Community's home design brings the outdoors inside

By Suzanne Monson
Special to New Homes

AUBURN -- At Kendall Ridge, there's a fine line separating designer interiors and the fresh outdoors. And homeowners are invited to cross that line as often as they like.

With innovative touches that bring the outdoors inside, the transition is as natural as stepping from the homes' great room into the outdoor room -- a signature element in all designs by MainVue Homes, including the Ella Q2 series showcased this weekend.

"By marrying MainVue's international home designs with signature outdoor rooms, the Ella Q2 has quickly become popular for a variety of reasons," says Larry Ahrens, a sales consultant at Kendall Ridge. "[There is] a den near the foyer, at least four bedrooms, and a large, open main floor with really large dining and kitchen spaces, [and] buyers immediately love it for its entertainment possibilities."

The two-level, 2,663-square-foot design catches the attention of many buyers at Kendall Ridge because it's right at the midpoint of MainVue Homes' sizes and prices, he adds.

"The outdoor room is arranged on the side of the home, so there is a wonderful sense of intimacy, making it perfect for a little al fresco dining or socializing, or stargazing on a summer night," Ahrens says.

"There's something special about this unique outdoor room," according to his colleague, Jennifer Clarke. "It's more than just a deck or covered patio. It's a second living room that's outside. Between the openness of the outdoor room and the natural outdoors itself, the Ella Q2 series is a must-see selection at Kendall Ridge."

Two sliding glass walls connect outdoor-room activity to and from the dining room and kitchen. At the hub of the kitchen is a multiuse island with granite or Caesarstone countertops.

"Beyond that, my favorite part of this home is the upstairs leisure room right at the top of the stairs," says Ahrens. "This built-in space is the ultimate family room because it serves so many purposes: reading or crafts area, library or video room. The way it sits between all the bedrooms allows you so much versatility."

The master suite is entered through a set of French doors and includes a walk-in closet and separate soaking tub, shower and dual-sink vanity. Other bedrooms are located near the laundry room, linen closets and shared bath.

The Ella Q2 design -- one of 30 available for the homesites at Kendall Ridge -- is open for walk-through tours at MainVue's World of Model Homes, located less than two miles away. When paired with a tour at the World of Model Homes, guests can see how "the myriad of contemporary choices would meld at Kendall Ridge," Clarke says.

All homes at Kendall Ridge feature at least $65,000 in luxury inclusions. MainVue Homes is one of the only builders to make "silk-move" Grohe plumbing fixtures available in all its homes, says Clarke. The four-piece Frigidaire stainless steel kitchen package, featuring the quietest dishwasher in its class, also captures buyers' attention. All homes include fencing and landscaping.

"Our stylish, modern designs complement the natural surroundings of the community," Clarke says. "As guests explore Kendall Ridge, they're going to discover the bluff-top playground site and an additional grassy open space -- both of which will provide wonderful places for kids to safely explore and play without ever having to leave their neighborhood."

Kendall Ridge is located minutes from Green River Community College, the
Outlet Collection Seattle, Auburn Regional Medical Center and transit links at Auburn Station.