Grand Park Offers New Ways to Achieve Mountain Living
3/25/2008
Source: Grand ParkAuthor: Kirsten Laraby
Nestled in the picturesque Fraser Valley, Grand Park continues to be on the forefront of progressive mountain living, offering a comprehensive variety of living solutions and ownership options for the modern-day home buyer. From traditional single-family homes and townhomes to newer ideas such as quarter-share ownership, flex spaces, and “mother-in-law” apartments, Grand Park remains loyal to their thoughtful, community building values.
With a vision of vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, Grand Park will offer a wide variety of traditional mountain living options. Townhomes, condos, single-family homes, lofts and penthouses will be available, showcasing the same respect for the environment and attention to detail previously seen in the community. Said Clark Lipscomb, President of Grand Park, “Every structure built is a testament to Grand Park’s commitment to sustainable building and outstanding quality construction.” Grand Park recently received the highly regarded Built Green Colorado certification, the only community to receive this honor in the Fraser Valley.
Single-family homes in Grand Park offer flexible floor plans. Owners can choose studio and “mother-in-law apartments” attached to the main house or detached above the garage. These ‘flex spaces’ can be sublet, providing solutions for both renters and buyers. “With a shortage of affordable housing in resort areas, studios and “mother-in-law” apartments provide options for the seasonal and service workforce that keep the tourist based economy running, while paying for a portion of the owner’s mortgage,” said Lipscomb.
These flex spaces and homes can also be used as weekend rentals for out-of-town visitors, giving owners additional revenue to offset mortgage costs. Vacation rental services such as Vacation Rentals By Owner, (vrbo.com), can be valuable tools to Grand Park homeowners. Independently owned cleaning services specialize in resort rental maintenance, keeping owners’ property clean and ready for incoming visitors. Single-family homes start in the $600,000s.
A more affordable way to get a portion of a single-family home in Grand Park is through fractional ownership. Today’s fractional ownership plans provide affordable alternatives for mountain real estate. Partnering with Alpine Quarters, Inc., a Colorado-based company that specializes in shared home ownership structures, buyers gain the benefits of a second home at a portion of the normal cost. “With fractional ownership, you can get a million dollar home for only $264,000,” says Beth Sands, a broker associate with Grand Park. “A lot of mountain home owners don’t intend to be here full-time or even half-time. A quarter-share is a great way to own your own place but use it the right amount of time for your family, “ says Sands.
Unlike traditional time-shares, quarter share property ownership allows buyers to own 25% of a home as a deeded interest and build equity in that home. Quarter share homeowners receive the same tax benefits and legal rights of full property ownership with the freedom to sell their portion of the property when they choose. Financing a quarter share of a property is very similar to financing a whole ownership purchase. The structure gives flexibility for 13 weeks of year-round use with other property owners. Alpine Quarters offer management services that keep the property clean, process the bills, and will rent out the property when not in use. Two home styles are available for quarter-share ownership in Cozens Meadow neighborhood.
Grand Park townhomes offer another alternative. “We set out to design a product that was unmatched in livability, quality, and price in the Winter Park area and I think we hit our goal,” said Lipscomb. “With a two-level design including oversized porches facing the Continental Divide and Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, quality green construction, high-end finishes, elegant stone fireplaces, private bathrooms in each bedroom, and window placement to ensure the best natural light and views, there is really no other product like it in the area.” Other unique features of these townhomes include decks off of master bedrooms, as well as a covered wrap-around deck that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living. On warm summer nights, the deck becomes a new family room, for playing games, conversations or stargazing. Townhomes start at $499,000.
Grand Park will offer high-end loft and penthouse living in the planned Village at Grand Park for residents preferring to live in the community’s hub. Behind the classic main street façade, The Rocky Mountain Lofts and penthouses will have sleek and modern interiors with high tech amenities. Unique to the area, loft and penthouse living is directly connected to the restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and community services of The Village. With easy access to the hiking and bike trails and views of the ski trails at Winter Park Resort, the lofts and penthouses will be perfectly suited for those who seek the best that mountain resort living has to offer.
“Grand Park continues to grow a dynamic and diverse community within the social and environmental context of the greater Fraser Valley,” says Lipscomb. “We make the mountain lifestyle flexible and attainable.”
About Grand Park: With a nod to the more traditional pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods of years past, Grand Park is a thoughtfully designed community located adjacent to Winter Park, Colorado with a focus on connecting residents to each other and their environment. Offering a diverse mix of homes, Grand Park is committed to an efficient and responsible use of space both inside and outside the home. Hundreds of acres in the 1,330-acre community have been preserved as open space and an extensive trail system of both paved and natural paths is planned.
For more information on available living options and real estate opportunities in Grand Park, please contact Grand Park 970-726-8700 or salesteam@grandparkco.com.
