A little bit country, a little bit rock ’n roll

You’re in the market for a new home. Do you choose all the conveniences of city living, or the quiet serenity of the country? Homebuyers in Huntford, Inspired Homes’ new exclusive community in Olathe, don’t have to choose.

“Huntford truly offers the best of both worlds,” said CEO Ernie Wassmann. “Turn right out of the subdivision, and you’re a five-minute drive from the shopping, restaurants and quality schools that earned Olathe a top spot in Money magazine’s ‘100 Best Cities to Live in the US.’ Take a left, and you’re driving through the quiet Kansas countryside with open land as far as the eye can see.”

Huntford, which opened to the public March 1, is just up the hill from scenic Lake Olathe, a 170-acre lake surrounded by a community park that features a playground, picnic shelters, two fishing docks and a boat ramp. Residents receive a discount on individual and group sailing classes, and kayak and canoe rentals.

Kansas’s newest neighborhood also borders the Prairie Highlands Golf Course, designed by well-known Kansas City golf architect Craig Schreiner and ranked No. 3 among the state’s best public courses by both Golf Week and Golf Magazine. The award-winning course, named for its 182-acre plot of native grasses, has played host to the 2004’s Kansas City Cup Finals and 2004-2006 Men’s NAIA National Championship.

“Huntford offers residents an exceptional quality of life in friendly, affordable Olathe — one of the fastest growing cities in the country,” said Dan Walsh, vice president of marketing. “And the community is close to the amenities that Kansas City has to offer.”

Huntford features six two-story and three one-story floor plans starting in the mid $200,000s with living space that ranges from 1,600 to 3,500 square feet. Two model homes are now open, and the Inspired Homes team is building five spec homes for immediate sale.

Locally owned and operated, Inspired Homes custom builds homes with the finishes, space and storage homebuyers want and with the architectural style and interior layout they prefer, in just 90 days.

“Buyers can personalize their home to meet their individual needs and preferences,” said Walsh. “Our expansive floor plans can be customized to fit any family’s lifestyle and budget.”

All Inspired Homes offer energy-efficiency products, including exterior walls built with 2-foot by 6-foot construction, compared with the industry standard of 2-foot by 4-foot; blown-in insulation that is 2 inches thicker and doesn’t sink to the bottom over time like standard fiberglass insulation; 95 percent efficient furnaces; power-vented, low-E water heaters; low-E glass windows; a dry-basement system that prevents leaks; insulated basements with drywall ceilings; and much more.

Inspired Homes is also building homes at Kensington Farms in Lee’s Summit and The Reserve in Lenexa. Model homes are slated to open next month in Whispering Pines in Kansas City, Kan.

This story was originally published June 13, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "A little bit country, a little bit rock ’n roll."