`Dusty shoe' opening slated at Steeplechase

US Home is celebrating a "dusty shoe" grand opening at Steeplechase, its newest neighborhood in the northwestern valley. Today's event includes a radio remote from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., prizes, refreshments and a festive atmosphere.

"We wanted to go forward with our grand opening even though the model homes are not fully completed," executive Vicki Zoot said. "There has been so much activity at Steeplechase that presales have been outpacing the timetable for our model home construction. So, if you don't mind a little dust, you will really enjoy our hard-hat preview of these gorgeous luxury homes and the lovely rural setting."

The gated neighborhood features lots as large as one-half acre and 12 floor plans priced from the mid-$270,000s. Eight of the designs are single story and range from 2,550 to more than 3,900 square feet. The two-story plans are from the builder's Laureate Series and measure from 3,070 to 4,500 square feet.

"The bigger home sites give us the opportunity to feature our largest single-level designs -- homes that just don't fit on today's standard lot. There is such a strong demand in the market for larger single-level homes in the 3,000- to 4,000-square-foot range that communities like Steeplechase are at a premium. In fact, the majority of our presales have been these expansive single-level models," Zoot said.

"At Steeplechase you really have the opportunity to express yourself indoors and outdoors. With 12 home designs to choose from, our selection of exterior finishes and detailing and the larger lot size, you can create an environment that works for you."

The designs offer myriad options and their square footages can be expanded, as is evident in the single-story Camelback plan.

This four-bedroom, three-bath home measures 3,719 square feet and can be expanded to more than 3,900 square feet to accommodate two to five bedrooms, a den or study, exercise room and hobby area.

The home also features a covered porch and patio, columns, and formal living and dining rooms. The kitchen features a dining bar, pantry, counter area that can include a built-in desk, and breakfast nook with bay window. Recessed niches, a built-in media center and optional fireplace are offered in the family room. Secondary bedrooms occupy a section of the home, and a master suite occupies another section with walk-in and sliding-door closets, dual sinks, separate shower and raised tub, and access to the patio.

Another model featured at the neighborhood is the single-story Brentwood, which can be expanded to more than 3,000 square feet. The home offers two to five bedrooms, with the secondary bedrooms in its own wing; a master suite with access to a covered patio, and a sitting room or media center; a kitchen with seating at a bar counter and breakfast nook; and family and formal dining rooms. Options include a second master suite, study or den, bonus room, and additional bath.

Also modeled is the two-story San Clemente, which can be built with 4,500 square feet and as many as seven bedrooms. The home features 19-foot ceilings in the entry and formal living areas; a family room with media center; a dining nook; and a bedroom with a bath option on the first floor.

In addition to the loft, the second story features a master suite with a sitting area, a three-sided fireplace, two closets, enclosed shower, a raised tub or optional spa bath, and an optional veranda. The home also features den and study options, main-level laundry room, linen storage and a bonus room.

The homes also feature recessed niches, plant shelves, granite counter tops, ceramic-tile entries, cultured-marble vanities, oak cabinetry, carriage lights, and three-car garages as standard. In addition to two-tone exterior paint, stone and brick exterior detailing, and optional verandas with iron detailing are offered

The neighborhood is participating in the builder's "$10,000 in Options for $1,000" promotion, which has been extended through the end of May. With this program, buyers use a designated lender and receive a $9,000 credit at the builder's design center.

"It's a great bonus, like getting a $9,000 gift certificate from US Home to spend any way you want for those added extras for your new home," Zoot said.

To visit, take U.S. Highway 95 to Ann Road, go east to Jones Boulevard, and then travel north to Farm Road. Take Farm west to Rainbow Boulevard, and then travel north. Models are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Monday, when they open at 11 a.m.

US Home is a member of the Lennar family of builders.

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