Building new in a classic Northland community

Up until a few years ago, newly built homes were not an option around Weatherby Lake. But, homebuyers looking to live in Platte County’s largest lake community are discovering they no longer have to do extensive remodels or demolition work to get a custom home in the highly sought after area. West Ridge at Weatherby Lake offers brand new, custom built homes on large lots, situated in the rolling terrain on the west side of the lake.

Weatherby Lake has been an incorporated city since 1959 and is conveniently located in the Northland just south of Barry Road, west of Interstate 29 and east of Interstate 435. It is within minutes of dining and shopping amenities at Zona Rosa, close to the airport and an easy commute to most anywhere in the metropolitan area.

“It’s exciting, building new homes in such a classic and notable Northland community,” said Mark Rao, who markets West Ridge at Weatherby Lake for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes. “We offer a variety of floor plans by four well-known Northland builders: New Mark Homes, Klopfenstine Construction, Jim Hagen Construction and Frisbie-Carter Custom Homes.”

The most popular floor plan is the reverse 1 1/2-story with main-level living and a finished lower level. There are several varieties of these plans to choose from, each featuring an open concept with kitchen, dining and great room spaces. These plans appeal to those trying to “right size” their next home.

In addition to custom build jobs, eight homes have been started allowing buyers the opportunity to see the craftsmanship and layouts before purchasing. One of these homes is currently available at 10603 NW 79th Terrace, priced at $400,000. It is a two-story home on a walkout, cul-de-sac site with a three-car garage and tandem fourth garage space that is perfect for storing a boat. This home’s open design of the main floor includes an island kitchen with granite counter tops, gas cook-top and wall oven. The stunning floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace is flanked with artistic built-ins, and all four bedrooms have private bath access and large closets.

The builders offer a variety of exterior and interior choices from traditional to contemporary with nearly all options taking advantage of the natural setting by creating impressive outdoor living spaces.

“Buyers are able to purchase some of the most beautiful home sites in Platte County … Weatherby Lake is more than a great community, it’s a lifestyle,” said Rao.

The residents of West Ridge at Weatherby Lake enjoy the benefits of the 274-acre private lake where they can boat, swim, fish and socialize without leaving their community. They can also take advantage of the city’s amenities including a community center, multiple park and picnic areas, a sand swim beach, tennis courts, sand volleyball court, soccer and softball fields, basketball courts and numerous lake access points. Participating in the community’s many clubs and social events is an option, too, such as the well-known Fourth of July celebration.

New inventory scheduled for completion in early 2016 will include 1 1/2-story, two-story and ranch-reverse floor plans. Rao said activity in West Ridge at Weatherby Lake has increased recently, with five build jobs under construction and multiple home sites reserved for additional inventory homes. The last phase of lots is now open with only 15 available sites, some with seasonal lake views. If you are thinking of building, Rao suggests reserving a lot while they are still available.

The lots in West Ridge average 22,000 square feet versus the 9,000 square feet of a traditional neighborhood subdivision. Home sites are priced from $55,000 to $75,000.

West Ridge at Weatherby Lake is one of the few new-home communities remaining that is served by the top-rated Park Hill School District, including Hawthorn Elementary, Plaza (sixth grade center), Congress Middle and Park Hill High School. It is also near youth athletic fields, Platte County YMCA, The Springs Aquatic Center and downtown Parkville..

This story was originally published December 11, 2015 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Building new in a classic Northland community."