Photo by Nikki Boertman
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The new Lakeland home of Ellis and Janice Townsend is in the Sterling Place development.
Photo by Nikki Boertman
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A modular sofa is one of the few pieces the Townsends added to their large collection of antiques and furnishings.
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The Townsends loved the architectural details of their new Lakeland home and were able to add upgrades.
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The recessed ceiling, chandelier and wood flooring were appealing options the couple added for their master bedroom suite.
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A screened-in back porch with a wooded view is one of the favorite features for Ellis and Janice Townsend in their new home in Lakeland's Sterling Place development.
Ellis and Janice Townsend wanted less house, less yard and fewer stairs to navigate. But even more than that, the empty-nesters wanted a community and a home that fit who they are right now.
"We had been looking for years for a smaller home and we couldn't find what we were looking for," Janice said. "We found this 55-plus community, drove in here and we liked it."
The community, Grant Homes' Sterling Place development off U.S. 64 in Lakeland, not only gave the Townsends the chance to build what they wanted from the ground up, it offered lifestyle amenities they'd craved but hadn't expected to find.
"Before we downsized we lived on four acres in a larger home," said Ellis, who retired 11 years ago from the banking industry. "I loved yard work, but as I retired I found a lot of other things to do, and at my age the ability to do that yard work goes away."
At Sterling Place, both front and back lawns are maintained for residents on a weekly basis. The community also offers a walking trail, an active homeowners' association with weekly men's breakfasts and women's lunches and even a built-in playground for the grandkids.
"Also, we already knew a few people who lived here," Janice said.
Before they found Sterling Place, the Townsends searched on their own in communities ranging from Collierville to Arlington to Bartlett. In the end, they were happy to return to Lakeland, where they'd raised their three daughters.
"We liked Lakeland," Janice said. "We were here when our three girls were in high school. We lived on the lake for about nine years."
The Townsends worked with Grant Homes sales associate Sue Elzey on their home purchase.
"At first, we came and went on our own and looked at the model homes here," Janice said. "We liked the idea and the concept of these homes, and we came back three or four times. The last time we came back we talked to Sue. She showed us all the plans and we bought the lot and started building."
That was in October 2010. By February, the house was completed and the Townsends took their time with the move.
"Grant was easy to work with," Ellis said. "They have a showroom in Collierville, which is very convenient. You go there and do all the selections, cabinets, floors, light fixtures. The good part was that if you wanted to upgrade, they work with you on that, change the plans and listen to what you want. I found them very easy to work with."
The Townsends bought the three-bedroom, two-bath, 2,100-square-foot house in February for $263,760. Included in the purchase were upgrades ranging from wide-plank hardwood floors to built-in cabinetry and shelving in the laundry and guest bath to a screened-in back porch.
"We also upgraded all the light fixtures," Janice said.
Just off the long, brightly lit entrance hall is the master suite. The Townsends continued the hardwood floors into the master bedroom, which has soft sage walls. The room is furnished with a mix of antiques and a king-size bed with a chocolate brown headboard lined with two rows of nailhead trim.
The en-suite bath has tile floors, two walk-in closets, two sinks and a separate tub and shower.
Beyond the master suite, the kitchen, living room and dining room form an open living area the Townsends love.
"This is the feature of the house I like best," Ellis said.
"It's all open, three in one," Janice added.
In the living room, a large modular sofa is one of the only new pieces of furniture the Townsends had to buy for their new space. A fireplace with a TV niche above provides a focal point, and antique tables and shelves are scattered throughout.
The dining room features more of the couple's collection of antiques, including an oval dining table with six chairs upholstered in a neutral cream. Floral draperies tie the living and dining rooms together.
In the kitchen, the extra-tall maple cabinets were another upgrade. The room also features quartz countertops, a deep under mount sink, oil-rubbed bronze hardware and stainless steel appliances. Just off the kitchen and living room, the screened-in porch has space for a dining table and chairs and views of the wooded backyard and walking trail.
At the rear of the house, stairs lead to expandable space the Townsends had fully floored for use as a walk-in attic.
Two guest bedrooms contain more family antiques, including a bedroom suite the couple has had since they married 54 years ago. In the guest bath, built-in shelves provide extra storage.
The Townsends, both natives of Tipton County, love everything about their new neighborhood.
"We like the walking trails and the little lake with the fountain and the gazebos they have around," Janice said.
"And we like the quietness," added Ellis. "It's convenient to everything, yet it's far off the main highway. You hardly hear the traffic."
The fact that the neighborhood caters specifically to their needs, and their neighbors have a lot in common with them is an added bonus.
"Everybody in here is so nice and friendly," Janice said.
Source: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/oct/02/my-new-home-easy-living-a-perfect-fit/?partner=RSS
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