Unparalleled new spec homes abound at Southwick on the Lake

Nestled on a gorgeous swath of land at 199th and Mission Road sits a community like no other. Rodrock Development’s Southwick on the Lake offers 34 estate-sized, custom-build home sites, each ranging between two and six acres, all in the heart of burgeoning southern Johnson County.

“Southwick on the Lake is an oasis of sorts,” said Lynne Matile, of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Kansas City Homes. “It’s located near the popular 135th and 151st street corridors, yet the development remains serene and private. Highway access is just minutes away for easy travel to downtown or wherever else you need to be. We have residents who work all over Kansas City, and each finds such solace returning to their own bit of paradise in Southwick. And it goes without saying that it’s rare — exceptional, even — to find a development with acreage property in the highly coveted Blue Valley School District.”

The realization of just how rare this community is has resonated with buyers and builders alike, leading to a run of new speculative homes in various stages within the community.

One new spec is by Woodbridge Custom Homes, and this amazing 11/2-story, 4,133-square-foot home is about 45 days away from completion. The trim is completed, and all that is left is for an excited buyer to choose the finishes.

“With five bedrooms and five baths, this is really a family-oriented house plan,” said Jim Stark of Woodbridge Custom Homes. “It sits on a 3.5-acre lot with views of the lake right across the street. A covered porch, with fireplace, is ideal for making the most of the beautiful country nights. Both the master bedroom and a second bedroom/study are situated on the first floor, while three more bedrooms and a family-favorite loft area are upstairs.

“It has a transitional interior design theme — a light and a clean look — with a vaulted great room complete with a striking stone fireplace. The large kitchen has a huge center island, walk-in pantry, enameled cabinets and a charming hearth area. This is truly a remarkable home.”

The second spec home, which will get underway shortly, is by Todd Hill Homes, and this is one builder who knows country living firsthand.

“That’s where he excels, building on acreage in Stilwell,” said Anne LaFon of Todd Hill Homes. “Todd lives in the area and understands what a country home needs to be spectacular. I, myself, live in Southwick on the Lake, and Todd built my home, and I absolutely love it.”

His latest creation in Southwick will be situated perfectly on the lot, facing the lake, the community’s walking trails, and — most importantly — the gorgeous sunsets that only this type of haven can provide. The home, with a planned four bedrooms, 41/2 baths, and a four-car garage, will be 3,683 square feet, not including the basement.

“The home will have a two-story great room with wide, rustic beams that provides a really nice blend with the new white-and-gray color palette in the home,” LaFon said. “There will be a large laundry and mudroom right off of the garages, which is great when you’re out in the country. Even more impressive is that there will be a secondary laundry upstairs. The sumptuous master suite, located on the first floor, will boast a spa-like bathroom with a large walk-in shower, complete with double showerheads.”

The kitchen is slated to be enormous, LaFon continued, with cabinets that go all the way to the 10-foot ceilings and have lit-glass uppers. A 10-foot island will center the room and be perfect for even the largest of gatherings. Meanwhile, a covered lanai with exterior fireplace will enable you to make the most of the exquisite natural surroundings and vibrantly tinted sunsets.

But these two magnificent spec homes are only the beginning: the award-winning James Engle Custom Homes is in the planning stages of yet two more spec homes on fantastic acreage lots.

Builders and homebuyers alike appreciate how special this community is: The tranquility of nature with acreage for horses within a beautifully planned community in the coveted Blue Valley School District. The natural 14-acre lake is pristine, private and fully stocked with large-mouth bass for fishing. Walking paths wind leisurely throughout the expansive community.

“This is truly such an exciting time for Southwick on the Lake,” said Sherri Hines of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Kansas City Homes. “We’ve seen such great interest in the community. Two-thirds of our lots are already sold and it’s easy to see why. It was Darol Rodrock’s goal to offer a lifestyle on acreage especially for those interested in space, nature and horses. And all of this is nestled within the heart of all that Johnson County has to offer: the entertainment, the distinctive shopping and growing businesses. It truly is a world apart, the best that real estate has to offer.”

This story was originally published May 9, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Unparalleled new spec homes abound at Southwick on the Lake."