The natural beauty of this land welcomes preservation-minded homeowners to build their dream home on a property on or near the scenic Sunrise River. Preserving this natural beauty has been a key element in our development plans, and we look forward to sharing this land with people who appreciate nature and all it has to offer.

The uniquely created cluster design sets Sunrise Trails apart from traditional developments by offering rural living with the benefits of a small community -- a hamlet. With association partnerships and a shared septic system, the Sunrise Trails Hamlet offers a quiet neighborhood and "village" feel in a natural setting, while being close to the metro area. Call us for a private tour of the land and the development we've created. Read on for more information about this unique hamlet on the river.

Wishing you the best as you plan your next home,
Willard and Jan Carlson

Where is this development located? The Sunrise Trails Hamlet is located in Minnesota, northeast of the metro area, 45 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.

What is a Rural Cluster Design? The concept of a rural cluster design begins with an understanding of preservation and conservation. This type of community doesn't divide up all the land and sell it to individual owners; it creates a village -- a hamlet -- where each homeowner has a nicely sized piece of property, but also shares in the ownership of open spaces or wooded areas around it. Roger Tomten and Tod Drescher of Tomten Environmental, Marine on St. Croix, Minn., provided the final design for the Sunrise Trails project. Several communities in the metro area have mandated cluster design developments in an effort to ward off back-to-back subdivisions that leave little or no open spaces for the residents to enjoy. A community of this type promotes the "village" feel, creates a sense of ownership among residents, and maintains the natural beauty of the surrounding areas. The rural cluster design is a new concept, based on the time-tested ideals of community values, creating a sense of permanence that traditional subdivisions fail to offer. The Sunrise Trails Hamlet will create a neighborhood identity without sacrificing privacy.

Without city sewer, how does the community septic system work? Instead of relying on individual septic tanks, the Sunrise Trail development offers homeowners a revolutionary waste disposal system that works more efficiently, reduces the potential for leakage, and helps keep ground water clean. North American Wetland Engineering of Forest Lake, Minn., designed the system that employs natural processes for breaking down wastewater through the root systems of aquatic plants in an artificially constructed wetland, before entering the large drainfield. Richard Peterson, Inc., of Lindstrom, Minn., installed the system (and also built the roads throughout the development).

Who cares for the shared space? The homeowners association will use the annual fees to pay for the care of the shared space. Because the shared spaces are mostly natural, there is little expense for maintenance (mowing along roadways, clearing excess brush, etc.).

How does the association work? The organization and bylaws of the homeowners association were developed by Greig Tennis, a partner of Tennis and Collins, P.A., of Forest Lake, Minn. These bylaws will govern the maintenance and control of the 82+ acres of common land in the development. A disclosure statement and corresponding documentation will be provided to each prospective lot buyer, outlining responsibilities, fees, and governance. Each member will be required to pay an annual fee to the association to cover shared community expenditures.

What natural elements are being preserved? The hamlet is located on the Sunrise River, a tributary of the St. Croix River to the east. The natural beauty of the river valley will not be disturbed by home construction. Ponds and wetland areas will remain intact, as will the woods and natural habitats for animals such as deer, wild turkeys, grouse, waterfowl and songbirds. The grassy areas will be left unchanged until such time that the association decides to create recreational areas (ball fields, playgrounds, etc.). Over 55 acres of land are protected from future development through the design of this unique community.

Is there a limit to the number of homes that can be in this development? Yes. Only 32 lots are available for single-family homes. Open spaces and wooded areas are not zoned for development, and under the guidelines established by the developer and approved by the county, those areas cannot be built upon or altered in such a way as to disturb the natural beauty or rural character of the land.

Do I have to meet certain building specifications in this development? Yes. Restrictive covenants help guarantee the preservation of the environment and the maintenance of the community's character. These include, but are not limited to, preventing construction of unsightly buildings or edifices. The developer has created these standards; however, when all building sites have been established, the association can vote to change the guidelines, or allow variances, as it sees fit (within proper zoning ordinances, etc.). The developer intends for this community to be self-preserving, in keeping with the vision of its creators and the residents who choose to live there.

Will the unique community design improve property values? Yes. Statistics prove that homes in communities of this type have property values higher than those of their traditional subdivision counterparts -- and these homes come with a view!

Can I tour Sunrise Trails? Yes. Contact owner and resident Will Carlson at 651.257.7240 or for a private tour of the development. Call soon. Lots are limited.

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