The Villages of Loreto Bay and Montaluce Winery and Estates

The Villages of Loreto Bay

The Villages of Loreto Bay in Loreto, Mexico.

WHAT Large-scale residential resort.

WHERE Loreto, Mexico, on the Baja Peninsula about 220 miles north of La Paz. AMENITIES A beach club with swimming pools and a golf course, among others.

PRICES Condominiums start at around 0,000; houses, at around 0,000.

STATUS The second phase of construction is under way. So far, about 770 residences have been sold.

DEVELOPER Loreto Bay Company.

CONTACT (866) 956-7386 or www.loretobay.com.

DETAILS Fronting the Sea of Cortez on Baja's eastern coast, this billion development will create a string of seaside villages that are designed to be pedestrian-friendly and environmentally sustainable. Plans call for a total of 6,000 one-, two- and four-bedroom condominiums and one- to four-bedroom villa-style houses to be built over the next 12 years within the project's 8,000 acres - 5,000 of which have been marked off as a preserve. The first neighborhood of about 350 residences has already sold out, and the one now being built is planned to hold about 900 residences. Buyers may choose to custom-design their houses, and a rental program will be available. A 155-room hotel borders a golf course that has been redesigned by David Duval and is now being renovated; another golf course has been proposed. Additional amenities include a marina, a sport fishing facility, seven full-service spas and multiple fitness centers. The nearby Loreto airport has flights from the United States.

Montaluce Winery and Estates

WHAT Residential development aimed at wine enthusiasts.

WHERE Dahlonega, Ga.

AMENITIES A tasting room and a restaurant, among others.

PRICES Homesites from 5,000 to 0,000; houses, including lots, from 5,000 to .25 million.

STATUS The first houses are expected to be completed this fall.

DEVELOPERS Beecham Builders and Greenway Development.

CONTACT (800) 251-4385 or www.montaluce.com.

DETAILS This 400-acre gated development about an hour north of Atlanta will consist of one- to three-and-a-half-acre homesites and villa- and cottage-style houses from 1,100 to 6,300 square feet laid out around vineyards that will produce sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and merlot. When it is complete, which is expected to take around five years, there will be 298 houses. All the villas and cottages will have covered balconies and patios, and some will include walled gardens and outdoor fireplaces. A rental program is planned for the cottages only. The winery building is scheduled to open in November. It will include the tasting room, the restaurant and an owners' club on its upper floors with climate-controlled wine storage and a rooftop terrace. Additionally, there will be a spa, a swimming pool, tennis courts and walking trails.

Breaking Ground is a weekly look at projects, planned or under construction, that include weekend or vacation homes.