Couple acquires more room at Carson Ranch

Linda and Fred Draves' former townhome barely had enough garage space for their car and too few bedrooms to comfortably accommodate out-of-town visitors.

They knew there had to be an alternative to sleeping in their recliners when their children and grandchildren visited, and so the couple's search for a more spacious single-story home began.

The couple said they found their ideal floor plan at William Lyon Homes' Carson Ranch Series II, a gated neighborhood of single-story homes in the north central valley.

"Our garage was completely stuffed with household items we had accumulated from our parents. Our daughters and their families like to visit at the same time and even though we had two full baths, it was a rough setup for eight people. We obviously needed more room," Linda Draves said.

After exploring communities by several builders, the couple said they spotted a sign for Carson Ranch and decided to visit.

"We stepped into the first model home and I thought it was beautiful. Fred walked into the great room and without even seeing the rest of the house, sat down on the couch and said, 'This is it,' " Linda Draves said.

To quell their urge for an impulse buy, the couple carefully explored the community's other offerings, even walking the model homes a second time to be doubly sure their instincts were correct.

They selected Plan One, a 2,527-square-foot home design with three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a three-car garage.

Structural variations allow for a den in lieu of the second bedroom and a fourth bedroom with bath in place of a garage bay.

Architectural highlights include a covered front entry, circular foyer, private courtyard and a great room with a fireplace.

The floor plan's country kitchen includes an eating nook and island workstation with expanded counter top seating.

Home buyers can opt for a back patio cover, extended kitchen cabinets and desk, fireplaces in the courtyard and master bedroom, laundry room cabinets and spa jets for the master tub.

"I've never seen a master closet so huge. We could fit our living room and kitchen from the other house in there with room to spare," Linda Draves said. "It's hard to believe I have more cupboards than I know what to do with in this house. Everything is right at my fingertips -- no bending or reaching for anything."

The couple said they look forward to upcoming visits from their children and the backyard pool they'll enjoy this summer.

"At night it's so quiet outside you can hear a pin drop. When I see the full moon and stars shining, I realize it even smells crisper out here," Linda Draves said. "It's tucked away, but everything we need is within five or 10 minutes at the most. It's completely wonderful and we couldn't be happier."

In addition to Plan One, home buyers can select the 2,692-square-foot Plan Two with four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths or Plan Three, which measures 3,091 square feet and includes three bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. Every floor plan at Carson Ranch Series II has a three-car garage.

Standard features include security prewiring, custom recessed lighting, raised-panel interior doors and a freestanding laundry tub. Programmable thermostats, soft-water loops and 50-gallon water heaters with recirculating pumps are among the water and energy savers.

Sales are now under way in the newest phase, located in the community's east parcel. Home sites range from 10,000 to 16,000 square feet. Prices start in the mid-$400,000s.

A community park within Carson Ranch provides recreational space for residents. Newer schools, shopping and services are within easy reach. Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway, is located just minutes from Carson Ranch.

Home buyers can tour model homes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except for Monday, when the sales center opens at noon.

To visit, take U.S. Highway 95 north to Ann Road. Proceed east on Ann to Jones Boulevard, turn left on Jones and left on Rome Boulevard, just north of the 215 Beltway.

For more information, call 395-9009 or visit lyonhomes.com.