Couple settles in at Encantada

Nico Vink and Zainah Bashel, who came to Las Vegas from The Netherlands had quick praise for the model they viewed at Centex Homes' Encantada neighborhood in the southwestern Las Vegas Valley.

"We knew right away that this was our new home," Vink said of the 1,593-square-foot Garden floor plan. "Holland is very pressed for space. There's a big difference in construction there; the houses are small and made of stone. Our whole apartment could fit in our new master suite at Encantada."

The Garden plan contains four bedrooms, three baths, great room, kitchen nook, loft and first-floor laundry adjacent to a spacious storage area. Some Garden plans are built with a den in lieu of the fourth bedroom and a master retreat in place of the loft.

Encantada's location is ideal for Bashel, who works at a property on the Strip.

"I was amazed that we were able to purchase a house so close to the Strip," she said. "We're right near everything, but it's very private here because we're gated. It gives the neighborhood a nice feeling."

Now in its closeout phase, Encantada has three of its four floor plans still available to home buyers. Home choices, while they last, include two-story layouts ranging from 1,483 to 1,685 square feet with up to four bedrooms and three full baths. Great room and traditional floor plans are available. Some kitchens feature a nook, island and pantry.

Many homes are appointed with window blinds and a full appliance package, including a washer, dryer and refrigerator. Other highlights include front yard desert landscaping, a soft water loop and a barbecue stub-out. Every owner's suite includes a walk-in closet with high-quality shelving.

Low-e windows, an energy-saver insulated gas water heater and water-saver showerheads and sink faucets are standard.

Homes are Energy Star-certified and come with Centex Homes' Two-Year Fit and Finish Warranty, which extends the normal one-year coverage to two years at no extra cost.

Neighborhood amenities include a private park featuring a playground, basketball court and walking trails. Upon completion, Encantada will include 295 home sites.

Encantada offers immediate move-ins and homes scheduled to close through this September. Prices start in the mid-$200,000s, and closeout incentives may apply. Centex Homes offers incentive programs to educators, health care providers, firefighters and law enforcement personnel as well as active, reserve, retired or veteran military members. Certain restrictions apply to all incentives. Sales executives are available to provide details.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except for Mondays, when model homes open at noon.

To visit, take Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway, exit at Jones Boulevard and turn south. Turn left on Robindale Road and left on Lindell Road to the sales office. For more information, visit centexvegas.com or call 260-4065.