l%111 w%92

Technology and Old World design come together in the kitchens of homes at Siena, an age-qualified, Tuscan-style village in Summerlin, according to project manager Paul Smith.

"Kitchens in Italian villas traditionally were the heart of the home, where people gathered around a fireplace," Smith said. "The modern kitchen islands and peninsulas in our great-room designs function the same way. Instead of being isolated, the cook gets to enjoy the company of family and friends. Cooking can even take center stage and be part of the evening's entertainment."

Some islands are large enough to seat a dinner party around the cook; others are designed for two.

"Even floor plans where the kitchen is a separate room can have a large window over the sink overlooking a family room or other gathering spot. The cook still gets to be part of the action," Smith said.

The islands also keep foot traffic away from the inner kitchen workspace and increase cabinet space.

The guard-gated community offers five home collections, each named after Italian cities -- Milan, Como, Verona, Florence and Trieste. All single-story and detached, the 14 floor plans range from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet.

Prices range from the mid-$150,000s to more than $400,000.

One-third of the community's 1,900 homes will be built along an 18-hole public golf course. Residents are given special rates and preferred tee times. The golf club will include a pro shop, practice facility and grill.

Like the namesake village in Italy, the community will feature a village center. This facility will have arts and crafts studios, meeting rooms, a library, ballroom and theater, card rooms, a billiards room, and a computer and business center. There is an activities manager and regular events.

A fitness center will have an exercise room, wellness center, saunas, steam rooms, massage rooms and a 25-meter indoor lap pool.

Additional recreational facilities will include lighted tennis courts, bocce courts, lap and resort-style pools, and a network of hiking and biking trails.

To visit, take Sahara Avenue to Town Center Drive and turn south. Proceed past Desert Inn Road and follow the signs. The sales office and model homes are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Real Estate home