4 minute read
COMMUNITY MINDED: Escape To Nature
In a community artfully named Cardinal Grove, you’d expect to see a vivid red bird now and then. Yet, in this nature-inspired enclave, that sight is only one of many everyday encounters with striking wildlife and beautiful surroundings.
Tucked into a scenic Lewes setting, Cardinal Grove is a boutique community seamlessly integrated among sparkling ponds, green landscapes, and wooded thickets. While providing convenient access to local attractions and nearby beaches, the natural environment invites residents to live a daily vacation lifestyle right in their own backyards—happily leaving the grass cutting responsibilities to the onsite HOA.
With a nod to its avian namesake, the community’s amenity has been dubbed The Perch by an insightful community sales team that characterize it as a beloved neighborhood hangout. The engaging outdoor venue is designed to encourage relaxation and camaraderie, featuring private cabanas, an expansive pool and bath house, a grilling area, an alfresco fireplace, and a game-themed lawn.
After a day of exploring in Lewes or Rehoboth, neighbors naturally head to The Perch to recap their adventures over evening cocktails and cornhole games, while the kiddos keep the fun going out on the tot lot.
As the intimate community of 98 homes approaches its halfway point of move-ins, streetscapes are coming to life and residents have already established a genuine bond. Gatherings at The Perch are commonplace, often centered on birthdays, holidays, and impromptu happy hours. A recent Karaokethemed celebration was attended by over 30 homeowners in the community that is quickly earning its reputation as a close-knit small town. In fact, many residents acknowledge that they met their neighbors even before purchasing a home, thanks to the welcome they received when driving or walking through the neighborhood during their earliest visits. In this authentic way, Cardinal Grove’s homeowners have been instrumental in developing their own community of neighbors.
It's easy to see why Community Sales Manager Austin Oswinkle was quick to explain that one of Cardinal Grove’s greatest attributes is its people. “This is the most family-like group of neighbors I have seen in my time working with Schell Brothers,” he said. “I love working here for that very reason.” Austin views his role as fundamental in helping people discover where they want to spend their next chapter of life. “Whether it is a move to Lewes from Rehoboth Beach or from across the country, it is a huge step for each person’s quality of life and happiness,” he explained. “They are placing their trust in me, and I take that responsibility to heart.”
For some residents at Cardinal Grove the decision to move is an escape to the beach; for others, it provides a closer connection to family or friends. Regardless of their reasons for choosing the community, it is clear that homeowners have developed a network of friendship, becoming like a family of their own. When we dug deeper about their attraction to Cardinal Grove, many homeowners explained that they found exactly what they were looking for: a small, quiet, and quaint community. Along with that, several residents cited the flexibility in home designs, thanks to a wide variety of personalized selections. Single-family floor plans in the community range from 1,582 to over 4,000 heated square feet, with choices such as first- or second-floor primary suites, a single-story or two-level home, and basements available on select homesites.
Community names are always an enigma, so we were intrigued to learn that it was the daughter of Schell coworker Al Daniel who came up with the moniker. To pay homage to her creativity, the young girl’s handcrafted bird feeder is featured at the Cardinal Grove model park. In addition, Schell graphic designer Caitlin Laigle brought the community name to life with an original sketch depicting two sweet cardinals perched on a branch. Her artistic, personalized design earned Best Logo honors at the 2022 Regal Awards.
Knowing that every community has its best-kept secrets, we asked Austin to give us the inside scoop on what makes Cardinal Grove truly special. Without hesitation, he highlighted the sunsets. “The sky seems to erupt over Milo Road, creating the perfect backdrop for refreshing swims at The Perch or courtyard dinners overlooking the pond,” he said. “When I leave work, step outside, and look at how the community has come into its own amid a beautiful sunset backdrop, I am never rushing to get in my car. I have to stop and watch for a moment.”
No matter where you live, perhaps the best-kept secret of all is simply taking time to enjoy the view. At Cardinal Grove, that comes naturally.
Explore Cardinal Grove at 19322 Safflower Way, Lewes, DE or visit SchellatCardinalGrove.com to learn more.