Christopher expands availability of prized designs

Christopher Homes has made its most popular residential designs available valleywide through its custom-home division.

"Until recently, our home-building activities were predominantly on the western edge of Las Vegas," company President Steve Hackney said. "We ... recognized, however, that many prospective buyers were touring our model homes and saying things such as, `Wow, I love this floor plan, but I wish they were building it on my side of town.' Or, `This design is perfect for me, but I wish it could be built on a larger home site, or on a golf course, or along a lake.'

"As a result, we have greatly expanded and revised our custom-home program to accommodate people who appreciate the beauty and elegance of a Christopher home, but would prefer to have their own choice of community and home site."

The builder has 28 custom residences under way in communities such as Southern Highlands Golf Club, Lake Las Vegas Resort, Seven Hills, Anthem, MacDonald Highlands and Summerlin.

"Our custom clients can have their residence built similar to one of our models, or they can utilize plans from dozens of our award-winning designs as a basis in the design/development phase of their own home," Hackney said. "Those who wish to highly customize can often combine features from different models and incorporate some of the most sought-after features in home building, such as basements, elevators, detached casitas, wine cellars, fireside courtyards and much more. We can also help with the lot selection process and lend our expertise regarding local codes and the architectural review process in the various communities.

"The emphasis is on helping our clients create their personal dream home without the hassles that are so often associated with trying to design and build a custom home from scratch. We have the finest in-house architectural designers, interior designers, purchasing agents, construction experts and customer service representatives. This ensures that our client's highest expectations can be realized with a minimum of guesswork and worry on their part."

Each client consults initially with Mark Stuhmer, division vice president, who remains involved through each phase of the design and construction process.

The division's sales and information center is located in a $4.5 million, 10,000-square-foot custom home at Bellacere, a neighborhood in Summerlin.

To visit, take Summerlin Parkway to Town Center Drive, go south to Alta Drive, then go east. Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The builder is developing two neighborhoods within the Southern Highlands Golf Club community in the southwestern valley -- The Christopher Collection and The Villas.

Buyers can choose from 15 floor plans, ranging from 3,000 to 6,200 square feet at The Christopher Collection. Among the designs are five single-story plans, two two-story residences with main-level owner suites, and eight two-story plans with upstairs owner suites.

The lots average one-quarter acre, and the homes are priced from the high $400,000s to more than $1 million. The builder provides a $25,000 allowance in the base price of each new home.

Seven floor plans, ranging from 2,100 to more than 3,300 square feet, are available at The Villas. Each home features a courtyard and a rear-yard terrace. Options include courtyard fireplaces and the opportunity to add a level to the selected floor plan: Single-story plans can be expanded to two stories, and two-story homes can be expanded to three stories. Homes are available with city, golf course and mountain views.

All landscaping of the front yards and open areas will be handled through the neighborhood association.

The homes are priced from the mid-$300,000s to the mid-$800,000s.

To tour these neighborhoods, take Interstate 15 to Lake Mead Drive, exit west and follow the signs. Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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