Thursday, June 24, 2010

Be the first...




...to build one of our three new plans slated for Patchen Wilkes. Aren't they fabulous? I love the English cottage look of the Kittyhawk, the bungalow feel of the Kodiak, and of course, the all-out charm of the Nantucket. And can you guess which one is going to be our new model home?? You're right!! The Nantucket! (The gray one with green shutters and the great front porch.) I'm so excited that it's going to be started very soon, AND on one of our new larger lots. We'll be moving into the Ashland II, which is currently getting an update from Jean Ann and friends: new paint, furniture from Norwalk, and some other surprise updates. I love the Ashland II. It is a great family home with 5 bedrooms if you have a large family, or four bedrooms with a bonus room/office/play room with a great view of the pasture. The last time I was there three foals were out there frisking around...kicking heels, running, bucking. The mares were observing as only mothers can do. I could hardly leave because they were so entertaining! So be sure to come see us when we move. I'll let you know when that date is when I find out. Patchen is hopping, and now is the time to get your pick of the best remaining lots. Don't wait too long or you might miss out!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Windows, doors, and shingles, oh my!!

Perfect timing. We pulled up just as the guys were covering the front doors with Tyvek and plywood in order to protect them during the rest of the build. They were gracious to give me a few minutes to take some pictures. All the windows are installed on the first floor, and the second floor should be finished tomorrow. The windows pictured here are on the front porch, and wood panels will be done underneath them in order to echo the panels on the front door. My original thought was to do two straight-top French doors in Cliff's office, but Jimmy and Jim suggested the wood panels below to make the windows appear to be French doors. See, the look for less! (I'm telling all my design secrets now!) But honestly, it's just another way that Jimmy and his team offer up suggestions to make a house work. I love it!

They also completed a large section of shingles today, but it rained so much that I didn't want to traipse down through the mud in order to get a picture. I'll do that tomorrow along with some interior shots, so you'll have to come back and see what those look like.

By the way, the Blue Ridge is under contract! If you haven't been out to see this phenomenal home, get out to Patchen-Wilkes right away before we move. Check back Friday to see our pick for the new model and where we'll be going until it's built. Very exciting stuff!! See you there!




Monday, June 14, 2010

Twenty-nine...and counting






So much for no change orders. When we starting building, I told Jimmy that I wasn't going to have ANY; as of today, I am up to number 29. That wouldn't be so bad, but the fireplace change has officially held up the build...yikes! (I really, really want to be in by Christmas!!) In my defense, they move so fast that until I saw the framing for the fireplace, I had no idea that they were getting ready to install the gas and wood burning flues for the family room and basement fireplaces. We had originally decided to do wood in the basement for when we finish it out in the future, and gas in the family room because of, well, I don't know why. I honestly didn't give it that much thought obviously, because now I'm changing it to wood. I love wood burning fireplaces. Of course, that opens up a whole 'nother avenue of what kind of surround to do. I am considering slate, brick, stacked stone...lots of choices! I also have to figure out what kind of mantel I want to do...white, black, gray, stained, one tier, two-tiers...more choices! Here are some of my inspiration pictures. (And a picture of the fireplace framed.) I like them all, but I want to keep the style of the house consistent. That's hard to do when you like everything! I'll show you my final choice when I make up my mind. (Thank goodness I don't have to do that today!)

Changing the subject...we have some of our plumbing done for the kitchen, laundry and wet bar. They drew the outlines of the kitchen cabinets, island, and bar on the floor, which was pretty cool because now I see how they lay out and what size they are. Check out those photos below:


Also, we have felt on most of the roof, so we'll be ready for shingles soon. The brick guy was at the house today while we were there, and they are supposed to get started on Monday! I can't wait to see the brick!! So come back for more exciting changes. There's lots going on and I can't wait to share it with you!!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

It takes a village....


We are getting closer and closer to being under roof. There are only a few boards that have to be done on the back side of the house, and then they'll start putting on the shingles. Exciting!! I love the way the house is starting to look like, well, a house! Everytime I go by there is a little more detail here or there, and it's all starting to come together.

Speaking of shingles, would you believe I picked them AGAIN? Jimmy and JP were so sweet to put up two samples for me, but you know what that meant...decision time! I had picked Weathered Wood, but then I changed it sight unseen to Driftwood because that was Jimmy's pick. I trust his judgement on exterior elevations way more than I trust my own. I mean, let's face it...the man knows what he's doing, and he's been doing it a long time. HOWEVER, once I saw the two up, I really like the Weathered Wood even though I knew that it was way more brown than what I wanted. SO, I called in a trusty friend with a good eye for design, (Thanks, Steph!) and we held up the Hardie and brick samples to be sure. Without a doubt, Driftwood was the way to go. It's ordered, I can't change it, and I love it! It takes a village, folks! Let's see, I had Jean Ann's opinion, JP's opinion, Emily's opinion, Gilly's opinion, Cliff's opinion (of course), Jimmy's opinion, Luis's opinion, Stephanie's opinion, oh, and Dan's opinion (and he knows roofs)...whew! I think that was the hardest pick yet. I have lighting, paint, and carpet to go...I can do it!! Although, I really don't want it to end, because I've had so much fun. Good thing this is my job!

Make sure you come out for the second and last weekend of the Home Builder Association's Grand Tour of Homes on Saturday and Sunday. We have two fantastic homes open this year: the Blue Ridge in Patchen and the Madison in Still Meadow. You HAVE to see the reclaimed barnwood floors, the stacked stone fireplace, and the stained beams in the family room and owner's suite of the Blue Ridge. The townhome, of course, is fab as well. It is the traditional "Southern" style that we all know and love. The brickwork that was recently completed in the basement is pretty cool. I love how it looks like a wine grotto. All it needs is a wine rack, a wine fridge, and a tasting table! Come see us in both locations and be sure to register to get your name included in the drawing for a king size mattress from our good friends at Wildcat Mattress. We love 'em!

Have a great Friday and a great weekend!
Polly

Friday, June 4, 2010

What are your plans for the weekend?




Be sure to come on out to the Home Builder Association's Grand Tour of Homes this weekend June 5-6 and next weekend June 12-13 from 1-5 p.m. Did you know that our very own Jimmy Nash is the current president of the HBA? You can go to their website, www.hbalex.com, and find lots of good information, including a list of the homes on the tour and a map. There are 46 homes on this year's tour ranging from $117,000 to over $1 million. We will be holding open the Blue Ridge, which is our brand new model home, in Patchen Wilkes, and the Madison, our luxury townhome in Still Meadows. If you haven't visited these homes yet, you're in for a treat. I'll be at the Blue Ridge this weekend and Still Meadows the next. Be sure to come visit both communities and see what's new and up-and-coming. I hope to see you there!