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We brought in guest judge Jim Gunther to help us put together a short list of the best water features at Pradera. We have included 7 yards with water features to start the contest but we can’t see every yard in the community so we may have missed some. If you’d like to add your water feature, just send a photo and description to: jkloenne@praderacustomhomes.com
To vote for your favorite water feature, click here to visit our Facebook fan page.

“Tuscan Hillside Falls”
4671 Sonado Place
This water feature includes a beautiful double stream. The colorful trees and bushes and mix of horizontal and vertical boulders add to the overall appeal of this feature. The stream begins gentle and quiet and ends with a large waterfall, creating a very natural feel. The landscaping takes advantage of the sloped front yard. Congratulations on an inspired front yard.

“Boulder White Water”
5279 Moonlight Way
This water feature boasts three forks, a waterfall, large natural boulders, a variety of different stones for decoration and a sitting area to take in the view. This is an example of an environmentally-friendly feature as it uses the large sloped front yard and bark versus sod. Overall, it’s an outstanding way to accent a signature homesite at Pradera.

“Jagged Rock Fountain”
5350 Moonlight Way
This steeply sloped homesite required an extremely creative use of landscape design. The configuration and irregularity of the rocks alone is visually beautiful. Overall, it gives the feel of an overflowing dammed stream. The feature can be seen as guests approach the home.

“Aspen Hiking Grotto”
5097 Raintree Drive
A calming, spa-like feel characterizes this water feature. The inspiration for this feature is drawn from a cave with an underground waterfall. The aspen and pine trees are a great focal point and the multiple ponds are an added bonus. This is a terrific setting for a beautiful home.

“High Meadow Creek”
5127 Carefree Trail
The use natural plantings and varying speeds of water were the inspiration for this water feature. The different water speeds give a tranquil sound quality. At the top, the stream is over 10 feet wide and the use of double-sloped rocks at the bottom is very unique. There is also a sitting area allowing you to see the different elements of this feature.

“Serene Stone Pond”
4976 Carefree Trail
This is a great use of a flat front yard! The sheer size of the main pool in this feature is awesome and the light-colored stones provide a peaceful appearance. Ripples on the pond are created by water bugs swimming. The curved bridge is very nice and minimal plantings were used so as not to distract from the water.

“Four-Angled Brook”
5260 Carefree Trail
Although it’s a fairly straight shot of water, the four angles used to create this brook really make it interesting. There are a variety of plantings and different types of stone. The sound of water at the bottom is natural, and the solid rock bridge adds a lot. The sitting area provides a view of the feature. The scale is perfect for the yard and home, and overall this is a water feature that offers a lot for the family and its guests.

Descriptions and commentary were provided by Jim Gunther, an architectural designer that has drawn custom floor plan renderings for Pradera since the community began. Jim has been in the new home industry for over 25 years and has designed many homes and won many awards. He had a great time with this project and is impressed by the landscaping as well as the architecture and overall beauty of our community!

The Pradera landscape improvement project, which will include an overhaul of the landscaping along Pradera Parkway and Bayou Gulch Road, the community’s two main streets, has begun. The plan includes planting more canopy, ornamental and evergreen trees to line the streets. There will also be additional shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials planted to compliment the trees and add to the natural beauty of the community. The community developer, Celebrity Communities, also recently planted 45 trees around the golf course maintenance building.

Douglas County is south of the Denver Metropolitan Area and north of Colorado Springs, Colorado’s two largest cities. A large percentage of Douglas County’s workforce commutes to these cities, and especially to the Denver Technological Center located just south of Denver. Some of Douglas County’s largest cities include Castle Rock, the county seat, Parker, Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree.

Even with its current population growth, 70% of Douglas County will be reserved for agriculture and ranching, parks and open space. The County has 146,000 acres of Pike National Forest, Roxborough and Castlewood Canyon state parks and numerous county, municipal and local parks, trails and other open space areas.

1. Jack, what do you do at the club and how did you get in the golf industry?
Jack: I am the Outdoor Guest Services Supervisor and this is my 2nd season at Pradera. I am a semi-retired real estate agent that always wanted to work on a golf course. I moved to Maui, Hawaii and worked there on the King Kamehameha golf course. I am a Colorado native and my wife and I moved back home for family reasons.

2. What do you like about working at Pradera?
Jack: The membership is great. All of the people are relaxed and pleasant to work with. They come from all walks of life. And that makes it very easy for us to give great service. It really is all about the member here.

3. What do you think makes Pradera unique?
Jack: Well, besides the classic rock music on the driving range, I think the setting and the golf course are fantastic. The clubhouse is great, and overall it is just a real beautiful place!

4. What is your handicap and what do you like best about the golf course?
Jack: I am a 10 and my best round at Pradera is an 82, right at my handicap. I enjoy that you can play the course so many different ways, especially with the flex tees and I love the tee shot off of #16.

5. Do you have a favorite meal at Pradera?
Jack: Easy question, definitely the breakfast burrito! But Chef Aaron and his staff never make a bad meal.

Douglas County has solidified itself as one of Colorado’s fastest growing counties and as one of the state’s most desirable places to live. It is 814 square miles and the population is approximately 225,000. It is consistently ranked one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, and in fact, according to the 2000 U.S. Census, Douglas Counties 191% population increase between 1990 and 2000 made it the nation’s fastest-growing county for the decade.

The county has much natural beauty with its mountain, foothill and plains topography. The elevation ranges from 5,400 to 9,839 feet above sea level. All of the Front Range is known for its mild climate, yet it and Douglas County can have rapid changes in weather including heavy thunderstorms and snowstorms. The annual rainfall is 13 inches per year and the average snowfall is 38 inches.

For more Douglas County information visit www.douglas.co.us.

On Monday, June 7, eighty local real estate agents came out to participate in the Pradera Realtor Golf Tournament (an invitation only event). The weather was great and the course was in perfect condition. Everybody enjoyed good golf, good food and drink, and the team from Re/Max won the tournament. Thanks to the local real estate community for being great partners in Pradera’s success. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event. Here are some of the comments we received: “Wow, first class hospitality!” “I really enjoyed Pradera.” “The Club at Pradera course is absolutely beautiful!” See some photos of the event below:

While no specific architectural style is required to be constructed in the custom homes at Pradera, architecture that reflects the traditional styles associated with rural Colorado is encouraged by the Pradera HOA’s Design Review Committee. Each of these architectural styles is compatible and in harmony with the natural setting of the community. They also encourage diversity from one another to enhance the atmosphere of a luxury home golf course community. The Prairie style is the signature of the community and has been adopted for the golf clubhouse and community center. Architectural styles not reflective of rural Colorado, such as Spanish, Mediterranean, Territorial, Santa Fe, Cape Cod, Victorian or Plantation, are not permitted in Pradera.

Prairie – A distinctly American architectural style, created and promoted by Frank Lloyd Wright, Prairie style blends horizontal planes and organic character. Low-pitched, hip roofs with wide and pronounced overhangs, horizontal lines of glass and low center of gravity massing are features associated with the Prairie style. Window muntins incorporate the grid pattern prevalent in character of the style while brick and stone are used effectively to finish the Prairie pallet.

Craftsman – The Craftsman style brings together aspects of several traditional American home exteriors. For Pradera, encouraged styles are those that demonstrate a rustic, high plains character. The homes should combine low-slung massing and a front porch, and create charm through the use of materials, decorative features, and window shapes. Gable roofs with outrigger detailing and dormers, distinctive porch columns, which are frequently tapered with a base of battered stone, and crafted porch railings are also associated with the Craftsman style.

Colorado Rustic – The Colorado Rustic architectural style continues to be a very popular choice by both builders and homeowners throughout the Front Range in Colorado. Low-pitched roofs with extensive overhangs, primarily composed of multi-level hip or gable roof elements create a solid, substantial architectural form. Covered, arched entries, often including companion-arched windows, are typical with this style although more linear covered entries are also extensively utilized. Masonry veneer composed of brick, stucco and stone with porch supports complementing the front façade and composed of masonry or masonry with columns adds to the character typical of the Colorado Rustic architectural style.

European Hillside – The European Hillside style reflects the charm and timeless nature of many hilltown villages in Europe. The style should be informal and additive in their compositions, to form a “built over time” appearance. Massing should be in rectangular volumes with varied heights, tower elements and wing additions. Gable roofs with flat or barrel tile should be the dominant roof form. A mixture of exposed rafter tail size for roof overhangs are integral to the style. The use of courtyards, loggias, towers, low walls and entry gates create an entry sequence and are encouraged. The existing sloped sites in the very natural setting of Pradera lends to the building forms of hilltown architecture.

1. How long have you been at Pradera and why did you want to work here?
I am happy to say I have been here from the start, over 6 years now – I have seen a lot of history! I wanted to work here because, as someone from this area, I knew Pradera was going to be something special. I really wanted to be a part of it and work with the people involved, including the golf course designer, Jim Engh.

2. What do you like best about Pradera?
Definitely the members, they have created a very casual and fun clubhouse environment. Our clubhouse and course have won many awards, including the course being rated the 11th best course in Colorado by Golf Digest, but don’t forget our Longs Peak Grill was just recently awarded best bar by Avid Golfer!

3. With over 300 golf members and 200 social or sports members, why has Pradera been so successful?
Again, I think the clubhouse and course are excellent. And our reputation has grown over the years, too. I just think people like the fun that we offer, including the great family activities and programs.

4. What do you like best about the golf course?
I love the rolling hills and the dramatic elevation changes – you just can’t beat blasting off of the 16th tee with a 250-foot elevation drop!

5. You mentioned the club has many activities for all members of the family, what do you think is the best event at the club?
Well, there are always events going on, but I would have to say the Celtic, which is our premier golf event. It is a member/guest event and 120 guys get to have 4 days of competitive golf and skills challenges, great food and drink, and they get the run of the place.

6. What is your best round at Pradera?
78 from the Ram tees and that’s not bad for someone who is always working at the course but doesn’t always get to play the course.

7. And finally, what is your favorite sports team?
As native of Iowa, I would definitely say the Iowa college football team – go Hawks! (Greg is also too humble to mention that he was a walk-on defensive lineman for the team.)

For additional information about Club at Pradera membership, please contact Greg White at (303) 607-5672 or gwhite@brightstargolf.com

1. How long have you been a builder and how many homes have you built at Pradera?
I have been building since I was six years old – forts, models, boats, etc. Peach Homes has been in existence for over 10 years and I have built nine homes at Pradera. I have been at Pradera since the community began.

2. How did you get your business name?
I was walking a customer around one of my finished homes and after I said, “isn’t this a great home”, the customer said, “no this is a peach of a home”. I know that’s corny, but the name stuck!

3. What do you like best about building custom homes at Pradera?
I love the whole concept of the neighborhood – especially the amenities like the club, restaurant, pools, trails, and I like that the homeowners are so active. I try to build my homes reflecting this active Colorado lifestyle. I try to have the homes be a part of the neighborhood. I also enjoy the people – I have made a lot of friends since I have been here. And I like the overall quality of the custom homes at Pradera.

4. What makes a great custom home?
You have to start with vision, and not just with the big picture or with the home’s overall design, but also with the small details. I like this part of the job – the creative part of it. I think you have to have a lot of attention-to-detail. You have to complete every stage of the home 110% before you move on to the next.

5. How does Peach Homes help customers?
I always try to build their vision and not mine. And I really try to bring the client’s vision out of them. Most of all, through the process, I am just really trying to surpass the customer’s expectations!

6. What are some signature features of a Peach Home?
There are a lot of them: sunken family rooms in the lower level, 3 dimensional features with height and volume (not just flat ceilings or walls), high-end Pella-brand wood windows and doors, a lot of natural woods and stones inside and out, hand-built timber deck stairs, insulated walls throughout the interior of the home, high-end appliances (including refrigerators), plenty of lighting and a quality carpet. Also, as I said earlier, we pay a lot of attention to the details. Finally, I hear a lot from customers that my homes feel very warm, like a home should – and that’s our goal!

7. What do you like do to for fun?
I like all water sports. I have a boat and I love to water-ski. I also like to travel and sit on the beach and snorkel.

An interview with Matt Neill and Dave Misuraca:

1. What is your background and how did you come to Pradera?
Matt: I was an assistant at The Sanctuary, and with Jim Engh designing both courses I knew a lot of people and had played at Pradera many times. The Sanctuary is such a unique course with just 2 members and I was looking for more of a traditional country club. I am a graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and have a degree in Professional Golf Management. I’m from Nebraska and yes I am a Big Red fan!
Dave: I had been working at Ptarmigan, a private Jack Nicklaus club in Ft. Collins and had a contact that knew the chef at Pradera. When an opening came up, I sent my resume. I think we both just wanted to work for one of the best up and coming private courses in Denver. I graduated from Colorado State and am originally from St. Louis.

2. What do you like best about working at Pradera?
Matt and Dave: The people! It’s such a unique membership – fun, young and a lot of families. It’s full of energy here, laid back and everyone treats us great.

3. How do you like working on a Jim Engh course and what is your favorite hole?
Matt: It’s great. Every hole is so unique, and the first time you play hole #16, (which was just awarded the Silver Medal for Most Memorable Hole in the 2010 AvidGolfer magazine’s 8th Annual Best of Colorado Golf) all you can say is “wow”! My favorite hole is #7 (which is a downhill risk/reward par 5 with split fairways) and I definitely play the risk side.
Dave: And he definitely shoots a 4 or an 8 on that hole! My favorite hole is #11, which is a long par 4 with a difficult 2nd shot with water on the right side. It’s the #1 handicap and I am always happy with a par. I like that each hole plays differently depending on your lie and the pin placement. The undulations of the greens and chipping areas are awesome here.

4. What is your favorite event at the club?
Dave: The Niblick, which is a member tournament played with hickory wood-shafted clubs and many members play in knickers and ties, it’s a step back in time.
Matt: The Celtic, which is the biggest member/guest event of the year. It’s a lot of fun and with all of the side events and shootouts there is just so much going on.

5. You knew we had to ask, what is your best round and who is the best golfer?
Dave: My best round is a 69, and I’ll admit Matt got the best of me this year.
Matt: But Dave is the best putter, and a 66 from the black tees.
Dave: And we are even at trash talking!
Matt: Yeah, no one else likes to play with us!

6. We can vouch for the both of you that you put in a lot of hours – what do you like to do in any spare time?
Matt: Well I just got married and Dave is engaged, so we spend a lot of time with our ladies.
Dave: I like to get away and listen to music.
Matt: And I like to watch sports, even golf!

You can contact Matt at mneill@brightstargolf.com and Dave at dmisuraca@brightstargolf.com