The developers of Manderley designed the community with nature in mind.
Property Profiles
Escape from the City
Inspired by the scenic description of a favorite novel, Manderley entices buyers with an idyllic setting.
BY
Megan Felling
PHOTOGRAPHY
courtesy of Manderley

Manderley, in Kansas City, Mo., is not your typical luxury home development. Starting with the developer, Brownfig Development, the new community is a family affair. Brownfig is just one arm of the businesses operated by the Brown family. Larry Brown Excavating was established 25 years ago, and eventually added the role of “general contractor, dealing with everything from the dirt down,” according to Heather Brown-Wolesky, an attorney and the marketing contact. Commercial development soon followed and then residential.

Named for a country estate in Larry’s late wife’s favorite novel, “Rebecca,” by Daphne du Maurier, Manderley came about through an opportunity to purchase 90 acres of farmland. The family had been looking for a large parcel of land where each member (siblings Chris, Adam and Heather as well as dad Larry) could build a home   overlooking a lake. The land was perfect — conveniently located, with wooded, rolling terrain. But 90 acres is substantial, so a  plan evolved to develop them into lots for sale to the public.

“This has not been an exercise to extract the most dollars for the ground,” Adam says. “The land was not just stripped bare. There was minimal impact outside of the roads. We have retained a significant amount of original growth. The density is very low for the total acreage.” Acres of private parkland, ponds and walking trails have been included.

Excavation for the spring-fed private lake and streets uncovered a large amount of limestone, which was used to line two ponds and create a monument at the entrance of the neighborhood. A waterfall and fountain are planned as well. There was even enough stone to create an outdoor amphitheater with large stones forming stair-stepped seating. “We plan to have movie nights and neighborhood get-togethers,” Heather notes.

“We went into it with the intent that no matter what, the area across the front would be green space,” Adam adds. “We purposely set the development off the road so even houses at the front of the property can sit behind a grove of trees and not feel exposed.”

Since the family members will be living in Manderley, all agreed they wanted the area to be done right. “We want the people who buy here to feel good about it,” Heather comments. “We want it to be an escape from the fast pace of city life.”

Fifty-two custom homesites, averaging one acre each, have been thoughtfully carved to fit the topography and utilize the natural characteristics of the land for the most scenic and private lots. “It’s a testament to our engineers and Chris, who figured out the layout of the cul-de-sac streets. An acre is a lot of space; the possibilities are endless,” Heather says. Remaining lots range in price from $95,000 to $175,000. All lots are heavily treed and most are suitable for a walkout basement. Several of the lots fall within a conservation area in which the trees must remain intact.

Fifty-foot setbacks, side-entry garages and natural building materials including stone, stucco and masonry are in place to maintain the quality and integrity of the neighborhood, but Manderley is a custom-home community, with buyers able to choose their own architect and builder.

Heather is in the process of drawing the plans for a Craftsman-style home. Chris is ready to begin construction soon, while Adam is tweaking his plans, taking the best of several plans and combining them to create the perfect home. A large front porch is a definite requirement for him. “If the porch swing works, the house works,” he jokes. And Larry has more of a lodge look in mind, with exposed beams and natural materials.

Neighboring homes will include a Mediterranean-style home with six garages (for the owner’s collection of antique cars) and a pool with pool house, a Country French home and a traditional red brick house with black shutters. Plans range from ranches to two-story homes. Guidelines call for a minimum of 2,800 square feet in a ranch and 3,400 square feet in a two-story home. Heather expects finished home prices to be $500,000 and above.

An unusual feature for acre-plus lots is that Manderley has all city services and isn’t on a septic system. Located near I-35 and I-435, Manderley is in the award-winning Liberty school district. The new Liberty High School and an under-construction elementary school are less than a mile away.

816.785.2100
www.brownfigdevelopment.com