The writer of the article is likely from some craphole city where 8 acres would seem big. For them an 1/8 acre is a nice sized yard.
That's true enough. I live on Long Island, and if I had 8 acres of land, I would say my property is "sprawling." I'd also be destitute and bankrupt, as I don't even want to imagine what the property taxes would be on 8 acres around here.
But one day, I will escape from here and hopefully get myself a REAL "sprawling" place. With a lake. Anyway, that is my dream.
Regards,