First-time buyer picks William Lyon

Cooling off in the pool or enjoying a barbecue with friends requires little planning for Kimberly Manning, whose townhome at William Lyon Homes' West Park Villas is located just steps from the community's centrally located park.

"It's so nice to walk over on weekend mornings and claim a space where I can hang out poolside and enjoy the views of Red Rock," Manning said.

When she prefers social time to solitude, the park provides the opportunity.

Along with her two roommates, Manning hosted a Fourth of July barbecue for 20 invited friends. "The setting was ideal. We plugged in the stereo, grilled, ate under the covered area and watched fireworks from surrounding communities," she said.

In addition to a swimming pool and barbecue area, the recently opened park also offers a pet-friendly grassy expanse, tot lot, children's wading pool and 12-person spa. With keypad access, residents are assured exclusive use of the aquatic area, barbecue patio and rest facilities.

Living near a landscaped park is a plus, Manning said, but she cited other advantages.

"The location is perfect. Las Vegas is a big city, but I'm within five minutes of everything I want to access, from work and family members to Red Rock Canyon and Red Rock Casino to the stores and restaurants on West Charleston," she said. "Having the 215 right here also makes life easy."

Since moving into her townhome last fall, Manning has been busy giving it her personal touch. She purchased plan four, which has 2,048 square feet of living space spread across three stories -- plenty of areas to decorate. "We went with dark cherry wood and artisan elements on the first floor, gave the second floor a modern feel and I have the third floor all to myself. It's like my own third-floor apartment," said Manning, whose two roommates have separate bedrooms and baths.

The three roommates use the fourth bedroom as an office and craft room. With two living areas, there's ample room for entertaining.

"One roommate is a great cook and likes to host dinner parties," Manning said. "It never feels overcrowded, even when we have 30 people here." When Manning's alone in the townhome, she said it takes on a cozy feel. "That's what makes this floor plan so great," she said.

West Park Villas offers two- and three-story townhome designs measuring 1,556 to 2,048 square feet. Home buyers can select from plans with up to five bedrooms and three baths.

Some layouts include a bonus room, dual master bedrooms, mezzanine and tech center. Every design has a covered front entry, open kitchen and attached two-car garage.

Loft and study options are available on some plans. Prices at West Park Villas start in the low $300,000s.

Additional townhome choices are available at William Lyon Homes' West Park Courtyards, where floor plans measure 1,706 to 2,452 square feet.

Each plan has three bedrooms, up to three baths, a private courtyard and two-car attached garage. Structural variations, based on plan, allow for a den, loft, retreat or exercise room. Prices start in the upper $300,000s.

Townhomes at both communities come with raised-panel interior doors, recessed lighting, security alarm prewiring and CAT-5 wiring in selected areas for high-speed data access. Every home plan includes a covered front entry, interior laundry with gas dryer connection and spacious walk-in closets.

Standard water and energy savers include a soft-water loop, low-e windows and programmable thermostats. Granite kitchen countertops, a fireplace and gas barbecue stubout are included at West Park Courtyards. Some Courtyard plans also include a freestanding laundry tub.

Model homes at West Park Villas and Courtyards are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except for Mondays, when they open at noon.

To visit, take Interstate 215 to Charleston Boulevard. Exit west and turn left on Plaza Centre Drive to the models. For more information, visit lyonhomes.com or call 233-6055.