Distinctive homes, growth abound at Stonebridge Meadows

The imagery of “meadows” is fitting for Rodrock Development’s neighborhood at 16680 S. Lind Road. Stonebridge Meadows is a rolling expanse of land in the midst of unprecedented growth and popularity.

The neighborhood is part of the larger Stonebridge development — the biggest Rodrock community to date — which also includes Stonebridge Trails, Stonebridge Village and Stonebridge Park. And while this larger community is laden with amazing amenities, the smaller neighborhood feels anything but crowded or conventional.

“Stonebridge Meadows is on the west side of Stonebridge and still has that ‘in the country feel’ with fantastic park space and future plats to the south, north and east in rolling farmland and graceful tree lines,” said Ann Knickrehm, a longtime Rodrock Development marketing agent. “We’re close enough for convenient shopping, highway access and outstanding Spring Hill schools (including Prairie Creek, which has received the Governor’s Award for Excellence three times). Still, you don’t feel crowded in Stonebridge Meadows.”

This sense of space — perfect for growing families — is what helped draw Emily and Mark Tritz to the community. The family has been settled in Stonebridge Meadows for four months now.

“We absolutely love it!” said Emily Tritz. “When we were looking for houses, the neighborhood popped up on our search. We’d heard about Rodrock Developments and liked how they try to establish a sense of community.”

What the Tritzes discovered was an ideal space made up of family-friendly cul-de-sacs filled with outgoing neighbors and school-aged children.

“We really love our new home,” Tritz said. “We live on a great cul-de-sac with lots of kids. The children love to ride their bikes and scooters on these quiet streets. And the neighbors are very friendly.”

The sense of community for which Rodrock developments are renowned is due, in great part, thanks to Darol Rodrock’s brilliant Mom’s Council. Rodrock created the concept decades ago to help new neighborhoods get off to a great start, enabling neighbors to get to know each other and have fun. Its annual year-round events — including seasonal parties and holiday horse-drawn hayrides — provide new homeowners the opportunity to jump into a healthy, vibrant social life.

“There have already been a couple of community events just in the short span of time since we moved in,” Tritz explained. “We hope to take part in future events this fall.”

In just one such example, the residents of Stonebridge Meadows hosted an all Stonebridge community pool party and dinner at the Meadows pool to introduce the other residents to the pool and amenity complex.

“We had an amazing turnout with 275 guests,” exclaimed Knickrehm. “Everyone deemed it a big success, and fun was had by all.”

“The kids love the pool,” agreed Tritz. “We used it a lot this summer. We’re also very excited about the trail system they’re putting in.”

The trail system is yet another thoughtful addition by Rodrock, who wanted to link the greater Stonebridge communities and their amenities, further giving the neighborhood an accessible, small-town feel. The trails offer residents an easy way to make use of the extended community’s impressive four pools and two richly appointed clubhouses complete with workout facilities. Overall, Stonebridge boasts a junior Olympic-size pool and water slide; changing cabanas; pergola-covered grills; picnic areas; hard-surface sport court for basketball, tennis, and volleyball; and several well-equipped children’s playgrounds.

The finishing touches are also being put on the Stonebridge Meadows park space, just to the south of 167th Street, Knickrehm said. “Many residents have enjoyed seeing deer, wild turkey and a large variety of birds. It’s a wonderful spot rich in wildlife and fauna.”

This distinctive way of life extends to the distinguished and unique homes available in the community. A welcome relief from cookie-cutter communities, Stonebridge Meadows features two-story, reverse 11/2-story and 11/2-story plans, ranging from $322,950 to $374,950. There are eight different builders in the community with 15 different plans, offering spacious four and five bedrooms, three to four bathrooms and three-car garages. And approved outside builders are always welcome.

There is so much for families of all sizes to love in Stonebridge Meadows. It’s for this reason that the community is continuing to grow, with new lots available after the first of the year.

“However, the Meadows has cul-de-sac, walkout, daylight, treed and level lots available now,” Knickrehm said. “There’s absolutely no wait for homebuyers who want to start building. And we have such a gorgeous variety of homes available for move-in before the holidays, just in time for the Mom’s Council Horse-Drawn Hayride Event. I can’t think of a better time to meet new neighbors, tour the neighborhood by starlight and let little ones and big ones alike fall in love with the community all over again.”

This story was originally published September 6, 2014 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Distinctive homes, growth abound at Stonebridge Meadows."