Willow Creek Estates – Enjoy the Equestrian Inspired Lifestyle

Imagine glancing out your window and taking in a panoramic view of horses grazing peacefully in the pastures beyond. Or walking your child over to lessons at the horse farm. And then getting together for drinks with your neighbors at an impromptu gathering, a scene right out of a preppy Ralph Lauren ad. This is the laid-back lifestyle enjoyed by the happy homeowners at Willow Creek Estates.

One of Connecticut’s most exclusive (and fun!) communities boasts unique properties with scenic views and an unsurpassed lifestyle that offers the best of both worlds – country charm and sophisticated living.

The Willow Creek Lifestyle

Willow Creek Estates is an overnight success due to 20 years of careful planning and insight into how families want to live. This sought-after community offers unique properties along with a nostalgic lifestyle for families, whether equestrians or simply lovers of the laid-back country life. Add to that fabulous restaurants, stellar shopping and arts, antiques and cultural venues, and you have the best amenities for a vibrant lifestyle.

A collection of custom homes overlooks the historic Willow Creek Farm, with picture postcard views of 100 acres of rolling hills, paddocks, a tranquil pond, and natural beauty all around. As Southbury’s only gated community, the lifestyle here is one of exclusive luxury steeped in nature and conviviality.

Create the Custom Home of Your Dreams

With 10 custom homes built over the past 5 years, Phase I of the Willow Creek Estates was a huge success as homeowners flocked to the scenic lots and beautifully designed and crafted homes. Phase II now launches with 5 lots on the upper road available for purchase. Homeowners have the option to either choose their own builder or work with some of the top luxury builders who have crafted the fine homes built here to date, such as The Corbo Group and EG Home.

Partnering with premier local builder, EG Home, Willow Creek is now offering complete home packages, starting at $1.1 million. With a 5,000 sq. ft. design center conveniently located right in Southbury, EG Home assists homeowners in making choices for fit, finish, and every detail to streamline the creation of the home of their dreams. They are currently constructing a model at Willow Creek Estates, which will soon be available for touring.
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Classic New England Architecture

Design was crucial to the success of this unique development. Each home is designed and crafted to complement the landscape and reflect classic New England architecture, using natural elements like cedar shake, stone veneer, and natural colors. Homes range in size from a cozy, loft-like 2,500 sq. ft. single-level open floor plan to spacious 2,700-5,000 sq. ft. country farm homes – all built to the highest quality standards.
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Meet the Neighbors

Willow Creek has attracted families of every age – from young families with kids, to empty nesters – all of whom have sought out a new sociable way of life that is steeped in community connections. These happy homeowners radiate enthusiasm about living the Willow Creek lifestyle and tout its many perks.

“When we moved to Willow Creek from a large city just a few years ago we quickly became enchanted not only by the vibrant horse farm and majestic views, but also the strong sense of community and belonging.  It’s been a privilege for us to get to know and help build such a strong and growing neighborhood and we are excited for all that’s yet to come. I could not be more grateful for our worldly and embracing community. While we are all from different walks of life, it’s been an enriching experience to learn from all and build a network of caring neighbors.”

Rob & Gwen

“As one of the first families to build at Willow Creek, we chose the property for its tranquility, incredible views, and always enjoyable farm life. Since our move, Willow Creek has blossomed into a neighborhood of wonderful, fun people, all sharing a love for this amazing place, and thus becoming a perfect combination of natural beauty and community.  Due to its safe haven nature, we’re always comfortable when our kids go out and explore this unique property and/or meet up with neighborhood friends.  We feel truly blessed to have found Willow Creek as the place for our forever home.”

Evan & Julie

Living in Southbury, CT

Southbury, Connecticut is a vibrant, historic town that offers a sophisticated country lifestyle. Known for its quality school system, award-winning restaurants, and as a vibrant shopping destination, the town offers the perfect mix of country charm with worldly sophistication. And with its close proximity to Fairfield and Litchfield Counties, with towns like Woodbury, Middlebury, Roxbury and Washington, Southbury offers convenient access to the best of everything in Connecticut.

“The town of Southbury has a small town vibe, but with all the amenities we need. Hiking and biking trails, outdoor concerts, snowshoeing and pickleball are all accessible activities in the area that we take advantage of. But it’s the peacefulness of sitting on our front porch while enjoying the view of the ridge line across the way that we love the most. It never gets old.”

Hank & Carol

The Willow Creek Story

This is a story of vision, perseverance, preservation, and conservation. Owner-developers, Raj Bhatia and Jill Sloane, in collaboration with a team of talented architects, land planners, and the town of Southbury, successfully transformed the famous yet neglected Riker’s Farm into a sought-after equestrian community. Originally known as one of the world’s most renowned quarter horse breeding facilities, Riker’s Farm had sadly fallen into disrepair over the years.

Raj and Jill, who bought the property 24 years ago, proposed and executed a plan to develop 21 lots on the upper part of the property, saving the farm below. Then to revive the farm to its former glory, they painstakingly restored and built 65 horse stalls, new outdoor riding rings, trails, a 16,000 square foot indoor arena, and a new high-end 30-stall barn. The pièce de résistance was the fit-out of an historic old-English pub to serve as venue for parties, wine tastings, and lectures, all with the homeowners invited as guests. This plan not only saved this famous property from overdevelopment, but it created 21 beautiful homesites for families to cherish forever – overlooking one of Connecticut’s top equestrian centers.

Meet the Founders

Raj Bhatia and Jill Sloane were perfectly suited to successfully strategize and execute a development project of this magnitude. With Raj’s background in engineering and real estate development and Jill’s career as a top broker in Manhattan and Darien with Brown Harris Stevens, this dynamic duo was the driving force behind this wonderful community.

“The best part about Willow Creek Estates is our community! In a short time, we have created a neighborhood where people genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Whether playing golf together, having block parties, gathering informally in our historic English pub, or celebrating special occasions, it’s incredible how we’ve been fortunate enough to attract such a wonderful group of homeowners.

Raj Bhatia

And not only are the couple the owner/developers of Willow Creek Estates, but they are also residents who are actively involved in the close-knit community. Whether playing golf, enjoying a game of pickleball or simply hanging out, their vision has made Willow Creek an oasis for all, whether horse lover or homeowner, to enjoy the good life! 

“To me, every day at Willow Creek Estates is idyllic. Having lived in New York City for the past 35 years, I am still a country girl at heart as I grew up in Virginia surrounded by animals. There is nothing more peaceful and relaxing than being immersed in nature. On top of this, being part of a community with such an incredible group of homeowners who also enjoy the outdoors and various activities is just the icing on the cake. I wake up happy living here every day!”

Jill Sloane

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