In The Pine

One way to launch a development is to first select an existing top-notch address.

Dan Ryan Builders is trying that strategy in Summerville, constructing 45 homes in well-known, upscale Pine Forest Country Club.

Still, the contractor is aware that this just gets its foot in the door. Now the builder has to prove the houses are up to par in an exclusive, longtime neighborhood.

Company managers believe that goal has been accomplished. Dan Ryan Builders has rolled out seven solidly constructed, smartly styled models with base sizes from 1,453 to 2,450 square feet and priced from $175,990 to $219,990.

The company started selling homes on the northeastern corner of the neighborhood late this winter.

“We are very encouraged,” says Cayce Hennessee, community sales manager.

Many shoppers are interested in the homes even without the up to $8,000 first-time and repeat homebuyer tax credits, which required a binding contract by the end of April and a closing on or before June 30, she says.

Among the purchasers have been first-time and move up buyers, says Brian Wagner, general sales manager with Dan Ryan Builders locally. Some are employees relocating to the area such as with Boeing or Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Hennessee says.

A benefit of the Dan Ryan Builders’ houses is their location in Pine Forest Country Club. Buyers have access to a top-flight golf course, clubhouse, tennis courts and a swimming pool, Wagner says. Also, the neighborhood is close to shopping centers in the Summerville area and manufacturers off U.S. Highway 78 north of town.

Another plus are the houses themselves. Dan Ryan Builders offers numerous “included” features such as two-car garages; architectural shingles; 9-foot smooth ceilings and 5 1/4 inch baseboards on first floors; hardwood floors in the foyers; and dishwasher, stove, microwave and 42-inch cabinets in the kitchens, Hennessee says.

Floor plans are the Ashley, Cooper, Edisto, Santee, Peninsula, Waccamaw and the Saluda, which is the sales model. There are four plans with two stories, one ranch and three plans with a single level and finished rooms over the garages. Other choices by plan are lofts, bonus rooms, dens, deluxe baths, vaulted ceilings and great rooms.

A ranch-style dwelling, the 1,800-square-foot Saluda has four bedrooms and is priced at $192,000.

The builder provides upgrades such as granite countertops and stainless kitchen appliances. Typically, buyers spend about $10,000 on extras, Hennessee says. Perks can expand the home sizes; the Waccamaw, for instance, can be broadened to 2,800 square feet.

Lots are one-quarter to one-third acre, and the yards are sodded front, back and side.

Headquartered in Maryland, Dan Ryan Builders has broadened its base in the Charleston area since starting out a few years back constructing new homes in North Charleston-based Colony North.

In addition to its Reserve at Colony North subdivision, the builder is raising houses at Bridlewood Farms in Ridgeville, Royal Oak in Goose Creek, Palmetto Village at Spring Grove near Moncks Corner and College Park Village in Ladson as well as Pine Forest. It is getting set to introduce two new communities, Sunchase in Mount Pleasant and Sophia’s Landing in Goose Creek.

“We are a growth story,” Wagner says.

To get to the Dan Ryan Builders’ homes at Pine Forest Country Club from downtown Charleston, travel west on Interstate 26. Take exit 199A, which is Main Street in Summerville. Follow Main Street into town and turn right on West Richardson Avenue. Take a left on Cedar, which runs into Central Avenue. Follow the right fork off Central onto Butternut. Less than a mile ahead, turn right at Pine Forest Country Club. Follow Congressional Boulevard as it winds around the neighborhood. Look for the Dan Ryan homes at the back of the community.

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

Neighborhood: Pine Forest Country Club (Dan Ryan Builders)

Location: Dorchester County

Phone: (843) 875-1355

Hours: 11 a.m-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday-Monday

Website: www.danryanbuilders.com