Baltimore Sun

NEW HOME DESIGNS, EXPANDED AMENITIES, CAREFREE LIFESTYLE

THE VILLAGES OF NOBLE’S POND

- By Gregory J. Alexander

Noble’s Pond in Delaware has garnered many awards over the years for its exceptiona­l homes, gorgeous setting and its array of activities that keep residents on the go. However, this is not a community that rests on its laurels; Noble’s Pond is constantly evolving, which is evident in its six new home designs that were recently unveiled.

At Noble’s Pond, three different collection­s are offered – Cottages, charming, Craftsmans­tyle homes; Ranch style homes with convenient one-level floorplans; and Chateau homes, large homes for those not looking to necessaril­y downsize but “right size.” To expand its offerings, the community enlisted the expertise of two award-winning architects who specialize in designing 55-plus home communitie­s.

For the Cottages, the three-bedroom, twobath Sydney has been added and evokes a West Coast style. For those looking for a Ranch home, the new Christina with its comfortabl­e den, spacious great room with a light-filled morning room, and a large, well-equipped gourmet kitchen is perfect for those who love to entertain. Meanwhile, the Chateau collection has four new home designs – the Vienna, a West Coast style home; the Bellevue, which has three bedrooms and den, two baths and tasteful architectu­ral details; the Windsor, a spacious home with three bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths; and the Regal, which lives up to its name with over 2,500 square feet of space, including a high-tech kitchen with a handy butler’s pantry and a layout that encourages chat time during prep time.

Mary Field, vice president of Noble’s Pond, says that the architects were selected for these new homes due to their experience in designing homes for the 55-plus community that deliver what residents want. “One of the unique features is a ‘Drop Zone,’ which is located at the owner’s entry from the garage. It’s a handy feature where you can drop your keys, cell phone, etc., in the same place and keep track of your essentials,” Field says. “These homes also feature a direct pathway from the owner’s suite into the laundry room, and since our residents love to entertain, large, welcoming foyers were also included in the design.”

The ability to entertain and socialize is increased, thanks to large gathering porches. “We give each resident two white rocking chairs as a housewarmi­ng gift, and everyone loves them. Neighbors gather together on each other’s porches,” says Field. The open floor plans also allow for socializat­ion while entertaini­ng as those busy in the kitchen can still interact with guests in the adjoining great room. Plus, with any home design, residents can customize it to fit certain needs and tastes, thanks to the community’s “Your Home. Your Way” approach.

The homes at Noble’s Pond are only one reason why homebuyers flock to this community. Colleen Ostafy, the community’s dedicated lifestyle director, keeps residents’ lives active with fun-filled activities in the community as well as in nearby towns with trips to Dover Downs, Ocean City, Md., for Sunfest, Lancaster, Pa., for holiday shopping, movie days and “Girls Night Out” dinners. “We also have several trips planned, including New Orleans, Myrtle Beach, S.C., where we stay right on the ocean and enjoy holiday events, and a river cruise next March from Brussels to Amsterdam to see the tulips.” Ostafy says.

However, residents needn’t leave Noble’s Pond to stay active. The community features The Point, Noble’s Pond clubhouse with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, indoor and outdoor kitchens, fitness center, community garden, library, billiards room and more. “The fitness center is very popular in the morn- ings, and we keep the pool open until the middle of October. Water aerobics is very popular, as is bocce, where we have 60-70 residents involved. They are quite competitiv­e and they have a luncheon with an awards ceremony,” says Ostafy. “Our nature trails are perfect for our hiking club, which hikes through November.”

Just like its homes, Noble’s Pond is always looking for ways to give its residents even more enjoyment. “We are currently building a 5-acre pond with a fishing pier and observatio­n deck to view birds and other wildlife. By the end of the year, we will have four pickle ball courts that also can be converted into two tennis courts, as well as volleyball and badminton,” says Field. “Our residents are taking pickle ball classes on indoor courts now so that they are ready once the courts are complete,” adds Ostafy.

As a fundraiser for the USO, Noble’s Pond also hosted a “Stuff the Pool” event. Each resident gave a donation in order to get into the pool, and the community aimed to see just how many residents it could fit in the pool. “We have several USO volunteers who live here and we are only five miles from Dover Air Force Base, so we love to support the military,” says Field.

To further support the military – and others who serve – Noble’s Pond has launched a new program called “Life Work Rewards,” to honor the service by police, EMT, firemen, medical employees, military and those in education by offering up to $3,460 off the base price of a home.

For those looking to visit the community, Oct. 15-16 is the best time during Noble’s Pond’s Parade of Homes where guests can tour residents’ homes and talk to residents about what makes living here so special. At the event, potential homebuyers can also learn about the advantages of living in Delaware, most notably its low property taxes – Noble’s Pond residents pay on average $1,200 to $1,600 per year – and no sales tax.

Noble’s Pond, 13 Noble’s Pond Crossing, Dover, DE 19904, 888-222-0030, www.noblespond­homes.com.

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