Mystic Canyon design appeals to pair

William and Cathryn Blake, valley residents for the past 30 years, spent several months searching for the right home. Although most of the time they have lived in the southeast part of town, when it came time to find a new home they made it a point to visit neighborhoods throughout the valley. Their search ended when they visited Richmond American Homes' Mystic Canyon in the northwestern valley.

"You know you're in the right place when you walk into that one particular home and something just hits you in the head -- like a mallet," William Blake said. "And that's what happened when Cathryn and I came to see the Barnegat model home at Mystic Canyon. It was love at first sight."

The Blakes purchased their home in the first phase at this all single-story neighborhood. Their home is scheduled to be completed by the end of September.

The Blakes were impressed by the Barnegat model's design.

"We knew that we wanted to have a separate living room and dining room, but what we also wanted was a huge great room, just like the one we found here. We're very family-oriented, and we both look forward to many happy gatherings with our children and grandson in our new home at Mystic Canyon," Cathryn Blake said.

William Blake agreed.

"We also both love to cook, so we had to have a big kitchen because around here, she's Betty Crocker ... and I'm Duncan Hines," he said

Their island kitchen features a double convection oven, desk and an upgraded cook top.

Another feature they chose was a separate guest suite.

"My mother comes to visit us often, as well as our daughter," Cathryn Blake said. "So having this full suite -- with its walk-in closet and separate bath -- is just perfect for them."

At the builder's design center, the Blakes selected stone kitchen counter tops and appliance upgrades. They also opted for some minor construction changes, such as deleting the exterior door to the master bedroom, relocating a window in the guest suite, and deleting a closet in one bedroom to allow for a computer/media center.

They also are pleased with the service they received from the sales staff, Mary Jane Sibella and Jim Storfer.

"As a credit analyst with a national credit corporation, I have a very analytical mind and a sharp eye for detail. I have been very impressed with both the quality of construction and design of the home we selected, as well as the high caliber of the sales staff," William Blake said.

Cathryn Blake agreed.

"Having worked in human resources for 30 years, I'm quite used to coming into contact with the public and have always done my best to offer excellent service. As far as I am concerned, our agent, Mary Jane, is truly extraordinary to work with," she said. "When you visit as many model homes as we did before coming to Mystic Canyon, you come to appreciate the attention and service that a real professional like Mary Jane has to offer."

Homes at the neighborhood range from 2,387 to 3,263 square feet. Priced from $207,990, they offer from three to five bedrooms, crown molding, exterior stone accents, and casitas.

Models are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Monday, when they open at noon.

To visit, take U.S. Highway 95 north to Ann Road, travel east to Decatur Boulevard, go north to Elkhorn Road and follow the signs.

Real Estate home