Summer kitchens add spice to home cooking, entertaining
SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE
Outdoor living areas that function just like their indoor counterparts are one of the distinctive design features of the homes at Tuscan Cliffs, according to Ron Evans, a principal of Pacific Southwest Development. The neighborhood, located within the Southern Highlands community, features semi-custom luxury homes in a guard-gated setting.
"Given our serene location, many of our buyers enjoy spending a calm, pleasant day outdoors," Evans said. "Each of our model homes shows a different way to take advantage of the marvelous climate Las Vegas has to offer. Residents can go about their daily activities of relaxing in front of a fire, watching a movie, or even preparing dinner all while taking in some fresh air and daylight.
Advertisement
"Based on the comments we have received, one of the most popular 'rooms' in our homes is the summer kitchen. People seem to love the idea of having a functional kitchen and sitting area outdoors."
With a complete set of appliances, a summer kitchen offers nearly all the same options as its indoor counterpart. Buyers may include a multi-burner gas cook top, built-in grill, microwave, refrigerator, wine refrigerator, and sink, among other features. One notable option, a beer tap shown on the Villa De Gabriella model, has become a option homeowners reserve almost exclusively for outdoors living.
A summer kitchen typically occupies one side of an expanded covered patio in the rear of a home. "Just as it does indoors, the kitchen may become the center of activity outdoors," Evans said. "More than just a way to enjoy a beautiful day, a summer kitchen offers more time together as a family or to socialize with friends. You can prepare a meal, keep an eye on the kids while they play in the pool and have a conversation with guests all at the same time. Even on a day-to-day basis, especially during the spring and fall, cooking and enjoying a meal outdoors can be a wonderful change of pace."
Outdoor kitchen areas can unite the interior and exterior portions of a home design, both in function and style. Through a series of disappearing glass doors, each home's patio areas may open up to the living room or family room areas. Flooring options include flagstone, hard surfaces to match the interior, decorative concrete or pavers.
Decorative features such as stone trim and granite countertops can match the interior kitchen. Other available options that can be incorporated include sound systems, televisions, special lighting and ceiling fans.
The addition of radiant heat can allow use into the winter months.
Tuscan Cliffs features Tuscan-style luxury estates on lots measuring one-quarter acre or larger. Premium home sites, including mountainside parcels in future phase releases, are available.
Four two-story models are open for tours at the neighborhood. In their base configurations, the floor plans range from 4,328 to 5,441 square feet. Various design options can bring the homes to 6,000 square feet.
Standard amenities include paver stone driveways, sand-finished stucco exteriors, stainless steel appliances, 42-inch maple cabinets, granite counter tops, 6-foot garden tubs, wood-clad Andersen windows, Kohler plumbing fixtures and structured wiring systems.
Each residence qualifies as an Energy Star home. Base prices range from $1.04 million to $1.2 million.
To visit, take Interstate 15 to the St. Rose Parkway exit and go west. Drive north on Southern Highlands Parkway and proceed to Stonewater Lane, then turn left and follow the signs. Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Monday when it opens at 1 p.m. For more information call, 228-8559 or visit pacificsouthwest.com.
Pacific Southwest Development has been building homes in the Las Vegas Valley for nearly 20 years.
