Staley Hills, Woodneath Farms top Parade-goers list of must-see communities

It’s day two of the 2014 Fall Parade of Homes and those who haven’t visited Staley Hills or Woodneath Farms, both Hunt Midwest Residential master-planned communities in the Northland, are missing out on seeing the latest in new home design.

Staley Hills, located on Shoal Creek Parkway just east of North Woodland, is home to two Parade entries including a reverse 11/2-story plan built by New Mark Homes, at 2219 NE 111th Terrace.

Craig Archer, president of New Mark Homes, describes the approach that was taken when designing the floor plan and choosing the finishes for the home.

“We made this home more contemporary, with glazing on the cabinets, a stone fireplace that stretches to the ceiling and a really open floor plan,” Archer said. “The staircase to the lower level stretches along the back of the home and windows follow it all the way down to the lower level. The added windows not only provide an attractive architectural element, but additional light in the main living space to add to the feeling of openness.”

Staley Hills’ other Parade entry was built by Sallee Homes. Also a reverse 11/2-story, the Terry remains one of Staley Hills’ most popular floor plans. Additional homes will be open throughout the community.

“We have a variety of completed two-story and reverse 11/2-story homes that also will be available to tour,” said Deb DiPonio, who markets Staley Hills with Sara Stucker for ReeceNichols.

Other builders with available homes in Staley Hills include Freeman Custom Homes, Olympus Custom Homes, Robertson Construction, Aspen Homes and McFarland Custom Builders. Home prices start in the upper $200,000s.

Archer said there are numerous reasons that New Mark Homes chooses to build in Hunt Midwest communities. “They do a good job of keeping the community up to date. Staley Hills has a community feeling and Hunt does a very good job with the amenities that include a pool and walking trails. We have some clients who specifically pick Hunt communities.”

The fifth phase of Staley Hills opened in July 2013 and almost all of those sites are sold. Now the sixth phase is under construction and DiPonio expects it to be just as popular.

“Fall is a good time to see all of the home sites that are available,” DiPonio said. “Although we have just 10 sites remaining in the fifth phase, these are still beautiful, choice lots including six walkouts.”

Staley Hills boasts an extensive amenity package including two sparkling lakes, walking trails, a community swimming pool and ample amounts of green space and natural areas. Membership to nearby Staley Farms recreation center and golf course is also available. Students in Staley Hills attend schools in the North Kansas City School District, including the ever-popular Staley High School.

The aforementioned Woodneath Farms is a must-stop for Northland Parade of Homes enthusiasts. Among the five Parade entries is a two-story home by Klopfenstine Construction, a brand new design with extensive living space.

“What’s unique about this home is that it has a loft that is large enough for an entertainment or study area, as well as a second loft with room for a desk that could be additional study space or a place to pay bills,” said Nick Klopfenstine, owner of Klopfenstine Construction. “Few homes in this price range have one loft, let alone two.”

Another outstanding feature of this home is found in an upstairs bedroom that has two hidden play areas. “They are tucked behind the walls and have a low ceiling, great for kids but still big enough to be accessible by adults.”

This family-friendly home also has two drop zones off the garage, one with open cubbies for coats and a boot box for storing shoes, as well as a second drop zone with extra outlets for charging electronic devices.

Klopfenstine said Hunt Midwest is an outstanding developer. “They are fantastic to work with in multiple ways. They have the best real estate agents in all of their communities and their sales staff is very knowledgeable. They educate themselves about the homes offered.

“All of the Hunt communities have high class amenity packages that can include pools, walking trails, a picnic pavilion and tennis courts. It is kind of a ‘can’t miss’ set up for a builder.”

Four other Parade entries in Woodneath Farms include a home by Aspen Homes, two by McFarland Custom Homes and one by Signature Homes.

Construction commenced earlier this month on the third phase of Woodneath Farms, The Links. In what could be the most highly anticipated home sites in the Northland, Links III will offer 50 premier home sites, 16 of which will back to the Shoal Creek Golf Course. The phase is scheduled to open in early 2015.

Woodneath Farms boasts an extensive amenities list, including a competition-size swimming pool, lake and fountain, walking trails, playground, nature areas, tennis court, picnic pavilion, recreation area, generous landscaping and brick entrance monuments. The Mid-Continent Public Library opened last summer in the historic Woodneath Mansion adjacent to the community, providing residents with a state-of-the-art library within walking distance of home. Students attend the highly coveted Liberty School District.

Woodneath Farms is on Flintlock Road, just north of Missouri 152.

The Parade of Homes, presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, runs Sept. 27 through Oct. 12 and includes 307 entries across the metro. All homes are open to the public 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is free. Participants are welcome to pick up a free Parade of Homes guide at the Home Builders Association office or at any Parade entry. A searchable online guide is also available at kcparadeofhomes.com.

For over 20 years, Hunt Midwest has been an industry leader in master-planned community development. For information about its variety of new home communities, visit HuntMidwestKC.com.

This story was originally published September 27, 2014 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Staley Hills, Woodneath Farms top Parade-goers list of must-see communities."