Maintenance-free living and Rodrock Development a winning combination

As Darol Rodrock has progressed through his distinguished 35-plus-year career of building better communities, he’s walked in the proverbial shoes of families of every shape and size, from those just starting out to those with a full household, and now, in his later years, to those viewing retirement.

Rodrock recognizes there’s pride and comfort in home ownership … along with a great deal of work. Toiling in the sun maintaining a lawn or enduring hours raking leaves or shoveling snow is not for everyone. So it’s thrilling that Rodrock Development has three communities offering a variety of maintenance-free living options.

The Cottages at Woodridge in Overland Park, and Stonebridge Village and Grayson Place in Olathe offer villas constructed by some of the city’s top builders with none of the hassle associated with yard upkeep.

After owning a home for years, Peggy and Gary Shults searched the area for a maintenance-free community before touring the Cottages at Woodridge. Situated just north of the thriving 135th and Metcalf corner, the neighborhood is filled with European-style cottages, friendly neighbors and green space for gathering.

The ranch-style homes range in size from 1,560 to more than 2,200 square feet, with elegant arched entryways and windows, cathedral ceilings, two-car garages, and solariums opening onto beautiful patios. As a maintenance-provided community, building exterior, lawn care, landscaping, sprinkler systems, and snow and trash removal are all managed.

“We were attracted by the general location, because it’s so convenient, and met some of the people already living in the community who are very happy there,” Peggy said. “We really liked the size and types of floor plans available. We worked with Rodrock to tailor our favorite just a little. It felt very much like a custom build-job.

“We were a little nervous going into the building process — there are lots of horror stories out there. But the Rodrock team worked hard throughout the entire process to make sure we’ve been happy with everything, and we are. They’ve done a fabulous job. The level of customer service from Leslie and Phillip was incredible; they were a joy to work with. We felt like we made two friends while building this home.”

And Peggy is thrilled there’s beautiful outside space in which to gather, which she and Gary don’t have to work on.

“It’s a wonderful change not to have to worry about any of the exterior maintenance,” she said. “And Epic Landscaping has done wonderful work making the outdoors as much a pleasure to live in as the interior of our home.”

But the Cottages aren’t the only maintenance-provided community with amazing outdoor space. Stonebridge Village, at 164th and Mur-Len Road, offers charming Carriage Houses and all the benefits of maintenance-free housing but within the context of the larger Stonebridge community. 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.

Sharner Stucky moved in this May, an ideal time to take advantage of all the neighborhood has to offer, including the newly opened pool — complete with water slide — and fitness center.

“We really like having access to the pool, exercise area, and having the extra green space to use for social gatherings,” Sharner said. “There are very nice walking paths, and it seems like all our neighbors are really very friendly.”

The Stucky family had looked at several other communities, but Sharner said they really liked that in the Village they would have their own separate home, with none of the headache of yard maintenance.

The homes have inviting front porches, rear-entry garages and extremely open floor plans with no wasted space. Available in both reverse 11/2-story and classic 11/2-story, the Carriage Houses boast vaulted ceilings, built-in workstations, hardwood floors and granite counter tops. And 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.

“We’re very pleased with everything, just totally happy,” Sharner said. “And we’ve really enjoyed the area. The larger Stonebridge community is not just for our age group but for any age group, and everyone has been so kind. It’s just so nice for everybody.”

Still, those interested in an array of home options are thrilled with what’s developed at Grayson Place at 119th and Lone Elm Road. This gorgeous community offers both villas and townhomes, so there’s a 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. “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.”

“We’re very excited about the maintenance-provided homes,” agreed Mike Slaven, a 22-year Rodrock marketing agent. “And, in particular, the builders we’re representing in Grayson Place. Each of these communities is close to our two pools, exercise trails, pond and community center.”

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 June 26, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Maintenance-free living and Rodrock Development a winning combination."