Christopher Collection adapts Tuscan style to desert environs

Architects incorporated Tuscan-inspired style and materials that harmonize with the desert in floor plans at The Christopher Collection in Southern Highlands.

The southwestern valley neighborhood, developed by Christopher Homes, will feature 98 homes along the fairways and greens of the Southern Highlands Golf Club. Sixteen one- and two-story designs are offered, ranging from about 3,000 to more than 6,200 square feet and priced from the mid-$400,000s to the high $600,000s. The home sites average about one-quarter acre.

Scott Brown, a member of the builder's design team, said when the designers created the neighborhood's Cezanne and DaVinci models, they considered the community's geographical attributes, including its proximity to the mountains.

"We incorporated a Tuscan-inspired architectural style, utilizing materials that harmonize with the desert climate, yet reflect a more opulent style than a typical desert-style home," Brown said.

"As a few examples, we used more simple roof forms, rustic eaves, unique shutter details, generous exterior stonework, and European-inspired color palettes with deeper and richer tones. The outdoor courtyards enhance the indoor/outdoor relationships in the homes and function very well in the desert climate. Essentially, these homes are rustic, yet elegant, with floor plans that can suit a wide range of lifestyles and harmonize with just about any conceivable style of interior design."

The Cezanne offers 3,940 square feet, three bedrooms including an owner suite, a rear courtyard with an optional fireplace, and a library in a single-story design.

The DaVinci is a two-story, 5,016-square-foot home with an owner suite, two secondary bedrooms, a guest suite and a study. The home also features a rotunda entry, central courtyard and covered patio.

Brown cited the terrace and an optional wine room in the DaVinci as unique features.

"DaVinci's upper level viewing terrace is unique to the Southern Nevada production-home market and has quickly proven to be a major attraction among buyers at The Christopher Collection," he said. "Equally popular is the wine room in this home, which has become a popular spot for visitors to spend time while viewing the models. Rather than just adding a room, we decided to go below grade, which gives the wine room a cooler feel and adds a sense of romance as well."

Other design options include elevators, motor courts, courtyard fireplaces, casitas, major room additions, four-car garages, extra baths, bonus rooms and wet bars. The builder's design center can assist home buyers with design decisions.

Southern Highlands is a guard-gated community with semicustom and custom homes, roving security, concierge services, parks, and recreational facilities.

To visit, take Interstate 15 to the Lake Mead Drive exit and go west, following the signs. The sales office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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