Luxury Enclave-to-Be Sheds a Little Cachet

Ritz-Carlton Out of Loudoun Project

Creighton Farms was supposed to be a playground for Loudoun County's rich.

Sitting on more than 900 acres in Virginia's vaunted horse country, the resort-style community and golf course is nestled behind a wall of 30-foot loblolly pines, an imposing stone guardhouse and a wrought-iron fence.

But like many planned communities in Northern Virginia's wealthy suburbs, the worsening economy has put a hold on the luxurious vision of Creighton Farms. Only a smattering of homes, in varying stages of construction, have blossomed on the sweeping landscape. Most of the prized "estate lots" are vacant. And to date, not one person lives on the property.

The golf course -- designed by Jack Nicklaus and named one of the top private courses in the country by three golf and travel magazines -- has attracted about 50 paying members, roughly a fifth of the desired membership. The clubhouse remains unfinished.

Last week, a group of developers sold the gated development in the rolling hills of western Loudoun after being beset for years by financial woes and less-than-impressive sales.

Ritz-Carlton had agreed to manage the development, but workers are taking down signs and insignia with the hotel chain's name and lion's head logo at the property, off Route 15 and just north of John Mosby Highway (Route 50).

Creighton Farm's future has changed. The idea of giving homeowners a taste of hotel-style opulence has been scrapped. In its place is a golf club-centered community with a "club atmosphere" and more turnkey, low-maintenance homes, about 35 of which will be built on one-acre "hamlet" lots.

The new owner, Southworth Development, has begun the laborious process of filing zoning permits and drawing up architectural plans for a slightly less opulent community, said David Southworth, president and founder of the company.

"In our opinion, the project was well put together and very well thought out, but it hit the wrong timing," Southworth said.

Larry Goldman, a San Diego area developer who grew up in Rockville, purchased seven acres at Creighton Farms for $1.7 million nearly two years ago with his wife. The couple's dream, Goldman said, was to own a luxury 6,000-square-foot house with a pool and tennis and basketball courts for their children.

That plan is in limbo, at least until the developer builds the clubhouse and back security gate, among other promised amenities.

"Until they get around to some of the things they promised, we're skeptical of how it will go," Goldman said.