to whomever you desire.
Will there be assisted living or aging in place services available?
Plans for assisted-living housing will be considered in later stages of the development. We are a multi-generational community with the average age of people interested in our community being the mid-forties to late sixties. Of course, we have had both younger and older people express an interest in our community. We feel that our residents will be well prepared to "age in place" because of the relationships developed in the community and the support and care residents will provide each other, as we grow older together.
Will there be commercial services available?
The future community center* plans include exercise facilities, hobby room, small theater room for watching movies, lectures and/or classes, library, kitchen, dining room (dance hall) and fireplace. Other community amenities proposed include "pocket" parks, community gardens, trails and a dog park. Custom street signs, split-rail fencing and an electronic entrance gate for security have already been installed.
*All future plans are dependent on financing from members in the form of a Community Equity Membership fee (call or write for details) and approval from County and State agencies. Members of the Homeowners Association will ultimately decide the timing, size and features of the proposed community center based on cost of amenities desired.
Will there be commercial services available?
