I attended a luncheon at Hidden Lake North of Raleigh a week ago.  The agents onsite had a lot of information about what a wonderful, gated community it will be. It's just a 20-minute drive northeast of cosmopolitan Raleigh, near the quaint town of Wake Forest. This planned community of only 124 homes will feature heavily wooded, rolling topography with generous homesites ranging from 1 to 6 acres, dubbed "Private Preserves" due to their size. When the nearly 600-acre community opens, the first phase will offer more than 40 homesites bordering a 75-acre private lake. In addition to the lake, Hidden Lake residents will enjoy an array of amenities ideal for those who love the outdoors.

Audubon International recently approved the site plan for Hidden Lake, which is the first step in achieving Audubon's Three Diamond designation. Audubon International's Three Diamond designation is its highest level of certification within its Gold Signature Program and indicates a superlative project based on protection of wildlife, water quality, and native flora and fauna, as well as green-building practices and site design.

• Acreage: 600 acres (240 hectares)
• Recreation: 227 acres of open space, including a 100-acre park and an outdoor pavilion for community and family events
• Biking Trails: Seven miles of bike paths
• Walking Trails: More than six miles of paved and soft-surface trails
• The Lake House: Will serve as the community amenities center. With a large gathering room with two fireplaces and a spacious lakeside veranda, The Lake House is ideal for both small and large parties.  
• The Boat House: Includes canoes, kayaks and paddle boat launches. A few electric boats will be available for communal use. The Boat House also features a fishing pier, allowing residents to cast their lines in the clear, spring-fed lake with large fish.
• Lots: Homesites range between one and six acres and are expected to start in the $200,000's
• Homes: Homes are expected to start in the $900,000's