The Vision

From bluffs rising out of the creek basin to the large open expanses of rolling meadows bordered by forests, this 604 acre treasure is now available to a limited number of families. Little Darby Creek, a pristine National Wild and Scenic River, meanders for over a mile through forest, meadow and dramatic ravines. Recognized nationally as one of a dozen "Last Great Places" in the Western Hemisphere, the Darby Creek system is the last remaining "pristine" system in Ohio. For the first time, this special 604 acre preserve, located only 17 miles from downtown Columbus, will be accessible to those families who will become the future generations of this very unique heritage.

Hidden Creek at the Darby is a unique approach to a planned residential community of the highest quality. Executive, estate home sites, ranging from 2 - 5 acres, overlook ravines, forest, lakes, wildflower meadows and Little Darby Creek. Located on over 600 acres, only 120 homesites will be tastefully designed to enhance the natural environment. Careful attention to the location of each home will allow residents to take full advantage of the unique beauty of their property and to share spectacular vistas. The stables and meadows serve as a central focus and gathering place for the community. Specific covenants, restrictions and design guidelines promote the highest quality design and construction within Hidden Creek.

The vision for Hidden Creek at the Darby is very simple - to preserve the unique character which has emerged here over the centuries; to blend the natural setting, peace and privacy of rural living with the convenience and comfort of today. The effect will be that of a few families sharing a private nature preserve.

Hidden Creek at the Darby is much as it has been over the past 100 years. Mature forests, steep ravines, rolling meadows, graceful wading birds, meandering streams, verdant marshes, gently waving prairies, great blue herons, wood ducks, warblers... hawks guarding a secluded nest, a startled deer bounding through the forest... all these images of Hidden Creek linger in the minds of those who have experienced this remarkable place.

Hidden Creek at the Darby has prioritized the preservation of this unique natural area. To date, the development has received national acclaim as an innovative, conservation model of how an economically viable development can occur while maintaining the ecological integrity of the area. Hidden Creek at the Darby residents have access to miles of private, meandering trails through wildflower meadows, prairies, wooded ravines and along lakes and creeks for wandering, hiking, birding, cross country skiing, and horseback riding. The crystal clear creek affords opportunities for fly fishing, canoeing or simply enjoying. Brochures provide the homeowner with a guide to the riches that lie just beyond their back door. Throughout, portions of the landscape have been set aside to provide an open, spacious feeling. In purchasing a 2 or 3 acre homesite, the Hidden Creek at the Darby resident will have access to over 230 acres of private nature preserve along 1.5 miles of a nationally recognized wild and scenic river.

Conveniently located, residents have the unique ability to live along a spectacular nature preserve only 18 minutes from downtown Columbus and 10 minutes from Hilliard. West Jefferson, a quaint, rural village providing a friendly community, grocery, restaurants and schools, is only 5 minutes away. Undergoing a downtown revitalization program, West Jefferson is enhancing its historic flavor with the addition of brickwork along curbsides and new lighting fixtures modeled after old style gas lights.

The future of Hidden Creek at the Darby will emerge as gracefully as its past, viewing this special place as the treasure that it is, not as an investment to be exploited, but as an heirloom to be preserved, enhanced and passed on. Hidden Creek at the Darby will appeal most to those who come not to be seen, but to behold; not to be heard by others, but to listen -- to that special wisdom which only nature and history can impart. Everywhere, the emphasis will be on quiet enjoyment and casual, understated charm; an escape from the pretension and formality which have come to characterize too much of our daily lives. Hidden Creek at the Darby preserves the cherished sense of a special place, weaving a tapestry of man and nature living together on this spectacular nature sanctuary.