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Garland Cowan, an anesthesiologist, made a job-related move to Las Vegas from Los Angeles two years ago. Once familiar with the Las Vegas Valley, he began to search for a new home. Cowan found it in The Villas, a Christopher Homes neighborhood within Southern Highlands Golf Club, a southwestern valley community.

"(My realty agent and I) drove out there, and as soon as we passed through the guard gate, I knew that it was where I wanted to be. The first thing I noticed was the feeling of spaciousness. It doesn't feel like the homes are built on top of each other, and it has a very calm and peaceful atmosphere. I also like the golf course views and the nicely landscaped streets and open space areas. It was just what I was hoping to find."

The Villas offers eight residential designs, ranging from 1,983 to 3,400 square feet and priced from $346,900 to the mid-$800,000s. Prime home sites are available with city, mountain and golf course views. Most homes are situated on cul-de-sacs, and all front-yard landscaping is handled through the association.

Home buyers can choose from customizing options such as wine rooms and courtyard fireplaces. Buyers also have the option of being able to add a level to their home. Select one-story plans can be expanded to two stories, while the two-story design can be expanded to three stories.

Cowan will move into his new home this fall, and has been delighted working with the builder's staff.

"My first contact was (sales agent) Teresa Tebbs, who made the entire experience seem easy, with no pressure whatsoever. I knew exactly what my options were, what Christopher was going to do, and what I needed to do. The entire process was very well organized."

After his purchase, Cowan met Jody Tieszen of the builder's interior design team.

"I had a set budget and an idea of what I wanted in my home, but I knew I wouldn't be able to have it all," he said. "Jody took the time to work with me in selecting appropriate items that would give my home the look and character I wanted, without having to go over my budget. I also appreciated the convenience of having a full-service design center right there in the sales center.

"It is obvious that Christopher Homes has a comprehensive client service program that is totally focused on the comfort and convenience of the home buyer," Cowan said. "They take the stress and mystery out of the home-buying process by constantly keeping you updated on what is going to happen and when it is going to happen."

The builder is also developing The Christopher Collection at Southern Highlands. Buyers can choose from 15 residential designs, ranging from 3,000 to 6,200 square feet and priced from the low $500,000s to more than $1 million. Christopher includes a $25,000 allowance in the base price for the buyer's choice of customizing options. Home sites average about one-quarter acre.

Homes also are available in The Enclave, a gated neighborhood of custom homes measuring from about 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. The lots range from 13,800 to 35,000 square feet and most align the golf course. Prices of the custom homes (including the home sites) are expected to range from about $1.5 million to more than $8 million.

Another neighborhood is planned to offer 21 home designs on lots ranging from 8,200 to 12,000 square feet. The floor plans measure from 1,983 to 6,200 square feet and are priced from $346,900 to more than $1 million.

All neighborhoods built by Christopher in Southern Highlands Golf Club offer lots with city, mountain and golf course views. In addition, all buyers are given free social membership to the country club, upon application approval.

To visit, take Interstate 15 to the Henderson/Lake Mead Drive exit, head west and follow the signs.

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