Beazer offers two levels of homes in Grand Oaks

Saturday, July 13, 2002

BY BOB LANG
Of The Post and Courier Staff

Of all the new subdivisions around the Lowcountry, few, if any, have taken off as quickly as Grand Oaks Plantation west of the Ashley.

In just three years, this formerly vacant tract off Bees Ferry Road has become home for hundreds of families, enticed by affordable prices and a location that's convenient to shopping and downtown. Houses line freshly paved streets for miles, and there are construction starts every day. For Beazer Homes, one of three on-site builders, the frenetic pace has come to be expected. "We were here first and got the momentum, and it hasn't stopped," said Chuck Buck, vice president of sales for Beazer Homes' Coastal Carolina division. "It's one of our hottest communities."

To help keep up with demand, Beazer tries to have at least several inventory homes available at all times. This summer, however, the company has nine additional homes under construction. "Every year there's a crush for homes from families hoping to get in before school starts, so we're trying to prepare for that," Buck said. "All of these homes will be ready by September." Beazer's first two Grand Oaks neighborhoods, Autumn Chase and Magnolia Lakes, have sold out. The company has opened two other neighborhoods down the street, Harrington Place and the more upscale Mt. Royall. The neighborhoods share an entrance but are somewhat separated inside by a main street. Harrington Place homes generally are smaller than Mt. Royall homes, but both feature vinyl siding as standard.

Overall, homes range in size from 1,166 to 2,397 square feet and in base price from $135,990 to $189,990. Homes in Harrington Place are geared toward first-time buyers and come with a basic list of standard features, such as a single-car garage, textured ceilings and oak-front cabinets. A wood-burning fireplace also is standard. In Mt. Royall, homes come with many more features and start at $160,990. Standard items include a two-car garage, smooth ceilings and a gas fireplace. Buyers have a choice of oak-front or white cabinets with rollout shelves. Master bathrooms come with both a garden tub and a separate shower. Among the standard features common to homes in both neighborhoods are sodded yards, concrete patios and brass door hardware. Many floor plans include a bonus room option. All homes are prewired for cable and ceiling fans in the family room and master bedroom. Some homes in Mt. Royall come with built-in entertainment centers, plant shelves and archways.

Buck said Beazer continues to fine-tune its floor plans to accommodate the changing needs of the modern buyer. "Our latest company survey reported that 100 percent of our buyers would refer us to a friend," Buck said. "It's a credit to the team effort we have here." As with Beazer's first two neighborhoods, Harrington Place and Mt. Royall will have their own little amenity center. The center will include a swimming pool, pool house and playground and is slated for completion later this summer. The annual homeowner's association fee is $331. Beazer is offering a number of buyer incentives, including a program that allows qualified buyers to put virtually no money down on a purchase. Ask a sales representative for details.

To get to Grand Oaks from downtown Charleston, take U.S. Highway 17 south to S.C. Highway 61. Stay on the highway through the intersection with Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and then bear left onto Glenn McConnell Parkway. Take the parkway to Bees Ferry Road and turn left. Go a short distance until you come to the main entrance of Grand Oaks and turn right. Go down the main entrance road and follow signs to the Beazer sales office/model home on the left. There are two furnished models, each representative of the two neighborhoods. A sales agent can direct you from there to Harrington Place and Mt. Royall.

Grand Oaks is one of a number of Lowcountry communities where Beazer is building. For information on the other communities, call Beazer's main office at 572-3611 or go to www.beazer.com.

Bob Lang covers real estate and automotive news. Contact him at blang@postandcourier.com or 937-5594.

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