Suburban Philadelphia Real Estate News

head_left_image

The Courtyards at Cherry Creek - Thornbury Township Delaware County PA

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.  Cherry Creek West Chester PADilworthtown 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. Cherry Creek Townhomes Thornbury Township PAWith 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 The Courtyards at Cherry Creek PAhis 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.  The Courtyards at Cherry Creek West Chester PAAll 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 Brinton Estates at Cherry Creek - Thornbury Township Delaware County PA

The Brinton Estates at Cherry Creek set the standard for a single family  Conservation Community in Thornbury Township Delaware County PA.

Cherry Creek Conservation Community PACherry 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 intesection of Route 1 with Route 202.  This location affords easy access up Route 202 to West Chester and King of Prussia, south on 202 to Delaware, and east/west on Route 1 into Chester County or Media and all of Delaware County. 

Cherry Brinton Estates at Cherry Creek PA HomesCreek 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 PA Homes Chester Delaware CountyCherry Creek neighborhood encompasses both luxurious townhomes and gracious single family properties.  The 120 single family home sites of The Brinton Estates at Cherry Creek were built by both Dewey Homes and Thompson Home Builders.  Both award winning companies have a long history in the region of building finely crafted quality homes.

The original Cherry Creek floorplans included 8 basic designs with over 30 different styles available.  The floor plans included models ranging from just over 3,000 sq ft to well over 5000 sq ft with pricing  starting in the low $500,000s.  This variety allowed the original buyers ample opportunity to customize their purchase to meet their exacting requirements.  Homesites generally ranged from 0.31 to over 0.50 acres.  Brinton Estates Thornbury Township PAAll properties included many upgrades and finishes including Kohler fixtures and GE appliances.

Since being built prices have remained fairly stable despite the economy.  The original homes were sold for prices ranging from $502,000 to over $1,000,000.  The site was built out between 2003 and 2006 with average yearly sales prices climbing form $683,000 to $788,000 during this period.  Since then prices have moderated with 6 sales for $735,000 in 2007, 2 sales in 2008 averaging $762,000, and 4 sales in 2009 averaging $648,000.  Currently there is one sale pending for $724,000 and 2 homes on the market asking $749,000.

With its quality construction, prime location, and well thought out designs, the Brinton Estate at Cherry Creek should continue to be a strong housing choice for years to come.

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

 

Improving curb appeal in a Wisconsin (and now Wilmington and Philadelphia area) winter

 

Brenda has put together an impressive list of ideas which are now ideal for the homes in this area.

Thank you for the tips!

 

Via Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty):

The days are growing longer, but we are still in the depths of winter here in Green County. Helping a home to have some curb appeal this time of year is a bit harder than in the summer months with gardens blooming, but it is still possible to do things to help.

  • Clear your driveway, sidewalks and porches of all snow and ice. Get out there right away after a snow storm to clean them off. If you do get a buildup in ice in spots from driving into the garage or people walking on the sidewalk, pick up a scraper at Farm & Fleet or Ace Hardware to clean that off. If buyers worry about slipping as they approach a home, it alters how they see the inside.
  • If you still have any holiday decorations or lights up, remove them immediately. By now, these are stale decor and they give the impression of a home that is not maintained as quickly as it ought to be.
  • Look up. Do you have huge icicles hanging down from your eaves or other issues on the roof or gutters? This isn't the best time of year to get up there to take care of an ice dam, but you can at least get out there with a roof rake if needed.
  • Store away that garden equipment and patio furniture. Having the chaise lounge sitting under a mound of snow on the deck doesn't remind people of summer entertaining. It can, however, make some people think you don't maintain your possessions.
  • Make sure all your exterior lights have working bulbs. This helps make your property more inviting for evening showings and helps people see the back yard.
  • Take advantage of whatever winter greenery you do have in your garden. If your evergreens are bowing low under the weight of snow and ice, get out there and shake them free. People are drawn to natural beauty, and while a dusting of snow on everything is lovely, it isn't so attractive to see bushes looking like they will collapse.
  • Throw some greens, ribbons or holly into your porch planters. These decorations look fresh all winter and help add some interest outdoors. Consider a decorative basket of pinecones next to your front door or create a small still-life decoration using those old snowshoes. Don't go overboard. Toss out the worn out welcome mats and get some neutral mats in modern styles.
  • Don't keep the snow shovels and bucket of salt right by the door. Put these into the garage or basement after use. It might not be as handy, but these things are not appealing.
  •  Make sure your windows are sparklingly clean. It will show if they aren't. Also check your blinds and curtains. These are visible from outside, so make sure they are lined up in a nicely symmetrical manner. Symmetry makes things more attractive to the human eye, so don't have the blinds in one bedroom half open and fully open in the room next door. From the outside, it is a dissonant chord.
  • Encourage the kids to play in the back yard. The unbroken blanket of snow on the front grass is more appealing than one that has been crisscrossed with tracks, snow angels and half-created snowmen. As a mom, I know this is a party-pooper thing to say, but these things are visually distracting.

It is possible to make a home appealing even in these cold months.  Go outside and take a good, honest look at your home.  Try to see it as a buyer might, and you will likely see at least a couple of spots for improvement.

 

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Looking for a place to live a real life? Know your neighbors, eat local, abandon your commute, be part of a community - come to Green County. Whatever your preference is, we have it all from surprisingly urban to truly rural and everything in between.

Try Pace One - An Historic Country Inn in Thornton PA

Pace One is a Country Inn - Restaurant - Bar & Grille located in Thornton PA.

Pace One Restaurant Bar Grille Country Inn Thornton PAEvery once in a while you just happen to have a meal that is just right.  Pace One in Thornton Pa just came through with flying colors.

Pace One is a Country Inn - Restaurant - Bar & Grille in Thornton PA.  Located just south of the intersection of Glen Mills Rd and Thornton Rd, the restaurant is steeped in history.  Both the town and property date back to colonial times.  The property was intimately involved in the Battle of the Brandywine in September of 1777, serving as the field hospital for the American wounded.  Ted Pace Owner Pace One Restaurant Thornton PASince then the buildings have been variously used for manufacturing linens, as a post office (reputed to be the oldest continuous one in the US), and a general store.  Since 1978, the restaurant has been located in the restored 1740's stone barn providing outdoor seating, porch seating, and formal dining room areas.

Three of us had the chance to recently visit for dinner seated on the porch.  Two ate off the Summer Grille menu.  We tried both the Wild Mushroom Spinach Lasagna and the Roasted Salmon.  Both were excellent.  Pace One Porch Area Thornton PAThey were cooked perfectly allowing the flavors of the food to come through without the heavy sauces and spices found in so many establishments today.  The third ordered from the regular menu and tried out the 1/2 Roast Chicken.  This was one hearty bird with half of it going home for another day.  All the meals were great followed up with a Strawberry Shortcake for dessert.  It was an excellent meal complemented with excellent service.

Pace One Historic Inn Thornton PAPace One is open for dinner seven days a week, lunch five days a week, and brunch on Sunday.  They have a wide ranging menu from Hearty Classic Entrees to the lighter Grille Menu/Petite Entrees plus a great selection of soups, appetizers, and desserts.  All meals can also be eaten in the bar which was quite lively during our visit.  They also have several meeting rooms and offer off premise catering throughout the area.

If you're visiting the area or just looking for a regular country spot, this may be the perfect answer.  Ted Pace, the owner, could not be more friendly and is available to answer your questions anytime.  If you haven't been there before or if you just have not had the chance to visit recently, it may be time to try it again - go for it.

As always, please feel free to let me know if you have any questions.