Denver Parade of Homes 2008

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