Albemarle County, Virginia
Client: Private Client
Acreage: 1,038
Completed: 1990 & 1998

Panorama Farms is a 1,038-acre, 80-lot residential community. This large, picturesque, agriculturally active estate is located along the South Fork of the Rivanna Reservoir, the primary source of public potable water for Charlottesville/Albemarle County. Given the conflict between the land owner's desire to develop a portion of the property and the certain undesirable impacts of such development on the reservoir, an environmentally sensitive development/conservation plan was essential.

Recognizing the critical importance of the estate's proximity to the reservoir, certain development guidelines were proffered which included a relocation of the development rights to an area far removed from the reservoir. Additionally, provisions were made for conservation easements and other best management practices throughout the property which would reduce phosphorous and nutrient loading on the reservoir to levels below the pre-development condition. The developed area of Panorama Farms is now known as Graemont which includes an extensive network of mountain lake trails popular for visitors from near and far. McKee Carson's responsibilities included site analysis, master planning, and final engineering.