'Hotting Urban Life Needs Rural Farm Cool'

It seems alluring… the prospect of owning a farm house in the midst of mango orchards. The silence, serenity and the back-to-nature ambiance is especially attractive to young professionals harried by their hectic lifestyles.

Located on the outskirts of the city, there are many who opted for these farm houses as a cosy weekend retreat from grueling daily schedules.

Though the idea of people moving to farm houses is an old one, city-based realtor Billa Sreeramulu, says, “The concept gained momentum with the advent of IT in AP, after 2000. A farm house is also a good investment, so many took to the trend.”

For the elite, it’s a viable option, says Vijay Sen Reddy, executive director of Prajay Engineers Syndicate. “At the end of the day, all you want is peace. Farm houses give you that. The feeling of being close to nature, away from the artificial world, breathes life into this concept,” he said.

In fact, the company was one of the few players besides Pragathi and Lahari Resorts to have introduced this enterprise in the city. “We are coming up with a cottage project covering 200 acre at Shamirpet,” informs Sen Reddy, adding that it would give residents the feeling of living in a village.

Despite its picturesque charm, the farm house dream has its share of problems as practical difficulties crop up. C. Shekar Reddy, president, Credai-AP chapter, reveals that maintenance of farm houses is a tough task.

“Often, the interest in going to a farm house for a holiday continues for a year or two. But it eventually wanes and the maintenance of farm houses goes for a toss,” he says. He adds that farm houses can be maintained only if the asset management services are outsourced or are looked after by the builders themselves.

Voicing a similar opinion, Hari Babu, CMD of Lahari Resorts, says, “The concept of standalone farm houses where people buy land and develop them into farm houses doesn’t really work. Such houses need manpower for maintenance and it isn’t easy on the owners’ pockets!”

Even security is an issue with standalone farm houses, he says, continuing, “People who own farm houses spend time there and then go back home at night for security reasons. But that spoils the whole purpose!”

He adds that they are planning a project on similar lines on 200 acres as part of Lahari Resorts.