February 18, 2007

Old SOuth Goes Modern
Homes blend traditional design, new amenities

MELISSA FOLLOWELL
Herald Staff Writer

SARASOTA - The feel of traditional Southern architecture meets modern-day amenities in the newest homes in The Founders Club.

Designed with the idea that every home should be unique, The Founders Club offers many styles of architecture throughout the community. No two homes have the same elevation, a practice that will be continued in the new enclave of maintenance-free golf cottages.

The Magnolia is the first of two models opening in the golf cottage area and hopes to make a splash when it debuts in the Parade of Homes on opening day, Feb. 24. The parade is a joint venture between the Home Builders Associations of Manatee and Sarasota counties.

It will be the first time U.S. Assets Group is submitting a home to the parade, although the company's principals have years of experience constructing homes in this area and beyond.

Walking up to the Magnolia, certain architectural details catch the eye. From copper gutters to detailed wood accents, there is an air of luxury before visitors even step into the courtyard entry.

Walk through the gates and enter a private oasis. While the front door is straight ahead, the eye can't help but wander to the pool, featuring fountains, as well as the wall of French doors to the left and the guest quarters nestled next to the pool.

Guests may never want to leave once they get a peek at their private quarters. Windows throughout the quarters not only make it bright but also provide great views of the lushly landscaped front yard as well as the pool right outside its door.

Pairing white wood with black granite and vintage black and white tile in the bathroom gives the guest house a vintage look without sacrificing modern day comforts.

Walk through the front door of the main house and step into the heart of the home. Complete with 18-foot ceilings, the open family room and kitchen contain the spirit of the old South while featuring the latest in new appliances.

While spacious, the rooms have an intimate and comfortable air about them.

The kitchen features a large amount of storage behind detailed all-wood cabinets. Once again pairing white wood with black granite, the marriage is one of clean lines.

A butler's pantry attaches the kitchen to the expansive dining and living rooms. One wall of the dining room and living room is completely comprised of French doors overlooking the pool and courtyard.

Travel beyond these rooms and an intimate study is waiting for an occupant, whether it be to pay bills, surf the Internet or curl up with a book.

The only guest suite in the main home is sandwiched between the study and the ample laundry room.

The laundry room also offers homeowners a large amount of storage, including an air-conditioned storage closet.

The bedrooms don't skimp on closet space either. Both guest suites feature their very own walk-in closets while the master suite's is more of a dressing room than a closet.

The attention to detail and aesthetics throughout the home can be seen in even the closets.

"It's designed for people who appreciate this kind of detail. It's truly a customized home," said Tom Brown, a principals in U.S. Assets Group.

The master suite is expertly hidden away down a long hallway from the family room.

The first thing prospective buyers will see is the elegant master bath. A bay window frames the luxurious bathtub while two vanities flank it on either side of the room. The bathroom goes a step further and features two water closets.

Beyond the master bath, the master bedroom features the same wood-framed windows found throughout the house. The room offers a virtual panoramic view.

The courtyard is not the only outdoor space where homeowners can escape. A large veranda in back of the home steps down onto a brick-paved patio with an outdoor fireplace and a great golf course view.

The outdoor areas collectively add about 2,000 square feet of usable space to the nearly 4,000 square feet of air-conditioned space.

This style has been found in the South since the early 1900s, but it is unique to other products being offered in the area, Brown said.

Melissa Followell, Herald reporter, can be reached at 708-7920 or mfollowell@Bradenton.com.