MILTON TOWNSHIP — Caity and Kevin Daus live in a transitional zone between Michigan and Indiana, in a blue-shingled house in the Kestrel Hills subdivision in Michigan, but a short walk south leads to Knollwood Country Club in Granger, Indiana.

Their subdivision is away from any city center but is close to many amenities, like Notre Dame University and southwest Michigan cities. It is one reason why the couple like their home so much.

“We love this area so much,” Kevin said. “Everyone that comes says that they really like it. This place is filled up now. Maybe we could provide some spaces for some other families, too. So here we are.”

“Here” is 34 acres of former continuous forest right next to Kestrel Hills.

The Dauses wanted to buy a small portion of that acreage so they could have a new home built, but the owner of the property wanted to sell all 34 acres. So, they bought it.

Kevin, a sales manager, and Caity, a recruiter, decided to turn the 34 acres of thick, deciduous forest into a wooded 21-home subdivision called Hidden Hills Estates. They hope it will house a similar friendly, family-oriented community to Kestrel Hills.

“We’re looking forward to building a nice community atmosphere,” Kevin said. “Hopefully kids growing up together and having good neighbors.”

The two received final approval from Milton Township’s board of commissioners in March. Trees have been cleared, ground has been leveled and streets have been built.

Kevin said he believes construction is nearly complete. The roads need a top layer of asphalt and utility lines need to be installed as soon as a few days of clear skies are in the forecast.

Then, homes can be built by property buyers without interference. Minimum lot size, per Milton Township zoning, is one acre, and the minimum house size is 2,200 square feet.

Both Kestrel Hills and Hidden Hills Estates encourage what Kevin calls “custom home-building.” Homes must follow certain appearance requirements, but strong leeway is given to the home’s ultimate look.

The Dauses said eight of the lots, ranging from $94,500 to $149,500, have been bought so far. Most of the sold lots’ future homes will house families.

Forest still remains on most allotted property spaces, but the Dauses have cleared two spaces to show prospective buyers what a property ground might look like. The couple said the subdivision has one side that more heavily forested than the other, so prospective buyers can choose the side they prefer.

“We’re actually going to do a nice cookout for everyone who’s already under contract in the neighborhood so everyone can meet each other,” Caity said. “That’s part of the reason why we love [Kestrel Hills]. In the summertime, there’s always people outside to play with the kids. People are friendly.”

Tara Holy and her husband are one couple contracted. Holy is good friends with Caity. Tara was happy for Caity’s development venture but wasn’t interested in building her own house at the time. Then, after meeting with a realtor, she said a realization hit.

“There isn’t a lot in Niles for the price range we were looking for or needed. We have three kids, and looking for a four-bedroom home in a nice neighborhood. It was just proving really difficult to find.”

Four-bedroom homes were either hundreds of thousands of dollars or needed major renovations. Tara and her husband decided to buy property at Hidden Hills, where they could build a house that fit their needs at a lesser cost than a move in-ready, already-built home.

Tara said she was looking at the state line area, given that she and her husband both work and shop in South Bend.

They decided to purchase a lot first so they can make down payments and use it as equity. They hope to start building next spring. They are aiming for a ranch-two-story hybrid.

Caity said those interested in the properties can visit Hidden Hills Estates’ online site, where email and phone number information is provided.

“Caity and Kevin are incredible,” Tara said. They have been letting people make appointments to come out, and they’be been taking them out on the lots.”