Rodrock Development’s Forest View: A nature-filled haven, hidden in Olathe

The Crawford family had lived in a Rodrock community for more than two decades when a chance visit to Olathe’s Forest View on the Parade of Homes tour sparked Missy Crawford’s interest.

“The community stayed with me,” Missy says. “I couldn’t recall exactly where it was, but it had a beautiful waterfall at the entry.”

As the family got more serious about moving, a second visit to Forest View cemented Missy’s lingering interest. “We enjoyed the terrain,” she says. “It wasn’t just flat — instead there were hills and dimension to the landscape, with plentiful trees, a creek, and deer!”

Now having called Forest View home for just shy of 2 years, Missy remarks about how tranquil the community is. “You’re not in the middle of commotion and commerce from the time you walk out your door. We’re fortunate enough that our property backs to green space that drops into the creek, so we have trees and beautiful views, and it’s truly a place of peace. At the same time, you can be anywhere in 5 minutes!”

But the ideal location and serene setting are only part of what makes Forest View so popular. “There is a component that feels like family,” Missy adds. “My children are no longer small, but there are children of all age groups, and it feels like a true community. It doesn’t feel like people are driving through and always hurrying. There’s the ability to engage with another, to be social. We love that – and I loved the idea of moving from one Rodrock community to another!”

Comprised of The Estates of Forest View, The Hills of Forest View, and The Meadows of Forest View, this one-of-a-kind neighborhood is located just west of Highway 7 on 119th Street, atop a winding road and beautiful waterfall at its entrance. These subtle differences help make Forest View feel above and beyond the fray – and, as it did for Missy – the neighborhood really resonated with Parade of Home attendees.

“The Spring Parade of Homes was an extraordinary success,” says Bruce Stout, community manager at the Communities of Forest View. “With three plans in our new model row winning top awards, the interest and energy around Forest View was remarkable. Going into the Parade, we knew we had assembled an all-star group of homebuilders. With two Grand Award and one Runner-Up award winners, the judges confirmed our optimism. Forest View is poised for an eventful spring and summer.”

Adding to the excitement is the final phase of The Hills, which is open and offers signature walkout lots backing to heavy timber. Meanwhile, the final phase in The Estates will open within the next 30-45 days. Overlooking heavy timber and creek beds, The Estates lots offer grand vista views and unprecedented sunrises.

“We appreciated a tremendous winter and early spring sales experience,” Bruce adds. “We are just now starting to recapture our available inventory.”

Among the soon-to-be available homes includes J. S. Robinson Fine Homes’ Catalina II A in The Enclave of Forest View, which is an evolution of the award-winning Catalina II. It backs southerly to heavy timber and features a large covered deck, complete with fireplace for cool spring evenings.

Meanwhile, Tabernacle Homes’ Denali Chalet sits on a heavily treed lot and features a 2-story cathedral ceiling accented with exposed beams and a full wall of windows overlooking the timber, so you can’t help but feel your natural surroundings.

“And James Engle Custom Homes is presenting two of their award-winning plans, the Laurel Reverse Expanded and the Sanibel Reverse, both on pace to be completed within 90-120 days,” Bruce says. “And Grand-Award-winning-homebuilder Hilmann Home Building is constructing his Chesapeake II Expanded on a walkout lot backing to heavy timber. Offering his trademark rustic hickory/oak blend hardwoods, the home takes all of the finest features of the Chesapeake II and enlarges the layout.”

Forest View truly is a hidden gem, highlighting the very best of Rodrock Developments. And, as with all Rodrock communities, the neighborhood boasts an impressive amenity package, including a large zero-entry pool, water park, playground, volleyball, and picnic area. Simply put, there’s so much to love!

This story was originally published May 22, 2016 at 12:08 AM with the headline "Rodrock Development’s Forest View: A nature-filled haven, hidden in Olathe."