Specs showcase all that Southwick on the Lake offers

Remaining estate-sized lots within the Blue Valley School District are rare. And ready-to-build substantial lots that welcome horses within this highly coveted school district? These are nothing short of a miracle, an oasis in a “sea of Johnson County sameness.”

“Rodrock Development’s Southwick on the Lake, which is nestled on a gorgeous swath of land at 199th and Mission Road, truly is an oasis of sorts,” said Lynne Matile, of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Kansas City Homes. “Where else can you find a community with 34 estate-sized, custom-build home sites, each ranging between two and six acres, all in the heart of burgeoning southern Johnson County? And it goes without saying that it’s rare — exceptional, even — to find a development with acreage property in the unparalleled Blue Valley School District.”

With a mission of “unprecedented academic success and unparalleled personal growth for every student,” Blue Valley’s strong schools are a draw for families all over the area. In fact, all five Blue Valley high schools were named to the Washington Post’s 2015 most challenging high schools list, Newsweek’s 2014 top public high schools list and The Daily Beast’s 2014 list of America’s top high schools.

This school district is icing on the cake to this dream community. Homes are distinctive and surrounded by the most gorgeous scenery. A natural 14-acre lake is pristine, private and fully stocked with large-mouth bass for fishing. Walking paths wind leisurely around the picturesque lake.

Excitingly, a number of spec homes are in various stages within Southwick, everything from those close to completion to those still in the planning stages, so homebuyers can personalize the finishes.

One new spec is by Woodbridge Custom Homes and this amazing 1 1/2-story 4,133-square-foot home is only days away from completion.

“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 home also boasts a four-car garage and a mudroom ideally designed for “country” living. Situated across the street from the community’s 14-acre lake, it offers breathtaking sunsets. The covered patio, meanwhile, provides the perfect spot to sip coffee and watch the sun as it rises.

A second spec home, which is at the foundation stage, 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, 4 1/2 baths, and a four-car garage, will be 3,683 square feet, not including the basement.

“It 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. And 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.

“We have plans to build two different 1 1/2-story homes,” said Ben Tarwater, president of James Engle Custom Homes. “One home will have a loft over the 12-foot great room, while the other will have a two-story great room. However, both will have four-car garages; large, open great rooms with walls of glass at the back of the home that open up to the covered patios. Both master suites will have access directly to the covered patios as well. These large suites will each boast the latest in bath equipment, including large tubs and oversized walk-in showers. But the rest of the family won’t miss out, as all the remaining bedrooms will all be generous in size, ensuring everyone is happy and comfortable.”

“This is 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 great interest in the community. Two-thirds of our lots are already sold, and it’s easy to see why. Southwick offers space, nature and horses — within the heart of all that Johnson County has to offer: the entertainment, the distinctive shopping and growing businesses. It truly is the best that real estate has to offer.”

This story was originally published September 19, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Specs showcase all that Southwick on the Lake offers."