Suburban Philadelphia Real Estate News

The Courtyards at Cherry Creek set the standard for luxurious townhomes in Thornbury Township Delaware County PA.

Cherry Creek is a large newer home community just east of Route 202/ Wilmington Pike off Dilworthtown Rd in Thornbury Township Delaware County PA.  Dilworthtown Rd is just about 2 miles north the intersection of Route 1 with Route 202.  This location affords easy access north on Route 202 toward West Chester and King of Prussia, south on 202 to Delaware, and east/west on Route 1 into Chester County or Media / all of Delaware County. 

Cherry Creek was developed by three local builders as a conservation community meeting the standards developed by the Brandywine Conservancy.  This development will provide for the protection of over 80 acres of open space in the community adding to the land already preserved throughout the Brandywine Valley under their leadership. With a history dating back to 1687, the property has been under the continuous ownership of the Brinton and Cherry Families with the original 1812 Brinton Family Home still preserved on the Cherry Creek grounds.

The Cherry Creek neighborhood encompasses both luxurious townhomes and gracious single family properties.   The over 115 luxurious townhomes in The Courtyards at Cherry Creek were built by The McKee Group.  The McKee group has been active throughout the area for over 50 years and with over 2300 homes constructed, they continue to maintain their high standards of building excellence and great design.  In addition, Frank McKee has been active in the Delaware County Conservation District lending his expertise to the land stewardship program.

The Courtyards were based on five different models with core floorplans ranging from 2,656 to 3,118 sq ft and allowed for much customization as they were being built.  The ultimate floorplans as reported on the tax records ranged from approximately 3600 Sq ft to over 5000 sq ft in a few properties.  Construction began in 2003 with the large bulk of the units being completed in 2004 and 2005.  The Courtyard Townhomes included either a unique courtyard design or master suite on the first floor.  All the homes have beautifully appointed gourmet kitchens, luxurious baths, and are filled with quality construction features.

The original price list ranged from the High $300,000s to low $400,000s - most units were finished well above these levels.  Resales first began to appear in 2005 with 5 sales averaging $545,000.  These continued with 7 sales in 2006 averaging $582,000, 3 in 2007 averaging $563,000, 2 in 2008 averaging $581,000, and 4 in 2009 averaging $450,000.  In 2010 year-to-date, there has been one sale for $490,000. There are 4 properties currently on the market averaging $521,000 with one under contract for $519,000.

With their high quality construction, great designs, and ideal location, The Courtyards at Cherry Creek should continue to set the standard for townhome communities in the area.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Newtown Square,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-353-1199/Direct: 610-359-3853/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawareCountyPennsylvaniaHomes.com

The Willistown Hunt townhomes in Willistown Township provide the perfect blend of luxury and location in rural Chester County PA.

Located in south western Willistown Township, Willistown Hunt is a newer townhome planned community in Chester County that was established in 2002.  The community is located just off the intersection of Route 926/ Street Rd and Route 3/ the West Chester Pike.  This location allows for quick access to most of Delaware County to the east on West Chester Pike or West Chester to the west.  It also is an easy commute to Wilmington following Route 926 and Route 202 or into the Philadlephia area by the Blue Route and I-95.  

Willistown Hunt was established in 2002 with the bulk of the construction and sales continuing through 2003 and 2004.  The community was planned and built by Orleans homebuilders in this convenient semi-rural location with a history dating back to the 1600s when William Penn surveyed the Welsh Tract.  It continues to be surrounded by nice undisturbed wooded and wetland areas while still convenient to many shopping and entertainment options.

The Willistown Hunt development includes 98 townhomes in three basic styles with all utilizing numerous energy saving features and having luxurious amenities.  The designs include homes ranging from 2300 to over 3500 square feet with many including gracious formal living rooms and dining rooms combined with large two story family rooms with gas fireplaces.  Homes also enjoy one or two car garages with 3 or 4 bedrooms and could have large finished basements - some with walk-outs.

When originally built, the townhomes were priced starting in the mid $300,000s.  Over the course of the development, units sold from the mid $300,000s to almost $500,000.  The average sales prices for the community peaked in 2007 with four resales averaging $460,000.  Since then prices declined to an average of $438,000 with 3 sales in 2008, $394,000 with 2 sales in 2009, and $350,000 with 2 sales year-to-date in 2010.  Today there are also 2 pending sales with an average asking price of $439,000 while no homes are currently listed for sale.

If you are looking for the convenience of luxury townhome living in a rural setting but with easy access to Philadelphia, Wilmington, Chester County, and Delaware County, Willistown Hunt is an ideal choice in the area and should be included in any home search.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Newtown Square,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-353-1199/Direct: 610-359-3853/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawareCountyPennsylvaniaHomes.com