Maintenance-free communities equal easy living

The thought of shoveling snow, mowing grass, pruning bushes and raking leaves was enough to keep Robin Lundstrum in an apartment for more than a decade.

Having owned homes in the past, Lundstrum knew just how labor-intensive a house could be. And with running her own business, there were simply not enough hours in the day to hassle with homeownership. That is, until Robin discovered Rodrock Development’s Stonebridge Village in Olathe — one of three maintenance-free communities by the respected developer.

“In a nutshell, this community makes it possible for me to live in a house of my own,” Lundstrum said. “Having very little free time, it makes it possible for me to be a homeowner of a beautiful house. It’s fantastic.”

Stonebridge Village, at 164th and Mur-Len Road, offers charming Carriage Houses designed by award-winning architects Nearing, Staats, Prelogar and Jones, each with inviting front porches, rear-entry garages and open floor plans with absolutely no wasted space, all at the astonishing price point of $260,000 to $300,000.

For a low monthly fee, all maintenance is seen to, including sprinkler systems, lawn mowing, edging, fertilization, snow removal on streets, driveways and rear sidewalks — giving homeowners both time and freedom.

“These homes are reminiscent of Chicago, where I’m originally from,” Lundstrum said. “The front opens onto a common green, which is beautifully landscaped. I’d been looking for a home for a while and fell in love with this house and its layout. What’s more, the quality of Rodrock spoke for itself. Everything was just topnotch here. And everyone I have met has been very, very nice. It’s just a lovely area.”

There are currently eight homes available, ranging from immediate possession onward, all of which are built exclusively by Darol Rodrock Homes LLC. Available in both reverse 11/2-story and classic 11/2-story, the Carriage Houses offer vaulted ceilings, built-in workstations, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, stainless-steel appliances and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the larger Stonebridge community at an extremely affordable price.

And it’s a community laden with amenities: Stonebridge has four pools; several playgrounds; sports courts; pergola-covered grills; picnic areas; and two richly appointed clubhouses complete with workout facilities. Another bonus? Paved trails lead directly to Prairie Creek Elementary School, which has won the Governor’s Award an impressive three times.

Still Stonebridge Village is not the only maintenance-free community in the Rodrock Development family. Situated just north of the thriving 135th and Metcalf corner is the Cottages at Woodridge, filled with European-style cottages, friendly neighbors and green space for gathering.

It is here that Liz Taylor made good on a promise to grow old by a dear friend, and it is here that she’s embraced an active lifestyle in the heart of Overland Park. As Taylor puts it, the Cottages are “absolutely the handiest location in Johnson County.”

“I can’t imagine having to take care of a yard, can’t imagine the work involved,” she said. “Having the maintenance taken care of gives me total freedom, so I can enjoy the house without any worry whatsoever. And they take care of the outside maintenance of the exterior of the home, as well. I just can’t fathom living any other way. I want to go and do things and don’t want to have to take care of a yard or shovel snow or rake leaves. It’s a fantastic way to live.”

Nestled on a private street, the Cottages face an English-inspired courtyard graced by a gazebo, verdant interior green spaces and attractive landscaping. Monthly HOA dues include exterior maintenance, roof repair/replacement, lawn care, landscaping, sprinklers, snow removal and trash/recycle.

Ranging in price from $309,950 to $374,950, the Cottages come in two- and three-bedroom ranch plans with a small basement under the two-car garage. There are seven homes under construction in the community’s third phase, which will be finished mid to late June. Since there’s no model available, interested buyers should call ahead.

As Taylor vouches, “You know that by being in a Rodrock community, both the cottages and the maintenance are going to be great.”

And in an exciting turn, Grayson Place, found at 119th and Lone Elm Road, offers both villas and townhomes, so there’s a maintenance-free home style to meet everyone’s personal tastes.

“We have fabulous all-brick, single-family homes with lawn maintenance and snow removal provided at $125 per month,” said Roberta Kranz, a Rodrock marketing agent. “They’re over-the-top gorgeous. With soaring 12-foot first-floor ceilings and four bedrooms and three baths, these homes are built to the highest standards by Gabriel Homes and Chris George Homes.”

“But for those more interested in a ‘lock-and-leave’ option, we have fantastic ranch villas by Darol Rodrock Homes,” Kranz continued. “With four bedrooms and 31/2 baths, these reverse ‘cottage style’ homes offer a wonderful open concept. Complete maintenance is provided for a low monthly fee, freeing homeowners to travel or just enjoy their favorite pastimes with no struggles to upkeep their homes. These villas are a true home run. That you can live in a gorgeous home with all of the amenities in a beautiful area and not have to take care of your lawn and snow removal at such a low cost has everyone excited.”

All three of these amazing communities are an incredible win for homeowners; Rodrock Development offers all the highs of home ownership with none of the hassle.

This story was originally published March 21, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Maintenance-free communities equal easy living."