Family moves into Carson Ranch

When Heather Landolfa and son Prentice Walton, 3, moved to William Lyon Homes' Carson Ranch Series I in the north central valley, they increased their living space and family members to help them fill their new-found square footage.

Adding Landolfa's boyfriend and his 11-year-old son to the household made four for the 2,615-square-foot floor plan Landolfa selected in the single-story gated community.

"We were quickly outgrowing our 1,364-square-foot home. I knew that if I planned to upgrade, it was the perfect time to do it," said Landolfa, whose aunt, a real estate professional, led her to William Lyon Homes' Carson Ranch.

Landolfa toured the model homes and told the sales agent what she had in mind for fits, finishes and flooring. Soon after, Landolfa received a call that started her on her moving journey.

"The sales agent called and said, 'I think I have exactly what you want,'" said Landolfa, a self-proclaimed "picky person." Turned out, the home exceeded Landolfa's expectations and was available for a quick move-in. "The tile, carpeting and wood were just what I envisioned. The price was right, too," she said.

She chose Plan Three, which includes a master bedroom, guest suite, two secondary bedrooms, three baths and formal dining and living rooms separated by an interior courtyard. A family room featuring a fireplace and media niche is situated at the rear of the home adjacent to a country kitchen with an eating nook and island workstation. Home buyers can opt for a fifth bedroom with bath or home office in lieu of the third garage space. Other variations allow for a den and master retreat.

Landolfa said the home is well designed for everyday living and entertaining.

"We have our own separate areas and plenty of common space, which is especially nice when friends visit. We even turned our dining room into a pool table room. It's a big hit with everyone," Landolfa said.

Carson Ranch Series I offers four floor plans ranging from 2,133 to 2,627 square feet with as many as five bedrooms and four baths. Every plan has a covered entry and three-car garage. Structural variations, based on home design, allow for a den, teen room, home office, second master bedroom and master retreat.

Prices start in the mid-$300,000s.

Standard features include security prewiring, custom recessed lighting, raised-panel interior doors, spacious walk-in closets and fireplaces. Other highlights include designer lighting fixtures, satin chrome door levers and country kitchens featuring island workstations with extended counter top seating. Every master bath has an oval garden tub and separate shower stall; all baths feature cultured-marble vanities. Homes are built with low-e windows.

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

To visit, take U.S. 95 north to Ann Road. Proceed east on Ann to Jones Boulevard, turn left on Jones and left on Rome Boulevard. For more information, call 395-2564 or visit lyonhomes.com.