Flowers And Homes Bloom At Samuel's Crossing
Plainville, CT Real Estate from the Hartford Courant
Samuel's Crossing is a By Carrier community which means that homeowners are buying from a company with an established reputation. This family-owned and operated company was founded 40 years ago by six Canadian brothers who are passionate about the building business. They and their family members have worked diligently to guarantee a first-rate product that has given rise to a first-rate reputation. The development is described as a "hybrid community." Homeowners own and insure their individual houses and land; the overall property is similar to a condominium. A monthly fee of $65 covers private trash pick-up and maintenance of common roads and small common areas such as the front entrance and communal mailbox areas.
"The homeowners' association doesn't keep you from what you want to do,""said Annie Carrier, the company's sales and marketing director and one of the second-generation family members. The purpose of the homeowners' association is to maintain standards of exterior maintenance. Pools, playscapes and basketball hoops can be seen throughout the neat and trim neighborhood. Homeowners are encouraged to add individual touches to their properties. A special feature of the Phase II homes is that many of the lots back up to conservation land. "There is more privacy and more woods," Ms. Carrier pointed out. Residents take full advantage of the beautiful surroundings. As spring sets in, children on tricycles, moms and dads pushing strollers and baby carriages and dogs accompanied by the people they master are commonplace on the sidewalks in this non-age-restricted community.
Another special feature of all By Carrier homes is the five-year limited warranty covering roof and basement leaks and structural defects. The warranty demonstrates By Carrier's confidence in its materials, workmanship, design and Energy Star certification. "All the houses are certified by an independent contractor," said Ms. Carrier. When it comes to industry standards, "We exceed most of the minimum requirements," she added.
As a result, homeowners are delighted with their low utility bills. An informal survey revealed that energy bills for gas and electric per month were averaging $142. "Everyone seems very happy with Energy Star," Ms. Carrier stated. One homeowner noted that, "My co-workers are jealous of my utility bills," and another said that his heating bill is one-third that of his previous home.
Samuel's Crossing offers seven different home models: The Lincoln, The Robertson, The New Englander, The Hamlin, The Patriot, The Chester and The Villager. The model home is The New Englander, a mid-range home at 1,985 square feet.
Entry to the home is gained through a small, covered front porch into a gracious foyer with crown molding, red oak floors and arched doorways leading in one direction to the great room and in the other direction to the kitchen. The foyer also contains a roomy coat closet and a powder room with a large vanity. The living room is inviting with its corner gas fireplace and granite surround, both upgrades. The warm, hardwood floors are continued in the great room along with a border of walnut inlay. Ceiling height on this floor is nine feet.
The sunny kitchen comes with custom cabinets by Martin and a center island. The eat-in area leads out to a Trex deck through glass sliders. Buyers receive an allowance for appliances.
Upstairs there are three bedrooms and two full baths. The hallway bath contains the laundry room. Also in the hallway is a large linen closet. The master bedroom is stunning with a cathedral ceiling and two closets - a big one and an even bigger one. The master bathroom has twin sinks, a linen closet and a tile shower uniquely outfitted with a bench that is five feet long.
Steel beam construction in the basement, which has no columns, means it could be finished off as a large playroom or family room. Standard features in all the homes include basements that are studded and insulated, two-zone heating and central air conditioning. The oversized windows are double pane, tilt-in, easy-clean windows made in Canada. Each home comes with a deck or paver patio. The attention to detail and high level of workmanship are evident throughout the interior and exterior of the homes.
In addition to being named Builder of the Year in 2010 by the Home Builders Association (HOBI), By Carrier, Inc. was one of the honorees for the 2010 University of Connecticut Family Business of the Year Awards. These awards recognize family businesses that are: "Firms committed to creating jobs, investing in new technologies, supporting philanthropic causes, fostering innovation and serving as champions of their industry and community."
The company also won a 2009 HOBI Award for the best $300,000 to $400,000 home and a 2007 HOBI Award for the best 2,000- to 3,000-square-foot single-family home. "It's quite an honor to be recognized by your peers," Ms. Carrier concluded.
The Samuel's Crossing model home is open Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Annie Carrier at 860-259-1536 and 860-810-5999 or visit www.ByCarrier.com.
Another special feature of all By Carrier homes is the five-year limited warranty covering roof and basement leaks and structural defects. The warranty demonstrates By Carrier's confidence in its materials, workmanship, design and Energy Star certification. "All the houses are certified by an independent contractor," said Ms. Carrier. When it comes to industry standards, "We exceed most of the minimum requirements," she added.
As a result, homeowners are delighted with their low utility bills. An informal survey revealed that energy bills for gas and electric per month were averaging $142. "Everyone seems very happy with Energy Star," Ms. Carrier stated. One homeowner noted that, "My co-workers are jealous of my utility bills," and another said that his heating bill is one-third that of his previous home.
Samuel's Crossing offers seven different home models: The Lincoln, The Robertson, The New Englander, The Hamlin, The Patriot, The Chester and The Villager. The model home is The New Englander, a mid-range home at 1,985 square feet.
Entry to the home is gained through a small, covered front porch into a gracious foyer with crown molding, red oak floors and arched doorways leading in one direction to the great room and in the other direction to the kitchen. The foyer also contains a roomy coat closet and a powder room with a large vanity. The living room is inviting with its corner gas fireplace and granite surround, both upgrades. The warm, hardwood floors are continued in the great room along with a border of walnut inlay. Ceiling height on this floor is nine feet.
The sunny kitchen comes with custom cabinets by Martin and a center island. The eat-in area leads out to a Trex deck through glass sliders. Buyers receive an allowance for appliances.
Upstairs there are three bedrooms and two full baths. The hallway bath contains the laundry room. Also in the hallway is a large linen closet. The master bedroom is stunning with a cathedral ceiling and two closets - a big one and an even bigger one. The master bathroom has twin sinks, a linen closet and a tile shower uniquely outfitted with a bench that is five feet long.
Steel beam construction in the basement, which has no columns, means it could be finished off as a large playroom or family room. Standard features in all the homes include basements that are studded and insulated, two-zone heating and central air conditioning. The oversized windows are double pane, tilt-in, easy-clean windows made in Canada. Each home comes with a deck or paver patio. The attention to detail and high level of workmanship are evident throughout the interior and exterior of the homes.
In addition to being named Builder of the Year in 2010 by the Home Builders Association (HOBI), By Carrier, Inc. was one of the honorees for the 2010 University of Connecticut Family Business of the Year Awards. These awards recognize family businesses that are: "Firms committed to creating jobs, investing in new technologies, supporting philanthropic causes, fostering innovation and serving as champions of their industry and community."
The company also won a 2009 HOBI Award for the best $300,000 to $400,000 home and a 2007 HOBI Award for the best 2,000- to 3,000-square-foot single-family home. "It's quite an honor to be recognized by your peers," Ms. Carrier concluded.
The Samuel's Crossing model home is open Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Annie Carrier at 860-259-1536 and 860-810-5999 or visit www.ByCarrier.com.
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