Getting your player ready...
Ryland Homes has a grand opening for two model homes set today that might give you an entirely new way of looking at the Gartrell Road exit on E-470, between Parker Road and Smoky Hill. Ryland’s new Whispering Pines enclave is tucked into the northern edge of the Black Forest, just three minutes off 470, very convenient to the south I-25 corridor – and showing quite a value in terms of new home size and features, not to mention highly coveted Cherry Creek schools.
“This place is a chance for a master-planned community that’s very attractively priced, in a good commuting situation,” says Ryland’s Matt Bond, who’ll say hi during your visit to the grand opening of Ryland’s two, very popular 4000 Series models this weekend at Whispering Pines. The enclave shares many of the same features of previous master plans in the area that were rapid sellers: scenic stands of ponderosa (Ryland is making a special effort to preserve those in the neighborhood); close access to some top-rated schools including the Fox Ridge/Cherokee Trail campus; views across the city to mountains both south and west; and a nice pool and park complex. The latter, says Bond, starts construction next year – and will be financed by a metro district – no monthly HOA dues. Ryland’s homes are accessed through existing neighborhoods off S. Aurora Parkway, meaning you have to watch for signs in on your first trip – but Ryland already has four sales here in only three weeks since opening for business. “These buyers have done their homework,” Bond says. “They already know all about the schools and which sites back to the Black Forest, and they start out by saying, ‘We’re interested in lot number so-and-so.'” The lots here are part of the draw; offering multiple platforms for city-mountain views, and plenty of potential for daylight walkout lower levels and decks – something coveted with any new home, particularly with a single-level ranch plan (Ryland offers a Bliss ranch here from just $392,900).You’ll tour two models, both of which have sold rapidly in other Ryland neighborhoods in Castle Rock, Arvada, and at Cherry Creek State Park — including the Collage plan – three bedrooms, 2-½ baths, plus a main-floor study, with a wide-open great room-kitchen area. If you like its looks, Ryland has one nearby that’s on track for move in next month, on a site with mountain-downtown view, priced at $479,000. That includes quartz counters, stainless appliances, and Ryland’s Energy Star-3 rated sustainability features. Getting a home ready to go, with no bidding involved, is a rarity right now, Bond adds. “There’s no inventory out there in the resale market, and what’s there they don’t want,” he adds. Watch the street signs on your first trip in: From E-470 take the Gartrell exit, head a block south to S. Aurora Parkway, then turn north a mile to E. Irish Drive and head east. Or from Smoky Hill Road near Southlands, take Aurora Parkway south a half mile to Irish and turn east. WHERE: Grand opening, Whispering Pines by Ryland, 2 models, hilltop site, 6 family-sized plans including ranch, main-floor master; Cherry Creek Schools; park, pool, trails coming; walkouts; 2 homes for early move-in: Call for directions 303-749-0293, Aurora; from E-470 take Gartrell exit, south 1 blk to S. Aurora Pkwy, then north 1 mi. to E. Irish Dr., east. Or from E. Arapahoe Rd take S. Aurora Pkwy south 1/2 mi. to Irish, then east. PRICE: From $382,900 WHEN: Today, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Sunday noon-6
