In a groundbreaking move within the 55+ housing market, The Retreat in Banning Lewis Ranch, an OakwoodLife Active Adult Community, is offering a perfect blend of luxury, affordability and active lifestyle. OakwoodLife, renowned for its exceptional quality in active adult home building, once again raises the bar with The Retreat, with custom built and move-in ready homes catering to those looking for a private haven that solves the needs and desires of individuals aged 55 and above. Nestled within a picturesque location, The Retreat boasts an array of exclusive amenities, headlined by the magnificent 10,000 sq. ft. clubhouse known as “The Barn.” This state-ofthe-art facility provides residents with a myriad of options to engage in activities while fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
The Barn’s focal point is its stateof-the-art fitness center, equipped with top-notch exercise equipment, ensuring residents can maintain their physical well-being. A spacious movement studio is available for those seeking yoga, Pilates or dance classes. With locker rooms to freshen up and a multipurpose room for learning or socializing with friends, The Retreat offers an all-inclusive experience under one roof. Additionally, the entertaining kitchen within The Barn, provides an ideal space for culinary enthusiasts and social gatherings. Residents can explore their cooking skills, host dinner parties or attend professionally led cooking demonstrations. This fully equipped kitchen embodies the concept of luxury without compromising affordability.
The active lifestyle at The Retreat extends beyond the clubhouse, with outdoor amenities designed to
encourage recreation and relaxation. Residents can partake in a spirited game of pickleball or bocce ball, both of which have gained popularity among older adults for their accessibility and social nature. The community also offers an outdoor spa, inviting residents to unwind and rejuvenate in a serene environment. For those seeking a refreshing swim, the beach-entry pool is a perfect oasis to cool off and enjoy the sunshine.
OakwoodLife’s commitment to creating an affordable luxury living experience shines throughout The Retreat. The community’s resort-style features and amenities, combined with a reasonable price point, make it an appealing option for those looking to embrace an active lifestyle while enjoying the comforts of a well designed home and clubhouse.
By revolutionizing affordability within the 55+ housing market, OakwoodLife
has redefined the expectations of luxury living for older adults. The Retreat stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to providing exceptional quality and creating communities that cater to the unique needs of this discerning demographic.
As OakwoodLife continues to pioneer innovation in active adult home building, The Retreat serves as a shining example of their commitment to enriching the lives of individuals aged 55 and above. With its luxurious homes, outstanding amenities and a strong sense of community, The Retreat sets a new standard for active adult living, proving affordability and luxury can coexist harmoniously in the modern age.
Check out this amazing community at myoakwoodlife.com/the-retreat-banninglewis-ranch or www.facebook.com /myoakwoodlife.
What makes Wolf Ranch Colorado Springs’ Best Neighborhood?
• BEST BUILDERS: Wolf Ranch offers custom homes from top builders, including Classic Homes, Toll Brothers, and Vantage Homes.
• BEST LIFESTYLE: Residents enjoy amenities including parks, playgrounds, 7+ miles of trails, and 356 acres of open space.
• BEST COMMUNITY: Over the last 15 years, Wolf Ranch has built a proud and welcoming community, supported by neighborhood gatherings and seasonal festivals like the Wolf Ranch Concert Series.
• BEST LOCATION : Nearby shopping, restaurants and entertainment give residents easy access to everything they need.
• COMING SOON: The Wolf Ranch Lakeside Recreation Center, a new, 31,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility with fitness area, outdoor aquatics and meeting space.
Wolf Ranch balances natural surroundings, modern amenities and community spirit, making it an ideal place to call home in Colorado Springs. Visit wolf-ranch.com to learn more.
Over a five-year period beginning in 2015 and 2019, fire departments across the United States responded to roughly 347,000 home structure fires per year. That data, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association, underscores the significance of home fire protection measures. Smoke detectors are a key component of fire protection, but there is much more homeowners can do to protect themselves, their families, their belongings and their homes from structure fires.
Smoke detectors can only alert residents to a fire if they are working properly. Battery-powered smoke detectors will not work if the batteries die. Routine smoke detector check-ups can ensure the batteries still have juice and that the devices themselves are still functioning properly. Test alarms to make sure the devices are functioning and audible in nearby rooms. Install additional detectors as necessary so alarms and warnings can be heard in every room of the house.
Electricians can inspect a home and identify any issues that could make the home more vulnerable to fires. Ask electricians to look over every part of the house, including attics and crawl spaces. Oft-overlooked areas like attics and crawl spaces pose a potentially significant fire safety threat, as data from the Federal Emergency Management Association indicates that 13% of electrical fires begin in such spaces.
The laundry room is another potential source of home structure fires. NFPA data indicates around 3% of home structure fires begin in laundry rooms each year. Strategies to reduce the risk of laundry room fires include leaving room for laundry to tumble in washers and dryers; routinely cleaning lint screens to avoid the buildup of dust, fiber and lint, which the NFPA notes are often the first items to ignite in fires linked to dryers; and ensuring the outlets washing machines and dryers are plugged into can handle the voltage
such appliances require. It is also a good idea to clean dryer exhaust vents and ducts every year.
Though most home fires begin inside, the NFPA reports that 4% of such fires begin outside the home. Homeowners can reduce the risk of such fires by ensuring all items that utilize fire, including grills and firepits, are always used at least 10 feet away from the home. Never operate a grill beneath eaves, and do not use grills on decks. Never leave children unattended around firepits, as all it takes is a single mistake and a moment for a fire to become unwieldy.
Hair dryers, hair straighteners, scented candles, clothes irons and holiday decorations are some additional home fire safety hazards. Never leave candles burning in empty rooms and make sure beauty and grooming items like dryers, straighteners and irons are unplugged and placed in a safe place to cool down when not in use.
Fire departments respond to hundreds of thousands of home fires each year. Some simple strategies and preventive measures can greatly reduce the risk that a fire will overtake your home.
If you are looking for a cost-effective way to dress up a room, crown molding can be a simple way to add elegance and class with minimal investment.
Crown molding is most commonly applied as a decorative trim where the walls meet the ceiling. It is often painted the same color as the baseboards, door frames and other woodwork, but can be colored to match the ceiling or a different shade to create extra drama.
Though the corner angles may be especially daunting for do-it-yourself types, installing crown molding is a project you can tackle without the assistance of a professional. However, it is a good idea to ask for help along the way, as all the measuring, marking and holding up pieces for nailing can be a bit much for one person.
This step-by-step guide can show you how to create a striking design element in your home:
1. Measure the perimeter of your room, remembering to take into account any insets or bump-outs that add additional inches. Be sure to pad your total when purchasing materials to allow for a mistake (or two).
2. Prime and paint the molding, front and back, and allow it to dry completely.
3. Mark the studs near the ceiling so you can securely attach the molding.
4. Measure from the ceiling down the depth of the molding and mark this point. Using a level, establish a baseline for the length of each wall.
5. Use a miter saw or coping saw to trim angles for corner pieces. Remember the molding as it lays on the saw table is the inverse of its fit to the wall, so you may want to make a few practice cuts to be sure you are trimming angles properly. A good rule of thumb: For outside corners, the top edge is
longer; for inside corners, the longer edge is on the bottom.
6. Attach molding using a nail gun, making sure to hit as many studs as possible for secure attachment.
7. On the sections that fit in corners, nail the center of the molding first, leaving the corner end loose. Use a wood shim or screwdriver behind the bottom edge of the molding to adjust and eliminate gaps before securing the corners.
8. Where you join two pieces for a long stretch of wall, be sure the seam falls over a stud, so you can nail both ends firmly in place. For the most polished look, fit the ends of these pieces together with complementary 45-degree angles.
9. If your nails are not fully sunk, use a nail set to press them deeper. Use wood putty to cover nail holes.
10. Caulk all seams using a thin stream and use a finger dipped in water to smooth away excess.
11. Touch up paint, especially over putty spots and seams.
Find more tips for upgrading your home at eLivingtoday.com.
Fire departments respond to hundreds of thousands of home fires each year.
Classic Homes has been building a strong reputation as a quality homebuilder and land developer in El Paso County for more than 34 years. The locally owned company, led by Doug Stimple, George Lenz and Jeff Smith, has created dozens of thriving residential neighborhoods and new home communities throughout the region.
As early as 2004, Classic Homes was named “Best Large Company with a Promising Future” by local business voters, a testament to their commitment to excellence. Today, as before, Classic Homes continues to earn customer loyalty and industry recognition on both local and national levels.
This year alone, Classic Homes received several accolades, including “Best Home Builder,” “Best Home Developer” and “Best Production Builder” by readers of The Gazette and the Colorado Springs Business Journal. Additionally, Classic’s Flying Horse Community was voted the “Best New Home Community,” and the company consistently ranks on the prestigious “Builder 100” national list published by Builder Magazine. While awards are appreciated, Classic Homes prioritizes setting realistic expectations and ensuring quality, value and customer satisfaction in every home and community they build. Classic Homes recognizes
that the purchase of a new home often signifies a significant milestone for families and is dedicated to assisting customers throughout the homebuilding experience.
Currently, Classic Homes builds in 11 communities across Colorado Springs and Monument, offering five distinct home collections with square footage ranging from 1,300 square feet to over 6,100 square feet As part of the exceptional homebuilding experience, customers have the opportunity to personalize the interior design of their home with professional guidance from Classic’s in-house team of professional design specialists at the Classic Homes Design Studio. The company has two
new home collections in development, with plans for a third underway. Classic Homes continuously evaluates home designs, included features and new products, many of which result from customer input and internal research and development.
Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading to a larger one or downsizing, Classic Homes is there to support you every step of the way. Visit www.ClassicHomes.com to learn more about Classic Homes’ communities, floorplans and new homes available for quick move-in. Classic’s online New Home Specialists are also available seven days a week at 719-888-3445 to answer questions.
Banning Lewis Ranch offers residents easy access to parks, trails and open spaces woven throughout the community, an outdoor pool and fitness center at the Ranch House, a variety of events — from free summer concerts to a farmers’ market, July 4th fireworks and cookies with Santa — and thoughtful amenities, including a dog park and places for friends to get together. The common denominator of all these perks? The opportunity to connect!
An engaged lifestyle is close at hand, whatever your age. This is because master developer Oakwood Homes, that assumed ownership of Banning Lewis Ranch in 2012, makes the spirit of community a priority! They are committed not only to homes, but to homeowners, too, resulting in Banning Lewis Ranch ranking as the No. 1-selling home community in the Pikes Peak region for the past nine years!
Residents of Banning Lewis Ranch get to know their neighbors, while their children will find plenty
of playmates; the opportunity to establish lifelong friendships are an inherent part of the package!
Opportunities for living in Banning Lewis Ranch are expanding. New models available this year include two new collections from Oakwood: Ascent (floorplans range from 1,264 to 1,587 square feet, with two to four bedrooms and two to two-and-a-half baths), priced from the low $300s; and Coach House (models feature three to four bedrooms and two to two-and-a-half baths from 1,436 to 2,165 square feet), priced from the high $300s. Plus, Richmond American Homes has joined the community, offering ranch and two-story homes starting in the upper $400s.
Be sure to check out The Retreat, the first 55+ active adult community in Colorado Springs, as well as other homes offered by experienced and respected builders such as Covington Homes.
Visit www.banninglewisranch.com to learn more.
Planet Granite, Inc. is Colorado’s number one native countertop fabricator of choice, celebrating 25 years in business.
The largest fabricator in Colorado Springs, Planet Granite is staffed with reliable experts in the industry. This is your one-stop shop, known for its expertise, to select material and have it fabricated and installed based on custom design.
With thousands of on-site natural stone and engineered quartz slabs to choose from at the Planet Granite stone gallery, clients can hand-select materials, ranging from granite to marble, soapstone, dolomite, travertine, quartz and sinks for countertops. Be sure to check out our instock selection of Colorado White Marble! Planet Granite offers free custom measures for estimates and has a full design team available to assist you in achieving your designs in stone. You can count on Planet Granite for all residential, designer, builder and commercial clientele countertop and sink projects.
Stop by 3020 N. Stone Ave. today or visit www.planetgraniterocks.com to select your piece of the rock.
The votes are in, and our thanks goes out to all who helped name Classic Homes 2023’s Best Home Builder (16 years running), Best Production Builder (4 years running), Best Home Developer (7 years running) and Flying Horse as 2023’s Best New Home Development (8 years running).
It’s our pleasure to serve the community, and our honor to be recognized by the friends and neighbors we’ve made along the way.
Monument Junction
Sold From Jackson Creek North
16692 Hallmark Trail, Monument, CO 80132
From the mid $500s | 719-249-8212
Jackson Creek North
16692 Hallmark Trail, Monument, CO 80132
From the mid $500s | 719-301-2470
Forest Lakes
15725 Timber Trek Way, Monument, CO 80132
From the $700s | 719-419-8232
Sanctuary Pointe
16341 Treetop Glory Ct., Monument, CO 80132
From the mid $700s | 719-387-9279
Flying Horse
2409 Parma Ct., 80921
From the upper $600s | 719-722-3865
TimberRidge
9974 Antelope Ravine Dr., 80908
From the upper $500s | 719-888-3682
Sterling Ranch
Sold From Timber Ridge
9974 Antelope Ravine Dr., 80908
From the $500s | 719-888-3682
Wolf Ranch
10070 Thrive Lane, 80924
From the mid $500s | 719-452-8952
Pathways
5897 Spring Breeze Dr., 80923
From the upper $400s | 719-235-5961
Greenways at Sand Creek
Sales Center - 3575 Tutt Blvd., 80922
From the upper $300s | 719-249-8212
Hannah Ridge
7443 Hunter Jumper Dr., 80922
From the $400s | 719-359-4420
Some say, “save the best for last” and this might just be true at Cordera. Our final phase isn’t over — with exclusive homesites remaining — there’s still room to plant your roots in one of Colorado Springs’ most sought-after, premier communities. Many of the current home lots feature exceptional elevations boasting stunning views. They are located close to our latest 8-acre Fe Fi Fo Fum Theme Park, within a short walk to acclaimed D20 schools,
Chinook Trail Elementary and Chinook Trail Middle School.
Meet some of the masterful home builders from the Pikes Peak region including Campbell Homes, Creekstone Homes, Goetzmann Custom Homes, Saddletree Homes and Vantage Homes. Now is the perfect time to build your ideal home when you visit and fall in love with all Cordera has to offer. Say “yes” to Cordera! Visit cordera.com to connect with builders and learn more.
When it is time to furnish your home, look to La-Z-Boy for great-looking, comfortable furniture. The brand’s story of quality construction and craftsmanship began in 1927. Today, you will find a full line of products that meet or exceed industry standards for quality and safety.
La-Z-Boy is where you will find the latest styles and trends in furniture and home accents for every room … whatever your budget or style. Check out sofas, sectionals, chairs, recliners and more; everything has great form and function!
It is fun and easy to create a room that you will love at La-Z-Boy, especially when you schedule a free consultation with a professional interior designer. They can share tips of the trade and assist you with putting your personal stamp on your home. Did you know that a variety of in-store styles are fully customizable?
Visit a local La-Z-Boy Showroom — at 7087 N. Academy Blvd., or 3826 Bloomington St. — in Colorado Springs to learn more.
New homeowners in the Pikes Peak region in search of the perfect window treatments need look no further than locally owned Budget Blinds of Greater Colorado Springs! We specialize in highquality, custom window coverings that will enhance the beauty and functionality of your home.
At Budget Blinds, we understand that your windows are more than just openings to the world — they are a reflection of your personal style and a
vital part of your home’s overall aesthetic. That is why we offer a vast selection of blinds, shades, shutters and draperies to suit every taste and budget. Whether you prefer sleek and modern, timeless and traditional or something in between, we have the perfect window coverings to complement your home’s interior.
Voted “Best of the Springs” by our customers five years running, a commitment to consistent excellence is what sets Budget Blinds apart. Our
team of expert designers will work closely with you to understand your vision and provide personalized recommendations. We bring our showroom directly to your door, allowing you to see our wide range of samples in the comfort of your own home. You can trust that your window treatments will be a perfect fit for your windows.
Our window coverings elevate the style of your home and offer practical benefits, too! Our energy-efficient options
reduce heat transfer, lower energy bills and create a more comfortable living environment. We also offer motorized blinds and smart home integration, allowing you to effortlessly control your window treatments with the touch of a button or a simple voice command.
Experience the Budget Blinds difference and transform your new home today! Contact us at 719-895-4675 to schedule your free in-home consultation.
Those who are looking for a real estate experience that is as delightful as it is effective will find it with 6035 Real Estate Group! It is where you will find a team of real estate professionals with infectious enthusiasm and genuine passion for the buying and selling of real estate. These fun-loving, personable experts are dedicated to making your journey as joyous, exciting, and enjoyable as possible. They stand beside their clients every step of the way, serving as guides, advisors, and trusted friends throughout the process. When you have a 6035 Real Estate Group real estate agent by your side, you can count on one of the most extraordinary sales adventures!
Led by a commitment to client satisfaction and devoted to excellence, the 6035 Real Estate Group team takes the time to truly understand the individual needs
and preferences of its clients. Every insight shared and piece of information provided helps first-time buyers, seasoned investors, and those looking to sell a property make informed decisions. The ultimate goal: making every real estate experience as seamless and stressless as possible.
A lot of elements go into a successful transaction. Besides “the usual,” you will find good times, a lot of laughter, positivity, a few jokes, smiles, steps with spring in them, and even an impromptu dance when working with a 6035 Real Estate Group agent. You know they know the local market; Colorado Springs’ elevation is inherent in the company name!
Feel the difference at 6035 Real Estate Group, a team that genuinely cares. Visit www.6035regroup.com or call 719-661-1242 to learn more.
SPONSORED FEATURE
Everyone loves a good trend. Our buyers search far and wide, every year, for the perfect trends to bring to customers. The “trendiest of them all” award goes to this stunning double chaise that broke AFW’s internet last year, receiving tens of thousands of likes and shares. It was the one to set the scene for the trends to look for at American Furniture Warehouse.
The Luxe Dove Double Chaise is a fantastic option for individuals who love to indulge in movies and TV shows in the comfort of their homes.
The dual cupholders and USB charging ports add convenience, allowing you to enjoy your favorite beverages and keep your devices charged while you unwind.
The generous corduroy cushioning and oversized pillows offer a luxurious lounging experience. This piece of furniture provides functionality and adds an aesthetic appeal to your home theater setup.
Enjoy the new styles, textures and trends that have arrived only at AFW showrooms and AFW.com.
With a community rich in culture, events, and gathering places, Banning Lewis Ranch provides the perfect environment to create deeper relationships and lifelong memories. A place for moments as custom as your home, in a community crafted for you.
A place for life’s moments.
The Village Cooperative develops new housing communities for active adults and is excited to be bringing this home ownership option to Colorado Springs!
A senior cooperative offers home owners the opportunity to live better, have closer ties to their neighbors and families, and enjoy the little luxuries they deserve without maintenance, repair or repair bill hassles. Ownermembers also enjoy a 3% appreciation on their investment for each year they live at the Village Cooperative. Owning and selling is easier and less expensive than a traditional real estate transaction.
“We realized over the years that our current house was too much work and
upkeep. We weren’t finding anything we liked until we heard about the Village Cooperative,” said Judy Robertson, a Village Cooperative member. “We found that living there allows us to live in comfort with neighbors like us who want more social opportunities, less work, and a return on our investment. We already feel more relaxed and secure about our future.”
Senior cooperatives have been around for over 40 years. There are 44 Village Cooperative locations either operating, under construction or planned for construction in the coming year — including 12 locations in Colorado. The Colorado Springs location will include
• Air Conditioning
• Heating Services
• Water Heaters
• Duct Cleaning
• Humidifiers.
just 55 homes in one-, two- or twobedroom-with-den designs. Members may choose from 17 styles based on a priority number given at reservation. Homes range in size from approximately 900 square feet to over 1,600 square
feet of one-level living space within a safe, secure three-story building.
Visit www.VillageCooperative.com to register for an informational seminar, schedule an appointment or learn more. You may also call 719-425-8090.
SPONSORED FEATURE
Innovation-focused Oakwood Homes builds on customer experience and affordability. The company has been pioneering new standards for attainable homeownership since 1991, through purposeful and efficient design, and use of local materials, manufacturers and resources.
The homebuying experience with Oakwood Homes is engaging and straightforward. The company’s mission is simple: to create homes that are accessible and personable at every budget — for homebuyers in every stage of life.
Oakwood Homes recently released a new collection of homes called the Coach House Collection. Starting in the high $300s, the collection features six different floorplans. Homebuyers can find layouts between 1,436 and 2,165 finished square feet, with three and four bedrooms and two to twoand-a-half bathrooms … and see them in real time, thanks to the rollout of virtual reality headsets.
Come out and explore the amazing features with virtual reality and all the amenities Banning Lewis Ranch has to offer.
