The 50 States Project is a yearlong series of candid conversations with interior designers, state by state, about how theyve built their businesses. Today, were chatting with Sioux Falls, South Dakotabased Lindsay Carmody about what its like to work entirely solo, which COVID-era client requests shes been fielding, and how she learned the pros and cons of having a storefront.

When did you know that you wanted to be a designer?When I graduated high school, I didnt really know what I wanted to do. I thought I might want to be a teacher, but quickly realized it wasnt creative enough for me. So I took a year off and had some time to think. Friends encouraged me to [pursue] this path, so I moved from the East Coast and enrolled at the Art Institute of Colorado, thinking, Ill give this a shot. And I just loved everything about it. While I was in school, I worked as a design assistant for a local firm in Boulder, and I learned so much being a part of that teamlooking at fabrics and wallpaper, learning about furniture and lighting, and understanding different kinds of design.

How did that help you transition into the workplace?I was luckyI was hired there right away after I graduated. The firm did some residential, which was my big focus, but also a lot of ski resorts. I worked there for a few months, and then in 2004 was offered an opportunity as an in-house designer for a company in Greenville, South Carolina. A group of builders had formed this company because of the amazing growth happening there, and they asked me to be the sole designer working with over 40 of their clients, designing selections for these semi-custom homes. It was an opportunity that I felt like I couldnt pass up.

Thats amazingIll bet you had to think on your feet quite a bit in the early days.I had an incredible experience there in my early 20s. I learned a lot, fast, not only about making selections, but about working with clients, organizing spec sheets and drawings for contractors, and working quickly. The turnaround for each home was eight months to a year.

Were you customizing the homes with the clients, or were the properties being developed to sell?It started out where we had X amount of finishes that we allowed our clients to choose from. I had made all of those selections, and then each client could pick from those selections. At the beginning, I really tried not to go outside of the box, but as things unfolded, some of the homes became truly customized. I was working with clients on the cabinet layouts, the cabinet finishes, the paint colors, the flooring, the countertop style, the tile for the bathrooms, the tile layoutall of it. I did that for a good three or four years. It was a lot of work, but also a wonderful experience. And then it evolvedI took on a business partner, we formed our own business and got into furnishing model homes for this company. I learned how to run a business with employees, and even had a storefront to sell goods. Then, in 2008, I decided to step back and work on my own.

Carmody mixes black, white, wood and brass accents in the kitchen.Courtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors

What made you decide to go back to working solo?I think it was knowing that I was so young. I needed a little time-out to think about what I wanted to focus on. I mean, I was working on these incredible homes, but I also wanted to try to focus on a few projects and develop truly custom homes and have a more personalized, one-on-one relationship with my customers. Greenville was growing and changing rather quickly, and I started feeling like I might want to just work from home and focus on a few great homes at a time. So thats what I tried to do.

Thats a major reset. Howd it go?It took a little bit of time. The struggle was mostly in marketing myself, as opposed to being a builders designer. And then I met and married a man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He swore he would never move backbut of course we did. We didnt have family in South Carolina, and after we had our first baby, we realized that South Dakota was actually another place that was just starting to grow and boom and that there was opportunity here for both of us.

We decided to move to Sioux Falls in 2014. Even after being here for six years, it still is amazing to me that there are so many people moving here. There is a lot of workthe city is continuing to grow and expand, and builders are extremely busy here right now.

What was it like to start over like thatagain, no less?It was definitely hard at first. Not only did I have to get myself out there to meet customers, I also had to meet new sales reps [and tradespeople]. I feel very lucky because Sioux Falls is a great community for forming relationships. People were so willing to pass on my name and information. I also did some advertising in local home magazines to get started, and an announcement in a local paper shared that there was a new business in town. I tried to emphasize, Here is a designer who grew up on the East Coast, has lived in Colorado, and did design work in South Carolina, just trying to show that I can bring something new to the table in South Dakota. Otherwise, I had to get out there, start mingling and form new relationships. From there, it grew.

A chartreuse sofa offers a jolt of color in an expansive black-and-white living space.Courtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors

Where did your early clients come from?[My first leads] came from family, which Im lucky to sayI realize that doesnt happen for everyone. And then I met a couple of builders that I really tried to get to know, first and foremost, thinking that would be a good way to get my name out there. I honestly havent done any marketing since we first moved hereits really been returning customers or happy customers sharing my name with their friends. I feel very lucky. But also, thats been my biggest focus: not only trying to show customers something new and a little different, but truly forming relationships with them and making sure that ultimately, theyve been happy with the entire process.

Do those builder jobs ever become more than the finishes and cross over into furnishings?It depends. Thats something that is very different here: In South Carolina, a lot of customers would first seek out their architect to design the plans for their homes, then the builder that theyd want to work with, and then they would hire an interior designer to work with the builder on all the selectionswhich could then turn into custom window treatments, furnishings, bedding and lighting. Here in Sioux Falls, its often the builders who are designing the floor plans and the layout of these homes.

So theyre filling the role of the architect and the designer.Yes. I dont know why thats the way things are done here, but a lot of builders have the designs drawn up with the homeowner. From there, some clients decide that they would like to hire an interior designer to work with their builder; others are OK with making selections with the help of their builder and then hire a designer to help with the furniture and window treatments. But Im someone who really likes to be there from the ground up.

Theres a returning customer who I absolutely adored working with three years ago, and she and her husband have decided to build again. Were going to start brainstorming the layout of the floor plan and the design of the home with the builder, and that truly excites me, because I think a designer can bring a lot to the table [in those early stages of the process]. There have only been a few jobs in Sioux Falls where I was involved from the very beginning, but thats what Id like to do more of.

The living roomCourtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors

You mentioned that the housing market is really booming and that there are people moving inwho are they, and what are they looking for?A lot of my clients that have just moved here are doctors. We have two wonderful hospitals in Sioux Falls, so I think a lot of people are moving to work there. Amazon is coming to Sioux Falls, as well, and I think thats going to also generate a lot of business, and the banking world in Sioux Falls is pretty well-known for generating new business and people moving in, as well. Its definitely a little bubbleI dont know that most people really understand or know about it until theyre here, but its been pleasantly surprising to see how Sioux Falls is changing and growing.

How do you shop, and what resources are available to you locally?That is a little tricky here. The closest design center is in Minneapolis, but we have a lot of sales reps that come to town quarterly or twice a year to show new product lines, fabrics, furniture and lighting. The biggest thing is really for designers to try and make it to High Point or Vegas markets and to have relationships with the sales reps.

Is there a big design community in Sioux Falls?There is, actually. There are other designers that I have met and I have worked with or just bounced ideas off of, which is nice. There is a designer in town who has a storefront, and they will let outside designers come in and shop with them and use their style library, which is wonderful. I think it just comes down to the fact that there is plenty of work here for all of us, so theres just no reason we cant work together and share the same resources. There are some higher-end furniture showrooms here that have in-house designers, as well, but they definitely encourage outside designers to come in and shop with our clients and go through their resource room, too, which is quite nice.

Floor-to-ceiling glass-and-steel shower doors command attention in the master bath, while a chandelier adds a touch of glamour.Courtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors

A pretty black-and-white powder room.Courtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors

Left: Floor-to-ceiling glass-and-steel shower doors command attention in the master bath, while a chandelier adds a touch of glamour. Courtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors | Right: A pretty black-and-white powder room. Courtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors

You mentioned that you briefly had a storefront in South Carolina. Is that something you would have considered in Sioux Falls, as well?I struggle with this. Every year, I think, Maybe, I should ... The nice thing about it is that it does give you a little bit of traction from just people walking around town and gets your name out there more if you show your goods in a storefront. But the hard thing is keeping up with inventory, making sure that your windows always look fresh and updated with new thingsand it definitely requires having employees to help with that. The other downside is you have to pay for those goods, and I think the cost of upkeep is just more, and thats a little scary right now. I am really liking having relationships with designers that have the storefront, but I very much like working in my little office space out of my home and the luxury of making my own hours if need be.

It can be hard to sell someone furniture without being able to show it in personwhen youre looking at things in a catalog or online and telling a client, Hey, I have used these lines X amount of times, Im comfortable with them, and its good quality. Ive tried to invest in some lines that Ive sold to others in my own home, so Ive been using those as show pieces. It allows me to bring a customer to my house and say, Hey, this sofa is from so and so, you can sit in it, see how comfortable it is, see the quality and the craftsmanship of it. And thats been helpful.

So instead of opening a storefront, your home is your own private showroom.Yes, exactly. Now, is it all the way to where Id want it to be? Not quite. But I think I would still say I would choose to continue the way its been going.

Do you have a team right now?Its just me. Ive been working on my own for eight years now, and its worked well. If business got to be so busy that I needed to hire someone, Im not opposed to thatIve had employees beforebut so far Ive been able to manage on my own.

What is the secret to working solo?I am naturally a driven go-getter who cannot sit still. Its maybe a curse, but maybe a blessing, Im not sure. With work, I definitely feel like its either feast or faminethere are times when Im so busy, and then there are times where its either steady or a little quiet. I think naturally wanting to always be busy and on the go, Im learning to understand and accept that its good to pace myselfto have those slow moments that [help] me get ready to be busy again. It was slow for the first couple of months with COVIDa lot of jobs were stopped and clients wanted to [pause and] regroup later or finish up [early]. Business was sort of at a standstill. But now its busy again, which is great.

Another view of the master bathCourtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors

Carmody tucked away the laundry behind a sliding door.Courtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors

Left: Another view of the master bath Courtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors | Right: Carmody tucked away the laundry behind a sliding door. Courtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors

Do clients want different things now?I dont know if things are different, but Ive found that clients are definitely interested in updating things now that they are at home. Im working with a customer who wants a screened porch with a fireplace because she wants to enjoy her backyard more. Maybe thats part of COVID and not travelingtrying to enjoy outdoor space and just being at home.

I also have some clients that have decided they need new window treatments, and a couple other clients are doing bathroom and kitchen renovations with the idea that theyre going to want to sell their homes and downsize. People are saying, We have been talking about some of these upgrades for a while. Nows probably a good time to do it. Or they realize that theyre going to be retiring soon and they need to update their home to be able to sell and move on to something else.

How many projects are you typically working on at one time?Typically four to six at a time, but theyre all different. Right now, one client would like just some new drapery in her living room and dining room; another project is being the designer and contractor to renovate a master bathroom. I also met with a lady today who wants to just get a new countertop and backsplash and refinish her kitchen cabinets. But in general, four to six projects is a good number for me to stay busy and be able to manage it on my own.

And how long do each of those projects typically take?So, like this master bathroom, Im anticipating about a month and a half from start to finish. For the screened-in porch with the fireplace, that could be maybe a two-month project. ... Now, with the returning customer thats looking to do it again, that could certainly be a year, year-and-a-half project as far as working with the builder from the ground up and then making selections. It may be even a two-year process. It just kind of depends.

In another project, bold turquoise and coral accents augment a warm, layered living space.Courtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors

How do you decide what you say yes to?I guess Ive never had to turn down anything. I dont know if thats good or bad. Some designers out there have a certain design look that they focus on, but my goal is to have a mix of different clients as far as style and taste. Yes, I have my own particular style in my own home, but really what excites me is just trying to do something different each time. Its hard for me to turn down any job.

As a funny example, I just finished working on a fraternity. Never in a million years would I have ever thought Id be designing a fraternity! The job came through a builder about two years ago, and I think it just challenges me. There truly isnt a job that Ive turned down. Ive always just said, Well, lets take a look.

Where do you see the most opportunity to grow?I just want to continue to learn and try and push clients to do something thats more cutting-edge than what has been going on. That can be hard to do sometimesbecause were not close to a major city like New York or Chicago, its not as easy for people to see those things. So, [my goal is to] learn to comfortably get clients to naturally trust me and [to implement] what Im learning as a designer.

How do you help people uncover what their kind of aesthetic is?I dont like to come into a clients house and say, Well, all of this needs to change. Its definitely [about] trying to say, Well, hey, we need to work with what you currently have, and then trying to mesh that together. I first say, What is your main goal? For this one kitchen, for example, my client said, To brighten it up. But the trick is to brighten it upbut not [to the point] where its so drastic in comparison to the rest of the house. So we talked about ways we could make things lighter but still tie [the design] in with what she already had.

A view from the living roomCourtesy of Lindsay Carmody Interiors

On the budget and billing side, how do you approach those money conversations with clients?There are times when I do say, Do you have a budget in your mind? or Do you have an idea of what this will cost? Some clients will say, Yes, I have a budget, and others will say, I truly dont know what this will cost. I think a lot of times, people truly dont know what it would cost to have custom drapery or how much fabric costs a yard.

Are people coming to you with the right budget earmarked? Is that a hurdle, typically, or has that been pretty workable?That has been pretty workable here in Sioux Falls. On certain jobs, we may have to scale back or say, OK, lets see if we can find something thats similar but costs less and still looks great. Or we do things in stages. But its kind of a rare situation where Im not moving forward with a customer on some things that theyve discussed.

Whats your biggest challenge at the moment?Ive been lucky [to get new business by] word of mouth, [but] what I struggle with when it is slow is marketing. I wish I learned a little bit more of how to market [myself] and get people to know who [I am] are and what [I] do. Im constantly struggling with that: Is it social media? Is it constantly posting? Or is it once a job is complete, making sure you have great photos to put on your website? Is it trying to get to know other builders? Is it trying to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce, or is it mingling more? Which, obviously, is even harder now with COVID. So, the marketing is [a consistent challenge].

Whats keeping you inspired right now?Im addicted to Pinterest and seeing whats out there. Im gravitating a lot toward designers that are mixing things. I love looking at kitchen designs [and] colorsthings like the latest trends and paint colors for cabinets.

I truly feel very blessed to say that I love what I do, and I know that there are a lot of people working jobs [where they] cant say that. It does have its challenges of being self-employed and [not knowing] when the next job is going to come in, but then it always seems to work out, and then theres some new, exciting things to be a part of. Its never the same thing again, and thats whats so exciting about itits always changing.

To learn more about Lindsay Carmody, visit her website or find her on Instagram.

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How this South Dakota designer learned to appreciate the slow moments - Business of Home

Every day, duPont REGISTRY features the finest luxury real estate and showcases Homes of the Day across all of our social media platforms, including our Instagram: @dupontregistry_homes. Mansions from around the globe are highlighted through our partnerships with luxury real estate experts, both domestically and internationally. Our top properties are the most highly-engaged posts from the week these are the most-liked listings our followers have selected. Be sure to follow, like and comment to see your favorite listing here next week!

Luxury real estate experts: if your listing deserves to be showcased, submit it here!

Astonishing gated estate located inside The Lakes most prestigious neighborhood. A Colorado Modern masterpiece built in 2019 by Thomas Construction, sitting on a one-of-a-kind point lot with 379 feet of shoreline and 270 views of main channel, yet offers cove protection for the cruiser dock and large wave-break. The home offers the finest in construction materials and stunning features. Just a few include Zo-E windows, leathered granite counters, heated/cooled pool with natural gas torches surrounding, elevator and 25-foot vaulted ceilings with custom wood beams. The 7,952-square-foot home also features two master bedrooms, a beautiful office, 4.5-car garage spaces with epoxy floors, a workout room with 13-foor ceilings and a glass wall overlooking the lake! Garage/man cave with auto lift and loft/office. Total privacy with a calming waterfall and stream running through property, creating an outdoor oasis for entertaining your guests by the pool, hot tub, gas fire pit, fireplace and outdoor kitchen. TURN KEY! 20 minutes from Lee C. Fine Airport.

Welcome to Motorsport Heaven! Luxury Trackside Villa at the World-Class Thermal Club Private Motorsport Facility

This three-level Villa with four gorgeous bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half baths, features a twelve-car garage for family fun and racing.

Enjoy your spacious rear entertainment deck and watch the excitement on the racetrack below. Or, simply unwind after a thrilling day on the track and watch the sunset over the mountains.

The Thermal Club offers 5.1 miles of track on three separate circuits, karting and autocross for the motorsport enthusiast. Club amenities include a gourmet restaurant and bar in the beautiful Tower Building complete with a four-story observation deck. A Trackside Storage Garage and Tuning Shop are available for your mechanical and storage support. Unlimited seat time for members. Guests are allowed with certain restrictions.

The Motorsport Village also includes a Fuel Island and Car Wash. Members Club Campus includes swimming, tennis, fitness and a Poolside Grill. Spa services are available for off-track relaxation. A 48-room hotel accommodates overflow family and guests.

Located just minutes from Highway 111, the Thermal Club is close to world-class golf, tennis, shopping, dining, hiking, biking and all that the desert has to offer.

This waterfront oasis built in 2011 is on a sought-after cul de sac with breathtaking views of Holly Pond and beyond from almost every room. Everyday you wake up at 10 Nickerson Lane is a staycation with the stunning views of ever-changing scenery and wildlife outside your windows. This house was thoughtfully designed throughout to ensure a waterfront view from almost every room in the home. It features a custom chefs kitchen with imported beautiful Azul Macaubus custom marble from Brazil, three fireplaces, heated infinity pool with spa, six bedrooms, two offices, Teak floors on all four finished levels and outdoor decks, additional in-law suite in the finished 2,000+-square-foot lower level, custom en-suite bathrooms, balconies with glass railings, three family rooms and a movie theater. This is the perfect house for entertaining with all the amenities including a wet bar, stone fireplaces, stereo surround sound and Chihully style hand blown glass chandeliers.

The design lends itself to entertaining large and small gatherings or perfect for a cup of coffee and bird watching on one of the many private Teak balconies.There is a formal living room with fireplace as well as a formal dining room with custom wall and ceiling molding throughout. An additional secluded guest suite has its own private balcony for lounging. Ascend the staircase retreat to the master suite with fireplace, spa bath, steam shower, two custom walk-in closets and private balcony with a spectacular view of the entire property. There are four additional bedrooms on the second level, three of which have en-suite baths and private balconies facing the water. There is a full finished third floor that is the length of the house and adds an additional 800 square feet of living space, as well as a 2,000-square-foot lower level with a large second family room, private movie theater and bedroom with en-suite full bath.

This is your private lake paradise! The brand new 6,400+-square-foot stunning home was designed by renowned architect Brad Wright of Wright Designs LLC, offering superb craftsmanship throughout the home that features: wavy pine siding, stack stone, Pennsylvania bluestone pavers, timber frame porches, tongue and groove cypress floors and ceilings, custom iron windows, copper chimney pots, European French oak floors, custom iron railings, custom cabinets by Morgan Creek, makers of fine handcrafted cabinetry, quartzite counters throughout, marble tiles in the master bath and more. The five-bedroom, five-bathroom and two-half-bath home features a Chefs kitchen with Wolf and Subzero appliances and a custom reclaimed oak island top. Outdoor kitchen features Wolf grill with rotisserie and phenomenal lake view dining area.

There are three masonry fireplaces including a limestone fireplace in the great room. The steel case glass doors bring the outdoors in, offering the best front-row lake-view seat from the spacious screened porch. The lower level family and game room take you out to the fantastic pool with tanning ledge, built-in seating and retractable cover. There is a custom wine cellar, outdoor shower, a lake locker room with ice maker and refrigerator, and a lower-level cart garage with storage and key pad entry. There are three spacious suites with private baths on the terrace level. The max dock with built-in steps is perfect for a 7,000-pound boat and jet ski. This fabulous lake home offers an oversized three-car garage, a central vac with 11 inlets, five HVAC zones with 14 and 16 seer system, irrigation via lake pump, and upper and lower level laundry room. It is the ultimate lake paradise youve been waiting for. Membership option is available.

This modern mountain home with natural finishes spans more than 6,000 square feet with five bedrooms, six bathrooms and endless vistas.

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Mansion Monday: Top 5 Mansions of the Week - duPont REGISTRY DAILY

Construction will begin next month on a new mixed entertainment area coming to The Commons in Oxford.

Developer David Blackburn announced this week thatconstruction on the first phase of theproject, which will be completed in three phases, will begin this fall with dirt work.

The Blackburn Group itself will be building new corporate offices as part of the project, which will also feature retail locations and a freestanding restaurant.At the center of the design is alargemusic andoutdoor entertainmentvenuewithraised stage anddrop-down videoscreenwith anopen lawnsurrounded byadditionaloutdoor seating, a playground, fountain and landscapingthat includes shade trees and overhead lighting and partial shading.The entertainment venue will be nestled inside the development, separated from traffic and parking lot area.

A two-story 14,600-square-foot building will host ground floor retailand office space, whilean equal sizesecond story willpartially house thenew Blackburn offices.In addition, a 6,000-squarefoot free standing restaurant will feature indoor, outdoor and rooftop seating. It will be located adjacent to an outdoor event space.A residential component is also included in the project.

We are excited about the next steps in Blackburns vision of building spaces forcommunities to come together. With the most recent success of leasing out The Terrace at OxfordCommons so quickly, we cant wait for The Commons to become a jewel to an already incrediblearea,said Frank Dyer III of Gill Properties, who handles the leasing of retail space in the development.I am sure that residents of Oxford Commons and citizens of Oxford will enjoy something newand exciting in this vibrant city.

Amaster plannedcommunity, Oxford Commonsfeatures a variety of retail centers and mixed use residential and business spacefeaturing tree-lined streets and winding walking trails.To date, approximately 125 homes have been built in the roughly 500-acre area, with another 750 planned in the next two decades.There are six distinct residential options for residents ranging from townhomes starting in the $240,000 range to semi-custom homes starting in the $380,000 range to Estate Custom Homes.

Whether you are looking for boutique shopping, local flavors, or open outdoor spaces to relax and unwind, The Commons will be the place to be. We look forward to the evolution of this great development and making connections with business owners looking to be part of this vision, said David Blackburn, President of The Blackburn Group.

He noted that interest and enthusiasm among businesses to locate in the space.

The most recently completedportion of thedevelopment, a16,000 square-foot neighborhood retail centercalledThe Terrace at Oxford Commons, is now fully occupied with businesses opening throughout the summer.New businesses include: 20-20 Lux Day Spa, Core Cycle and Outdoors, Endurance Physical Therapy, Foxs Pizza Den, Heartbreak Coffee, Oxford Commons Home Sales and Design Center, and The Citizens Bank.

For more information, visit http://TheCommonsOxford.com.

Visit link:
"The Commons" entertainment area breaking ground this Fall - The Oxford Eagle - Oxford Eagle

For the second year, Mantell-Hecathorn Builders has been selected as Grand Winner of the Department of Energys National Housing Innovation Awards. Local builders Hunter and Greg Mantell-Hecathorn, principals of Mantell-Hecathorn Builders, had the honor of receiving the highest award in the 2020 Custom Home for Buyers category.

To be considered for this award, a home must meet the technical requirements of the DOEs Zero Energy Ready Homes program. Homes earning this recognition feature advanced levels of comfort, health, durability and are ultra energy efficient. The quality of homes built to this standard is ensured by rigorous inspections, diagnostics and checklists.

This home received a HERS score of 14, making it 86% more energy-efficient than most new homes built to code in Durango. It is also certified by the EPA for Healthy Indoor Air Quality, using non-toxic materials and providing continuous fresh air. This is the fifth year an M-H Builders home has received HIA recognition.

More information can be found at http://www.m-hbuilders.com and https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-experience.

Link:
Mantell-Hecathorn Builders named Grand Award Winner by Department of Energy - The Durango Herald

Homebuyers are flocking to Rogers Ranch, a popular San Antonio subdivision, for its unbeatable location, highly rated schools and community amenities.

Jenny Crider, a San Antonio REALTOR who both lives and works in Rogers Ranch, said that the neighborhoods convenient location off 1604 and Bitters makes it a popular place to live.

From first-time homebuyers to families, military, retirees and investors, all buyers and demographics are interested in the area.

(It) offers easy access to major highways, shopping, restaurants, entertainment and large employers, Crider said.

Featuring walking trails and amenities within the neighborhood, its also right near Salado Creek Greenway Trail. There, nature lovers can enjoy hiking, walking and biking just around the corner.

(Salado Creek Greenway Trail) has been an outlet for exercise and building friendships, especially this year, Crider said.

She added that neighborhood amenities, swim team and community events throughout the year promote culture and activities that build community spirit and strength.

Neighbors are always looking out for each other and come together in times of need and celebration, Crider said.

The four gated neighborhoods in Rogers Ranch Falling Brook, Crosstimber, Salado Canyon and Point Bluff offer many types of homes that support different lifestyles. Whether home buyers are looking for a low-maintenance garden home or a sprawling custom home with a heavily wooded lot, theres something for everyone.

Crider said the average Rogers Ranch home is 3,000 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms and an open floor plan, with prices ranging from $300,000 to over a million dollars. A number of different builders are available, including Monticello Homes, Mike Holloway Custom Homes, and others.

But a large range of home sizes are available: At The Gardens on Point Bluff, homebuyers can find luxury garden homes that are mostly one story and located on smaller lots. An HOA maintains the properties, making this an excellent choice for retirees or those with busy lifestyles and little time for upkeep.

RELATED:Stone Oak: a beautiful place to live

Or, for those seeking larger luxury homes, custom estates in Point Bluff in the section The Peninsula offer homes of more than 4,000 square feet.

And with wonderful neighborhood amenities, theres always something to do, Crider said.

Almost any day, you will find neighbors at the pool, playground, tennis courts or playing a pickup game at the basketball courts, she added.

And, Crider said, when in search of food or entertainment, its only a short drive to The Shops at La Cantera, The Palladium, The Rim, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Six Flags is popular among tourists but equally enjoyed by locals with season passes especially those with a love for the evening fireworks that occur every night. Sea World, slightly farther away, also offers many entertaining experiences for the whole family.

A top fitness club, Golds Gym Rogers Ranch, is also close at hand when home buyers choose Rogers Ranch. With fitness classes, an outdoor aquatics complex and a basketball court, many opportunities for health and fitness are available. The club also offers a healthy caf, a water park for kids, and a full-service day spa.

Rogers Ranch also feeds into both North East Independent School District and Northside Independent School district, both premier, highly sought-after public school districts, she added.

Both districts have high school magnet programs with specialized curriculum. Opportunities in the fine arts, electrical system, automotive technology, math, health care, construction, business, communications, engineering, agricultural sciences, and many others are available.

Private schools dot Rogers Ranch as well. Inside the community is the Montessori School of San Antonio, which is highly ranked and offers programming for students ranging from preschool to junior high. The Atonement Academy, TMI and the Concordia Lutheran School are also nearby.

Rogers Ranch feels like home from the minute buyers drive into the tree-lined entrance, Crider said.

With the wide variety of homes, neighborhood amenities, community culture, nature trails, nearby conveniences and top-rated schools, its irresistible for those looking for a place to call home.

The Rogers Ranch swim team brings a spirit to the community by promoting an active lifestyle and neighborhood camaraderie, Crider said.

Not even COVID-19 kept our neighborhood (of Rogers Ranch) from finding a way to provide a swim team training season while social distancing and providing a safe environment for our swim team families, she said.

If Crider had three words to describe Rogers Ranch, they would be community, tranquility, proximity.

Whatever you enjoy, Rogers Ranch offers opportunities for every lifestyle, said Crider.

Those with more questions on purchasing property in Rogers Ranch can contact the Crider Group at 210-883-8974 or thecridergroup@kw.com.

Editor's Note: This content is made possible by Sponsored content contributor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at http://www.hearstmediasanantonio.com

Original post:
Community, tranquility, proximity: Rogers Ranch is a top place to live in S.A. - mySA

Multigenerational living arrangements are becoming increasingly common in Australia, with households expected to host a diverse range of family members. But how do you ensure your home is set up to assist every member of the family now and into the future?

Weststyle Lead Architect Mary Ong said the floor plan was the most important factor, with custom homes best suited to meeting individual design needs.

Its essential to consider not only how the family will utilise the spaces now, but how they will live in the home 10-15 years from now, she said.

Does the family cook or eat together? Are there smaller kitchenettes required attached to some bedrooms or separate living spaces?

It is more practical to locate bedrooms and separate living spaces that are dedicated to older members of the family on the ground floor to avoid stairs, and to include a lift if possible for easy access to other levels.

Coast Homes Building and Design Consultant Fab Marion agreed, and said a custom home aimed to create a future-proof dwelling.

The most common reason to customise is to accommodate specific needs, as the growing or larger family requires more accommodation to suit functionality, entertaining, living and working spaces to fit todays requirements and those of the future, he said.

According to Mr Marion, creating flexible zoned spaces, maintaining privacy and separation between parents and childrens wings, and allowing self-expression through hand-selected design elements are all benefits of a custom build.

He said not only could you build what you wanted, where you wanted you could also maximise solar orientation or capitalise on surrounding views.

Ms Ong said it was important to consider whether everyone in the home had adequate space for parking and access.

Extra entrances can work if some family members are after more privacy in their day-to-day lives or if they work shifts, for example, she said.

Weststyle Managing Director Tony Ricciardello said low-maintenance aspects were also important, to allow the family to spend more time together rather than working on or maintaining their home and garden.

Our ways of living are adapting due to varying factors the economy and cost of living, families growing and extending, he said.

These are all affecting our way of living.

Weststyle have four or five jobs in design and construction at the moment, which are all considering multigenerational living.

Depending on the family situation, this may include a completely independent granny flat or ancillary dwelling, or an autonomous space integrated into the floor plan of the main house.

This was echoed by Mr Marion who said everyone lived and expressed themselves differently.

A family home should improve and complement your lifestyle, while fulfilling a practical need, he said, outlining a recent custom-designed multi-generational home for a family in Karrinyup.

The family of three generations decided to amalgamate their lives together into a single home, while accommodating for separate areas to suit each generation.

Accommodating the slope of the site, we used the contours to create three separate self-contained living areas one for the young grandchildren, one for the parents and another for the grandparents each with its own kitchenette facility and private ensuite.

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Finding your new family fit - The West Australian

Author Beth Cunningham - October 15, 2020October 15, 2020Id like to spend every Saturday here, please. Photo via Greater Alabama MLS

Ahh, fall. The weather is cooling down, football season is in full swing and the holidays are ready to be celebrated. This year especially, having a great outdoor space to entertain is so necessary. Check out these homes that are for sale in the Birmingham area and start shopping for patio furniture today!

Gorgeous valley view, soaring ceilings and a loft areaits all in this home. The terrace comes equipped with your own infinity pool and takes your entertaining space to the next level.

Check out the listing here.Listing Agent: Mary Evans, Ray & Poynor Properties

Talk about curb appeal! This one-of-a-kind home is full of rich wood and Italian marble, adding a regal feel to the place. Theres plenty of space for entertaining indoors and out, with a wine cellar, pool and outdoor fire pit.

Check out the listing here.Listing Agent: Catherine Singletary, RealtySouth

With over 11 private acres in the heart of Vestavia Hills, theres more than enough outdoor space to take advantage of. This home was built for entertaining with multiple outdoor patios, terraces, custom pool, hot tub, outdoor stone fireplace, custom greenhouse and more.

Check out the listing here.Listing Agent: Lacy Waters, Ray & Poynor Properties

Live in luxury in this stunning home, complete with soaring views of the Greystone Founders championship golf course and country club. The entire home is jaw-dropping, from the grand foyer and master bedroom to the enclosed hot tub.

Check out the listing here.Listing Agent: Susan Peeples, RE/MAX Advantage South

Located in the private and gated Redmont Park Villas, this gorgeous home was custom-built with tall ceilings, custom open stairwells, tons of natural light and more. Entertain out on your private brick terrace and impress your guests with sweeping views of the city.

Check out the listing here.Listing Agent: Stephanie Robinson, RealtySouth

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5 homes on the Birmingham market with fantastic outdoor spaces - Bham Now

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SmallCapVoice.com, Inc. (SCV) today announces the availability of a new interview with MasterBeat Corporation (OTC: MSTO), a company specializing in hard, tangible asset acquisitions with an intense focus on real estate, precious metals, collectible classic automobiles, and other tangible assets through its subsidiary SBQ Holdings, LLC. Josh Tannariello, CEO of Masterbeat Corp. (OTC MSTO) and Brad Knight from the MSTO advisory board call in to SmallCapVoice.com to catch their shareholders up on what the Company has been up to since we last checked in with MSTO in July 2020. Brad will assist in the management of the MSTO Real Estate Division through MasterBeat Subsidiary, SBQ Holdings.

The full interview can be heard at: https://www.smallcapvoice.com/10-13-2020-interview-masterbeat-corporation-msto/.

Speaking with SCVs Stuart Smith, Tannariello and Knight provides personal insights into the recent news and moves for the company, the milestones achieved by the company, the goals for the remainder of 2020 and much more.

This year, with the global pandemic has created some unique challenges, Tannariello told Smith. We remain aggressive in 2020 and we continue to make progress with our ongoing audit. The silver lining with the pandemic has been the robust real estate markets that we continue to be very opportunistic in.

About: Brad Knight

Brad Knight graduated from the University of Wyoming. He has been involved in the Real Estate industry for the last 33 years in which he has been actively investing in rental properties and new construction. His company, Knight Custom Homes, has a strong rental property base and has developed, constructed and/or renovated numerous individual homes and several large new construction subdivisions. His company handles all aspects of the process from design and blueprint, clearing the lots, building the roads and drainage systems, wells and septic systems, foundations, framing, roofing, siding, window installation, heating and air condition systems, plumbing and electrical. They manage and handle the entire process from start to finish.

The new homes they build typically are in the 3,000- 6,000 sq ft range. The company handles the vast majority of the project components in house including land acquisition, permitting, excavation and construction right through to finish work and painting. The quality of the homes they build far exceeds the industry standards. Managing and executing most of the work on their construction projects in house allows for better control of all the variables and expenses allowing for a much higher return on investment.

https://www.bknightcustomhomes.com

About Masterbeat Corp.

MasterBeat Corporation (OTC: MSTO), incorporated under the laws of Delaware, is a publicly traded company specializing in hard, tangible asset acquisitions with an intense focus on real estate, precious metals, and other tangible assets. The company believes its progressive approach to an old school model, especially in this market based on fragile earnings multiples and uncertainty, to acquire hard, tangible assets will not only offer long term capital appreciation but also deliver revenues, profits, and self-sustainability.

About SmallCapVoice.com

SmallCapVoice.com, Inc. is a recognized corporate investor relations firm, with clients nationwide, known for its ability to help emerging growth companies, small cap and micro-cap stocks build a following among retail and institutional investors. SmallCapVoice.com utilizes its stock newsletter to feature its daily stock picks, podcasts, as well as its clients' financial news releases. SmallCapVoice.com also offers individual investors all the tools they need to make informed decisions about the stocks in which they are interested. Tools like stock charts, stock alerts, and Company Information Sheets can assist with investing in stocks that are traded on the OTCMarkets. To learn more about SmallCapVoice.com and its services, please visit https://www.smallcapvoice.com/small-cap-stock-otc-investor-relations-financial-public-relations/.

Socialize with SmallCapVoice and their clients at;

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallCapVoice/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallcapvoice

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallcapvoice/

Contact:www.masterbeatcorp.cominfo@masterbeatcorp.com

SmallCapVoice.com Contact:Stuart T. Smith512-267-2430SSmith@SmallCapVoice.com

Source: SmallCapVoice.com

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Josh Tannariello, CEO of MasterBeat Corporation, and MSTO Board Member Brad Knight are Featured in a New Audio Interview with SmallCapVoice.com -...

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Known mainly for its mountain bike trailsand crown of communications towers, Webb Hill in St. George could soon playhost to a luxury housing development.

But the developer for that project known formally as Summit Estates says it's hoping to take a much more "sensitive" approach to placing houses on the71-acre plot of land, which is situated on the east side of the hill above the neighborhoods along Bloomington Hills Drive.

"We're really trying to not make this intrusive, so we're taking every effort possible to make sure that it's not just a big ugly development," said Skylar Stewart, project manager with Superior Development, Inc. "We want this to look really nice and be something the city can be proud of."

Among those efforts include a commitment to preserving and improving access to popular recreation sites on the hill, including the locally-famous Kentucky Lucky Chicken trail, and a proposed plan that calls for a lighter-handedapproach to constructionthat avoids mass grading of the hillside.

Eventually, Stewart said, plans call for 42 custom homes on the hillside on lots ranging from a half-acre to over three acres.

The east side of Webb Hill is already approved for development, just not the type of development the owners of that property want to build.

The hill itself is split into two plots. The largest of them, at roughly 234 acres, is owned by the city and contains most (not all) of the Kentucky Lucky Chicken trail and much of the open space Webb Hill is known for.

The second, at about 71 acres, is privately owned and was originally a piece of a larger master planned community approved for the area in 2001.

More: Closely-watched race in suburban Utah hits debate stage

Some of that original master plan was developed into the existing Sienna Canyon neighborhood, but a 71-acre portion was broken off and sold in 2015.

The new owners of that plot thought the already-approved development plan, which called for the hillside to be mass graded to make way for 50 homes, was "heavy handed," according to Ben Willits, project manager with Horrocks Construction.

A side-by-side image of the type of mass grading development currently approved for the east side of Webb Hill, versus the less intrusive plan the developer is seeking approval for.(Photo: Provided by Superior Development, Inc.)

They are now asking the city to approve a zoning amendment that wouldreduce the number of homes to 42 and allow the developer to grade just the precise footprint of each home, a plan they saywould preserve much more of the hillside's open space and natural character.

"They wanted to come in with a much softer touch and have it be not so intrusive into the existing hillside," said Willits, whose firm isis contracted to design Summit Estates.

The new plan would preserve about 45 percent of the property as open space and, though the houses are custom, each home will be required to meet strict design and landscaping standards.

More: A 2020 voter guide to the 7 proposed changes to Utah's constitution, and what to know about each one

The homes will be high end, Stewart said, taking cues from other upscale developments in the county such as Kayenta in Ivins.

Thedirt road up Webb Hill, which is city-owned and would remain public,would be paved and the new plans propose a 10-foot wide paved public trail leading from the entrance of the development to the Kentucky Lucky Chicken trailhead.

This new plan was approved by the St. George Planning Commission on Oct. 13, but will need one more thumbs up from city council before it's fully approved

But while both the city and the developer have confirmed the Kentucky Lucky Chicken trail will remain, it's not likely to make it through the development totallyunscathed.

A preliminary plat showing the proposed layout of the Summit Estates luxury housing development and a tentative reroute for the eastern end of the Kentucky Lucky Chicken mountain bike trail(Photo: Provided by Horrocks Engineers)

A short portion of the trail, including its trailhead, was erroneously built on the private property now destined to become Summit Estates. That short bit of trail will likely be rerouted and the trailhead relocated.

No formal agreement has been made on how that trail reroute and trailhead relocation would work, but Willits said whatever the solution is will be done hand-in-hand with the city.

"It's the city's call exactly how it gets rerouted," Stewart said. "But we're working with them to make sure it does."

More: Do you know the candidates? Here's a 2020 voter guide for St. George and southwest Utah

The goal is to get that reroute completed before any sections of the trail on private land are closed off for construction, he added.

If all goes to plan, the project will likely break ground early next year starting with improvements to the dirt road leading up Webb Hill.

Access to the Kentucky Lucky Chicken trail and other open space on Webb Hill will remain unimpeded as much as possibleas the constructionmoves forward.

Sam Gross covers the outdoors and development in Southern Utah for The St. George Spectrum & Daily News.Support his work by subscribing to TheSpectrum.com.

Read or Share this story: https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2020/10/14/st-george-luxury-housing-propose-less-intrusive-plan-webb-hill/5967129002/

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Luxury housing development on Webb Hill could reroute Kentucky Lucky Chicken trail - The Spectrum

For Tommy Benson, the joy of Christmas morning comes almost every day of the year.

The Conway native readily admits to being like a child at Christmas as he awaits the rising of the sun and another opportunity to get that elusive perfect shot.

More often than not, Benson finds his gifts on sandy beaches in Garden City, hidden in the tall marsh grass in Murrells Inlet or, perhaps, even in the alligator-infested Everglades.

The celebrated wildlife photographer gave up shooting birds with a gun many years ago. Nowadays, his band of more than 4,000 Facebook followers wait eagerly, on a daily basis, to see what Benson has bagged with his camera.

When we were growing up, Tommy's claim to fame was his surfing prowess! Then he became an exceptional woodworker and furniture-maker. I never dreamed that he'd focus his skills on photography, said childhood friend Liz Gilland. Tommy has a natural gift, but for the past year or two he has quickly moved from good to excellent to outstanding.

Wildlife photography is like a drug, said Benson, with a twinkle in his eye. If you have kids, buy them a camera because that way they will never have money for drugs.

Benson traces his love for nature to the days he spent on his grandfathers plantation. The late Dr. Carl Busbee owned the Caledonia estate near Pawleys Island, where Benson enjoyed hunting and fishing. His parents, the late Luke and Ella Earle Benson encouraged his fondness for nature.

I loved the deer and birds at Caledonia. I painted them and I hunted them, he said. I cant believe I used to shoot birds with a gun. After I took up taxidermy, I never killed another one.

After high school and a brief stint as owner of Myrtle Beachs first surf shop with his brother Bill Benson, the Conway High graduate headed to Florida where he became a skilled cabinetmaker in Fort Lauderdale.

There, he established a successful business building cabinets and furniture for custom homes, specializing in marine cabinetry.

Since his retirement, Benson has split his time between Florida and his home in Murrells Inlet where he continues to enjoy crafting cabinets for friends. He also constructs frames for some of his favorite photographs.

When Im not on the water photographing birds Im here in my shop, he explained.

On a typical day, Benson awakes at 4:30 a.m. so he can be on the water shortly before sunrise. He frequently takes more than 100 photographs of birds and other wildlife hoping for the perfect shot.

He wants to catch on camera the exact moment a Caspian tern, diving at great speed, touches the water with its beak. He has come close on many occasions but still chases his goal.

After spending part of the day shooting (his favorite camera is a Sony A-9 with a 200-600 zoom lens), Benson selects his best photos and posts them on Facebook to the delight of his eager audience.

The rave reviews begin almost immediately.

Comments include accolades like awesome, fantastic photos, and another portfolio of fabulous.

A big fan, Becky Bradham of Conway, wrote, Tommy is a gifted photographer whose images perfectly capture the beauty of our local wildlife and scenery. I look forward to his daily Facebook posts. His photos delight, inspire, and give us a much-needed break from the negativity that is often found on social media.

Gilland, for one, has encouraged Benson to publish a book featuring his photos.

I've saved hundreds of his shots, and am confident that one day, he'll win awards for his photography. I hope he puts out a book of his best photos -- it would be a best-seller around here, she said.

For now, Benson says the daily experience of weaving himself into the local wildlife and recording it for others to enjoy provides all of the satisfaction he needs.

Seven days a week, rain or shine, Benson goes to bed excited about the prospect of another chance at that perfect shot.

When the tide is perfect and the weather is perfect, Im itching to get out there, he said. I look forward to it every morning.

To view Bensons photos online, search on Facebook for Thomas Benson.

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In Search of the Perfect Shot | News | myhorrynews.com - Myhorrynews