Couple chooses Carson Ranch

Patricia and Phillip Schmauder sought a home for their retirement, and the search ended at William Lyon Homes' Carson Ranch neighborhood, located in the northwestern valley.

The single-story gated development's overall design, their home's great-room layout with an adjoining kitchen, and size of their backyard influenced the couple's decision to move from their Las Vegas home of 20 years.

"We really do love the Carson Ranch community, the area, our home itself. We are fortunate to have found this house with an open floor plan on a home site that gives us a lot of space for entertaining," Patricia Schmauder said.

"We picked our home because it is in a single-story community. It has an old-fashioned feel here; it is a great neighborhood," she said, adding that she looks forward to further getting to know her neighbors as the neighborhood's first homeowner representative on the community association board.

The couple, who have three children and two grandchildren, based their home-design choices, upgraded flooring, countertops and landscaping on their retirement lifestyle.

"This home is what we like to call a 'fun house' for adults. We have designed the house for us to enjoy, especially when we retire. We chose to paint the walls in our home with many colors, decided on tile flooring, and set aside space for a pool table. It has a very open floor plan and a great room, which offer access to our great backyard," Schmauder said.

"We love the size of our yard and it is a great place for us to relax. It's considered a pool-size yard, but we put a Jacuzzi out there instead. We chose a large barbecue island, long covered patio and artificial grass. We try to spend as much time as we can in our backyard and we are really enjoying it. Our two dogs like the backyard space, too."

Carson Ranch is composed of two series of single-story designs, measuring from 2,133 to 3,091 square feet and priced from the mid-$300,000s. The neighborhood offers three to five bedrooms, two to 31/2 baths and three-car garages.

The homes are highlighted by fireplaces; walk-in closets; prewiring for telephone, cable and ceiling fans; and an island kitchen with a cooktop, double oven and dishwasher.

To visit, take Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway, to Jones Boulevard and head north. Turn left on Rome Boulevard and follow the signs.

The model homes are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Monday when they open at noon.

For more information about the builder's neighborhoods in the area, visit williamlyonhomes.com.