When do we draw the line between early adoption and, uh, regular adoption? With virtual reality, maybe its right now. Years of sluggish sales had me convinced that virtual reality might disappear with nary a whimper, but then the hardware got better, the games got better, and suddenly people are talking about VR again. And hey, being essentially trapped in your house for weeks on end doesnt hurt.

The hardware landscape has gotten a lot more confusing since the first-gen Oculus Rift and HTC Vive debuted in 2016. We have tethered and untethered headsets, different resolutions, different lensesand what the hell is MR anyway?

Were here to guide you in the right direction. Below youll find our recommendations, whether youre a first-timer or an early adopter looking to upgrade. And if youre looking to buy right now, youre probably going to have to settle for whatevers in stock. Headsets have been in short supply since the Half-Life: Alyx reveal in November. Still, lets pretend all these headsets are in stock for the moment, at least.

Well update this list periodically to accommodate new releases as well, though with the Valve Index and Oculus Quest less than a year old (at time of writing) it might be a while before we see better hardware worth buying.

It's pricey, but Valve's new virtual reality headset is the one to beat thanks to its crisp display and high field of view.

The Valve Index is the best all-around headset you can buy at the moment. Best optics, best audio, best comfort, best tracking, and (once you get used to them at least) best controllers. Best everythingexcept the price, which at $1,000 (for the headset, controllers, and base stations)Remove non-product link is bound to make even the most enthusiastic adopter wince.

Its 2880x1600 resolution and 130-degree field of view mean you can see the digital world clearer than ever, and more of it. The Index also supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate, though youll need a monster of a PC to hit that frame rate consistently.

But its the less immediately noticeable features that make the Index stand out to me. The tracking is rock-solid, just like withthe original HTC Vive. Valve still relies on base stations, which make the Index a pain to set up and dismantle, but ensure the system will almost never lose track of a controller or the headset. The audio is top-tier as well, replacing the old headphones method with two speakers that float over your ears, creating an ultra-realistic audio field that surrounds you instead of merely sounding like...well, headphones.

Last but not least, the Index Controllers (or Knuckles) are the most advanced on the market today. The controllers strap over the backs of your hands and sensors embedded in the grips help track each individual finger, allowing you to open and close your hands, squeeze cans until theyre crushed, or (most likely) flip enemies the ol middle finger.

Nobody else allows you to do that. Maybe thats worth the $1,000 cost of entry on its own.

At $799 for just the headset, the HTC Vive Pro is probably destined to remain a niche product. Early adopters who've been pining for a resolution bump though will find it hard to go back after trying one out.

Valve isnt the only high-end headset in town. Though Valve is no longer partnered with HTC, the Vive Pro is still a solid alternative to the Index. It has the same 2880x1600 display and uses the same rock-solid Lighthouse tracking. The only real difference is that the Vive Pro uses headphones instead of speakers, and ships with the old Vive wands instead of the more futuristic Index Controllers. It also costs more than the Index ($1,200 vs. $1,000 for the whole system, sans PC), so theres really no reason to opt for the Vive Pro insteadunless of course the Index remains in scarce supply.

The Oculus Quest feels like the first virtual reality headset with true mass-market appeal, providing a room-scale experience without the need for a gaming PCor wires of any kind.

If you dont want to plunk down $1,000 for the Valve Index (and I dont blame you) then my next recommendation is the Oculus Quest. Why? Because its a VR headset youll actually use.

Quest is the first untethered headset thats actually worth a damn, by which I mean it provides a desktop-caliber experience without the need for a desktop PC. If youre simply looking to play Beat Saber or Job Simulator or The Room VR or any of a dozen other VR games with minimal fuss, Quest is the way to go. No wires means you can set it up anywhere youd like, or even take it on the road.

And as an added benefit, the Oculus Link Cable allows you to turn Quest into a full-fledged PC headset to rival the Oculus Rift. Sure, an $80 cable is ridiculous. I think we can all agree on that. The Quest/Link combo feels like magic though, enabling you to play top-tier VR games like Half-Life: Alyx and Lone Echo (and my favorite Google Earth VR) when you have a PC handy, and then return to your carefree wireless life when youre done. Its the best of both worlds.

Sure, theres some image compression when you use Link, and Quests tracking isnt quite as good as Oculuss tethered alternative, the Oculus Rift S. But its good enough, and youre essentially getting two headsets for the price of one. Even before Link, I wouldve probably recommended Quest to most people over one of the tethered headsets. With Link? Theres no contest.

That said, if youre really, absolutely, totally certain youll never want to use your VR headset away from your PC? Oculuss Rift S is a perfectly serviceable fallback. Again, I find it hard to recommend the Rift S personally, but thats only in comparison to its more capable cousin.

Side note: Its also worth noting that buying a Quest or Rift S is technically the only way to play Oculus exclusives, including Lone Echo, Asgards Wrath, Wilsons Heartbasically, a significant portion of the best VR games. Index and Vive owners can try LibreVR/Revive, but the results are sometimes lackluster and its very much a community-built workaround. Oculus has been pretty hands-off with Revive for a few years now, but theres always the chance you wake up and it simply no longer works.

If we chart the progression of video games from Spacewar and Zork all the way through to 2016, then the HTC Vive is the next logical step towards realism.

This is less of an official buy-it-here recommendation and more just a practical suggestion. If youre looking to get into VR on-the-cheap, keep an eye out for secondhand HTC Vives and Oculus Rifts. The Vive, in particular.

While its now 4-year-old hardware, the Vive is still a perfectly suitable entrypoint for VR. If youre playing in a living room or bedroom, the original Lighthouse tracking will be just as solid as the upgraded version that ships with the Valve Index. The Vive wands are also perfectly suitable, and the only thing youll probably want to replace is the faceplate (because gross) and the strap, assuming your secondhand unit comes with the original elastic instead of the superior Deluxe Audio Strap add-on.

After years of dev kits and prototypes and behind-closed-door demos, the Oculus Rift is finally ready for consumers. Welcome to VR.

On the Rift side, youll want to make sure your secondhand unit comes with the Oculus Touch controllers and at least two (but preferably three) of the cameras used for tracking. Room-scale support for the original Rift isnt nearly as good as with the Vive, but if you can find one for cheap, go for it.

And nows your chance, really. A lot of people are dumping their old Vive and Rift hardware to upgrade to the Quest, Rift S, and Index. You might be able to get in on-the-cheap if youre lucky.

A few years ago Microsoft decided it was also going to get into VRor rather, into all of the Rs. Combine virtual reality (VR) with augmented reality (AR) and you get...Mixed Reality, or MR. Or thats how Microsoft pitched it, at least.

But really, all of the MR headsets are just VR headsets. I know, its confusing, but Microsofts AR tech is still confined to HoloLens, which targets enterprise use cases. The consumer-focused Windows Mixed Reality headsetsby companies like Acer, Dell, and HP dont really do anything more than the rest of the competition.

They are really cheap though, which might make you wonder: Is this a good place to get into VR? If its your only option, sure, go for it. Just know that youre signing up for a compromised experience. Windows MR was the first platform to mount cameras on the headset to track both the players position and the controllers.

Being first out of the gate has drawbacks though. All of the Windows MR headsets are restricted to two front-facing cameras for tracking. This works fine if youre holding your hand out where the cameras can see, but the tracking is easily broken by any number of everyday actions: Hand behind your head, hands down at your sides, and so on.

Can you deal with it? Sure, and if its your first VR experience you probably wont know any better. Its a lesser experience though, and given how much prices have come down for the Oculus Quest and Rift S, the Windows MR headsets no longer seem like as much of a bargain. Hell, the $649 HP Reverb (the top-tier Windows MR headset at the moment) costs more than either the Quest or Rift S, and provides a lesser experience.

We used the headsets. And used them. And used them. And used them.

No, seriously. Whenever we review products at PCWorld, we use them for some period of time. I might put a keyboard through its paces for a few weeks, for instance. But Ive been covering VR since the early days, when all you could buy was the original Oculus Developer Kit.

With such a limited hardware pool, you can trust that Ive gotten a lot of use out of our VR headsets. The original Vive lasted two years until the Vive Pro came along. That, in turn, stayed on my desk until the Index arrived last year. And the first-gen Oculus Rift had the best run of all, making the trip in and out of my closet fairly regularly from 2016 until the Quest and Rift S released last yearand on the day I finally retired my original Rift, I celebrated, because I no longer needed to use four different USB ports for a single VR headset.

Point being, Ive put these headsets through their paces and feel confident speaking to the pros and cons of each, be it comfort, optics, the controllers, or even just the price.

Want to delve into more detail? Check out the list of reviews below, where we go more in-depth on the products above, and a few more besides. Well keep updating this list on a regular basis (meaning whenever there are new headsets to cover) so be sure to check back in and see whats going on with VR.

The rest is here:
The best VR headsets for 2020: Every option reviewed and ranked - PCWorld

A tulip table, one of the authors favorite pieces for small homes, anchors a dining room featured in her new book. Photo: Weston Wells fromThe Little Book of Living Smallby Laura Fenton. Reprinted by permission of Gibbs Smith.

I have been living in (relatively) small spaces since I moved to New York City 22 years ago, so Ive learned firsthand how to make the most use of limited square feet. As a journalist whose career has focused on home design and dcor, Ive also had the luxury of snooping around other peoples homes to find out what works for them. Last year, while writing my first book, The Little Book of Living Small (which came out in April), I got to see how all kinds of people were living in their own small spaces. While those homes had custom solutions and DIY fixes, they were also filled with a lot of affordable, off-the-shelf products their owners bought to maximize their spaces. Below, Ive listed the best 13 of those products, some of which serve very specific functions, while others are more versatile. All, however, work hard to make a tiny home feel (and sometimes even look) much grander than it is.

Photo: retailer

The Stool 60 by Alvar Aalto is a classic design that can be a stool, a side table, a bedside perch, or a plant stand. Fortuitously, if you dont have the budget for the real deal, there are dupes on the market. A telling detail of the dupes is their four-legged construction the original Stool 60 is three-legged but if youre really committed to the originals look, Ive met people who have removed the fourth leg and rejiggered the other three with the help of a power drill. Piled on top of one another, they take up the floor space of a single seat and you can still rest a drink or a plant on top! This set of four from Home Depot is a great deal at just $16 per stool, but if you only need one or two, Bed Bath & Beyond sells them for $22 apiece.

Photo: retailer

For years, I used clear plastic shower liners as my shower curtain because they made my small bathrooms look bigger (I liked to think of them as a poor mans glass shower door). But while space-opening, those always looked like cheap shower liners. So I was delighted when my friends Michael and Lisa Fine at Quiet Town started making these sun shower curtains, which are a fancy version of my budget solution with a little pop of color at the base. West Elm has them in a few more fun colors if you dont like the yellow. And if you do go the inexpensive-liner route, be sure to get one labeled crystal clear not a frosted liner, which will look cheap.

Photo: retailer

This genius sculptural stool is actually made of paper, and the material makes it reminiscent of a sculptural Noguchi lamp. The stool has a felt seat, collapses down to flat, and weighs next to nothing. I first saw a stool like this in decorator Sally Breers apartment, when it was featured in T magazine.

While nobody will be squeezing in guests anytime soon, the time to gather around a table will come again. Whether youre dining with one, two, or more, a tulip table like the Odyssey from CB2 (a riff on Eero Saarenins iconic mid-century table for Knoll) is an ideal small-space table because it takes up less floor space than a rectangular counterpart while offering just as much seating. Plus, its single pedestal makes it super-easy to add extra chairs when needed (no legs to get in the way). Tellingly, six out of the 12 homes featured in The Little Book of Living Small had some variation on a tulip table.

Photo: retailer

While stools like the Aalto lookalikes and the folding-paper model are great for guests, you want something sturdier with a back for your daily meals (especially if its a chair that does double duty in your work-from-home setup). Seats with a petite footprint can often feel really flimsy to sit upon, a fact I became acutely aware of when I was pregnant. Not so with these hardwood, spindle-style Salt Chairs manufactured by Ton Design Team for Design Within Reach, which are similar to some vintage chairs I have in my own home. DWR has been selling them for more than a decade; while not exactly cheap, at a retailer where other dining chairs can go for $1,000 or more apiece, they are kind of a bargain, especially considering the European-made quality.

Photo: Amazon

See-through furniture made of glass, Lucite, or acrylic keeps things looking light and airy. While glass is less likely to show scratches than the plastics, it also poses the highest risk of chipping and is much heavier to move. Lucite is the highest-quality version of acrylic but will be priced accordingly, which is why acrylic can be a better bet if youre shopping on a budget. No matter the material, a transparent, waterfall-style coffee table like this acrylic one goes a long way in opening up a cramped living room (just know youll need to keep its surface tidy to maximize its space-opening potential). Another bonus of clear furniture: It (literally) blends in with most any style of dcor.

Photo: retailer

For anyone (everyone?) trying to shoehorn a work-from-home situation into an already-full home, a corner desk will work wonders. It makes an often underutilized part of any room instantly super-functional, and because of the triangular shape, you still have plenty of leg space. I have a vintage version in my living room that looks kind of like this unfinished one from Home Depot, which even has some storage in the form of a drawer. If youd prefer something stained, this mid-century-inspired model has a more finished look (and is $11 cheaper).

Photo: retailer

Ive often seen shelves mounted next to beds in teeny spaces, but I personally need a bit more space than a ledge to stash my stuff. Thats why I bought a pair of minimalist floating nightstands on Etsy (the seller, right now, is only taking requests for custom orders). This simple style, from Crate & Barrel, is spiritually similar and has a drawer for keeping anything you dont want out on display. Another virtue of a floating nightstand: If you, like me, have drawers under your bed, wall-mounted furniture will never get in the way when you need to open them.

Theres a reason mini-cribs are the choice of small-space power bloggers like Erin Boyle of Reading My Tea Leaves and Alison Mazurek of 600sqft: They have wheels and fold up so you can have a mobile or tuck-away nursery. Ive used and recommend the Babyletto Origami mini-crib, which is bigger than some mini-cribs on the market; it feels plenty sturdy even though it folds. That said, experience taught me that its a good idea to buy Babylettos mini-crib mattress, too, because the one included with the crib is pretty skimpy (and finding another mini mattress that fits is a lot harder than youd think).

Photo: retailer

These wall-mounted ledges from Ikea are a cheap and practical way to store books, magazines, or toys for kids or pets. Weve got three installed in my sons room to hold his various books, and with a little styling, their colorful covers look like wall art. If youre hanging them in a home with kids, a word of warning: Mount the shelving high enough that your little one cant try to climb it like a ladder!

Photo: retailer

Clip-on lamps like this are a dime a dozen at hardware stores: Theyre dirt cheap and you can attach them (almost) anywhere you need a little extra illumination. We have one that I spray-painted red and clipped to a book ledge, but they can also latch onto bookcases or directly on a bed frame.

Photo: retailer

Okay, technically this collapsible step stool can only support up to 300 pounds but thats still a lot of weight for something that can fold flat and be tucked away in such narrow nooks as the gap between a fridge and a wall. In your average city apartment, the Rhino can help you reach most things, making it great for maximizing vertical space. It comes in lots of fun colors, too; Amazon has it in green, white, and black in addition to the red shown, and Buy Buy Baby has it in pastel pinks and blues as well as a pleasing light gray (while its two bucks more at Amazon, it qualifies for either free or Prime shipping; at Buy Buy Baby, the price of the stool alone doesnt qualify for free shipping).

Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Original post:
These 12 Things Will Make a Tiny Home Feel Much Bigger - New York Magazine

VANCOUVER, Wash. A big part of the economy in Washington state is moving again. At construction sites large and small, they are working with new health safety rules in place.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee calls this "phase one" of restarting construction, which allows construction to resume at current job sites. The requirements to do it runs several pages long. Among them: employers must provide personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, or face shields as appropriate. And of course, masks and social distancing.

From along the Vancouver Waterfront to a custom home build in Camas, subcontractors like Carter Murray are following the rules.

"(Home builder) Affinity's done a really good job of laying it out for us, right when we walk in, sign in sheet and everything like that, its not too hard to follow at all," said Murray.

Tim Gordon, KGW

"Were working under some pretty strict modifications but we think its super important that we follow that to the 'T'. We definitely dont want any kind of interruption in the workflow again," said John Colgate of Affinity Homes.

Colgate says it is great to be back to building, great for clients with a timeline for moving in, and great for workers.

"Theres a lot of families that are fed based on the construction industry here in this county, and its gonna be different from here on out. But I think everyones adjusting quickly, and the new norm, I dont think its gonna slow things down at all," said Colgate.

In Oregon, construction with safeguards never stopped.

The Building Industry Association of Washington estimates its workers lost out on $690 million in wages. They want everyone to stay safe, so the next phase can happen to open up more of this industry.

RELATED: Washington's stay-at-home order will extend past May 4; no reopening date set

RELATED: Some fishing, golfing, hiking, hunting can resume May 5 in Washington state

Continue reading here:
Washington gets back to construction, with safeguards in place - KGW.com

Julie Ann Derham has worked through uncertain times in real estate before. She began as a Realtor in 2007, "justminutes prior to the collapse of the market," but learned that real estate always bounces back.

Today's market, in fact, might be one of the strongest times for Austinites to buy a home.

"Historically, the Austin market has not experienced the same volatility seen in the majority of other markets," Derham says. "Our market finds stability due in part to the fact that we are a tech hub, an industry that constantly evolves to meet new demands, and tech will likely play a role as we come out of the shadow of the COVID virus.

"Currently, and despite COVID, home values continue to rise while inventory remains low, which indicate a strong seller's market. But historically low rates make this an attractive time to buy. I hear many people say they want to wait it out, wait for prices to go down, and that just doesn't seem likely. Prices will continue to increase if you haven't invested yet, now is the time."

Derham herself discovered the wonders of Austin a decade ago, having arrived to visit a friend and knowing immediately this was the city for her. Likewise, real estate has also always been a calling. Hermother built custom homes at the Jersey shore, while her father worked on and invested in commercial projects up and down the East Coast.

Prior to planting her roots in Austin, Derham sold over $25 million in real estate for the high-rise developer she worked for, then transitioned to Kurfiss Sotheby's in her home town of Philadelphia. Before entering real estate, she lived in Manhattan where she worked in PR, representing such iconic NYC institutions as Tavern on the Green and The Waldorf-Astoria.

That valuable insight and experience in how to manage the expectations and demands of top-tier luxury clients are skills that she now regularly utilizes as a Realtor with Kuper Sotheby's International Realty. When she has free time, Derham spends as much time as she can outdoors, ideally close to the water, seeing live music, or trying a new restaurant, often with her English bulldog James in tow.

We chatted with her to find out more about her work and what drives her.

CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?

Julie Ann Derham: Purchasing a home is one of, if not the biggest, decision in a person's life. Navigating that decision and being part of the process is an incredible responsibility, and it's an honor to be handed so much trust. New beginnings are a huge part of life. Whether you are moving across the globe or across town, a new start is a big deal.

I have the most fun watching clients when they start to discover what they love about different properties buyers tend to find a new appreciation for certain things they never knew they had. Suddenly, they can't picture a home without brass hardware or the light fixture "looks too '90s" it's fun to watch their sense and taste evolve along with their knowledge of properties. I also love that every day is different for me, there is great freedom in not being tied down to a desk or a 9-5.

CM: What's one piece of advice you'd give to people looking for their dream home?

JAD: It is never too early to start looking. Create a list of what you cannot live without and create a list of what you don't want that isn't negative, it's a great way to find direction and save time. The sooner you are able to weed out and prioritize, the quicker I'm able to provide you with the best guidance.

Buying with a partner? Talk it out. Each of you should create your own lists, then share to see where you align and where you are off. It's truly amazing to me how the majority of couples don't see eye to eye on very much at all. Find your common ground.

CM: And advice to those who are selling?

JAD:Every home has a story and a personality to showcase.Think about why you bought this home. How did it make you feel? How and why did it stand apart to you? Figuring out how best to convey that feeling and reasoning to the next audience is key.

CM: Sum up Austin in three words.

JAD: Energized. Surreal. Vibrant.

CM: What do you consider your "special skill"?

JAD: I like to try and relate my client's situations or questions to similar experiences I have handled for previous clients, or to my own personal experiences in buying and selling my own homes. It's a good tool to make the overall experience personable and build a deeper relationship. I am incredibly fortunate to have great relationships with my clients and past clients, something I value in the highest regard. Being both relatable and authentic have high returns.

CM: What's one thing people might not know about you?

JAD: I love to cook, and am a good cook, too. I'm not sure why, but people tend to find that surprising. I have been snow skiing since I could walk. I am a cancer survivor. I am adopted.

CM: Finish the sentence: "It's a good day when..."

JAD: It's a good day when the sun is shining down on Austin and I am working to help someone find their piece of this city. As a Realtor, being out and about town most days allows me to be constantly reminded of how lucky I am to have landed here. Austin has incredible variance in terms of different areas to live and different styles of architecture to appreciate: stunning downtown condos, expansive lake homes, estates hidden in the hills, charming cottages from the '40s.

We are exceptionally fortunate to live in a city that continues to evolve, a city where there truly is something for everyone. Finding what that means for you is what inspires me each day.

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See Julie Ann Derham's latest listingshere, or contact her at214-679-2544orjulieann.derham@kupersir.com.

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This Austin Realtor relies on valuable experience and an optimistic outlook - CultureMap Austin

AboveWater Public Relations & Marketing, LLC, Special to Naples Daily News Published 6:22 a.m. ET April 25, 2020

View the exquisite Sanctuary model to show what life can be like living in the Enclave of Distinction in North Naples. Tours available by appointment only for new custom homes.(Photo: Submitted)

Naples interior designer Molly Hoover decorated an exquisite model to show what life can be like living in the exclusive new Enclave of Distinction. Tucked away on Livingston Road in North Naples is a development of only 27 custom smart homes designed by Naples architects Stofft Cooney and built by one of Southwest Florida's most reliable custom homebuilders, Distinctive Communities.

Interested buyers can visit the website http://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/EXPNCQWKP0I6gByjwIxUpIa?domain=enclaveofdistinction.com and view a virtual tour of the model upon request to see how Hoover takes full advantage of the unique developments coastal contemporary architecture. The creative site planning means every home in The Enclave of Distinction has a view of surrounding preserve areas or lakes. A feature most commented about in the model are the 10-foot tall pocket sliding doors that open to the outdoor living room and kitchen. As an optional use of the poolside patio area, the doors none-the-less offer a breathtaking unobstructed view of the lush landscaped outdoors.

The architectural integrity of these homes is so sound. There is detail without things being overdone, said Hoover. Something like the addition of the woodwork over the television nook helps to create some interest and texture.

Five unique three, four, or five-bedroom floor plans are fully customizable and range from 3,200 to 5,200 square feet on one-third or one-half acre lots. Each one or two-story home will have a three-car garage, private pool and lake or private garden views. Starting at $1.6 million, the home exteriors feature upgraded stucco, awnings, flat tile concrete roofs, lush landscaping and automatic irrigation, Andersen windows and French doors that meet current Florida wind impact codes and brick pavers around the swimming pool, as well as the driveway and streets throughout the entire development.

Hoover likes the fact that you walk in to see an impressive, soaring 16-foot ceiling with numerous oversized windows and 12-foot ceiling heights through the rest of the home. The Sanctuary model conveys a feeling of spacious luxury. Luxury tile flooring is included with the design package and wood floors are an upgrade. She used deep mahogany wood floors leading from the entrance to the kitchen, living room, and hallways. To lend a clean, modern look are features not commonly found in Florida homes, such as the tile-floor mudroom, walk-in pantry and a huge air-conditioned storage area under the stairway.

The model at The Enclave of Distinction opens up so beautifully to the outdoor living room and pool. We held an open house and had 120 people here, but you would never know it, says Hoover. The kitchen looks out to the lanai and its all completely open like this.

Well-appointed with Viking stainless steel appliances, the kitchen includes a walk-in pantry, custom frameless Crystal cabinetry with a large island, standard granite or quartz countertops, Kohler faucets and under-cabinet LED lights. The laundry room comes complete with base and upper cabinets and Whirlpool high-efficiency top load washer/dryer.

To soften the look, Hoover relied on a richer blue to work with the warmer wood tones in the living room. She carpeted up the stairs into the guest bedrooms, saying that is popular now and gives the homeowner the feeling of comfort in each cozy room.

My favorite is the loft with four windows, Molly says. Architecturally it all came together. We were excited to see all the natural light it brings to the landing and the space isnt too big.

It can actually be used as an additional room in the home.

Distinctive Communities quality building practices are evident in the standard oversized bedrooms and baths. The builder added his and hers vanities, granite or quartz countertops, wood dowel closet shelves and the lovely touch of a freestanding tub in the master bath. Solid core doors are eight feet high with four hinges, exhibiting the craftsmanship and extras many would overlook.

Last, but certainly not least, are the smart home features. Every home built in The Enclave of Distinction is prewired to anticipate future technical needs beginning with the fastest and most advanced built-in fiber optics and internet speed available for a residential community. Security is assured not only at the entrance gate, but in each home with a front doorbell camera, security systems at all doors and windows, the swimming pool, and a keyless entry to the garage. The homes are pre-wired for cameras and speakers and have a wireless access point network extender. Distinctive Communities even anticipates the homeowners need to mount a television and Sonos beam speaker system. Each home includes a saltwater smart pool with low maintenance features like an automatic chlorinator and mobile phone technology to help homeowners monitor the water temperature and quality remotely, if needed.

The Enclave of Distinction is a low density, quiet, secluded location on nearly 18 acres that feature two lakes and preserve areas with open green space, landscape buffering along the community perimeter as well as easy access to I-75 and close proximity to the regions premier shopping, dining, beaches and community parks. A lush park just beyond the secure gated entrance to the community welcomes residents to only 27 homesites and serves as the gathering area for private or community events. Built by Distinctive Communities, design packages specify the highest quality materials, including Crystal cabinets, Andersen windows, and Viking appliances.

John R. Wood Properties is a partner in the marketing and sale of each home in The Enclave of Distinction. John R. Wood Properties has over 500 real estate agents and actively serves Marco Island, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Ave Maria, and Sanibel/Captiva Island.

Call 239-301-3131 for an appointment to view the newly opened model at The Enclave of Distinction, located at 16711 Enclave Circle, Naples, FL 34110 or visit EnclaveOfDistinction.com. You may also request a brochure, photos and copy of a comprehensive video walk-through of this stunning model home called The Sanctuary.

Read or Share this story: https://www.naplesnews.com/story/money/real-estate/2020/04/25/virtual-tour-available-model-enclave-distinction/2996596001/

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Virtual tour available of model in The Enclave of Distinction - Naples Daily News

Jamesville, N.Y. Sometimes life throws a person a curveball.

In 2012, Joe and Marlo Catroppa were looking for a new home for their family and seemed to have a place all picked out.

But then their agent asked them to look at a model home being built at 5840 Parapet Drive in the Crown Point development in Jamesville.

Marlo was excited about the open floor plan, but Joe was skeptical. He wanted to buy a ranch; this house was a Colonial.

But then he stepped into the master bedroom and looked out the large picture window there.

The view he said was unbelievable, and mentions that on a clear day he can see Oneida Lake, the lights of Nine Mile and fireworks from Sylvan Beach.

Oh! I love it, he remembered saying, and made an offer on the house, though it was unfinished.

It was 100 percent an accident, he admitted.

The decision has worked out well.

The couple were able to finish their new home the way they liked, especially the kitchen.

They chose their own cherry wood cabinetry and helped with the design of the extra-large island with high-end granite counters.

The island is the focal point, Joe said of the kitchen, the room he said where we spend most of our time.

Joe really enjoys his morning coffee in the kitchens dining area bathed in sunshine by the numerous windows, or just outside on the huge composite deck.

Coming from a large family, Joe loves the amount of space the house offers for visitors and entertaining.

The dining room, just off the two-story entryway, can accommodate two tables and 15 people, while the kitchen, which adjoins the spacious family room, can seat 25 people at the island.

The downstairs guest suite is perfect for overnight guests or visiting grandparents.

The walk-out lower level, which the couple finished in 2016, adds more than 1,100 square feet of living space.

Besides the amazing amount of storage space, it offers, the open area has a rec room and room enough for a 75-inch television and sofa. The couples children use the area as a playroom.

An office, separated by French doors, is also on the level.

Joe jokes that despite the efforts of four young children, the house is in immaculate condition and looks almost new.

I loved this home, he said in wrapping up. We want a great young family to enjoy it.

The family is looking to enjoy some warmer weather and is moving to South Carolina.

For more information about this home, please contact realtor Chip Hodgkins of Hunt Real Estate. His contact information is below.

Hodgkins will be hosting a virtual open house on Sunday, May 3, at 1 p.m. at http://www.facebook.com/chiphodgkins.

THE DETAILS

Address: 5840 Parapet Drive, Jamesville, N.Y. 13078

Price: $460,000

Size: 2,838 square feet

Acreage: 1.01 acres

Monthly Mortgage: $1,666 (based on this week's national average rate of 3.56 percent, according to Freddie Mac, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20 percent down payment. Fees and points not included.)

Taxes: $11,450 (Based on assessed value of $357,000)

Built: 2012

School District: Jamesville-DeWitt

Kitchen: The generously sized kitchen is described as quite functional and is the room where the family spends most of their time. Owner Joe Catroppa calls the large center island a focal point and describes the piece of granite used for the counter, artwork. The eat-in area of the kitchen, surrounded by windows, is a favorite morning spot. The room features stainless steel appliances, including the largest capacity oven we could fit, plenty of cherry cabinets, soft-close drawers and pull-out pantries. Kitchen can sit 25 people at the island and dining area.

Living areas: The home is great for large families and is extremely flexible. Visitors arrive in a two-story entryway and enter the main open living area. The dining room can fit two large tables for parties and can sit 15 people comfortably. The family room has a gas fireplace with a custom mantel and sliding doors out onto the gigantic composite deck. A bright, sunny room on the main level is currently used as a classroom for their children but could be used as a den. There is a first-floor laundry room. The home is like new and has been 100 percent pet and smoke free.

Bedrooms: There are five bedrooms in the house, four upstairs. The master suite has a very large picture window which offers gorgeous views of the surrounding areas. It has a big walk-in closet. The downstairs guest suite is great for overnight guests or visiting grandparents.

Bathrooms: There are four bathrooms in the house. The master bathroom has large windows over the spa tub, a tiled shower unit and double sinks.

Lower level: The walk-out lower level was finished in 2016 and adds 1,100 square feet of open living space and storage. It features gorgeous custom woodwork. Currently used as a childrens playroom, rec room, full bathroom and TV area. An office is there as well, separated from the rest of the area by French doors. There are sliders out into the backyard.

Outdoors: Part of the Crown Point development in Jamesville, the home is conveniently located, just eight minutes from downtown Syracuse. Owner says the neighborhood is basically a melting pot, with a nice blend of people. Views from the windows and large composite deck were a major selling point for the owners. The almost one acre lot features an attached two-car garage, paver front walkway and large expanded driveway. The owners put in an organic, raised-bed vegetable garden.

Agent: Chip Hodgkins

The Chip Hodgkins Team at Hunt Real Estate

Address: 6849 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville, N.Y. 13066

Phone: (315) 569-7100

Email: Chip@hodgkinshomes.com

Website: http://www.hodgkinshomes.com

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House of the Week: With amazing views of the area, Jamesville Colonial is great for large families - syracuse.com

Sponsored by Exmark

April 2020

View this Exmark Original video from their Done-In-A-Weekend Projects series to discover the pros and cons of a various types of backyard water features, and how to choose which is right for you.

My wife and I decided to add an outdoor water feature to our front yard to complement a recent landscape project. We settled on a fountain style water feature and were able to install it ourselves, but we also realized that we hadnt considered that there would be some ongoing maintenance involved to keep the fountain in good condition and operating correctly.

The term water feature is a little ambiguous, but it can be broken down into two groups: water fountains and water ponds. Both involve the use of recirculating water by means of a pump, but the complexity of each may vary greatly based on style, size and design. I thought I would share some of the information I learned while researching the ongoing maintenance involved in keeping a water feature operating efficiently.

Water fountains are self-contained and come in a variety of sizes and styles. Fountains can be large and weigh several tons or they can be very small and function as a center piece on a table, but most DIY styles of water fountains fall somewhere in the middle. From cascading waterfalls with multiple bowls to simple vase style fountains with water running down the sides, the choices are endless. The basic components involved in all fountains are a bowl or container to hold the water and a pump to cycle the water through the feature by way of plastic or rubber tubing. Other than the aesthetic look and style of a water fountain, the biggest difference between them is the volume of water circulated.

Water ponds tend to be more elaborate and require a lot more design and installation work than a water fountain. There are small ponds that compliment flower gardens and also large ponds that are designed to hold fish and cover large areas of a yard. An averaged size pond probably runs in the fifteen foot by twelve-foot range and may have a stream in the design.

The size and scale of the water pond and your personal DIY capabilities usually will dictate if you have the ability to install one yourself. You may want to consult a professional landscaper before you decide to start a big water pond project.

The soothing sound of a trickling water fountain can create a great outdoor ambiance on your patio or in your back yard. The flowing water will attract song birds and even butterflies to your landscape, but there is some basic maintenance that will go a long way in keeping the fountain both running properly and aesthetically attractive. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind.

As mentioned earlier, water ponds are usually more complicated to maintain than water fountains. Depending on the size and style of the water pond, they may be very elaborate and contain plants, rocks, waterfalls, flowing streams and even fish. With spring approaching, here are some maintenance suggestions for water ponds.

Pond chemical additives: There are many companies that manufacture chemicals that can be added to ponds that will boost beneficial bacteria which will help keep your pond clean. These bacteria actually eat the sludge and debris caused by fish food, fish waste, leaves and other organic material that falls into the pond. Adding these chemicals wont hurt wildlife and can be done manually or through an automatic pumping device set to periodic releases.

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Go With the Flow: Water Feature Maintenance - Mother Earth News