Rodrock Development offers lock-and-leave homes to delight travelers, snowbirds

The time had come for Bernie and Cathie Runnebaum to downsize their home—but not their lifestyle. Throughout their lives, the couple had lived on 3 different continents, but there was much of the States yet unexplored, and they hoped to remedy that fact.

“We have one daughter, and we didn’t want to leave her with too many headaches,” Bernie says. “So we decided to downsize, and we needed to find somewhere that snow removal and yard work was taken care of.”

Thankfully, Grayson Place, at 119th and Lone Elm Road, was the perfect solution with its beautiful villas designed so homeowners can enjoy all the pride of homeownership with none of the headaches. Lawn maintenance and snow removal are seen to for a small monthly fee, freeing homeowners to spend time on more exciting pursuits.

For the Runnebaums, that means loading up the RV and taking off on a whim, whenever and wherever their hearts desire. “We found a floor plan that fits our needs, and we’ve been in Grayson Place for 2 years now,” Bernie says. “We’re happy we made the move. We don’t need to worry about mowing, irrigation, or any of those things, and that was key in our decision-making. Instead, we put the lights on timers, alarm the alarm system, and away we go.”

The Villas of Grayson Place boasts two home plans by Gabriel Homes: Both the Richmond and the Fallon are reverse 1.5-story plans with 4 bedrooms, and 3 baths. Each is loaded with custom cabinets, beautiful hardwood floors and superb tile, walk-in showers, and the latest in energy-efficient amenities, ensuring home operating costs remain low. These homes are single-lot, stand-alone villas with covered patios, brick-and-stone trim along the front, and stucco along the remaining three sides.

The Richmond, with some 2,571 square feet of living space, won Pick of Parade Grand Award Winner and First Place for Distinctive Plan and Design in the Fall 2015 Parade of Homes. Priced at $390,245, one home is move-in ready, with another 2 under construction.

The Fallon, meanwhile, boasts a garden kitchen complete with a large granite center island, walk-in pantry, and built-in recycling bins. Priced at $405,465, both the model and a spec home are ready for a buyer.

A new plan, the Karsyn, will soon be making its debut. With the master on the first floor and an additional 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and family room on the lower level, this 2,109-square-foot floor plan will boast all the wonderful features of the Richmond and Fallon for about $330,000.

But Grayson Place doesn’t hold the only lock-and-leave option within Rodrock Developments. The Cottages at Woodridge, situated just north of the thriving 135th and Metcalf corner, are designed to age gracefully with its inhabitants, with zero-entry access from the garage into the home and in bathrooms as well. And for just $319 a month, all exterior maintenance, roof repair/replacement, lawn care, sprinkler system and landscaping upkeep, snow removal (starting at 3 inches) are taken care of—and the fee covers the insurance on the exterior and interior of home, as well (excluding personal property coverage).

The Cottage’s ranch-style homes feature elegant arched entryways and windows, cathedral ceilings, doorways with French or pocket doors, two-car garages, solariums opening onto beautiful patios, and an abundance of pantry and storage space.

But the Cottages has been so popular, it’s been a struggle to keep up with demand. Currently only two Westbrooke floor plans, attached at the garage wall, are available.

“Both homes are listed for $379,950 and feature some 1,818 square feet of living space,” says Leslie Young, community manager. “They each have 3 bedrooms and a small basement under the garage, ideal for storage and as a storm shelter. There are beautiful hardwoods in the Great Room, kitchen, and den, and plenty of natural light thanks to lovely, large arched windows and vaulted ceilings. One home will include 3 baths, the other 2.5.”

One Westbrooke plan will feature a center-island kitchen, while its twin will have a peninsula. Both kitchens boast lighted cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, stainless-steel appliances, and ample counter space.

While the styles of homes and communities may vary, the benefit of living a maintenance-free lifestyle in a top-notch Rodrock Development remains the same: Namely, being able to leave your home for countless adventures, while someone else tends to the outside upkeep.