Best friends move to Renaissance

Neighbors Bonnie Pattiz and Eileen Fridkin were not only among the first residents of Pardee Homes' Renaissance neighborhood in Seven Hills, they also were the first two in line to buy their desired lots in the Henderson neighborhood.

"We slept here overnight," said Fridkin, who was in a meeting when Pattiz called and told her she had to get in line. "I flew home so we could get our pick."

Fridkin, who owns a talent agency and a production company, chose the Plan Four Gabrieli model with 4,152 square feet. She transformed the two-story home into a Tuscan-style villa with black and sage green walls, accented by European antiques and Romantic-era artwork.

Next door, Pattiz, who runs her friend's talent agency, lives in the single-story Plan Two Picasso. With palm fans and ornate tapestries, Pattiz has created an atmosphere of Asian elegance in her 2,840-square-foot home.

When they are in their adjoining back yards, the friends, who sometimes call themselves "Lucy and Ethel," enjoy their views of the city and mountains.

The gated neighborhood features five models that "are among the finest Pardee has ever offered anywhere in the country," according to Ray Landry, assistant vice president of sales.

Priced from the low $300,000s, the homes range from about 2,700 to 4,686 square feet on terraced home sites.

"Pardee is continuing its tradition of building energy-efficient, money-saving homes with Renaissance," Landry said. "Features are included that meet the very highest standards of energy efficiency to merit the coveted Energy Star seal and the ComfortWise designation."

According to the builder, benefits include cost savings in utilities; quieter homes due to the installation of vinyl-framed windows; and a decrease in ultraviolet light through special windows that help reduce fabric fade.

The homes also feature rotunda and courtyard entries, butler's pantries, balconies, fireplaces, high ceilings, and arched doorways.

Kitchens offer ceramic-tile counter tops, oak cabinetry, pantries, five-burner cook tops, built-in microwave and oven combinations, and dishwashers.

Among the options that may be selected at the builder's design center are bedroom suites, bay windows, French doors, wrought-iron balustrades on staircases, lofts, dens, game rooms, bonus rooms, bars and upgraded appliances.

To visit, take Eastern Avenue to Grand Hills Drive, turn west and follow the signs. Models are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except Monday, when they open at 11 a.m.

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