What's New for 2015
John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods
The year 2015 promises to be filled with a lot of NEW new home trends … designed to make your home-buying process easier, more personal and much more rewarding.
Area builders have worked hard to develop, expand and display a wide selection of authentic choices for homebuyers, while simplifying the selection and purchase process. And although many areas try to mimic the Lowcountry flair and claim “Charleston-styled” homes, only a Charleston-area builder truly understands how to capture this architectural theme while offering cutting-edge, energy-efficient, modernized homes.
The biggest advantage and draw to a new home is the fact that it is new. Not only is it built from the ground up to suit your needs and lifestyle; it typically comes with a warranty for your security and peace of mind. Plus, newly constructed homes offer buyers many more choices in customization and personalization, which is an important consideration for one of the largest investments you will make during your lifetime.
In 2015, the Greater Charleston area will deliver an abundance of recently developed neighborhoods and master-planned communities. Complementing these communities are newly designed floor plans and elevations, and home features and upgrade offerings that have been thoroughly researched, selected and displayed in a shopper-friendly way.
Trending … Floor Plans That Work
Photo: Sabal Homes
Charleston floor plans are always on the drawing board. Improving floor plans is a process of constant evolution, as builders typically incorporate buyer feedback to update and polish their plans.
Beazer Homes’ Choice Plans are a prime example. Beazer has selected packages of its most popular floor plan eroptions for kitchens, master suites and secondary living areas, giving buyers a choice of how they want to appropriate these areas. Do they prefer contemporary or traditional styles? Can they better use an extra bedroom or a loft space?
Dan Ryan Builders is offering new portfolios of Estate and Modern Home Series designs. Inspired by the Lowcountry and created specifically for Charleston, these plans incorporate open designs featuring spacious kitchens, gracious bedrooms and striking curb appeal, while offering an ideal balance of the beautiful and the practical.
Photo: David Weekley Homes
To meet an increased consumer desire for a more formal dining area, David Weekley Homes has updated its floor plan portfolio to include an ideal dining space adjacent to the kitchen. The company has also added virtual floor plans to its website, so that buyers can easily envision their dream homes when embarking on their shopping adventures.
DR Horton has enhanced its existing plans, adding more windows and larger, more user-friendly kitchens and kitchen islands. They are also offering opulent spa showers with designer tile and hardware for homes in their Masterpiece Collection.
John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods has refined its New Signature Portfolio through an extensive process of designing, test-building, reviewing and enhancing floor plans in this series. Expanded kitchens and living areas make these plans ideal for multi-generational, luxury living. Thoughtful attention to detail is also apparent, with smart thermostats, UniFi® whole-house-access Wi-Fi points, and mobile device-charging stations throughout their home.
Incorporating generations of families under one roof is a growing requisite voiced by consumers, and one that Lennar has stepped up to meet. Its NextGen® product line facilitates space for both privacy and shared family time, featuring floor plans that have a private entrance to a separate living area with bedrooms, bath, laundry and eat-in kitchenette.
Photo: Kolter Homes
Kolter Homes is building homes to complement a myriad of lifestyles, with its 55+ active-adult Cresswinds community at The Ponds, as well as more traditional homes, designed to accommodate busy family life and social entertaining. These plans have modern flex spaces and morning rooms, family cafes, and home management centers.
Pulte Homes has created a portfolio of Life Tested® designs that incorporate the innovative features requested by homebuyers to whom Pulte continually reaches out for feedback and inspiration. Pulte Planning Centers™, Everyday Entries™, super laundries, generous owners’ retreats, and oversized pantries are just a few of the attractive new features found in Pulte’s Life Tested® designs.
CalAtlantic Homes is offering a portfolio of home collections for nearly every life stage, whether you are a first-time homebuyer, moving up to your second or third home, or downsizing. Utilization of space, traffic flow, wide doorways, one-level kitchen islands, storage areas – and more – are reflections of CalAtlantic’s commitment to seek out fresh ideas and include them in its extensive portfolio of new homes.
Trending … Exciting Design Centers
Choosing your neighborhood and picking the ideal floor plan is just part of the home-buying process. Builders have worked hard to create Design Centers that allow you the opportunity to customize your home with design selections that reflect your style and allow you to stay on budget. There are some great new Charleston-area Builder Design Centers that will inspire and enhance your design selection experience.
Photo: Ashton Woods
Ashton Woods has opened a stunning new Design Center on Daniel Island. The award-winning Studio by Ashton Woods Homes has a Design Consultant on hand to help unite your vision and lifestyle with the perfect choices in finishes, colors, textures and lighting.
Photo: Eastwood Homes
Eastwood Homes is proud to introduce a sleek new Design Center where an interactive design consultation is presented to the buyer in a big-screen format. Buyers can see their plans being red-lined and re-drawn on the screen, helping them to visualize requested modifications as they progress.
John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods’ expansive new Design Center has been developed to facilitate a personalized “one-stop shop” experience. Buyers will benefit from the help of a designated Design Consultant to introduce them to the possibilities and aid them throughout the design proce
Photo: Ryland Homes
Inside CalAtlantic Homes Design Center showroom you’ll find numerous options and upgrades for each CalAtlantic home collection, with an emphasis on design elements for kitchen and bath. Offering a broad range of quality, trusted, brand-name manufacturers and affordable cabinets and countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures, fireplaces, window coverings, flooring, tile and light fixtures, CalAtlantic's showroom has something to suit every taste, lifestyle and budget.
To view more design center photos please click here
Trending … Fresh Ideas For A Custom Touch
Photo: David Weekley Homes
Builders are constantly updating the colors and finishes they have available to best reflect current design trends. DR Horton is offering new selections in cabinets, lighting and hardware. Eastwood Homes has included new “spa-like” marble with 5-foot showers among its offerings, along with new designer kitchen choices. David Weekley Homes has updated its lighting packages to complement modern or traditional kitchens, with polished nickel and chrome lighting and plumbing hardware accenting the cool gray tones currently popular for both interior and exterior selections.
To view more floor plans and interior photos please click here.
Trending … Energy And Environment
0018.aspx)
An increase in energy-efficient and environmentally sound elements will continue to predominate in homes being constructed this year. David Weekley Homes meets the platinum-level requirement for Masco Home Services’ “Environments for LivingTM” program, with its new homes receiving an average Home Energy Rating System score of 61. The standard HERS rating for new construction is 100, and the lower the rating, the more efficient the home. DR Horton, Ryland Homes and Hunter Quinn Homes also HERS-rate each individual home they build to ensure energy efficiency. And Hunter Quinn Homes uses low-VOC flooring and paint, along with energy barriers that deflect the sun’s heat. Similarly, Lennar strives to ensure that the products it uses consume minimal resources and reduce environmental impact.
Trending … “New” Neighborhood Growth
The Greater Charleston area will have a extensive selection of new neighborhood opportunities in 2015. These neighborhoods provide a diversity of location, lot size, school districts, amenities, and price choices.
In 2015, Berkeley County will experience tremendous growth in its Moncks Corner and Summerville areas. New home shoppers will be able to choose from large developments featuring extensive amenities, to ones that are smaller and more boutique-styled. From master-planned communities to quaint neighborhood enclaves, products and price ranges will vary, offering something for everyone. Following are just a few of the new up-and-coming Berkeley County neighborhoods available in 2015:
In Summerville
Cane Bay Plantation, a nationally acclaimed master-planned community located off Hwy 176, will feature several new neighborhoods by an impressive collection of homebuilders. In addition to the variety of housing offered in Cane Bay Plantation, homeowners have easy access to schools, shopping and healthcare, all right within the community. Beazer Homes has just opened The Oaks at Cane Bay Plantation, featuring an array of 3- to 6-bedroom, Energy Star®-certified homes of approximately 1750-3284 SF. Also in Cane Bay Plantation, Sabal Homes has just opened Palmetto Walk at Cane Bay, with all five new floor plans ranging from 3- to 5-bedroom, 1- and 2-story homes of approximately 1667-2541 SF. Coming in late 2015 will be The Cove at Lakes of Cane Bay, where floor plans and pricing are still being established.
Summerville's newest high-tech master-planned community, Nexton, is unlike any community in the Lowcountry. Located off I-26 and Hwy 17A, Nexton isn't just about where you live – it's about how you live. From the look and feel of the community to the color and architecture of each home, Nexton is unique. One feature exclusive to the community is that every home will have access to GigaFi™ a 100% fiber Internet connection 100 times faster than the average South Carolina connection. Brighton Park, Nexton's first village, is smart living at its best. Replete with true Lowcountry flavor and charm, yet wired for today's lifestyles, Brighton Park will feature homes from the $200s to $300s, built by Pulte Homes and Saussy Burbank.
Sabal Homes will be building in Summer Wood, ideally located two miles from downtown Summerville and I-26 on Hwy 78. An exterior home-maintenance and landscaping package is included with the HOA fee, providing the ultimate in low-maintenance living and allowing you more time to socialize at the neighborhood pool, or simply relax at home.
DR Horton will open a brand-new phase in Cypress Ridge.
Hunter Quinn Homes will introduce The Villages at Fairmont South, located near historic Cypress Gardens, and featuring a wide selection of 3- to 6-bedroom floor plans of approximately 1635-3090 SF, The Villages at Fairmont South's residents will enjoy top-notch amenities such as a pool, pavilion, children’s playground, walking/jogging trails, and 60-acres of protected wetlands.
Charleston County, already the most populated in the tri-county area, will continue to experience steady growth throughout the entire county in 2015. Although Mount Pleasant currently leads the county with the most new home communities, Johns Island, West Ashley and North Charleston have respectable growth as well. One of the many draws to Charleston County is its proximity to historic downtown Charleston and Old Village of Mount Pleasant. It also is home to the Charleston region’s major beaches, such as Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Edisto Beach, all with easy access to area conveniences.
By early 2015, Carolina Park, the area's leading master-planned community, will have a new main sales center and a “model row” of many lovely sample homes, located across the street from the Carolina Park Residents Club. Several new phases are scheduled to launch in 2015, with a variety of new home types, floor plans and builders. To the custom and classic home types already offered, Carolina Park is adding cottage-style homes and townhomes. In addition to expanding its current amazing recreational amenity options, Carolina Park will be installing community tennis courts for the use of residents and their guests.
Ashton Woods has opened a new phase in Darrell Creek, just behind Carolina Park.
CalAtlantic Homes will open Bowman’s Park and Carolina Park luxury townhomes in 2015. Both communities are located in Mount Pleasant.
DR Horton will have a host of new Mount Pleasant neighborhoods available, including Abbotts Glen at Park West, Tidal Walk, and Oystser Point, which features gorgeous homesites overlooking Hamlin Sound and Gray Bay, and is conveniently located near Isle of Palms and shopping at Towne Centre. State-of-the art amenities are planned.
John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods is now selling in Marsh Cove at Dunes West, a new phase of classic coastal homes in the Dunes West community, featuring innovative floor plans with 2850+ SF, gourmet kitchens, plenty of flexible space such as third-floor walk-ups, and today’s best features and finishes. Screened porches offer additional living space, while homesites with pond views present a special sunrise wakeup call every morning. With its distinctive portfolio of new homes and low-maintenance townhomes, Dunes West is truly a one-of-a-kind destination, where arching oaks and sweeping views of its championship golf course and resort-style amenities are just minutes from downtown Charleston and Isle of Palms beaches.
Pulte Homes is opening Carolina Walk at Towne Centre, situated off Hungryneck Boulevard, within easy walking distance to Towne Centre shopping. Located just minutes from the Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant and I-526, these low-maintenance luxury townhomes are designed for elegance and convenience, with spacious, energy-efficient floor plans styled with both form and function in mind.
In North Charleston
Eastwood Homes will be joining Hunter Quinn Homes at Colony North, centrally located off Ashley Phosphate Road. The 3- to 4-bedroom plans will range from 1396-2641 SF.
Ashton Woods and FrontDoor Communities will both be building impeccably designed and crafted homes at Freeman's Point. A premier waterfront community located minutes from Folly Beach, this just-opened neighborhood will feature a 1000-linear-foot waterfront park open to all residents, providing easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway, as well as to historic downtown Charleston.
Beazer Homes is starting construction on Maybank Village, an enclave of energy-efficient homes located on Maybank Highway, just past River Road. These 1- and 2-story, 3- to 6-bedroom homes will range from approximately 1598-2855 SF and will feature Beazer's new variable plans that allow you to transform certain living spaces at no additional cost.
CalAtlantic Homes will soon be opening a new phase in its wildly successful Whitney Lakes community.
Mungo Homes introduces its newest neighborhood, Fenwick Woods, located on Brownswood Road just off Maybank Highway. Located in the heart of Johns Island, Fenwick Woods offers beautifully wooded homesites and a great selection of options and upgrades to a wide variety of floor plans ranging from approximately 1468-4097 SF. First-floor master suites are available.
Poplar Grove, a 6000-acre waterfront and equestrian community in Charleston County's plantation district, is booming and has opened several new phases. Now building in The Landing at Poplar Grove are Southeastern Family Homes, Dan Ryan Builders and CalAtlantic Homes. Dan Ryan Builders will offer Lowcountry Estate Homes with additional structural choices ranging from approximately 2160-3534 SF. CalAtlantic Homes will feature its spacious Saltwater Series homes, ranging from approximately 2158-2964 SF, with detached garage. In addition to the Bulow Boat Landing, Poplar Grove’s amenity center will include a pool and fitness center available to all residents in 2015.
CalAtlantic Homes has opened Grand Bees, located off Bees Ferry Road near Glenn McConnell Boulevard. Grand Bees, now actively selling, features an extensive selection of Ryland Homes' best Georgetown and Americana Series home designs ranging from 1768-3398 SF. Grand Bees is minutes from I-526 and is convenient to downtown Charleston, North Charleston and Summerville .
Sabal Homes will open a new phase, The Landing at Grand Oaks, in the community of Grand Oaks, off Bees Ferry Road near Glenn McConnell Parkway. Construction will begin in winter 2015.
While 2015 will see the most new neighborhoods in Dorchester County being built in Summerville, new construction will also reach northeast, to the growing town of Ridgeville, and to the southeastern-most portion of the county, near Hollywood. This expanding growth reflects a national trend to move farther from urban centers in search of larger homesites and a more pastoral setting, all while offering cutting-edge new neighborhoods and convenient commutes to the historic town of Summerville and other metro Charleston destinations. Summerville’s commitment to facilitating economic growth, while preserving a richly historic past, is evident in the architecture and trends of Dorchester County’s progressive new neighborhoods.
Lowcountry Residential Builders will be building in Summerville’s secluded Hidden Hills neighborhood, located off Central Avenue, between Hwy 17A and Old Orangeburg Road. Five appealing floor plans will be available on large, wooded homesites from .7 to 4 acres.
Ashton Woods will be building in the amenities-rich community of Limehouse Village, just off Dorchester Road, and minutes from downtown Summerville. These gracious homes will feature traditional Lowcountry exteriors and 3 to 6 bedrooms.
DR Horton will open Sunrise at Wescott Plantation, a new phase in the master-planned community of The Farms at Wescott Plantation, also off Dorchester Road.
Lennar will begin building single-family homes in Coosaw Preserve, conveniently located off Patriot Boulevard, where great amenities are planned for the near future.
Kolter Homes will be bringing many new and exciting things to the master-planned community of The Ponds. Located minutes from historic downtown Summerville on Hwy 17A, The Ponds offers both “room to roam,” and the convenience of life in town. The Ponds has an on-site YMCA, an outdoor amphitheater, a Fire/EMS substation, and is set in the midst of a 1,100-acre nature conservancy. Two new model parks will showcase over 20 model homes, highlighting new traditional 1- and 2-story floor plans, as well as plans developed specifically for the active adult lifestyle. Cresswind, Kolter Homes’ active adult neighborhood at The Ponds, will be designed to nurture fitness, nutrition and relationships. Ranch-style homes will have 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms and many designer options. Kolter’s traditional homes at The Ponds will have 3 to 5 bedrooms, with Lowcountry-style architecture and floor plans that work for today’s families. Kolter Homes has plans to further expand The Ponds’ already-expansive amenities, which currently include a restored 19th-century farmhouse with pavilion, a 25-meter saltwater pool, and a multipurpose field.
In East Edisto
Just west of Summerville are the beginning signs of the East Edisto project, a community development that is projected to span over the next 45 years. Dorchester County has approved two new District II school sites for the neighborhood, with plans for two more. The community will maintain East Edisto’s rural character, preserving natural habitats and creating a landscape of sustainable towns and villages. The community will be designed for people to live, work, learn, and shop, all in a conveniently close proximity. Summers Corner will be the first of three planned villages.
Dorchester County
In the Dorchester County portion of Poplar Grove, a variety of homesites developed by Southeastern Development Associates will be available at The Pastures and The Plantations. The Pastures will offer breathtaking homesites from 5 to 15 acres. Individually gated homesites at The Plantations range from 40-acres to 100-acres. Dock permits are available for these homesites. Community amenities at Poplar Grove include an equestrian center and barn, community boathouse and dock, kayaking accommodations, a pool and exercise center, just to name a few.
To view more neighborhood photos please click here.