Tuscan Cliffs offer sleek baths

Measuring more than 400 square feet with dual walk-in closets, master bath areas represent significant living space in the homes at Tuscan Cliffs, a guard-gated enclave of semi-custom estates located within the Southern Highlands community.

They also include vast opportunities to personalize the space through bath fixtures and decorative options, such as spa tubs, heat lamps and rain showers. Master baths within the estate-home designs are comparable to private spas, according to Kristi Kramer, vice president for Pacific Southwest Development.

Pacific Southwest offers an "all-Kohler home," featuring the company's state-of-the-art plumbing fixtures. Some of the choices include dual-head showers, overhead rain showers, body sprays and bidets, as well as a choice of tubs, some of which include spa jets.

One feature that often draws comments from visitors to the Tuscan Cliffs models, according to Kramer, is the 75-inch round Riverbath Whirlpool tub.

Fixtures are available in a choice of finishes and styles, including Kohler's Purist and Memoirs collections. Among the choice of finishes for faucets and handles are polished brass, French gold, brushed chrome and brushed nickel. Buyers may upgrade sinks to stainless steel, select a vessel sink to sit atop the vanity, or choose an integrated style.

Nearly every aspect of the bath can be customized, even down to framed mirrors that hang over the vanities. Buyers may choose from any type of flooring they desire. Vanity tops may include marble or granite with full bullnose edging. Glass block may be incorporated into shower surrounds.

Another popular and very practical feature is the heat lamp. "It keeps the bath very comfortable during the cooler months," Kramer said. "Not only is the room the right temperature, but there are no cold surfaces."

Buyers may even place a television within the bath. Properly mounted for safety and ease of viewing, the set may be connected to a cable or satellite system. In addition, the home's audio system may discreetly pipe music or any other audio programming into the room, adding yet another element to the spa like atmosphere.

Tuscan Cliffs features Tuscan-style luxury estates on lots measuring one-quarter acre or larger. Premium home sites, including mountainside parcels in future phase releases, are available.

Four two-story floor plans are open for tours at the neighborhood. In their base configurations, floor plans range from 4,328 to 5,441 square feet. Various design options can bring the homes to 6,000 square feet.

Standard amenities include paverstone driveways, sand-finished stucco exteriors, stainless steel appliances, 42-inch maple cabinets, granite countertops, 6-foot garden tubs, wood-clad Andersen windows, Kohler plumbing fixtures and structured wiring systems.

Each residence qualifies as an Energy Star home, saving owners on their heating and cooling expenses while providing a quieter, more environmentally friendly home.

Base prices range from $1.05 million to $1.25 million.

To visit, take Interstate 15 to the St. Rose Parkway exit and go west. Drive north on Southern Highlands Parkway and proceed to Stonewater Lane, then turn left and follow the signs.

Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Monday when it opens at 1 p.m. For more information, call 228-8559.