When the Etwaroo family moved from New Jersey, they didn’t originally look at the Sanctuary. “We were looking in the SouthPark area, but found a link to the Sanctuary’s Web site and fell in love,” says stay-at-home mom Hygan Etwaroo.

It seems that the Sanctuary had everything the Etwaroo’s wanted – proximity to the airport, large Preserves, natural beauty … "We love

the trails and Lodge at the Sanctuary,” says Johannes Etwaroo, an insurance company executive. “The proximity to Lake Wylie and a major city just couldn’t be beat.”

After choosing the Sanctuary for their new home, the Etwaroo family worked with Howey Construction and Development, LLC to build their home. “Our builder was wonderful to work with,” says Hygan. “They promptly addressed any issues we may have had, and were both positive and professional. We were pleased with the quality of their work and the quality of their vendors.”

Johannes and Hygan moved into the Sanctuary in March 2007, and love many of their new home’s features. Hygan says, “My favorite features are the laundry chute, the beautiful crown molding throughout the home and, of course, the kitchen!”

On the other hand, Johannes favors “the outdoor patio and fireplace, the four-car garage and the Preserve itself.”

Although the Etwaroo family loves spending time at their home, they are also involved in activities both around the Sanctuary and Charlotte. The family participates in most of The Camp’s activities, including both family and adult events. Their children, Alex, 6, and Victoria, 4, love the children’s events. Hygan also enjoys the gym and attends exercise classes while the two children like meeting their neighborhood friends at the pool and playground. Around Charlotte, the family has fun trying new restaurants.

Last summer, the Etwaroo family attended a boating education event offered at The Camp. “The boat ride gave us a greater appreciation of Lake Wylie and of boating as a hobby,” says Hygan. “As a result, we’ve purchased a boat and will be spending more time on the lake.”

After a wonderful year at the Sanctuary, the Etwaroo family can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Awards Continue for the Sanctuary
Charlotte Business Journal recently chose the Sanctuary for its 2008 Green Development of the Year award, thanks to the community’s environmentally conscious land development. From the Sanctuary’s 200-foot lake setbacks – four times the Mecklenburg County requirement – to landscape guidelines that preserve the natural forest to encouraging indigenous landscaping that requires less water, the Sanctuary has taken multiple measures to ensure the conservation of the land around Lake Wylie. And, the community’s Builder Guild members are encouraged to construct homes using environmentally friendly practices. Learn more about green building at the Sanctuary.

At the Home Builders Association of Charlotte’s 2008 Parade of Homes, Preserve 45 took home silver honors for its category. Featuring four bedrooms, four full baths and three half-baths, this home stood out from the crowd in the annual event. If you weren’t able to attend Parade of Homes, click here to learn more about this home.

John R. Poore, Builder, Inc.

JAS-AM, Inc.

If you haven’t checked out the list of available homes at the Sanctuary recently, you might have missed your favorite one. With the recent flurry of home sales, just five homes are currently available, and all will be ready for move-in this summer. If you have a bit more time, several builders are working on new designs and will start construction on their latest Ready To Customize homes soon.

A selection of Private Preserves is also available, including the last remaining waterfront Preserve. These limited opportunities let you choose a builder from the Sanctuary’s Builder Guild to construct a true custom home. Fewer than 20 Private Preserves remainin, average 6 acres and start in the mid-$200s.

• Clean the lint filter in your clothes dryer after every load.
• Plant trees to shade your home.
• Install a low-flow shower head.
• Use reusable containers to store food instead of aluminum foil and cling wrap.