HBA Parade of Homes 2008
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Each year custom builder’s put forth their best efforts to showcase the latest styles and building trends. What could be better than to experience European Charm blended into new world-Colorado convenience only minutes from downtown?
My daughter who is also a Denver Realtor and I spent a rainy week day afternoon touring the Parade of Homes. We figured the best time to go would be when others might be put off by the weather. Not so! Despite our best planning, the Parade was still very busy. The ticket lady told us 90,000 people will tour these homes. After visiting for myself and totally enjoying this year’s offering, I can see why so many people visit the HBA Parade of Homes!
An abundance of luxury details like stone columns, arches, wine terraces with overhead grape arbors, interior courtyards with firepits, hearth rooms, caterer’s kitchen, au pair suites and flex spaces are showcased. The old world theme was illustrated with natural finishes and luxurious textures.
I loved all the outdoor living space offerings. The Villa di Vita great room’s glass wall opened to the outside covered living space. It makes perfect sense to me to be able to let the outside in, Colorado’s weather and lack of bugs makes this design work! Of course having a stunning view of Red Rocks and the foothills is an added plus!
Il Campanile had multiple outdoor living spaces. One was a sunken courtyard at the basement level. It was cozy and as my daughter mentioned, the wind would not bother you there. Brilliant indeed!
Much of the charm in these lovely homes came from reclaimed products; an old barn in Pennsylvania, wood beams from France, a 150 year-old French Bombay window and lodge pine cabinetry. In accordance with modern building standards the homes are all certified Built Green Colorado.
The setting is very special, located on the westside of Denver in Jefferson County just off E-470 and Alameda. Living here in the shadow of the foothills one will never cease to be thrilled by the beauty and convenience to Downtown Denver and the mountains. The entire neighborhood is going to have the old-world charm. No doubt as the sun sets over the Rocky Mountains the homes will be bathed in the very same golden light of Tuscany.
Sigh. (note to self: don’t forget to buy lotto tickets!) For those who enjoy photos, I’ve created a slide show of our rainy day visit. Photo Tour of Denver HBA Parade of Homes.
Labor Day Weekend is the last weekend before the Parade of Homes closes. Hurry up, before you are too late!
FYI the eight HBA Builders offering custom homes at Solterra are:
9 One 5 Custom Homes ~ La Belle Maison
Ades Design Builders ~ Casa Vecchio e Nuovo
Brookline Homes ~ Il Campanile
Cline Design Group ~ Bella Vista
Element Custom Builders ~ Sede Felice
Gregg Design Custom Builders ~ La Bella Vita
Wall Custom Homes ~ The Villa di Vita
Waterstone Homes Colorado ~ La Maison des Vues
Tornadoes Touchdown
Last night Larry announced he was going up to the top of the ridge because there was a tornado watch in Douglas County. Of course I wasn’t going to let him have all that fun alone, so I grabbed the camera bag and joined him.
On the way to I-25 he decided it would be a good idea to fill up the gas tank, since it was registering empty. As much as I hated to waste time, we stopped for fuel. Running out of gas while storm chasing or worse being chased by a storm would be a real bummer!
As we pulled into the Conoco in Lone Tree, we saw it.
A long tall skinny funnel cloud was touching the ground just to the SE of us. It was huge. Yes, it was a real tornado!
I fumbled around grasping for my Canon while watching in awe and surprise.
Last time I saw a tornado in Douglas County, I didn’t even know I was watching one. It was a big, black nasty square cloud, not a neat, trim funnel. Today’s tornado was a classic. There was no wondering what it was.
Luckily but at the same time disappointing, the funnel dissipated into thin air. Gone.
I never got time to snap a shot. Darn!
When the gas tank filled up, we took of to Surrey Ridge to hang out and see if we could spot another one. The clouds were swirling and churning, but the real show was over. The temperature had dropped 30 degrees and the elements that create a tornado were gone.
We weren’t the only storm chasers on the road. There were many others out taking in the views. The most interesting and scary were the news helicopters in the air. I would love to have a seat in one of them…what a bird’s eye view.
Maybe in my next life…
Enjoy the storm chaser photos, but keep in mind this really isn’t “normal” for Colorado. We aren’t known as tornado alley!
Visit this link to learn more about Tornado Safety.
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- News Copters were everywhere!
Rocky Mtn. Balloon Festival
Once again summer is nearing an end and the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival comes to Chatfield. Beginning Friday,
August 21, 2008 for 3 days this colorful and fun festival will offer live music, a car show and other activities throughout the day. Vendors are present to sell food, refreshments and of course souvenors of the event.
The Event starts early, 6:30 - 8:00 a.m. with a Media Mass Ascension Flight. Saturday at dusk is a wonderful “Lites in the Nite” balloon illumination. By the way the Festival is free, but to enter Chatfield State Park there is a $7 fee, unless of course you have a Colorado State Parks Pass.
Mark you calendar now, I’ll see you in the park!
Donkeyization of Denver
Ever since the DNC announced Denver as the 2008 location for the Democratic National Convention, a Paul Revere-like mantra has been running through my mind.
“The Democrats are coming! The Democrats are coming!”
Oddly enough my good friend Teresa Boardman who sells St. Paul Real Estate has a similar issue. The opposition Republican Party is meeting in her town. Teresa, also known for her wonderful photography posted a photo entitled “The Elephantization of St. Paul” thus providing inspiration for this post.
The past months leading up to date have been filled with a flurry of planning, much like the pre-prepartation for that hallowed mother-in-law’s visit, Denver has been cleaning, planning preparing and fretting. The Democratic National Convention in size is not a large convention, but it’s the reality of having the world’s eye focus on our beautiful mile-high town that has everyone at attention.
I must say, last week I was downtown and it is looking very nice! The flowers are in full bloom, the red, white and blue banners are hanging fresh to welcome visitors. Obviously all the fretting and planning is paying off.
I had to chuckle at the news piece last night, a local beauty salon donated their services to groom the homeless. Obviously someone somewhere feels a need to beautify even our unsolvable unsightly homeless problem even if only for a few days.
The only tension it seems comes from the obligatory protest groups who seem to follow limelight where ever they can steal it. They and the local police are bound to tangle sooner or later. I wonder what the purpose other than to make trouble for trouble’s sake? It seems to me the effort would be better spent on making a difference in a positive way, think gandi or Mandela. Just saying…
Transportation issues are of concern to the locals, many who will need to get to work each day as normal. Mayor Hickenlooper has committed to making the trip much the same as normal, but that remains to be seen! Lucky for us there will be 1000 FREE bicycles available to those who are slick enough to sign up quick. Humana and Bikes Belong are bringing the bikes to Denver and then on to the Twiin Cities the following weeks.
I’ve toured cities all over the world via bike. As far as I’m concerned seeing a city from the seat of a bicycle offers more interesting reward than any other sort of transportation. Besides getting you there quicker you work up a worthy appetite! Considering all the food carts on the street and restaurants stocked with the finest food available, a hearty appetite is a good thing!
DNC Convention Activities
Aside from the normal Colorado sight seeing activities always available to visitors, many other special activities have been planned. A traveling exhibition that promises an interesting and educational time for young and old is the nonpartisan American Presidential Experience . Visitors will be able to view a replica of Air Force One, look through the window of the Presidential Limousine or sit at the desk in the Oval Office.
The Green Frontier Fest begins the day prior to the Democratic convention, at Sculpture Park on the west side of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Speer side. There will be a farmers’ market, displays on renewable technologies and ways to protect the environment at home.
There will be several Green Tours highlighting renewable energy during the convention.
DNC Mementos
There will be no shortage of souvenirs to stuff into the suitcase home. My favorite so far is the Dems Do Denver collection of goodies presented by Denver artists. Be sure to take a peek at the darling Donkeys in typical Denver activities. They are all so cute, it’s hard to pick just one favorite! They can be ordered online or purchased in person at the Tattered Cover in Lodo or on Colfax.
The last time Denver hosted the Democratic National Convention was in 1908, 100 years ago. At that time the highlight of the convention was when loads of snow was hauled in from the mountains for the delegates to enjoy a snowball fight.
Somehow I think that was just another way to let off steam, perhaps we should outfit the delegates and the demonstrators with a few tons of Colorado’s finest powder and let them have at each other…
May the best donkey win!
Colorado Living
Between work, traveling for work and my recent foot surgery, I’ve been very lax in posting to the blog. Just so everyone knows, I’m still alive and kickin!
Last Sunday we took a drive to the mountains where I got some great mountain flower shots. To find this scene, take I-70 to the top of Vail Pass. Exit and follow the road over Shrine Pass. You will be delighted by the many changing mountain scenes. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Here’s one…
Living in Colorado has it’s rewards. 
Things to do
Tomorrow is Friday, it’s actually Thursday, but since the real Friday is the 4th of July we get to make Thursday our Friday for the week. Ha ha! Holiday weekends are always better when the week-end means a 3 days off. What are you going to do with your 3 days off?
The choices in Denver metro are many. Fourth of July Fireworks will be dotting the city from the mountains to the plains.
My all-time favorite is the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. If you’ve never been this one is a must. As far as Art Festivals go, the 3-day Cherry Creek Arts Festival is the Grand-Daddy of them all and it is free!
Friday night is “First Friday” so if fireworks aren’t enough for you, take a stroll down Santa Fe in Denver. You will be amazed at the diversity and talent found in this emerging art district.
Do you crave some outdoor action? Head for the hills…fish, hike, ATV, climb, picnic, cycle, fly, photograph or just relax and contemplate your navel. Whatever makes you happy you will find it somewhere in Colorado this weekend.
So who needs to leave home?
Real Estate Undressed
Thank you Larry from Real Estate Undressed! It is always nice to be recognized and this week one of my photos was honored!
This tenacious tree was found along the Mt. Evans highway, the highest paved road in North America. It is a spectacular drive and only a few minutes from downtown Denver. Just go west on I-70 to Idaho Springs, turn at the second exit and follow the signs to Mt. Evans. Its up. Very up!
Why not make a day of it, pack a lunch and stop along the way to enjoy the view. At the top of the mountain it is very common to see Big Horn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goats, Marmots, Ptarmigan and a variety of other birds. Of course the view of the Colorado mountain range is worth the trip alone!
If you have time, stop at the Echo Lake Lodge and watch the Humming Birds through the window and munch on some tasty homemade pie. Yum!
Living in Colorado has it’s benefits…why not enjoy them soon…
P.S. If you look hard you will find this tree! 
Buffalo Run Golf Course
Happy days are here again when it’s warm and sunny all day and one doesn’t have to go to work! I play golf with EWGA ~ Executive Women’s Golf Association, the Denver Chapter. Saturday was a play day at Buffalo Run, so not only did I take my golf clubs, but my camera as well. I know having someone shooting pictures while playing golf can be distracting, but these ladies didn’t seem to mind at all. In fact, they told me to grab my camera more than once when a lovely fox or heron was in view! 
Buffalo Run is located in Commerce City, it is actually adjacent to the popular Reunion neighborhood off 112th and 120th. The course like most Colorado golf courses is positioned for fabulous views of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. Today was no exception. The mountain peaks were covered in fresh white snow, while down in the plains we played in 70 degree weather, perfect for shorts and a golf shirt!
The course plays very nicely. I like long drives with a broad area. Several times we found ourselves rummaging around in the rough looking for a lost ball. Luckily I didn’t lose any balls, so that must mean the course was easy! A couple of the Par 3’s required some precision work. Once I landed in a bunker, in the exact same spot as a previous golfer, who failed to rake! Bah humbug! May he eat nats!
All in all I would not hesitate to suggest playing at Buffalo Run. I love techie GPS in the cart and caught on to using it immediately. I wish the GPS would track the ball and choose my club, but guess that will have to be invented by someone soon. 
Buffalo Run Golf Course opened in 1996 when there was hardly a home in site. Today the golf course is almost totally surrounded by homes in varying price ranges, multi-family dwellings to upscale luxury homes. Since the neighborhood is relatively new, it still has that nice "new" feeling.
Reunion is a planned community that offers a wide variety of housing and prices. Entry level homes can be found in the area for under $200,000 and luxury former Parade of Home models sell over one million on the Back NIne of Reunion.
The commercial side of the location is growing rapidly. Once residents had a long commute to grab a Starbucks or a burger, but not anymore. Now fast food and soon groceries will be within a few minutes away.
This area has an address of Commerce City. It’s convenience to both downtown Denver and Denver International Airport is a strong draw for homeowners wishing to be in a lovely new neighborhood, near a very nice golf course.
If you would like to discuss housing options for the Buffalo Run Golf Course area and Reunion, please feel free to call me. I welcome your call.
Saddle Rock Golf Course
In 1998 Saddle Rock Golf Course was recognized as one of the America’s Top 10 Best New Courses by Golf
Digest. Ten years later this top notch Aurora public course continues to live up to it’s reputation. Saddle Rock Golf Course is a long, high-plains, links-style course and challenging. Even the best players find a challenge in negotiating native areas, creeks, trees and rolling diversity. The course is high and the panoramic views of the front range are among the best in metro Denver.
Saddle Rock Golf Course is a public course so the fees are quite reasonable. Players can enjoy either 9 or 18 holes of play. A cart is recommended (by me) this is a long and tough course to walk.
Residents are eligible to receive a special reservation card allowing them to book tee times seven days in advance. As with most community golf courses, residents also get discounted play.
Saddle Rock Golf Course is conveniently located at 21324 E. Briarwood Drive, Aurora, CO. 80016. To get there from I-25, take Arapahoe Road east, look for the entrance to the golf course on the left after crossing Liverpool.
Saddle Rock Real Estate
Homeowners desiring a nice place to call home, will be happy to know Saddle Rock is a planned community offering open space of parks, green belts and recreation trails. There are neighborhood "pocket parks" for the little ones to enjoy, or a great destination for walking the dog.
The Saddle Rock area offers a variety of housing options for those who desire to be in a golf community. Custom and semi-custom homes can be purchased along or near the golf course. The Community is fairly new, so resale homes built in the year 1998 and newer are also available. Custom homes start in the high $600k’s and semi custom can be found in the $500k’s.
It is also possible to find less expensive homes within a few blocks of the golf course. Multi-family (condos) are also available in the area.
Getting To Saddle Rock Golf Course or Community
The Saddle Rock neighborhood is conveniently located off the E-470 beltway. The population growth in the area has been expanding ever since E-470 opened, bringing the southeast neighborhoods closer to the city. The beltway provides quick and easy access to the Denver Tech Center (20 minutes), Meridian (12 minutes), Denver International Airport/DIA (20 minutes) or downtown Denver (30-40 minutes).
Saddle Rock Shopping
Outstanding shopping is available in the nearby fabulous Southlands. Patterned in old time Main Street style, Southlands offers more than 150 retailers, restaurants and second floor office suites. Southlands is home to major retailers; An Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Coldwater Creek, J. Jill and many more.
Schools in Saddle Rock
The Saddle Rock neighborhood is serviced by two high schools both in the nationally acclaimed Cherry Creek School District; Grandview High School and the recently built Cherokee Trail High School.
Arrowhead Golf Club
Today was a semi-nice day with warmish temps yet the snow is still dotting the ground. Instead of posting dreary winter golf course pictures, I thought I would share the shots of Arrowhead, taken at the end of golf season 2007.
The day we played here was most memorable for the amazing range in change of weather. Over the course of a few hours we experienced all four seasons! Luckily Mother Nature saved winter for the last half hour!
Avid Golfer magazine designated Arrowhead as the top winner in the "Most Scenic Course (Public or Private)" category. One look down just about any Arrowhead fairway will confirm this course is a perfect choice. Jutting, jagged, gigantic red sandstone monoliths decorate the landscape lending the most incredible accents to the rolling foothill terrain. Arrowhead located south of I-470 in Littleton’s furthest most southwestern boundary is only 45 minutes from downtown Denver.
Looking through the red rocks one can view Denver in the distance. This hole was nearly our last on this particular fall day. Soon the gray clouds began to drop nasty cold rain, then sleet on us. Being the dedicated golfers we are, we continued to play in the wet, until we were frozen to the bone and shaking. Brrrrr!
Finally we caved in, running for the shelter and warmth of the car. Despite the weather it was a memorable day. Filled with the joy of the moment we went home wet, but satisfied.
Any day with golf in it, is a good day.
Snapping back to reality, (this is a real estate blog after all) the community surrounding Arrowhead Golf Club is called Roxborough. There are various plats within this gated community. Most homes are custom or semi-custom. At the entrance to the community the homes are wedged in at a higher density. As the road winds around the the west and then south the lots get bigger.
Many homes have views of the golf course, some are even high enough to have a view of the plains toward Denver.
Roxborough Real Estate
The price of homes in the gated section of Roxborough start at $400k and go up and up from there. Outside the gate there are a variety of subdivisions some old, some brand new with reasonably priced homes starting in the high $200’s.
The area has a unique beauty that makes the extra few miles to get there worth the trip. Now that more people are opting to live in the area, the close in daily amenities are easier to find. There is a strip shopping center in the Roxborough community with a grocery store, several fast food restaurants and filling station.
Just outside the entrance to the gated community is Roxborough State Park. Once voted one of the most beautiful state parks by National Geographic Magazine. The untamed terrain within the park resembles the terrain at Arrowhead. So if only half of a couple plays golf and the other half is a hiker or photographer, this neck of the world would be a good match for a day playing outside.
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This site brought to you by Kristal Kraft, a licensed Colorado Real Estate Broker
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