Homearama 2009 Review
14 Sep2009
Filed Under Architecture, Home Improvement · Tagged: 2009, carmelle, Cincinnati Homearama · Print This Article
On a beautiful Cincinnati weekend, I toured all five of the 2009 Homearama homes. In the coming days, I’m going to be posting my review of each home here on my website. In case you don’t already know me, I’m a local Realtor with the AmyBSells Team and Keller Williams Advisors, with several national certifications. (Read more about me here.)
For the last several years I have been saying it’s time for a scaled-back, more realistic and attainable version of the Homearama show. This year, I think it’s exactly right. While it’s always a nice fantasy to tour a home in the one to three million dollar range, we must admit that most of us cannot afford to buy such an expensive home. And, to be fair, even this year’s range of $639-850K is a bit over-priced for many buyers today. But what’s offered is all the fantasy and drama of previous shows with a sense of attainability that I think visitors will appreciate.
Here’s a few brief things that came to mind while I was touring this year’s homes:
• All five homes have a water feature, and four of them have a fountain or other feature in either the front and rear yards.
• Every home has a stone exterior, giving an excellent dimension and natural look to the homes.
• As a personal fan of Autumn, I particularly enjoyed seeing all homes displaying beautiful mums in the colorful landscaping.
• Finally, with outdoor living so highly valued in Cincinnati, each of these homes offer some exciting outdoor living space.
These homes range in price from $639,000 to $850,000 and in size from 4,400 square feet to 6,553 square feet. (This doesn’t include lower levels.) At press time, I believe two or three of these homes are either under-contract or sold.
Here are my personal favorites in the following categories:
Architecture: House #2, The Suzanna by K Homes, Architect Michael P. Kohus.
You will be able to feel the openness when you walk in the door and roam around the house. It has a wonderful feel and flow, and is so comforting.
Landscaping: House #1, Nottoway by Fischer Homes, Landscaping by Gayle A. Frazer & Associates, installed by Bob Meyer Landscape Service.
There are so many different living areas in this rear yard, which includes a fireplace, a walk-out basement, great brick patio and excellent drainage — very well defined spaces.
Basement: House #5 Maison de la Grace by High Pointe Custom Homes and Summit Custom Homebuilders. This basement simply blew my husband and I away. It was like the first level of the home, complete with a kitchen, living area and the media room was amazing, this is an entertainers dream basement! The walk out they made was a great bonus as well!
Interior Design: House #5, Maison de la Grace by High Pointe Custom Homes and Summit Custom Homebuilders, Interior Designers Amy Holt and Sara Beringer of Interiors by Nancy Paul and Julie Bell.
This interior just appeals to me most out of all the homes. The colors flowed throughout, and the theme was consistent. Very fun and informal, this is a home in which a family could feel really good and just enjoy.
Builder: House #5 Maison de la Grace by High Pointe Custom Homes and Summit Custom Homebuilders. I am selecting them as my favorite builder because I feel this home demonstrates how new construction can feel completely different once you step inside the door. This home offers unique and special details with an easy and consistent flow. The real gems are the stone fireplace, built-in cabinetry in the dining area, barrel ceiling with bead board and the naturally finished exposed beams in the kitchen — this home really provides you with an out-of-the-ordinary experience.
I truly enjoyed every home in this year’s Homearama: these are such beautiful homes for Cincinnati to tour. I hope that next year we will have another presentation with this kind of price and size range. These are homes that we are more likely to see ourselves living in, and it makes the show better.
Homearama is open from September 12-27 in Mason, Ohio. Check out the website for more info.
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