Asturia

Buy Your Ashton Woods Home Now, Before It’s Too Late

July 25, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Ashton Woods is in its final sales phase at Asturia, with 75 percent of home sites sold since the community opened two years ago.

“We’ve had tremendous success in Asturia, selling over 100 beautiful homes in this much-desired community on State Road 54,” said Sales Manager Kristin Woods. “We have just 45 homes to go, and expect all to be gone by the end of the year.”

Because many families want to move into their new home as soon as possible, Ashton Woods has received permits from Pasco County for all remaining homes sites.

Jillian Harris, community sales manager for Ashton Woods in Asturia, shows off the beautiful kitchen in a Milan inventory home that is available now.

“This saves our buyers up to three months in the building process,” said Jillian Harris, Ashton Woods’ community sales manager in Asturia, a master-planned community in Odessa.

“Our designers have put together beautiful combinations of flooring, countertops, design features and colors that will excite the vast majority of buyers,” she said. “Plus, we have a great combination of homes that convert flex space to extra bedrooms, add bonus rooms and extra baths, and have great outdoor living areas with front porches and extended lanais.”

While construction is underway on many homes, Ashton Woods buyers are still able to select flooring, countertops, cabinets and other nonstructural customizations on 18 homes that will be completed in November and December.

“We are known for our affordable personalization at the Design Studio, and families who want to pick out their finishes and colors are reserving these homes right now,” said Harris. “Plus, they are excited to be able to move into their new home in time for the holidays!”

Ashton Woods offers traditional one- and two-story homes in its Classic and Heritage series, all which feature open floor plans, large living areas, beautiful master suites and lots of storage. Homes have two-or three-car garages, and many back up to private conservation lots.

Three traditional inventory homes are ready now in the versatile, one-story Truman plan, which offers four bedrooms and two baths in 1,962 square feet. Also ready are two, two-story homes with two-car garages on deep wooded lots with long views. The 2,722-square-foot Milan has the master bedroom downstairs, and the 3,362-square-foot Athens is the largest home Ashton Woods builds in Asturia.

“For families with children, these inventory homes can close in time for the new school year,” said Harris, who adds that Asturia is zoned for some of the best schools in Pasco County.

“Our kids go to J.W. Mitchell High, Seven Springs Middle and Odessa Elementary. Many families are looking for these schools, and at Asturia, they do not need to worry about our school zones changing,” she said.

In addition to traditional floor plans, Ashton Woods has the 10 remaining rear-entry home sites in Asturia, all a short walk to the community’s contemporary Amenity Center.

Several inventory homes are available, with move-in ready homes starting at $279,990. These unique one- and two-story homes have over 2,000 square feet of living area, and feature three to four bedrooms, two to three baths, and two-car garages with alley access and additional parking out front.

Asturia is the first choice for many buyers considering the many master-planned communities along State Road 54. Buyers prefer Asturia’s smaller size of just 550 homes, compared to thousands being built in neighboring developments, and appreciate that construction will not be going on for years.

“People especially like that our homes are not on top of each other, and that we have a minimum of 15 feet between homes,” said Sales Manager Wilson. “Asturia’s developer did a great job laying out its streets, so it doesn’t look like a cookie-cutter community.”

Every Ashton Woods home comes with the same standards of top-quality construction and finishes. It was named the 2017 Builder of the Year by Builder and Developer Magazine, and for the fourth consecutive year, has been ranked among the top three for Most Trusted Builders in America.

Published July 25, 2018

A Beautiful ICI Home In Time For The Holidays

July 25, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Summer is the busiest time of year to buy a home, because families want to know what school their children will be attending in their new neighborhood, and because they want to be moved and settled before the holidays.

This summer, however, many families have become frustrated and have stopped looking because of the low supply of available houses.

If your family is wanting to move up to a new home, don’t give up. ICI Homes, one of Florida’s most prestigious builders, has beautiful and unique inventory homes available in the master-planned communities of Bexley in Land O’ Lakes and Asturia in Odessa.

“Our homes are specifically designed for families with school-aged children, that offer the latest technology and innovative, open floor plans that connect large family gathering spaces to secluded study enclaves,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager of the company’s West Florida Division.

In Bexley, ICI Homes’ popular Pamela model is move-in ready. This one-story, 3,089-square-foot home has four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. Its 12-foot-high foyer gives the option of walking into a flex space/study, kitchen and gathering area, or straight into the owner’s suite. A gourmet kitchen is steps away from the large gathering and dining rooms, both which open to an expansive covered lanai.

Bexley’s excellent schools are one of the top reasons many families decide to live in Bexley. Older children attend Land O’ Lakes High and Pine View Middle, great schools that offer the challenging International Baccalaureate program.

Located within the development is Bexley Elementary, which many children walk and bicycle to from nearby homes. Just completing its first year of operation, the school achieved several important milestones, including scoring the highest on standardized third grade reading tests in all of Pasco County.

Over in Asturia, this community’s schools also excel, with youngsters zoned to Mitchell High, Seven Oaks Middle and Odessa Elementary, the most preferred schools in west Pasco.

ICI Homes has four inventory homes underway in Asturia that will be ready in December.

The Serena is a one-story home that is one of the builder’s most popular plans. At 2,217 square feet, the home has four bedrooms, three baths and a two-car garage. Its unique grand foyer pulls you through the house with 12-foot ceilings, and its large kitchen and great room gracefully flow onto a covered lanai that stretches along the back of the home.

“This home never feels crowded, whether you’re relaxing with family, playing with the kids or entertaining friends,” said Ferguson.

ICI Homes has several inventory homes, including the Serena model above, that are ready now, or will be in time for the holidays.

The Santa Maria is a two-story inventory home built on a private conservation lot, with the master bedroom suite and a half bath downstairs. Upstairs are three bedrooms, two full baths and a large game room. At 2,933 square feet, this is one of ICI’s largest homes, and includes a three-car garage.

“We are ready to move quickly on all of our inventory homes, and will do everything we can to get a family settled as soon as possible,” said Ferguson.

In addition to building beautiful homes, ICI Homes rewards its buyers with creative incentives that are fun and lucrative, including up to $10,000 in free upgrades that can be used for a deluxe kitchen, golf cart, outdoor space or summer kitchen.

Plus, buyers who contract by August 31 receive a luxurious cruise for two on Royal Caribbean to Mexico or the Bahamas.

“We’re having so much fun with this promotion,” said Sales Manager Leah Turner. “After all the work involved in building a house, moving and getting settled, our customers are having a blast taking time off to enjoy their free cruise. They deserve it, and we enjoy showing our homeowners how much we appreciate them.”

ICI Homes got its start 40 years ago in Daytona Beach. The original founder still owns the company, and over the years expanded into Jacksonville, Orlando and Gainesville. It entered the Tampa Bay market in 2015 in Fishhawk Ranch in south Hillsborough County.

The company moved into Pasco County two years later as one of the original builders in Bexley. Then, in late 2017, it added Asturia to its growing list of communities. It also sells homes to buyers wanting to build on their own lot.

ICI Homes is one of Florida’s most premier builders, and for many years has been ranked in the Top 100 Builders in the nation by Builder Magazine. Established in 1980, the company has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, and is the recipient of several prestigious awards for design and innovation.

The Asturia sales center for ICI Homes is at 15134 Aviles Parkway in Odessa, (813) 359-0264. At Bexley, the sales center is at 16754 Courtyard Loop in Land O’ Lakes, (813) 530-9069.

Published July 25, 2018

Ashton Woods Excels at Interior Home Design

June 28, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Your dream home is finally coming together. You’ve decided where you want to live, and found the perfect floor plan for your family by a builder with a great reputation.

After you formalize the details with a signed contract, the next step at the design studio is perhaps the most fun of all, because you and your designer will transform your floor plan into the home of your dreams.

It’s this interior design phase where Ashton Woods excels, both because of its talented and experienced design staff, and because it has the ability to customize and personalize home interiors more than most production builders.

“If we can make it happen, we will,” said Viana Ayuso, an Ashton Woods design consultant at the company’s design studio in Brandon. “We encourage our customers to dream big, because we are more flexible and have more options than most builders.”

Ayuso and her colleague, Kristin Wilson, have designed hundreds of homes for Ashton Woods families in Tampa Bay. Together, they have close to 20 years experience in new home interiors, and understand the cyclical nature of design that drives a client’s desires and expectations.

“Our goal is to achieve the look our buyers want, within the budget they have to spend,” said Ayuso. “We guide them to make sure their desired look flows seamlessly throughout the house, and help them make the many decisions needed to specify their home’s interior.”

Ashton Woods design consultants typically spend between four and six hours working one-on-one with buyers to select finishes that reflect their lifestyle, their design style and, of course, their budget. Their overall objective is custom personalization that makes a home unique to the buyer.

“Before we meet, we ask buyers to think about what they hate about their current home, and what they love. That gives us a good starting point,” said Ayuso.

Viana Ayuso is an Ashton Woods design consultant at the company’s design studio in Brandon.

Because of HGTV and the plethora of interior decorating magazines and internet sites, most customers come in with a clear vision of what they want, and often bring Pinterest boards, fabric and paint swatches, magazine tear sheets and even photos of interiors from other models, Ayuso explains.

“Homebuyers are more educated than when I began designing homes five years ago — they know what they want by name and style,” she said.

Ayuso and Wilson begin their design sessions by asking lots of questions and closely listening to their buyers.

“Flooring is the most expensive element and extends to all living spaces, so it’s a great place to begin,” said Ayuso. “Next is the kitchen, because it is the heart of the home and the centerpiece of the living area.”

Ayuso advises clients to select timeless design features, using a neutral color palate with white or ivory cabinets and simple back-splashes, so that their home does not look dated in a few years as design trends change.

“You can change your style with accent pieces, new area rugs and paint,” Ayuso said. “That’s much more affordable than replacing dark cabinets and multicolor backsplashes. Our goal is to design a home that can be inexpensively updated as styles change.”

Most clients want their new home to be move-in ready, Ayuso said, because they don’t have time to take care of details like blinds and painting after they close.

“Plus, they can add the cost of their interior finishes to their mortgage, which is very attractive for many buyers,” Ayuso said. “The general rule is for every $1,000 in design features, it adds just $6 a month to a mortgage. So, if you’re looking at $30,000 in upgrades, that comes to just $180 per month.”

Viana, who has a design certificate from NY Institute Art & Design, as well as an MBA in Advertising, loves her job at Ashton Woods.

“I come from a family of musicians, and creativity is a big part of me,” she said. “I’ve always had a knack for design, and love sharing with clients which colors work best, and explaining the theory and history behind their design choices.”

In Pasco County, Ashton Woods is building homes in Asturia, a master-planned community in Odessa located on State Road 54, just west of the Suncoast Parkway. For more information, go to AshtonWoods.com/tampa, or call Ayuso at (813) 324-8815

Top 5 Design Trends

#1. Wood Plank Tiles – the look of wood with the durability of tile, generally for less money than real wood

#2. White Cabinets — always in style, transitional and timeless

#3 Farmhouse Style — casual lifestyle is the rage, with lots of classic Americana elements

#4. Quartz countertops — have replaced granite because they’re heat and stain resistant, and need no special care

#5. Personal Retreat — luxurious master spa to unwind with rain showerheads off the ceiling and stand-alone tubs in middle of bath

Published June 27, 2018

Minaca Family Loves Its Ashton Woods Home in Asturia

May 23, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Many factors led the Minaca family to buy an Ashton Woods home in Asturia.

“We wanted a home where I could picture my family cooking together in the kitchen, and one that would be perfect for holiday celebrations,” said Nicole Minaca.

When Nicole and her 16-year-old son, Jordan, walked through Ashton Woods’ Elm model, they knew they had found just the place.

“We both loved it the minute we walked in the door,” said Nicole.

The Minaca family in front of their new Ashton Woods home in Asturia: 16-year-old Jordan, Nicole, Chris and 15-year-old Brooke.

In addition to a floor plan that worked well for the family of four, the home was also located in Asturia, the family’s first choice among the many master-planned communities along the State Road 54 corridor.

“Asturia’s developer did a very nice job laying out the streets so it doesn’t look like a cookie-cutter community,” said Chris Minaca. “We liked how different builders are intermingled – Ashton Woods homes placed next to homes built by David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes. That’s something you don’t typically find.”

Chris and Nicole were looking for a larger home for their family, which includes two teenagers. The two-story Elm model gave the family lots of space, plus it was located on a corner lot with a spacious side yard they could fence for their two large dogs.

“We just loved the openness of the floor plan, and how nicely the rooms flowed for our family,” adds Nicole. “Plus, there is so much storage!”

In addition, the Minacas appreciated the Elm’s floor plan that puts the garage at the rear of the home.

“It was actually our 16-year-old son, Jordan, who pointed out that our family would soon have four drivers,” said Chris. “This house gives us plenty of parking in the back, as well as parking in front of the house.”

Jordan and his 15-year-old sister, Brooke, are students at J.W. Mitchell High School in New Port Richey, and the kids wanted to stay at Mitchell if they moved.

“It was very important that the community we moved to was zoned for Mitchell,” said Chris. “That was one of the most important reasons why Asturia was such a desirable community for us.”

The family also liked the community because their new home was located across from Asturia’s Amenity Center.

“We couldn’t be any closer to the gym and pool,” said Chris. “Plus, we like the unique, modern look of the Amenity Center and the open park area that surrounds it.”

Before moving to their new Ashton Woods home in March, the family lived in Trinity’s Longleaf community. They decided to list their Longleaf house in February, and it sold within a few weeks.

“Our house sold much faster than we thought it would, which meant we did not have time to go through the building process,” said Nicole. “We had already met Allen Johnson at Ashton Woods in Asturia, and he was very kind and informative. So when our home sold so quickly, Allen showed us several inventory homes, and we fell in love with the Elm model.”

Allen Johnson, Ashton Woods’ community sales manager, has worked in Asturia since the community opened two-and-a-half years ago.

“People like how our homes are not on top of each other, with a minimum of 15 feet between homes,” said Johnson. “Buyers also like that Asturia is a smaller community of just 550 homes, and that construction will not be going on for years.”

Johnson adds that Asturia’s lower CDD and HOA fees, especially when compared to other planned communities, is attractive to many families. The CDD is between $1,600 and $2,100 a year, and its HOA is just $76 a year.

Ashton Woods offers affordable, beautifully finished, inventory homes beginning at $279,990 in its charming Grove and Evergreen series of alley-load homes. These spacious, one and two-story homes have over 2,000-square feet of living area and feature three to four bedrooms, two to three baths and two-car garages. Three quick-sale homes are available in three floor plans.

“To get into Asturia for under $300,000 in a 2,000 plus-square-foot home is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting a new home with top-quality construction and premier home finishes,” said John Reny, Florida president for Ashton Woods, the nation’s largest privately held homebuilder.

In addition to its alley-load homes, Ashton Woods also has six inventory homes available in traditional floor plans with the garage in front of the house, on 55- and 65-foot home sites.

“Our goal is to always have a good supply of quick move-in homes in every price range, because so many families need to move fast,” said Reny. “Many buyers have sold their existing home sooner than expected, or they are renting and do not want to renew their lease while a new home is being built.”

Ashton Woods is known for its commitment to personalized design, and every home comes with the same standards of top-quality construction and finishes. It was named the 2017 Builder of the Year by Builder and Developer Magazine, and for the fourth consecutive year, was been ranked among the top three for Most Trusted Builders in America.

Published May 23, 2018

Families and Pets Enjoy Dog Day Afternoon At Asturia

May 23, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Ziggy, an Italian greyhound, and Bella, a Chihuahua, stopped by at the David Weekley Homes booth looking for treats and water.

In between rays of sun and on-and-off misting of rain, Dog Day Afternoon was a “barkful” of fun last Saturday in Asturia, a master-planned community in Odessa on State Road 54.

It was an afternoon of curious dogs, creative activities for youngsters, and treats of all kinds for canines and their human friends. About a dozen pet-friendly companies exhibited and helped raise money for Vets4Pets, an organization that provides high-quality, low-cost veterinary care to low-income households.

Butterball with owner Brian, who works at David Weekley Homes.

Dozens of dog owners sat, stayed and played with their pets as they chatted with exhibitors. Children enjoyed a massive bounce house and slide, squealed as they had their faces painted and patiently waited as a balloon artist constructed their favorite shape.

“There’s always something fun to do in Asturia, and Dog Day Afternoon was especially fun,” said Carla Luigs, marketing coordinator for Hines, the developer of Asturia. “Events like this bring our residents together to have fun and get to know each other, and also invites new people to Asturia so they can experience all that Asturia has to offer.”

Braxton is a beautiful black lab owned by Lacy Quick of Lace Ventura Pet Sitting Service.

Most events are held inside or on the lawn of Asturia’s award-winning Amenity Center, which is located at the community’s entrance. In addition to a magnificent resort-style pool and impressive fitness center, Asturia also has pocket parks and playgrounds, and miles of paved trails that meander through wetlands as they connect individual neighborhoods.

Asturia’s builders — Ashton Woods, David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes — offer a variety of home sizes and prices, designed for families looking to buy their first home, homes for growing families with school-age children, and seasonal residents and empty-nesters looking for the latest in technological upgrades.

Learn more about Asturia by visiting its models, registering at the community’s website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 227-4148.

Published May 23, 2018

Princess and her people, Bill and Emily.

A marmoset monkey added to the fun at Dog Day Afternoon

ICI Homes Specializes in Affordable Customization

May 23, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Many people would love to build a custom home for their family, but do not have the time or knowledge to properly oversee its construction, or arrange for construction loans needed in advance of closing.

Instead, they compromise what they really want, and end up going with a traditional production builder that allows minimal customization of their floor plans, which often is expensive, and the builder does reluctantly.

But now, Tampa Bay homebuyers have a third option — ICI Homes, which brings together a buyer’s specific custom requests with the resources of an established and reputable production builder.

“ICI Homes is truly unique among all production builders. We fill a custom niche that buyers won’t find anywhere else,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager of the company’s West Florida Division.

Ferguson explains that ICI Homes even goes as far as moving walls with plumbing, stretching exterior room dimensions, adding bonus rooms and expanding outdoor living areas.

“We routinely do structural changes that other builders will not do,” said Ferguson. “Because we have been customizing homes for over 40 years, we have the processes in place that encourage customization. In fact, that’s what our entire production philosophy is based on.”

And, because ICI builds hundreds of homes a year, the efficiencies of being a production builder brings the cost of customization to a very affordable level.

“We save buyers thousands of dollars for a home that’s uniquely theirs, compared to hiring a private contractor to build a similar home,” said Ferguson.

In addition, since the builder is ICI Homes, the buyer does not need to secure a construction loan, which is always required with a private builder.

“The financial risk is on us, the builder — not the homeowner,” said Ferguson.

As an established homebuilder, ICI Homes pulls building permits faster and completes construction on most homes in just six to eight months. That compares to a year or longer for an individual custom home to be built.

The company moved into Pasco County two years later as one of the original builders in Bexley in Land O’ Lakes. Then, in late 2017, it added Asturia in Odessa to its growing list of communities. It also sells homes to buyers wanting to build on their own lot.

The process to customize an ICI home begins with a meeting between the buyers and the company’s architectural designer, who is based at the division’s Wesley Chapel office.

“One of the first things our buyers do is meet with our architectural staff to discuss the custom features they want added to their plans,” said Sales Manager Leah Turner.

ICI’s staff then helps buyers select design features, finishes and colors to personalize their home.

“Our architectural design team works closely with our buyers so they can focus on what they want in their dream home, without worrying about the thousands of details that go into planning their home’s layout and construction,” Turner ads.

ICI Homes has hundreds of floor plans that have been customized over the past 40 years. It’s this experience that enables the company to affordably replicate the most popular custom elements.

“We call these bubble options, because they can be easily added to a plan without causing delays to the construction process,” said Ferguson, “And, because they have already been engineered, the cost for bubble options is reasonable.”

Because everybody wants their home to be unique, ICI Homes has over a dozen floor plans for buyers to choose from. It also has model homes in Asturia and Bexley that are open daily for tour. The Serena model recently opened in Asturia, and more models are planned for later this year in both Asturia and Bexley.

Prices begin at $290,900 for a 1,789-square-foot home in Asturia, and $419,900 for a 2,565-square-foot home in Bexley. Many home sites back up to conservation and water, and all offer privacy. Home sites are 55- and 65-foot lots in Asturia, and 70-foot lots in Bexley.

Open concept floor plans are very popular with families building ICI Homes, as are outdoor living areas with kitchens, grill pads and pavers, according to Sales Manager Turner.

“Our buyers are building their private outdoor oasis,” said Turner. “Our home sites in Asturia and Bexley are some of the most pristine along the State Road 54 corridor, and outdoor living and recreation is a huge attraction for our families.”

The Asturia sales center for ICI Homes is at 15134 Aviles Parkway in Odessa, (813) 359-0264. At Bexley, the sales center is at 16754 Courtyard Loop in Land O’ Lakes, (813) 530-9069.

Published May 23, 2018

Live in Asturia For Under $300,000 in a New Ashton Woods Home

April 25, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Here’s a great opportunity if you’re looking to move up to a new home in one of the master-planned communities along the State Road 54 corridor in central Pasco.

Ashton Woods is selling beautifully finished, inventory homes beginning at $279,990 in Asturia — the prestigious Odessa community that’s known for its award-winning amenity center and miles of nature trails.

While the average home price in Asturia is close to $400,000, Ashton Woods has several quick move-in homes ready for under $300,000 in its charming Grove and Evergreen series of alley-load homes.

These spacious, one and two-story homes have over 2,000 square feet of living area and feature three to four bedrooms, two to three baths and two-car garages. Four quick-sale homes are available in three floor plans.

“To get into Asturia for under $300,000 in a 2,000-square-foot home is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting a new home with top-quality construction and premier home finishes,” said John Reny, Florida president for Ashton Woods, the nation’s largest privately held homebuilder.

For many first-time homebuyers and empty nesters, the Grove and Evergreen series offer an ideal home solution with their unique alley-load garages that open up the front of the house to large living areas and covered porches. Ashton Woods is the only builder in Asturia to offer alley-load homes.

“We call this front-porch living, because it takes advantage of Florida’s wonderful year-around weather and makes it easy to get to know your neighbors,” said Reny.

Heritage and Classic Series
In addition to its quick move-in homes in its alley-load homes, Ashton Woods also has several homes available in quick inventory in traditional floor plans with the garage in front of the house.

In the Heritage Series, families looking for an inventory home on 55-foot lots can choose from two floor plans — the Lincoln and the Truman. The Lincoln is 2,368 square feet with four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. The Truman is 1,962 square feet with four bedrooms and two baths.

In the Classic Series, families looking for inventory homes on 65-foot lots can also choose from two floor plans — the Milan and the Athens. The Milan is 2,722 square feet with four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. The Athens is 3,366 square feet with four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths.

Ashton Woods is known for its commitment to personalized design, and every home comes with the same standards of top-quality construction and finishes. It is so well-regarded that it was named the 2017 Builder of the Year by Builder and Developer Magazine. And, for the fourth consecutive year, it has been ranked among the top three for Most Trusted Builders in America.

“With Ashton Woods, you’re partnering with more than just a homebuilder. You’re partnering with a team of expert designers and builders whose main goal is to help you create your perfect home,” said Reny. “Not only do we blaze new trails in design, we offer buyers highly personalized service every step of the way.”

Ashton Woods
Quick Move-Ins

Alley-Load Homes
The Arlington – Ready Now
2,003 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
2465 Claymore St.: $279,990

The Arlington – Ready late April
2,003 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
14810 Caravan Ave.: $279,747

The Ortega – Ready late April
2,193 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
14818 Caravan Ave.: $294,490

The Blackwater – Ready late April
2,309 square feet
4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
2514 Portico St.: $349,990

55-Foot Heritage Series

Lincoln – Ready Now
2,368 square feet
4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
14580 Trails Edge Blvd.: $369,990

Truman – Ready Now
1,962 square feet
4 bedrooms, 2 baths
14831 Trails Edge Blvd.: $334,990

65-Foot Classic Series

The Milan – Ready in May
2,722 square feet
4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
14945 Renaissance Ave.: $430,361

The Athens – Ready in May
3,366 square feet
4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths
14963 Renaissance Ave.: $453,120

Published April 25, 2018

Always Something Fun To Do At Asturia

April 25, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Asturia homeowners love their community almost as much as they love their new home.

There’s always something fun to do in Asturia, from enjoying the resort-style pool and fitness center, to walking and bicycling to pocket parks and exploring miles of trails, to meeting up with neighbors at community events sponsored by Asturia’s builders and developer.

A new event for pet lovers is happening in May for residents, future homeowners and people from neighboring communities. On Saturday, May 19, Asturia is hosting its first-ever Dog Day Afternoon from noon to 5 p.m. Folks are invited to gather with their four-legged friends on the grassy lawn next to the Amenity Center.

While dog owners sit, stay and play with their pets, youngsters will enjoy a bounce house and slide, face painting and a balloon artist. Everyone in the family will appreciate door prizes and live music, and food trucks will offer “ap-pet-izers.”

More than a dozen pet-friendly exhibitors will be at Dog Day Afternoon, including local veterinarians, pet stores and groomers. Exhibit space is still available, with the $50 exhibiting cost donated to Vets4Pets. For more information, please call Carla Luigs at (904) 810-0500 or David Weekley Homes at (813) 422-6166.

Vets4Pets provides high-quality, low-cost veterinary care to qualifying, low-income households, and educates families on how to be a responsible pet owner. The nonprofit is owned and operated by the Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation and 30-member veterinarian clinics.

“Asturia sponsors special events to bring our residents together so they get to know each other, said Carla Luigs, marketing coordinator for Hines. “Plus it’s a great way to invite people to Asturia so they can see all that is happening here.”

A regular event is Front Porch Friday, which is hosted by David Weekley Homes.

“Many relationships and friendships have been formed during Front Porch Fridays. It has been one of the best avenues of bringing “community” to Asturia,” said Diane Walker of David Weekley Homes.

This Friday, April 27, is the next Front Porch Friday at the Eclipse model home at 14796 Trails Edge Blvd.

Other recent events at Asturia were an Oyster Roast and bluegrass band on March 9, and an Easter Egg hunt on March 31. A Movie Night with free pizza and popcorn was held early in April, and more than 150 residents attended — the biggest crowd ever.

Just 550 Homes
Asturia stands out among other new home developments along State Road 54 because of its uniquely smaller size. While nearby master-planned communities have between 3,000 to more than 5,000 homes planned over several years of construction, Asturia is building just 550 homes over the next few years.

“Asturia feels more like a neighborhood than a sprawling community, said Lane Gardner, managing director for Hines, Asturia’s developer.

“Our nature trails, pocket parks, first-class amenities and community events encourage residents to get to know their neighbors. Families choose Asturia because we are a friendly, walkable community that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle,” he adds.

Because Asturia’s builders offer a variety of home sizes and prices, it is ideal for families looking to buy their first home, and for growing families with school-age children needing larger homes. The community also attracts seasonal residents and empty nesters who want all the latest technological upgrades in a smaller home.

Asturia’s Phase Two, which opened in December, offers 157 large home sites, most with conservation and water views, and all providing privacy and peaceful, quiet surroundings.

Ashton Woods Homes, David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes, some of the best builders in the country, are Asturia’s exclusive builders.

“Our buyers are fortunate that they can choose from such premier builders to build the home of their dreams in Asturia,” said Managing Director Lane.

Award Winning Amenity Center
Asturia’s distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center and Clubhouse earned the prestigious Silver Aurora Award for the Best Recreational Facility at the 2017 Southeast Building Conference, as well as Best Mixed-Use Community of the Year.

This contemporary-design Amenity Center includes a fully equipped, modern clubhouse; covered outdoor dining areas; a luxurious, beach-entry, resort-style swimming pool; and an expansive event lawn for outdoor games. For kids, there is a Kompan dome, swings, slide and spinners in the playground area.

Asturia has wide, meadow-like spaces, peaceful ponds, thick stands of cypress and hardwood trees, and large tracts of scenic wetlands. It is an exceptionally kid-friendly and family oriented community surrounded by miles of trails interspersed with playgrounds, dog parks and pocket parks.

Make Asturia your new home by visiting its models, registering at the community’s website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 227-4148.

Published April 25, 2018

State Road 54 West booming with development

April 11, 2018 By Kathy Steele

State Road 54, east of U.S. 41, tends to hog the spotlight on new development.

After all, it is home to premium commercial shopping meccas, including Tampa Premium Outlets and the now-rising star of Cypress Creek Town Center.

Brightworks Crossing, an apartment and retail project, is going up at Wesley Chapel Boulevard and State Road 54. And, other area development includes Florida Hospital Center Ice, luxury car dealerships, a thriving Shops at Wiregrass, and commercial and residential expansions at Wiregrass Ranch.

The master-planned community of Asturia, off State Road 54, will have single-family homes, apartments, shops and a corporate center. (Kathy Steele)

But, west of U.S. 41, with its large parcels of open land, the game of catch-up is on.

Apartments, single-family homes, offices, hotels and shops are under construction, awaiting permits, or have just cleared the rezoning hurdle.

The mixed-use, master-planned community of Asturia is among many new developments that are reshaping Pasco County’s future. The changes are particularly noticeable in Land O’ Lakes, on the north side of the state road from U.S. 41 to Starkey Ranch.

Construction sites and new development pop up – boom, boom, boom.

The progression of development is taking a natural course of following where land is available, said Lars Kier, president of the Central Pasco Association of REALTORS.

“It’s moving away from Wesley Chapel and Tampa,” he said. “It’s just a natural growth that way.”

Also, the western side of Pasco County is largely developed, he added.

Central Pasco and East Pasco are more rural.

“Real estate is establishing itself where it’s easier to develop,” Kier said. “With all the growth in Pasco, I would definitely think all of it is going to be pretty well-developed.”

Occasionally, the county’s rural past meets up with its urban future.

Down the entrance drive into Asturia, a small herd of cows munches grass on an open field. Behind them, construction workers raise the roofs on new homes.

But, Asturia isn’t all that’s happening.

From U.S. 41, west, there are the Shoppes at Ballantrae Village; Mystic Pointe apartments; Bexley by Newland Communities; Florida Hospital Central Pasco ER; Asturia Corporate Center; South Branch Ranch; and, Publix at Gunn Highway and Starkey Ranch.

A drive into Bexley reveals the Spring Hills Suites Marriott hotel under construction, and the Lakeside Walk apartments, which are preleasing.

Other locations on State Road 54 are filled with clusters of housing frames or smoothed over plots of ground, waiting for a construction start. Or, motorists can spot a sign planted in the dirt, “The Preserve New Homes” coming.

On the south side, for sale signs offer up large swaths of vacant land, waiting on the next development wave. Some parcels are newly rezoned, and need site plans and permitting before more development sprouts.

Some small commercial projects are visible, as well.

The DCI Professional Center at State Road 54 and Ogden Loop has a sign heralding a fall 2017 opening for the 18,000-square- foot office complex, across from Asturia.

So far, all that is finished there is a paved parking lot.

Stanley Steemer is nearing completion on State Road 54, just west of U.S. 41.

Sienna Village II is planned as an expansion of the existing Sienna Village, a small office complex off State Road 54, also just west of U.S. 41.

The expansion, at State Road 54 and Sofia Drive, will have 150,000 square feet of offices, and 30,000 for commercial.

Highlights of new development on State Road 54, from U.S. 41 to Starkey Ranch, include:

Shoppes at Ballantrae Village

The shopping center outside the master-planned community of Ballantrae includes DQ Grill & Chill, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts, T-Mobile, Hungry Greek, a dental office and a spa.

Circle K convenience store is adjacent to the shops, at the entrance into Ballantrae.

Mystic Pointe apartments

The upscale, gated apartment complex will have 252 apartments, and a Key West vibe when construction is complete. Preleasing on one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments is underway.

The complex is between Bexley by Newland Communities to the west and Ballantrae to the east, off State Road 54.

Bexley by Newland Communities

The master-planned community is under construction on more than 1,800 acres, off State Road 54, east of Suncoast Parkway. Newland Communities announced in March that more than 250 new homes have been sold.

On the entry drive into Bexley, Spring Hill Suites Marriott is being built. Lakeside Walk apartments are under construction, but are preleasing.

Bexley’s clubhouse is home to the Twisted Sprocket Café, which is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and happy hour.

Florida Hospital Central Pasco ER

The emergency room facility is open outside Bexley, providing medical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

South Branch Ranch

Sembler and Altman Development Corp., had March pre-application meetings scheduled with Pasco County planners for property rezoned in 2017 at the northwest corner of Suncoast Parkway and State Road 54.

Altman is proposing 16 buildings, including a clubhouse. There would be more than 350 apartments with one-, two-, and three-bedrooms.

Sembler is proposing a project with a grocery store, fitness center and shops. Outparcels facing State Road 54 could be future sites for restaurants, offices, shops and a gas station.

Both are part of South Branch Ranch, according to county records.

Land Investment Partners offices/apartments

The Atlanta-based investment company plans to build two, three-story premier office buildings of 75,000 square feet each, at the southeast corner of Suncoast Parkway and State Road 54.

The company also plans 300 apartments, with access off Northpointe Parkway in Northpointe Village.

The locations are part of the Suncoast Crossings development property, and adjacent to the newly opened manufacturing plant by Mettler Toledo.

Asturia Corporate Center

The Pasco County Commission approved a plan in 2017 to build up to 200,000 square feet of premier office space on the north side of State Road 54, west of Asturian Parkway. The business park will be part of the mixed-use, master-planned community of Asturia.

Harrod Properties Inc., is developing the project, which will be built in phases and without pre-signed tenants.

Publix at Starkey Ranch

A 45,000-square-foot Publix grocery store is expected to open in fall 2018 at State Road 54 and Gunn Highway. An additional 30,000 square feet will be available for more retail.

Published April 11, 2108

Live in Asturia For Under $300,000 in a New Ashton Woods Home

March 28, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Here’s a great opportunity if you’re looking to move up to a new home in one of the master-planned communities along the State Road 54 corridor in central Pasco.

Ashton Woods is selling beautifully finished, inventory homes beginning at $257,990 in Asturia — the prestigious Odessa community that’s known for its award-winning amenity center and miles of nature trails.

While the average home price in Asturia is close to $400,000, Ashton Woods has several quick move-in homes ready for under $300,000 in its charming Grove and Evergreen series of alley-load homes.

These spacious, one and two-story homes have over 2,000 square feet of living area and feature three to four bedrooms, two to three baths and two-car garages. Seven quick-sale homes are available in five floor plans.

“To get into Asturia for under $300,000 in a 2,000-square-foot home is a fabulous opportunity for someone wanting a new home with top-quality construction and premier home finishes,” said John Reny, Florida president for Ashton Woods, the nation’s largest privately held homebuilder.

“We call this front-porch living, because it takes advantage of Florida’s wonderful year-around weather and makes it easy to get to know your neighbors,” said Reny.

This includes the Ferrara model home in the Classic Series, which was featured in the recent Parade of Homes sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association. At 2,890 square feet, the two-story Ferrara is a perfect home for a growing family, offering four to six bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage.

In addition to the Ferrara model, families looking for inventory homes in the Classic Series can choose from two Milan floor plans, at 2,722 square feet, which be ready in May.

Families wanting traditional homes, but with less square footage, can choose from several one- and two-story options in Ashton Woods’ Heritage Series, including three quick move-in homes, including two — The Monroe and Lincoln — which are ready now.

Ashley Woods is known for its commitment to personalized design, and every home comes with the same standards of top-quality construction and finishes. It is so well-regarded that it was named the 2017 Builder of the Year by Builder and Developer Magazine. And, for the fourth consecutive year, it has been ranked among the top three for Most Trusted Builders in America.

Alley Load Quick Move-Ins

The Arlington – Ready in April
2,003 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
2465 Claymore: $279,990

The Arlington – Ready in April
2,003 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
14810 Caravan Avenue: $280,490

The Ortega – Ready in April
2,193 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
14818 Caravan avenue: $294,490

Halifax – Ready in May
1,964 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2 baths
14902 Caravan Avenue: $283,490

Halifax – Ready in May
1,964 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2 baths
2463 Delancey St.: $281,702

Suwanne – Ready in May
2,204 square feet
4 bedrooms, 3 baths
14795 Promenade Parkway: $304,031

The Blackwater – Ready in April
2,309 square feet
4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
2514 Portico St.: $349,990

Published March 28, 2018