Smart Ranch Homes
Innovative Design for Denver’s Newest Active Adult Community
Courtesy Oakwood Homes, East Denver LIVING WELL Magazine
“We were drawn to this community for so many reasons; home values, location, diversity and the opportunity to live in a master-planned community that is committed to the needs of its residents,” says Sally Chisel, one of the first people to move into Fairway Villas at Green Valley Golf Club. “It is so exciting to watch the community grow and we are so happy that we made the decision to make Fairway Villas our home.” As one of the first buyers, they’ve watched as 35 other families have bought homes and moving into this age 55+ neighborhood. 36 families so far and the community is not quite a year old, making it not only the newest but one of the best-selling Active Adult communities in Denver.
Activities
There may only be four homes closed so far, but that hasn’t stopped Fairway Villas’ Activities Director, Angela Harris, from holding events for the soon-to-be residents and even those still deciding if it’s the right place for them. Residents, and any interested families, get Angela’s monthly newsletter detailing any parties and events for that month which serve as great opportunities to meet others moving into the neighborhood or considering it.
Between BBQs, ice cream socials Jazz lunches and more, these have been great opportunities to get to know your neighbors. Jack and Debbie Sargent make up a small portion of the many people that have purchased a home and attending the events as it gets built. Their excitement grew as they met other residents “all in the same place in life… We have a lot in common,” Jack said. Depending on the event, they have seen anywhere from 10 to 30 people, stressing the fact that it’s up to each person how much or little they want to be involved in any activities; but the activities will be there if residents decide to join. As the community grows, so will the list of events as well as more interest-specific activities like a book club, photography classes, and cooking demonstrations just to name a few from a large list.
Clubhouse
There is an exclusive 7,400 square feet community clubhouse coming to Fairway Villas that is now scheduled to break ground by November. Oakwood delayed the construction of the clubhouse to take a more innovative and pioneering route on what was planned. Included in the new plans is geothermal technology to provide energy to the building which will greatly reduce the operating costs of the clubhouse and prove to be the most environmentally responsible choice.
In the clubhouse, there will be an exercise room, multi-purpose rooms for the many clubs and planned activities, kitchen/bar, dining area, grand room for gatherings or just relaxing, an outdoor kitchen and dining terrace, spa, indoor and outdoor pools, patio and event lawn overlooking the golf course’s pond; and that’s all just at the clubhouse. There will also be multiple outdoor fields and community gardens in a park located inside the neighborhood which will all be connected by walking paths.
To make trips to the golf course easier, the exclusive Fairway Villas clubhouse will be directly connected to the golf course cart path which will allow residents with golf carts an easy path to the Green Valley Ranch Golf Clubhouse. Fairway Villas residents also receive perks from the Golf Club for living there including a membership for life to the par 3 course. So far, all of their homebuyers want amenities and social experience, but even the few that don’t golf at all are excited for a free opportunity to give it a shot. Whether you are a golfer or not, other incentives include discounted memberships, preferred tee-times, discounts to the Pro Shop/Eagles Nest restaurant and much more. Additionally for residents, the golf club’s restaurant will cater to Fairway Villas.
Ranch Homes
Community amenities are nothing if the houses do not match the standards set by the neighborhood. Oakwood Homes has surpassed those by creating the most ideal ranch homes in the active adult market. Open floor plans, luxurious kitchens and spacious master bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets just touch the surface on what makes these ranch homes special. Four customizable floor plans ranging from 2,090-2,764 sq. ft. and prices starting at $244,600 make these very affordable yet luxurious ranch homes in Denver with great golf course home sites as well.
Setting them apart from competition is their Smart Space design in each ranch home which is must-see space. The majority of their buyers enter their offices looking to include a basement just for extra space, so Oakwood took that option and transformed it to make it better for buyers in every regard. Smart Space is basically a second floor, rather than a basement, that the homeowner can do whatever they want with the space. The idea is surprisingly simple yet innovative due to how beneficial such a change is to the homeowner. These are still main-level ranches with main floor master bedroom, laundry and all necessities, so you never need to touch the Smart Space just like you wouldn’t need to touch the basement if you didn’t need to use the space.
Oakwood has received a lot of positive Smart Space feedback so far. Jack Sargent loved the idea. “Now I can avoid finishing another basement. It’s all main floor living and then when the grandkids come they have their own space.” This has been the trend they’re seeing with many of the buyers. 65% of people are choosing a 3 car garage for a little extra storage rather than adding a basement since the Smart Space serves as guest and storage space if needed.
First off, this is extra space you can use for anything because Oakwood gives the option to turn the space into a second master bedroom with bath, extra storage closets or simply leave the entire area open as a bonus room. Any guests or family will be more comfortable in a second master bedroom especially with natural light from windows and golf course community views. Additionally, above ground space is worth more to your home value than below ground basement space. And for those families that may want both storage space and guest room areas, or may just have a ton of stuff to store, the option of including a basement is available in each home.
Community & Visiting
The location of the community puts residents outside city living but packs a lifestyle you won’t find elsewhere. Fairway Villas is closer to DIA, major shopping centers and a quicker drive to downtown Denver than you’ll find in other Active Adult communities. You can find all necessities within a 5 minute drive and other additional shopping/restaurants under 10 minutes away at the Shops at Northfield Stapleton. Similarly, less than a 10 mile drive will get you to DIA or the Anschutz Medical Campus.
To get there, take Peña Blvd from I-70 and get off at the first exit which is Green Valley Ranch Blvd. After 1.3 miles, turn left on Himalaya Rd where you’ll see the Green Valley Ranch Golf Course; Fairway Villas is located on the right just past the golf course on the corner of E. 54th Place. Visit the sales office and get a map of the area and see just how close you are to everything without being caught in city living. The models are open from 10am – 6pm Tues-Sun and 12 – 6pm Monday, although they encourage calling 303-486-8713 for extra information or to make an appointment so you can ensure you get to speak with a sales representative about the homes.
Floor plans and pictures are available to view at www.OakwoodHomesCO.com/LivingWell.html.
