Cottages at Woodridge are picturesque, charming

Picturesque; charming; an absolute haven: These are words current homeowners use to describe Rodrock Development’s Cottages at Woodridge. Situated just north of the thriving 135th and Metcalf corner, the Cottages is like a world onto itself. This European-style village is filled with enchanting 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. These two- and three-bedroom plans, which now include a partial basement, range in price from $320,950 to $420,950.

“With open floor plans ranging from 1,565 to 2,123 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 for a low monthly fee.

“We have two existing homes that can be ready in 30 days or less and one in 90 days,” Young said. “Our big news is that we’re starting our fourth phase, and they recently completed the foundations on the first five-plex. We’ll have 13 new homes that will be ready by early summer, though one has already sold. And we’re very excited to be building our five-plans again, and we also have some truly fabulous lots. It’s really an exciting time.”

And, Young said, participants on the Fall Parade of Homes shared her enthusiasm. “The Southbridge plan was on the Parade, and tour-goers loved the layout, with two bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and the sunroom/den. It has such a nice, big great room with a vaulted ceiling. It’s very bright and open, with lots of light coming through the big arched windows flanking the great room fireplace. People were so impressed!”

But none are quite so impressed as the happy homeowners who call the Cottages home.

“I just love the Cottages,” said longtime resident, Penny Dillon. “While all the homes are connected, the architect was able to give us three exposures, no matter the size of the unit. We have high, high ceilings, which helps make even the smaller homes seem larger. And just like the name ‘Cottages’ implies, we’re like our own little village and look out for one another.”

But an eye on design was only part of what tempted Dillon to make the Cottages home these past five years. “It’s absolutely centrally located, just in the middle of everything I could want,” she said. “We go out to eat a lot, and we can get anyplace so easily. It’s true what they say: Location, location, location. And a lot of us in the Cottages feel that it’s comforting to know that the police station, St. Luke’s South, and so many other doctor’s offices are within a five-minute drive.”

This one-of-a-kind community enabled Liz Taylor to make good on a promise to grow old by a dear friend, and it is here that she’s embraced an active lifestyle in the heart of Overland Park. As Taylor puts it, the Cottages are “absolutely the handiest location in Johnson County!”

“I can’t imagine having to take care of a yard, can’t imagine the work involved,” she said. “Having the maintenance taken care of gives me total freedom, so I can enjoy the house without any worry whatsoever. And they take care of the outside maintenance of the exterior of the home, as well. I just can’t fathom living any other way. I want to go and do things and don’t want to have to take care of a yard or shovel snow or rake leaves. It’s a fantastic way to live.”

“Our homeowners enjoy a truly carefree lifestyle,” Young added. “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.”

This story was originally published October 31, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Cottages at Woodridge are picturesque, charming."