European-styled attached residences with maintenance-provided perks and the option to customize are all part of the Piazzas of Tuscany Reserve.
Property Profiles
Inspired Style
Euro-flavored coach homes offer luxury living in a village environment.
BY
Megan Felling
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rendering courtesy of Tuscany Reserve

Tuscany Reserve was born from our travels,” says Marjorie Kennamore, who, along with her husband, Ed, is the developer and sales agent. The couple has drawn on a variety of sources throughout the United States and Europe for inspiration for the Mediterranean-style enclave that includes a carefully blended mixture of home types connected by paved walkways and courtyards, a spring-fed lake with piazza and, eventually, shopping and dining, complete with European landscaping and fountains.

“We felt the city needed an upscale villa and maintenance-provided environment in southern Johnson County,” she explains. “It’s similar to what you see in other planned communities, especially in Florida and California, but it also emulates the urban village environment that is gaining so much favor nationally.”

A mixed-use, maintenance-provided community just southeast of 135th Street and Mission Road in Leawood, The Village of Tuscany Reserve includes the Estates, Grand Villas and Manor Villas, plus the third and final phase now under construction: The Piazzas, which includes a proposed retail area called The Mercado, completing Marjorie’s concept of residential, leisure, community and commercial activities all in one walkable neighborhood.

The new Piazza homes will be made up of two “piazzetti” cul-de-sacs, each consisting of four buildings. Each building houses four unique attached coach homes thoughtfully designed by Elswood Smith Carlson Architects and crafted by Timberstone Development. Architectural details include barrel tile roofs, and stone and stucco exteriors with brick and wrought iron accents brought together by a perimeter entry wall.

Boasting more than 2,600 to 3,100 square feet all on one level, prices will be in the $800,000s. The Venezia and Umbria plans are located on the upper floors, accessed by private elevators, which create a sense of arrival, according to Marjorie. They also have a true entrance from the street for guests. The Lugano and Portofino models on the first floor offer private courtyards large enough for entertaining. Each three-bedroom, three-bath home has a private two-car garage, covered loggia, and multiple porches or balconies to allow abundant natural light into the open floor plans.

Interior finish selection is a “hybrid” process: buyers may choose from a wide variety of preselected materials. High-end finishes are a palette of European-blend colors. Four model finishes are available: Country Italian Venezia; Italian Renaissance Umbria; Lugano, which is a Mediterranean classic with sage greens and rusts; and Portofino, with a rich and classic feel and oxblood oak beadboard cabinets. Buyers may make selections within a model or mix and match finishes for a customized look. The standard level of finishes is called the silver level. The developers have tried to think of every option someone might want and have it available as a platinum upgrade. Pricing for upgrades occurs at the time of selection so there are no surprises for buyers. “This is a perfect combination because not everything is dictated, but the preselected light fixtures, finishes, windows and color scheme make the process manageable,” Marjorie notes. “The combinations are almost unlimited, but there is definitely a continuity.” Homeowners will receive an interior designer’s assistance with selections.

Piazza homes will feature 10- to 12-foot ceilings, gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, several styles of cabinetry and cast-stone fireplaces.

Storage space is always a concern when choosing the maintenance-provided lifestyle. But the Kennamores have addressed this with custom closet systems, private laundry rooms and walk-in pantries. The first-floor residences even have the option of finished basement-level space.

The landscaping at the Piazzas will utilize climbers, roses and narrow evergreens. Ed researched the species that would thrive in Kansas but that would create an environment reminiscent of the Italian countryside. He brought in more than 800 trees to the development. Marjorie says, “The landscaping is more vertical and symmetrical, with mostly evergreens to counteract the winter months and maintain the privacy and beauty year-round.” Elaborate statuary and fountains add to the Old World charm of the intimate neighborhood.

The Piazzas will have a separate homeowners association; fees are projected to be $500 per quarter.

The Piazzas of Tuscany Reserve will hold a grand opening celebration on September 9.

913.269.6038
www.tuscanyreserve.us