Cottages, villas and townhomes offer high-end living without the hassle

There are many things to love about fall — the satisfying crunch of leaves, bright colors, and refreshing crispness to the air. The drawback? The backbreaking work to pick up all those leaves. And the same goes for the lovely sight of snow as it descends … until it’s time to shovel your way out of all that white stuff.

As these demanding seasons befall us, it’s welcome news to know that Rodrock Development has three communities offering a variety of maintenance-free living options. These homes feature all the high-end, distinctive building options for which Rodrock Development is renowned but without the time-consuming, exhausting work associated with home upkeep.

The Cottages at Woodridge, Grayson Place and Stonebridge Village offer a refreshing variety of home styles from cottages to villas to townhomes available with immediate occupancy, in many cases.

The Cottages at Woodridge, situated just north of the thriving 135th and Metcalf corner, is a world onto itself. This European-style village is filled with charming cottages, friendly neighbors and a centrally located living experience like no other.

Designed by one of Kansas City’s most gifted architects, Wolfgang Trost, the ranch-style homes feature elegant arched entryways and windows, cathedral ceilings, extra-wide doorways, two-car garages, and solariums opening onto beautiful patios.

Four of the 12 new homes under construction have sold, but eight remain for a May 2015 move-in. These two- and three-bedroom plans, which now include a partial basement, range in price from $303,950 to $374,950.

“With open floor plans ranging from 1,560 to 2,0123 square feet and a location that couldn’t be better — close to all the new shopping and restaurants on 135th Street — these homes sell themselves,” said Leslie Young, a longtime Rodrock Development marketing agent, with a laugh. “They really need to be seen to be believed.”

Nestled on a private street, the Cottages face an English-inspired courtyard graced by a gazebo, verdant interior green spaces and attractive landscaping. As a maintenance-provided community, building exterior, lawn care, landscaping, sprinkler systems and snow and trash removal are all managed.

“Our homeowners enjoy a truly carefree lifestyle,” Young said. “Their homes are full of light and beautifully detailed. This village is an absolute gem. It’s a vibrant, rare find right in the heart of Johnson County.”

Stonebridge Village, at 164th and Mur-Len Road, offers all the benefits of maintenance-free housing but within the context of the larger, thriving Stonebridge community. Many grandparents have turned to this delightful locale as a place to effortlessly call home, while enjoying the presence of their children and grandchildren in the surrounding Stonebridge Meadows, Stonebridge Parks and Stonebridge Trails neighborhoods.

Designed by award-winning architects Nearing, Staats, Prelogar and Jones, each of the charming Carriage Houses boasts inviting front porches, rear-entry garages and extremely open floor plans with absolutely no wasted space, all at the astonishing price point of $260,000 to $300,000.

There are currently eight homes available, ranging from immediate possession and reaching into the New Year. Available in both reverse 11/2-story and classic 11/2-story, the Carriage Houses offer vaulted ceilings, built-in workstations, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, stainless-steel appliances, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the larger Stonebridge community at an extremely affordable price.

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 — leaving homeowners more time to entertain, spend time with their families, or give back to the 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. Another bonus? Paved trails lead directly to Prairie Creek Elementary School, which has won the Governor’s Award an impressive three times. Many active grandparents donate their time at the school.

Finally, Grayson Place, found at 119th and Lone Elm Road, offers both villas and townhomes, so there’s truly 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. “They’re over-the-top gorgeous! 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 with an approachable price in the low $300,000s.”

“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 — all at only $279,950 to $284,950. 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.”

“What’s more, the size and quality of these homes far exceeds what you’d find in most maintenance-free communities,” added Phillip Sanders, president of Darol Rodrock Homes. “And the larger neighborhood as a whole, with its walking trails, pond, park and all the other Rodrock Development amenities, is a rare find.”

So no matter where in Kansas you find yourself called to settle down, Rodrock Development has a home to fit your distinctive needs and personal style. Each offers homebuyers effortless house pride, without any time-consuming, exhausting hassle.

This story was originally published November 28, 2014 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Cottages, villas and townhomes offer high-end living without the hassle."