Villa Time

Mowing the lawn and trimming the shrubs is not for every house owner. Some people like a place to call home but can do without the maintenance.

That’s where patio homes come in. Typically smaller, one-story dwellings, they provide plenty of living space but are often built in neighborhoods that employ a crew to handle yard care and related chores.

One newer example locally is Marrington Villas at Cobblestone. Designed by Dublin, Ohio-based Epcon Communities, the Goose Creek village will offer 98 duplexes, fourplexes and single-family homes.

There will be 60 detached and 38 attached homes. They are all one-story, although some plans can include an upstairs family room, bedroom and bath, says Bob Winstead, new home sales specialist for Epcon Communities.

There is no age restriction.

“We are seeing first-time homebuyers, retired people and downsizing buyers,” he says.

A handful of the stone- and brick-sided homes have been built, including the first detached house. Epcon Communities chose to add the single-family option to diversify offerings.

“It was pretty much to give people variety,” Winstead says.

Dwellings are 1,137-1,992 square feet and cost $159,900 to $262,900. The detached home plans are the two-bedroom Palazzo and three-bedroom Portico and Promenade. Duplex and fourplex styles are the two-bedroom Aboreta and Bramante and three-bedroom Colonnade and Ducal. Buyers of the three-bedroom models can have one bedroom converted into a den.

Standard features include refrigerator, stove and dishwasher in the kitchen as well as a central island and a pantry. The residences have 9-foot-plus ceilings. They have living rooms, dining rooms and laundries, and some plans include a sitting room, mud room or den. The owner’s suite is made up of an ample bedroom and a combination tub and shower in the bathroom. An L-shaped shower is available. Guest bedrooms are moderate-sized.

Also included in all residences are two-and-a-half car garages. Gas burning fireplaces, Corian and granite countertops and staggered kitchen cabinets are available.

Private patios and courtyards are behind the plexs and enclosed on the detached models. Extras can include fire pits, fountains, pavers and trellises. Dwellings also come with screened-in porches. In some cases, buyers can choose a sunroom or covered porch.

Another highlight of the properties is the landscaping. “We have Bermuda grass. It stays green (year round),” Winstead says. The yards are highlighted by flower beds and shrubs.

Marrington Villas residents can take advantage of several community attractions, completed before most of the homes have been built.

Amenities are a clubhouse with kitchen, fitness center and gathering area that sports a flat screen TV and pool table. Behind the clubhouse is a swimming pool. There are walking trails throughout the community.

Some of the homes will be built around a pond, while others will back up to woods.

Homeowners association dues are $225 a month. The fee covers not only maintenance but trash removal, water and sewer service and insurance costs.

The community will have a grand opening of its detached homes July 15-18. “We’re real excited,” says Dianne McLawhorn, also a new-home sales specialist.

To get to Marrington Villas from downtown Charleston, head west on Interstate 26 to U.S. Highway 52, at exit 209. Follow Highway 52 into Goose Creek. Turn left at the first traffic light onto St. James Avenue, which is U.S. Highway 176. Take Highway 176 out of town. Marrington Villas is on the left on Village Stone Circle, about half-a-mile from the U.S. Highway 17A intersection.

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

Neighborhood: Marrington Villas at Cobblestone

Location: Berkeley County

Phone: (843) 821-4112

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday

Website: www.epconcommunities.com