Although the street pavement is barely dry in Vintage Grove, it’s easy to imagine trick or treat gatherings and Fourth of July block parties just by looking at the new residential development’s plans. The boutique, 11-home community by Payne Family Homes is situated on a single, quaint cul-de-sac off Old State Road in Wildwood. “We’re very excited to be in Wildwood,” says Ken Kruse, company president. “It’s all newly designed based on today’s lifestyle needs.” Payne Family Homes has constructed houses since 2006 and has 23 developments in
St. Louis, St. Charles and Jefferson counties.
Wildwood real estate tends to fall into extreme categories, according to Cyndie Roche, Payne vice president of sales and marketing. “You have very small subdivisions and then estates 3 acres and up,” she says. But Vintage Grove offers a middle option that preserves the rural feel treasured by many Wildwood residents yet is in a more affordable range. “It’s secluded yet not tucked away down winding roads,” Roche says. “It’s your quiet little oasis.” Home models in the new, exclusive Louis Collection are available in ranch, 1.5 and two stories, and prices start right under $500,000.
The collection is intended for a variety of homeowners, from families with children to empty nesters hoping to downsize but not looking for apartment living. “We’re seeing busy families, often two-income, with kids who need lots of places to put things and space for everyone to enjoy the home,” Roche says. “Also, buyers looking for a graceful step down but still wanting something to be proud of.” Positive responses are reported by Kruse, indicating the concept and home designs resonate with potential buyers. “The reception has been wonderful,” he says. “We’ve had more than
100 people signed up initially to learn about the project. We’re very close to inking our first few deals.” Any model can be built on any of the 11 lots, affording buyers significant flexibility.
Attention to detail distinguishes this new community. “Every entry has a statement feature, whether a curved staircase or a balcony,” Roche says. Each home also features an owner’s entry. “When you walk in from the garage, everything you need should be at your fingertips,” Roche says. “There’s a countertop to set down your keys and an exit to the back door if you need to let an animal out.”
Equal care was taken with the outdoor spaces. Each lot is at least half an acre and has a large, flat backyard—atypical for Wildwood—that could accommodate a pool. “From a land development perspective, they’re doing everything they can to maintain the foliage that surrounds the community and save the large trees. That’s unusual,” Roche says. “Everywhere our people have taken down large trees, they’re replacing them. We want our neighboring communities to feel we’re doing a good thing for them.”
By Rebecca Koenig
Pictured: The 11 home lots of Vintage Grove
[Vintage Grove is located at 615 Old State Road. For more information, call 314.565.8465 or visit paynefamilyhomes.com/vintage-grove.]