Casitas highlight homes in Silverstone Ranch

Casitas are available with the purchase of select floor plans at Pulte Homes' Silverstone Ranch, a golf course community in the northwestern valley.

"We're finding that many home buyers are looking for a spare room or living area for aging parents or adult children who are living at home again," sales manager Randy Char said. "Casitas are growing in popularity because they offer a separate living space with its own entrance for their loved ones."

Casitas, meaning "small houses," can function as a hobby room or a place for teenagers who desire their own bedroom with a bath and separate entrance to the house. At Silverstone Ranch, they offer full baths and walk-in closets.

"According to the most recent Census, the number of families living together with three generations under one roof has doubled in the last 20 years," Char said. "In addition, the number of young adults moving back home has increased by 6 percent."

Six collections of homes are planned for Silverstone Ranch, and will be geared toward first-time and move-up buyers. Townhomes will also be featured.

Eighteen models representing several home collections are open for viewing.

The Merion Collection offers homes ranging from 1,583 to 1,890 square feet and priced from $203,990 to $219,990

All homes are single-story designs in the Oakmont Collection, and measure from 1,520 to 1,881 square feet. Prices start from $220,990 to $240,990.

Single- and two-story floor plans ranging from 1,881 to 2,665 square feet are featured in the Cypress Collection. Prices range from $247,990 to $307,990.

The Augusta Collection is comprised of all single-story homes, ranging from 1,913 to 2,616 square feet and priced from $290,990 to $335,990.

Single- and two-story residences range from 2,768 to 3,448 square feet in the Princeville Collection, and are priced from $383,990 to $444,990.

All homes feature the builder's Platinum Plus Series Environments for Living building technology. In addition to being recognized as Energy Star homes, Pulte's Environments for Living certified homes offer a three-year heating and cooling guarantee.

Silverstone Ranch is developing around the Silverstone Golf Club, a 27-hole championship course designed by Bob Cupp. The course offers three nines -- Valley, Desert and Mountain -- and pose a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.

Complementing the course is a 34,000-square-foot clubhouse with fine dining. It is available for special events.

Plans call for several neighborhoods, each with amenities such as parks, basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds and arbors. One neighborhood will have a guard-gated entry, while a townhome development will include a social center and a swimming pool.

To visit, take U.S. Highway 95 to Durango Drive, head east to Grand Teton Drive and turn right. Proceed to Buffalo Drive, turn left and follow the signs. The sales office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Monday, when it opens at noon.

Pulte is also developing Wyeth Ranch in the northwestern valley; Serenata and Vialetto in the Aliante master-planned community in North Las Vegas; Paradiso, Summerfield, Hillstone, Cara Vella and Sage Hills in The Vistas village in Summerlin; Gresham Park in Summerlin; and Anthem Highlands within the Anthem master plan in Henderson.

Pulte Homes Inc., based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., has operations in 44 markets nationwide.

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