Outdoor rooms set builder's home designs apart

By Suzanne Monson
Special to New Homes

KENT -- With its two-level home designs highlighted by distinctive outdoor rooms, MainVue Homes is set to raise its own bar at Benchmark, a new neighborhood on Kent's East Hill that some are calling "a commuter's dream."

The community is located minutes from the urban-village amenities and transit connections at Kent Station, and even closer to a link to state Route 167, which continues to Interstate 405.

"Benchmark is exactly what a lot of people are looking for: something central, the kind of place that's close to Bellevue, Seattle and Tacoma," says sales consultant Jennifer Clarke.

Following the recent completion of the four-bedroom Sienna design, Clarke believes homebuyers will see how the builder is "kicking up quality a few notches" with its Benchmark home choices. The Sienna can be toured daily at MainVue's World of Model Homes nearby in Auburn.

"The Sienna has quickly become one of our most popular home designs at the World of Model Homes," Clarke says. "Buyers are intrigued by our variety and the thing that sets MainVue Homes apart: our signature outdoor rooms."

The all-season space for relaxation and entertainment is designed into each of the builder's homes.

"At The Sienna, the outdoor room is especially attractive because it's so centrally located near the main living area," Clarke says. "MainVue has introduced so many creative placements for this leisure space.

"Guests and homeowners can't help but feel like this is an extension of the living area that opens to the outdoors through these custom sliding doors," she says. "You can enjoy the outdoors while you're brewing your morning cup of coffee, and you can stay connected with your guests outdoors while you're working just a few feet away at the entertainment-ready kitchen island."

In addition to the 153-square-foot outdoor room, The Sienna also features an outdoor aggregate patio that is reached through a separate sliding glass door off the great room on another side of the home. The 2,663-square-foot design also includes a den/study in the foyer and a walk-in butler's pantry off the kitchen.

Upstairs at The Sienna, guests will discover a flexible-use leisure space at the top of the staircase, as well as an enclosed utility room. The owner's en suite features a walk-in closet and a master bath with dual-sink vanity and separate bath and shower.

Driving along the sidewalk-lined streets of Benchmark gives guests an opportunity see "how well-situated [the homes] will be," Clarke says. "Every homesite has some sort of greenbelt or looks out onto a natural reserve. From the outdoor room, all views feel significantly bigger and more open, yet very private."

Benchmark will offer 18 floor plans, several of which are on display at the World of Model Homes. Clarke says all homes feature more than $65,000 in upgrades at no extra charge.

All kitchens feature stain-resistant non-porous countertops with 2-centimeter slab granite or Caesarstone counters, full-height tile backsplashes and full-overlay European cabinets with rift-cut white oak. Appliance packages include a Frigidaire stainless steel range with glass canopy-style hood, energy-efficient dishwasher and built-in microwave.

Polished flooring with 5-inch-wide maple, pear or walnut tiles tie the kitchen to the great and dining rooms on the main level. Other standard features include 9-foot ceilings, oversized windows, full landscaping and fenced rear yards.

Benchmark has a series of walking paths and nature trails, along with a playground.

The community is located near Lake Meridian Park, which hosts the Thursday at the Lake concert series July 12-Aug. 16. In downtown Kent, an open-air farmers' market takes place 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays at the new Town Square Plaza near Kent Station.

"Every MainVue Home is full of character and craftsmanship," Clarke says. "All the extra fun and flavor of Benchmark and Kent are just icing on the cake."