For the first time in five years, the developer of Bald Head Island is selling homes in a new neighborhood.

"With the real estate market and its recovery, we've been held back, waiting for the market to support the need for having a new product available," said Jeff Leonard, sales director for Bald Head Island Limited Real Estate Sales.

The new homes, with 12 in the first phase and an another eight houses planned, will be in a "Southern Living" Inspired Community within Cape Fear Station on Bald Head Island. Whitney Blair Custom Homes is building the houses, which will range from 1,600 to 2,300 square feet in the first phase and be priced from the low $700s to $1 million, Leonard said.

"We've very excited to have a partnership with 'Southern Living' and Whitney Blair on this project," Leonard said.

A model home, listed for sale for $895,000, is expected to be open for tours this fall, Leonard said.

Bald Head Island Limited bought the 12,000-acre island, of which 10,000 acres will remain undeveloped, in 1983. The island is two miles off the coast of Southport and only reachable by boat, and transportation there is restricted to golf carts, bicycles and pedestrian traffic.