The Ward family American history dates back twelve generations to the mid-1600's when Seth Ward immigrated from England. Late in the 17th century, Seth's descendants settled in the adjoining North Carolina counties of Onslow and Carteret. 
In 1960, Carl Ward bequeathed land abutting Ward Creek and the Swansboro town limits to his daughters Belle and Ruby. Belle and Ruby sold most of the land in the subsequent 45 years and then divided their remaining inheritance. Ruby then become sole owner of the acreage within the Swansboro town limits presently known as Ward Farm. 
Farming the increasingly valuable land was fast becoming less tenable and Ruby began receiving unsolicited offers to purchase Ward Farm from tract, cookie-cutter housing developers. She had no desire to sell more land and liked little about the newer developments in Swansboro; she rejected the offers and instead provided her children and grandchildren an opportunity to create on the remnant property an expansion of the heart and culture of her hometown. 
Since then, much effort and work have continued to this end. However, the design and development processes have not been forced or rushed. The plans have thoughtfully evolved beginning with the Swansboro of yesteryears, as well as organically through some trial and error. Resulting from a shared fervent drive to honor the past, while looking to the future and creation of a truly fitting environment, Ruby's children and grandchildren persevere. 
Ward Farm, just as the old heart of Swansboro, is unique. While the plans clearly reflect an intentional, contemporary expression of Swansboro's historic district, Ward Farm is not to be a historic replica or imitation. It is envisioned to be linked to historic downtown, to have shared character elements, but be a distinct destination, a new authentic place to live, work and play. 
The Ward Farm architectural style is best described as a Swansboro coastal vernacular. Buildings are to feel like they belong to Swansboro, to seem that they may have been here forever.
The community design focus is creation of a special place to visit and live. A pedestrian scale, walkable village, that preserves and celebrates the local culture and natural environment. Ward Farm is adjacent to ecologically sensitive areas (Ward Creek, woodlands, coastal and freshwater wetlands). These areas are prized and their preservation is a village priority. 

Vision

Ward Farm, just as the old heart of Swansboro, is unique. While the plans clearly reflect an intentional, contemporary expression of Swansboro's historic district, Ward Farm is not to be a historic replica or imitation. It is envisioned to be linked to the historic district and have shared character elements, but be a distinct destination unto itself; a new authentic place to live, work and play. 
The Ward Farm architectural style is best described as a Swansboro coastal vernacular. Buildings are to feel like they belong to Swansboro, to seem that they may have been here forever.
The community design focus is creation of a special place to visit and live. A pedestrian scale, walkable village, that preserves and celebrates the local culture and natural environment. Ward Farm is adjacent to ecologically sensitive areas (Ward Creek, woodlands, coastal and freshwater wetlands). These areas are prized and their preservation is a village priority. 
The vision includes Ward Farm Towne Centre, a vital mixed use (commercial and residential) "traditional neighborhood business district" with a measure of the character of the thriving old town Front Street. The initial phase of lots are positioned and the homes prescribed to impart a strong sense and vintage coastal village feel of the Swansboro historic district neighborhood. In the future phase, groupings of small pocket homes of like character are anticipated. 
Establishing a village community with many goods and services available internally and in walking distance is a primary development goal. Quality of life is the key theme. For example, encouraging simplicity and ease, running errands by walking or bicycling with the benefits of improved health and greeting neighbors on their porch, in a park or on a trail.