National builder Lennar plans 250 houses, swimming pool, cabana at new Wentworth Hall

When new neighborhoods first receive identifying markers and sales people on site, they also can gain a boost in interest. That's undoubtedly the case with Wentworth Hall.

The Lennar community, expected to have 250 houses when built out, already is being discovered even though the model home was just constructed and amenities aren't arriving until later.

"We've only been here two weeks, yet we have a lot of traffic," says Debra Cantey, new home consultant for Lennar.

Wentworth Hall is along a traffic artery, Old Orangeburg Road, and is close to new supermarkets, pharmacies and other retailers. Yet at the same time, the neighborhood is out in the country. Horse stables are across the roadway. Lots are fairly sizable, with some as large as 1/4 acre.

Homes in the neighborhood are priced from $244,990 to $319,990. The sizes are between 2,451 square feet and 3,566 square feet. Buyers can choose from two styles of homes, the Plantation Collection and the Flowertown Collection. The Plantation models are the Archdale, Cumberland, Atlantic and Greenhill, and the Flowertown choices are the Magnolia, Laurel, Wisteria, Azalea and Jassamine. The model home is the 3,300-square-foot, four-bedroom Greenhill floor plan.

At an unspecified time, Lennar plans to build community attractions, including a swimming pool and cabana.

The first phase of construction will include 120 homes. A handful of houses have been built in the neighborhood, and at least four have sold. Buyers have included professionals and move-up families as well as first-time home purchasers. "It's a good mix," she says.

Lennar is known for constructing homes with lots of standard features. At Wentworth Hall, they include stainless-steel kitchen appliances, ceramic tile, two-car garages and 9-foot smooth ceilings on the first floors of the Flowertown models and both levels in the Plantation series. At the same time, the builder offers features specific to certain plans, such as columns, and options including cabinet colors and hardwood floors or carpeting. A convenience to homeowners are sidewalks on one side of all streets.

The community is in Dorchester County but outside the Summerville city limits. Cantey says she doesn't know the history of the Wentworth Hall title but is convinced the monicker fits. "It's a stately name."

To get to Wentworth Hall from downtown Charleston, travel west on Interstate 26 to Jedburg, Exit 194. Turn left onto Jedburg Road and follow it across U.S. Highway 78, where it becomes Mallard Road. Continue to Old Orangeburg Road and turn left. Go for about one mile and Wentworth Hall is on the left. One of several alternative routes is to take I-26 to exit 209, Ashley Phosphate Road. Turn left onto Ashley Phosphate and continue to Dorchester Road. Turn right on Dorchester and go to Old Orangeburg. Veer right onto Old Orangeburg. Wentworth Hall is on the right.

Neighborhood

Wentworth Hall.

Location

Dorchester County.

Developer, marketing

Lennar Corp.

More info

phone: 873-4300.

HOURs: 10 a.m-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday.

WEB SITE: www.lennar. com.

Total homes

250.

Home sizes

2,451-3,566 square feet.

Home prices

$244,990-$319,990.

Typical features

--In kitchen, 42-inch maple cabinets and stainless-steel smooth-top oven, microwave and dishwasher.

--Smooth ceilings, 9-foot downstairs (and in some plans, upstairs).

--Two-car garage.

--Master bath with garden tub and separate shower.

--30-year architectural shingles.

--Energy-saving water heater.

--Hardwood in foyer (elsewhere in some plans).

--Chair rail and picture molding in dining room.

Property taxes

$1,466 on a $280,000 home.

Area attractions

Four Holes Swamp, Ashley River, historic plantations and gardens on S.C. Highway 61, downtown Summerville, Azalea Square Shopping Plaza, area golf courses and Interstate 26.

Distance to downtown Charleston

31 miles.

Schools

William Reeves Elementary

Grades K-5; phone, 695-2450; enrollment, N/A; certified staff, N/A; PACT results, fifth-graders (N/A new school).

DuBose Middle

Grades 6-8; phone, 875-7012; enrollment, 853; certified staff, 60; PACT results, 26.6 percent of eighth-graders scored proficient or advanced on English/Language Arts, 21.2 percent on math, 28.2 percent on science and 18.4 percent on social studies.

Summerville High

Grades 9-12; phone, 873-6460; enrollment, 3,517; certified staff, 207; SAT results, 501 verbal and 520 math. The 1021 combined score is higher than the state average (984) and the national average (1017).

Housing trends

Dorchester County between Bacons Bridge Road and Four Hole Swamp:

Number of sales in the first quarter of 2008: 166 (down from 274 in the first quarter of 2007).

Average sales price: $221,200 (down from $230,100).

Median sales price: $195,000 (down from $214,500).

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com.