Sue Doerfler
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 13, 2005 12:00 AM
At the Woodlands, Element Homes offers numerous architectural styles, among them Spanish Colonial, Ranch Territorial, European Cottage and Traditional Prairie. Some elevations have shutters, others have stone facades. The variety means streetscapes without cookie-cutter houses.
Floor plans: Four two- to four-bedroom plans ranging from 2,109 to 3,414 square feet.
Willow, 2,109 square feet, two bedrooms, two baths, one story. With only two bedrooms and a den, this plan feels open and spacious. The kitchen, great room and dining area are open to each other in one casual, comfortable space. The dining room has a door to a side courtyard, which lets the outdoors in and opens the space further.
Acacia, 2,776 square feet, three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, two stories. This plan, which features upstairs bedrooms, has numerous handy alcoves and built-ins. These include a butler's pantry that separates the kitchen and dining room, a desk alcove off the kitchen and an upstairs loft. The formal dining room can be turned into a den.
Design tip: When choosing a décor theme, carry it out in wallpaper, border print, fabrics and accessories, as shown in the Acacia's butterfly bedroom. Butterfly wallpaper covers two walls. A butterfly border print that's on all walls unifies the look. Especially fun are large, hanging butterflies and other butterfly-themed accessories.
Community highlights: 140 acres dedicated to neighborhood parks. Other amenities will include picnic areas, flower gardens and a community park with baseball fields, playground and space for events.
Where: Marley Park, Sweetwater Avenue east of Reems Road, Surprise.
Base price: $347,500 to $441,500.
Homeowners association fee: $103 monthly fee includes high-speed Internet and cable TV service.
Standard features: Tile roofs, covered patios, post-tension foundations, maple cabinets, self-cleaning ovens, microwaves, front-yard landscaping with irrigation systems, ceramic tile in foyers, kitchens, laundry rooms and bath commode areas. R-19 composite exterior-wall insulation, R-30 ceiling insulation, low-e windows, and gas furnaces and water heaters.
School district: Dysart Unified.
Nearest freeway: About two miles from Loop 303. About 12 miles from Loop 101.
Nearest mall: About 12 miles from Arrowhead Towne Center.
Model hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays through Thursdays and noon to 6 p.m. Fridays. Sales office: (623) 792-7130.