Showing posts with label Lenexa Kansas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lenexa Kansas. Show all posts

Saturday, March 9, 2013

5 Tips for Creating an Ideal Outdoor Living Space in Your Cottonwood Canyon Home!


It’s been an interesting winter here in Lenexa with the large snowfall this past month.  And, while the snow continues to melt, the time change this weekend offers an encouraging look ahead at spring!

Here in the golf course community of Cottonwood Canyon in Lenexa, residents breathed a sigh of relief during the winter storms knowing that all snow removal would be taken care of by Cottonwood Canyon’s HOA!  The thick white blanket that covered this pristine golf course communities’ rolling hills was beautiful, and able to be enjoyed even more with efficient snow plowing and the clearing of driveways.  Just one of the many perks of choosing to live in Cottonwood Canyon!

In fact, the exceptional Home Owners' Association doesn’t stop with snow removal, but will take care of landscaping all year long!  As we begin to see signs of spring and lush, green grass; it’s great to know that you can retire your lawn mower and sit back while your lawn is neatly manicured.  It’s this carefree and convenient lifestyle that draw many to build their dream home in Cottonwood Canyon.

If this will be your first spring living here, you may be thinking of ways to further enhance your outdoor space.  Thoughts of spending time outdoors watching the sunset over the Golf Club of Kansas golf course or enjoying a leisurely afternoon sipping ice tea and reading your favorite book on your patio may have you planning out your outdoor living space.  As you plan, here are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind!

1. Keep it Close- Be sure to create your space close to the house.  It’s more convenient and will be easier than hiking through your backyard with drinks or food.
2. Set Realistic Goals- You may love to cook and would enjoy an outdoor kitchen or you may want to install a beautiful water feature.  And, while these can be a great addition, they can be costly at the same time.  Whatever your plans are, be sure to think through every scenario.  Your Cottonwood Canyon builder can talk with you about what you’re envisioning for your outdoor living space and can advise you on what would work best!

3. Create a Focal Point- You’ll want to create a focal point for the space.  Whether it’s an interesting piece of furniture, a firepit or water feature, this will spark conversation as well as “anchor” the space.

4. Accessorize- Bring the same warmth and detail that you would indoors to your outdoor space.  It’s best to accent with “earthy” pieces such as stone features, wooden furniture and natural colors.  Of course, you can add splashes of vibrant colors for interest, but keeping it natural will enhance the outdoor space instead of being a distraction.

5. Offer Shade- We all know that Lenexa summers can get pretty hot, so you’ll want to offer shade.  Whether you choose to build a pergola or merely have a large patio umbrella, this chance to cool down will be a welcome retreat.

We hope these tips are helpful as you begin to envision your outdoor living space in your Cottonwood Canyon home!
If you’d like to learn more about the Cottonwood Canyon lifestyle, the Home Owners’ Association or about building your dream home in Cottonwood Canyon; please feel free to contact us today!
We would enjoy the opportunity to talk with you!

Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

10 Tips to Help Sell Your Current Home


2013 is off to a great start in the Lenexa Real Estate market and for those building their dream home in Cottonwood Canyon.  Building projects are well underway and the cities top builders are going above and beyond to ensure those moving into Cottonwood Canyon are pleased with every detail of their new home.

You may have come by one of our open houses or have seen our ads and are interested in taking the next step in building the custom home you’ve always wanted surrounded by the beautiful and serene setting of the Golf Club of Kansas.  However, you know that building and moving into Cottonwood Canyon will require you to sell your current home.  

Whether you live here in Lenexa, in Kansas City or are planning to relocate from another state, our team here at Cottonwood Canyon wanted to highlight ten things you can do to help sell your current home. 

1. Examine your Front Door: Lenexa winters, as well as wear and tear from use, can leave front doors looking dingy and weak. Replacing doors with a more energy efficient door looks great and saves money on heating and air. Don’t want to spend a lot? A simple paint job will give your old door an updated and refreshed look.

2. Clean Gutters: Gutters are a breeding ground for insects, mold, mildew and algae spores that can enter your attic and allow biological growths to enter your home. Scoop out debris and run water down the gutter with a hose. Invest in a gutter cap or screen. Scrub out the inside with a gutter brush.

3. Check the Foundation: Inspect the foundation of your home for large cracks and shifts in the blocks. Seal large cracks and gaps between the foundation and concrete/earth and directly on the concrete.  

4. De-Clutter: It’s easy to collect things in your home during the winter months, but spring is all about having a fresh start!  Take time to evaluate the things you really need to keep and those things that you can part with.  Then, establish an organization system.  Hardware stores offer a range of affordable shelving solutions.

5. Check the Basement: Scan everything in the basement of your home. Check the water and sewer pipes for leaks, mold and tearing and pests. Address problems immediately either with a water vacuum, dehumidifier or new gutter drains. Drain sediment from hot water heaters and change your furnace filter.

6. Clean the Deck: Warm weather in the Lenexa area means spending a lot of time outdoors on your home’s deck or patio!  You want this area of your home to really shine and reflect how you care for your home.  Remove grime, pollen, fungus and mildew by scrubbing the surface with a deck or patio cleanser.  Of course you’ll also want to brush off your outdoor furniture and create the living space that you’ll enjoy for months to come!

7. Get Rid of Mold: Examine your ceilings, attic, walls and bathrooms. If you do notice mold, you must identify the source of the mold before repainting. Ask a local contractor for help. When you are ready to repaint, use mold growth inhibitor paint made for high moisture areas.

8. Exterior Paint: Carefully scrape, prime and paint peeling spots on trim or woodwork. You'll protect wood against summer's heat and moisture and prevent a more difficult paint job come fall.

9. Reseal: Caulk and other sealants safeguard your home against rain and snow at vulnerable points such as cracks and open joints. Winter can rip caulk apart. Scrape out old caulk using a painter's five-in-one tool. Clean and disinfect with one-part liquid chlorine bleach in three parts warm water.

10. Add some green: The first thing guests notice when approaching your Lenexa home is color, light and symmetry. When adding new shrubbery, keep it symmetrical. Change outdoor light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs. It is amazing what some flowers, light and fresh paint can accomplish! 

While these tips may seem simple, they can make a huge difference in the sale of your home!  Buyers want to know that they can move right in and won’t need to do any major work.  

As you consider selling your current home and taking the next step in building your custom home in Cottonwood Canyon, we hope you’ll contact us with any questions you have!

We look forward to hearing from you!




Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

Friday, December 21, 2012

Lenexa Receives National Recognition This Holiday Season!

As we take time to reflect back this holiday season on 2012 and look forward to all that the new year has to bring, we thought we’d take some time to highlight the great city that Cottonwood Canyon calls “home.”

Lenexa Kansas may come as a surprise to those not familiar with the area, and who are considering relocating or retiring to the scenic setting of the prestigious Lenexa golf course community of Cottonwood Canyon.  But, to those who’ve lived in Lenexa for some time, the recent national recognition that Lenexa received would be deemed "a recognition a long time in coming."  

Recently, Bloomberg BusinessWeek named Lenexa as one of the “Best Places to Raise Kids in 2013.”  Each year, Bloomberg creates this list with one city per state that receives this title, and with a variety of factors that play into naming the best city; we’re proud that our city was crowned the winner for Kansas!  Lenexa Mayor Mike Boehm boasted that “We have always known Lenexa is a great place to live and raise a family.  Inclusion on this prestigious list is an independent validation of this fact.”

So, what are these factors that determine the winner?  Public school systems performance, safety, county-level unemployment, housing costs, median income, and commute time are just a few at the top of the list; and Lenexa proudly stands with only 50 other cities in the nation to receive this great recognition.

Here at Cottonwood Canyon, we can’t help but be proud of our city as it gives us just one more reason to showcase the excellent lifestyle that can be found at Cottonwood Canyon.  Not only are you building your dream home in one of the most luxurious and beautiful golf course communities in the Kansas City area; you’re building a lifestyle that exists in an acclaimed and ever growing city.  

Whether you choose to raise your family in Cottonwood Canyon, are empty nesters looking for a peaceful community with outstanding amenities or are hoping to retire with every comfort at your fingertips; you’re settling into the right place at just the right time!

In fact, just to prove how great Lenexa is for families, we thought we’d point out all that Lenexa is doing for kids as they enjoy their holiday vacation.  Lenexa Parks and Recreation has put together a Winter Wonder Weeks program that allows kids to get involved in a variety of fun activities in the community!  Events like Open Gym, Soccer and Tennis Camps, Zumbatomic and much more will keep kids from Christmas break boredom.  Feel free to view more information about the Winter Wonder Weeks program!  

As you can see, there are a number of great reasons to settle into Lenexa and Cottonwood Canyon!  We are always here to answer any questions you have about building your dream home in Cottonwood Canyon, the lifestyle offered and about the city of Lenexa.  

We would love to see you become a part of the Cottonwood Canyon Community in 2013!

Have a Merry Christmas!


Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

An Interview with Cottonwood Canyon Builder Bruce Rieke- Why NOW is The Time to Build!



We hope you had a great Thanksgiving with family and friends!  Whether you were able to celebrate with family and friends in your beautiful, custom built Cottonwood Canyon home in Lenexa KS or you are looking forward to the holidays in a Cottonwood Canyon home in the future; it’s always a great time of year to reflect back on all we have to be thankful for as well as a time to look forward to the future.

As we look ahead to the future of Cottonwood Canyon, we see new builds on the horizon and a building momentum to this up and coming golf course community in Lenexa!  In fact, if you’ve been considering building a custom home on one of our stunning 125 lots located on the Golf Club of Kansas; now is the perfect time to do so!

We recently spent time talking with one of Lenexa’s most reputable builders, Bruce Rieke of B.L. Rieke Custom Home Builders, regarding the current state of custom home building and what the future holds for creating the home of your dreams.  As one of the most active builders in Cottonwood Canyon, we’ve seen first hand how Bruce works with clients and proceeds through the entire home building process.  

With his reputation preceding his outstanding work, we wanted to share with those of you considering a custom home build his perspective on the market, why now is the time to build and a few tips from a trusted source about the home building process. 

When asked about the possibility of construction costs rising, Bruce jumped right in with his answer.  “No question about it,’ noted Bruce, ‘construction costs are already going up.”  He continued by talking about the shortage of experienced labor, which means all facets of the building process are rising in cost.  

Manufacturers also play a part as supplies are by order only and there’s limited inventory.  Lumber mills and other suppliers have closed down plants to cut down on their costs and to be able to raise prices on installation, drywall, etc...  It’s a game of supply and demand.  For example, there’s a current drywall allocation which allows drywall companies to only make a certain amount, which forces prices up.

“In the next year, 2013-2014 and for sure by the end of 2015, we’ll see an increase in home building by 20-30 percent,” said Bruce.  “Because companies are working to stay open right now and not really making a profit, along with the rising costs of supplies, builders will have to continue to raise their prices.”  Even within the next six months, new codes will be put into affect which will raise prices anywhere from $6-10K per home.  As you can see, now is the time to build in Cottonwood Canyon!

The good news?  Mortgage rates are currently at an all time low and costs are still fairly low.  

If you are considering building your custom dream home in Cottonwood Canyon, we wanted to share with you these four tips that Bruce provided about finding the right builder... they’re worth repeating!

1. Reputation- A good reputation is imperative when it comes to a builder.  Ask around and find reviews to ensure their work is solid and other clients have been pleased with their home building process.

2. Relationship- You’ll be spending a lot of time with your builder as they work with you to make your dream home a reality.  Make sure your personalities fit and they’re someone you could work with.

3. References- Don’t be afraid to ask a potential builder for references, and make sure to follow through with checking them!  

4. Review- Take time to review their work.  Whether you spend time on their website to view homes they’ve built, or you take the opportunity to drive by the homes; seeing the finished result will give you a good idea on if they’ll fit your needs and style.  Here at Cottonwood Canyon, we have a few model homes open that we invite you to come by and tour!  You’ll be able to see the ins and outs of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into our homes.

We hope this has been helpful and has provided you with the boost needed to take the next step in designing and building your custom home at Cottonwood Canyon!  Please feel free to contact us anytime to get started!



Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

Monday, November 12, 2012

Create An Eco-Friendly Environment in Your Cottonwood Canyon Home!


It’s been a beautiful fall season in Lenexa Kansas and residents of its newest golf course community, Cottonwood Canyon, have been enjoying the outdoors.  Whether taking advantage of the ideal location on The Golf Club of Kansas, strolling throughout Cottonwood Canyon’s picturesque setting or using the walk and bike paths at the nearby Streamway Park Trails, those living in Cottonwood Canyon have been soaking in this season’s beauty.

Yet, now that the days are getting shorter and the crisp fall air lets us know that winter is just around the corner, we’re finding ourselves cozying up in the warmth of our homes.  As the Cottonwood Canyon Community Team, we know that those living in this pristine golf course community are settling in to their well built, custom homes.  In fact, many are enjoying their first cool weather season in their new home!

If you have built your dream home in Cottonwood Canyon, you know that our builders use only the finest and most eco-friendly materials available.  We believe that quality should not only be good for you, but for the environment as well!  So, how can you maintain that “green” atmosphere in your Cottonwood Canyon home during the cold season in Kansas? 

Here are just a few ways you can conserve energy and “go green” in your home!

1. Use Your Fireplace- It’s amazing how a fire in your fireplace can heat up a room instantly! Consider lowering your thermostat on cooler evenings and lighting a fire instead. You’ll instantly feel cozier in the midst of chilly Kansas winters.

2. Unplug- Not using an appliance? Unplug it! The Department of Energy notes that, even if appliances are not being used, they are still using energy. 40% of electricity used for your home electronics is used when they’re turned off, but still plugged in. Getting in the habit of unplugging will prove to be a smart habit in the long run!

3. Program Your Thermostat- Setting your thermostat to lower temperatures while you’re away from your Cottonwood Canyon home or while you’re sleeping will automatically help reduce energy used, as well as costs! 

4. Use the Sun- During the day, be sure to leave blinds and curtains open to let in the sunlight and natural heat. At night, shut them to help “trap” the warmth.

5. Bundle Up- Feeling chilled? Instead of turning up the thermostat, throw on a pair of socks or an extra layer. These small choices to not turn up the heat can really add up in energy savings!

6. Switch our Your Lights- From lamps to the Christmas tree, all of your lights can be changed out for energy efficient LED lights! With the sun setting earlier, you’ll be using your indoor lights more often. Also, the festivity of the season’s decorations can spike energy bill. LED Christmas lights can cut back on costs and energy usage.

As you find warmth and comfort in your Cottonwood Canyon home, we hope you take a few minutes to see which ways you can create an eco-friendly environment in your custom built home.  You’ll enjoy knowing that you’re doing your part to keep Cottonwood Canyon the beautiful, “green” environment that it is!

From all of us here at Cottonwood Canyon, we hope you have a great Thanksgiving next week with family and friends!

Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

Monday, October 29, 2012

A Fantastic Fall & Exciting Developments for Cottonwood Canyon


It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of October and that the holidays are just around the corner!  For many of us, we’re looking forward to settling in to our homes for the cooler weather and hosting gatherings for family and friends.  Here at Cottonwood Canyon, many are gaining that sense of excitement as they warm up next to the fireplace for the first time in their newly constructed home.  

Whether you’re new to hearing about Cottonwood Canyon, have visited our Lenexa golf course community in the past, or currently live in your custom built home on our beautiful acreage; we wanted to share an exciting update on our community.

We recently joined in on The Parade of Homes and hosted around 1,000 visitors that toured our model homes and premium lots!  For two weeks, September 29th through October 14th, we saw people from all over the Kansas City metro area who were interested in what’s taking place at Cottonwood Canyon.  We even had interested buyers from Wichita and Topeka who are considering relocating to our stunning location in order to take advantage of the peaceful and well appointed lifestyle that Cottonwood Canyon has to offer.

One of the most alluring factors to living at Cottonwood Canyon is the ability to design the home of your dreams!  Those looking to retire in this private golf course community, or those who are finally able to create the home they’ve always envisioned for themselves, are eager to meet with our respected builders to talk through the possibilities.  

In fact, our price reduction on lots in The Village community, from $135K to $99K has sparked even more interest.  New lot reservations and contracts are in the works for those planning to build in Cottonwood Canyon in the spring!  

People have found that the fantastic lot prices, ideal Lenexa location, stunning backdrop of the Golf Club of Kansas, working with renown builders and the lowest maintenance plan in the area (consisting of snow and trash removal and lawn care) is an opportunity well worth the investment.  

If visions of living in Cottonwood Canyon are dancing in your head as we near the holiday season; please let us know!  We would be happy to show you around our sprawling, serene location and talk with you about designing your custom home.

Please feel free to contact us today to get started!


Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

Monday, September 10, 2012

Cottonwood Canyon's Ideal Location in Lenexa Kansas!


Lenexa Kansas is quickly gaining recognition as a great place to live and work, and has found its place in the top ranks of US cities!  

Recently, CNN listed Lenexa as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live noting that, “This biosciences hub offers plenty of opportunities for people who want to work in their own neighborhood.  A cute downtown and abundance of community gatherings make the place popular for families.  Among the most popular events: the annual Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle, one of the biggest in the country, where judges taste brisket and ribs to crown the official Kansas State Champion.”  This is the kind of town people love to call “home!”

We are thrilled that our very own Cottonwood Canyon is located in such a great city.  Although you feel very much secluded when you enter this golf course community; it’s also convenient to have all the comforts and perks of being close to a thriving environment.  New restaurants and shops are opening and continued development of the Lenexa City Center are creating quite the buzz about this charming community just 15 miles south of downtown Kansas City.

And, while Lenexa continues to gain popularity for great places to live, Cottonwood Canyon is also getting its own recognition!  This week, The Kansas City Star is running a story on Cottonwood Canyon and the momentum its building with new contracts on lots and homes being built!  So, be sure to keep an eye out for our story!

If you’ve been interested in learning more about the Cottonwood Canyon lifestyle, and what it takes to build a custom home in this prime location on The Golf Club on Kansas; please let us know!  Our 125 lots are continuing to fill up as buyers see the quality of craftsmanship with our local builders and architects, as well as the breathtaking and quiet setting that Cottonwood Canyon has to offer.  

As always, we are here to answer any questions you have about our golf course community, the plans for future development and how you can create your custom dream home at Cottonwood Canyon!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

Monday, August 20, 2012

Lenexa Chamber After Hours Event at Cottonwood Canyon!

As the Cottonwood Canyon Community Team, we feel that being a part of Cottonwood Canyon’s community here in Lenexa Kansas is important.  We understand that finding a home that’s right for you is much more than the property, but entails the entire lifestyle that the home has to offer.  That’s why we couldn’t be happier with our central location in the charming town of Lenexa! 

If you’re looking to be in a serene setting, seemingly worlds away from it all while still experiencing all that the greater metro area of Kansas City has to offer; Cottonwood Canyon is the place for you!  We are conveniently located just one mile west of Interstate 435 on Prairie Start Parkway in Lenexa, 20 minutes away from the KCI airport, 30 minutes to downtown Kansas City, 10 minutes from College Boulevard and just 25 minutes to Lawrence.  And, just as Cottonwood Canyon continues to grow, Lenexa is quickly becoming a top choice for real estate!

To celebrate our unique location and connection with Lenexa, Cottonwood Canyon recently had the opportunity to host the July Business After Hours for the Lenexa Chamber!  We were pleased to host over 60 people in one of our model homes to showcase to the community what Cottonwood Canyon has to offer.  Our sponsors for the event included: The Golf Club of Kansas, Bank of Blue Valley, NAI Capital Realty, and the new Spin Pizza (located next door to Cottonwood Canyon).  We were happy to hand out prizes and host our special guest for the evening, Mayor Mike Boehm!

Here are some of the photos from our After Hours event!



 Cottonwood Canyon marketing rep Sherry Fuller chats with Jim Blaufus

 Steve Hughes hands out prizes (grand prize - 4 rounds of golf at Golf Club of Kansas)




We are thrilled to be building these great relationships within our community and are looking forward to developing our presence in Lenexa for years to come!  Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding Cottonwood Canyon or about building your custom home in our beautiful golf course community!


Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

Monday, July 16, 2012

Experience World Class Golf at Cottonwood Canyon!

If you’re choosing to live in a golf course community, one of your top priorities will be ensuring the excellence of the golf course on which you live.  Here at Cottonwood Canyon, award winning golf course community in Lenexa, you can rest assured knowing that a world class golf course is just outside your front door!

The Golf Club of Kansas received outstanding reviews when it first opened being ranked as GolfWeek’s “Best New Courses” in 2009.   They have continued that reputation with their stunning fairways, innovative design and PGA staff professionals.  The design of the course at The Golf Club of Kansas is the result of a unique collaboration between renowned course architect Tom Jackson of South Carolina and project Founder, Tom Kelly.  Jackson brought his insurmountable experience in his 40 year career in designing 130 golf courses and being a member of the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame.  His expertise, along with Kelly, who had constructed courses with architects Jim Spear, Tom Jackson, Arnold Palmer, and P. B. Dye gave this dynamic team the drive and skill to create this outstanding Lenexa golf course.

Designed with the golfer in mind, The Golf Club of Kansas has a unique philosophy that seeks to provide outstanding golf for those short on time, funds or skill.  Each aspect is addressed to guarantee a successful golf outing from well spaced starting times to an innovative membership structure to PGA staff instruction and club fitting programs.  We could go on about the wide Meyer Zoysia fairways, A1/A4 bent grass greens and fescue-bluegrass combination in the rough, or talk about the terrain and elevation changes that create the ideal backdrop for an excellent game of golf, but it’s just something you’ll have to experience for yourself! 

Whether you are considering building your dream home at Cottonwood Canyon on this breathtaking golf course, or you’re interested in learning more about what The Golf Club of Kansas has to offer, you’ll want to be sure to visit their website for detailed information and current summer specials on memberships!

If you’d like more information on the Cottonwood Canyon lifestyle, what building a custom home entails, or would like to see our model homes; please contact us today!  We are here to make sure you get all the information you need and the service you deserve!

We look forward to hearing from you!


Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Don't Miss the Upcoming Cottonwood Canyon Fundraising Event!

As the Cottonwood Canyon Community Team, we hope you’ve been finding our blog posts helpful in discovering more about Cottonwood Canyon, Lenexa and the current Lenexa Real Estate market!  It’s our goal to give you a well rounded approach to the Cottonwood Canyon lifestyle and provide you with the pertinent home buying and custom home building information you want to know. 

In light of this, we’re excited about an upcoming event being hosted on our stunning golf course community!  On Friday, July 20th, those who love the arts and golf will find the perfect blend of the two at the Cottonwood Canyon/KAF Fund Raiser.  The Kansas Arts Foundation is calling local artists to submit their photographic work for the Kansas Golf Course Photographic Competition which will be featured and entered into a silent auction.  Funds raised will help to fuel the ongoing efforts of KAF’s non-profit initiative for the arts and arts education.

The Cottonwood Canyon/KAF Fund Raiser will take place on Friday, July 20th from 5:30-8pm at Cottonwood Canyon, and is being set as an informal tent event with live music and BBQ catered by Brancato’s Catering. The tree lined backdrop of Cottonwood Canyon will set the ambiance for Johnson County and Eastern Douglas County donors to take part in the evening filled with great food, live music and the opportunity to support local artists.

Adding to the excitement of the fundraiser will be a special appearance by Governor Brownback. KAF will host Governor Brownback at a private reception in one of Cottonwood Canyons’ model homes from 5-5:30pm. All hosts/host couples and donors who have donated $1,000, along with the winning photographer, will be invited to attend this private, catered reception.  For more information about the event, feel free to contact Steve Hughes at srh@hughesgolf.com.

We’re looking forward to this event and the opportunity for people to experience the beauty of Cottonwood Canyon for themselves!  If you’re interested in learning more about homes available in Cottonwood Canyon or building your custom home; please don’t hesitate to contact us!  We’d love to answer your questions and can show you around our sprawling setting and model homes.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Walking & Biking Trails at Cottonwood Canyon

Oftentimes those looking to build their dream home in Cottonwood Canyon have visions of days filled with endless golf in this pristine golf course community in Lenexa, Kansas.  And, while Cottonwood Canyon is uniquely one of the only golf communities situated within a golf course; it’s location in The Golf Club of Kansas is not the only thing that draws buyers to this distinctive community.
In fact, there are a wide variety of reasons to settle into Cottonwood Canyon and this week, we wanted to highlight the walking and biking trails located in Cottonwood Canyon’s backyard.  As the community team, our goal is to not only provide you with current information on Cottonwood Canyon and home tips, but to give you a well rounded approach to the communities’ lifestyle.  
We know that buying or building a home is much more than the home itself, but the community and surroundings that will quickly become a part of your daily routine.  For those of you who enjoy taking a break from golf from time to time, yet still want to be outdoors; you’ll want to check out the information below regarding the beautiful Mill Creek Streamway Park!
Mill Creek Streamway Park
Entry Point at 18459 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa
- Biking and walking enthusiasts will savor the 17 miles of trails throughout the 600 acres of one of the areas most stunning parks.  In just a few minutes walk from your Cottonwood Canyon home, you’ll find an entry point onto the well maintained bike/walk trails that extend from Nelson Island on the Kansas River south through the cities of Shawnee and Lenexa, and ending in Olathe.  
Streamway Park received national recognition in 2010 by the Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar by being designated as a National Recreation Trail (NRT).  This model trail for other communities in the area is a regional tourist attraction and is the first trail in Johnson County to be honored with the NRT designation.  Along the trails, you’ll also find areas for picnicking and taking nature walks through the natural wildlife habitats.
Whether you currently live in Cottonwood Canyon or are considering building a home in Cottonwood Canyon this year; you’ll discover the various reasons Cottonwood Canyon stands out from other golf course communities in Lenexa and the surrounding Kansas City areas.  
If you have any questions about Cottonwood Canyon homes or the lifestyle that’s offered in our community, please let us know!  We are here to help you discover all there is to know about living in Cottonwood Canyon.  
Please feel free to contact us today! 

Cottonwood Canyon Community Team

Monday, May 21, 2012

5 Tips for Building Your Dream Home in Cottonwood Canyon


Have you ever wondered what it would be like to build your dream home?  Here in the serene setting of Cottonwood Canyon, that dream can easily become a reality!  Tucked away on The Golf Club of Kansas in Lenexa, Cottonwood Canyon offers 125 unique lots that are just waiting for customized homes to be built. 
Whether you’re considering building your ideal home in this beautiful golf course community to fully enjoy retirement, or your love for golf and an ideal setting is urging you to build now; you’ve come to the right place!  Cottonwood Canyon works with the areas’ finest builders and helps to oversee the entire process from start to finish.  
Because it can be overwhelming to decide on every detail in your custom home; Cottonwood Canyon provides a few home styles from which you can choose.   The Oakwood by Fisher Homes Inc, The Aspen by B.L. Reike Custom Homes, The Cypress by Lifestyle Builders and The Sienna II also provided by B.L. Reike Custom Homes, are all worth looking into as they feature quality materials with low maintenance in mind.  
B.L. Reike Custom Homes’ owner Bruce L Reike noted that, “The most striking element of Cottonwood Canyon for me, is the scenic beauty of the community.  The views are dramatic and diverse.  Regardless of where you are, you can see the lake and golf course.  There’s nothing else like it so close in to the city.”  
If you are considering beginning the process of building your dream home in Cottonwood Canyon, you’ll want to take a few minutes to review the following tips.  Building a home in a golf course community will be well worth it, and you’ll want to be fully prepared to do so!
1. Start an Idea Book- Even if it’s just a matter of clipping pictures from magazines of home features that inspire you; beginning to gather ideas of what you like will make the building process run smoothly when it comes to choosing the features and finishes you want in your Cottonwood Canyon home.  
2. Define Your Needs- Take time to sit down and create a list of your needs for your dream home.  Will you have family and friends coming to visit?  Make sure you have the appropriate number of bedrooms and square footage.  Is a balcony with a golf course view a must?  Create your list and remember; it’s your custom home so don’t be afraid to dream big!
3. Learn About New Building Materials and Trends- Of course the Cottonwood Canyon builder that you choose will be able to give you insight into the highest quality, eco friendly materials, but doing some research on your own can help you hone in on some of those special features you’ll want to incorporate into your home. 
4. Don’t Forget the Landscape- It can be easy to become so focused on building a home that you forget about the curb appeal.  If you have a certain aesthetic of landscaping you’ve found that appeals to you; consider how you’ll incorporate this into your Cottonwood Canyon home.  And remember, all homes in Cottonwood Canyon includes grounds maintenance!
5. Communicate with Your Cottonwood Canyon Builder- The team here at Cottonwood Canyon is here to make your dream become a reality.  Open communication about what you’re looking for in your home will ensure your expectations are met and even exceeded!
We hope these tips are helpful as you consider building your dream home in the Cottonwood Canyon golf course community!  Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions about living or building in Cottonwood Canyon; we would love the opportunity to talk with you more.  
Ready to begin building?  We would encourage you to come visit Cottonwood Canyon in person.  This community is one you’ll have to see to experience all that it has to offer.  We look forward to meeting you!

Cottonwood Canyon Community Team