Faith Alce and her husband, Holls, have only a 3-year-old son, but they’re thinking ahead. And they see more kids and the need for more space in their future. So even though they’re a small family now, the couple opted for a 5-bedroom, 4-bath house in Somerset, a development of new traditional homes in Dallas, Paulding County.
“We weren’t really looking for something that big,” admits Alce. “We were looking with a budget in mind and didn’t want to spend more than $200,000. When we found this home and it was below our budget, we thought it was perfect.”
The Alce’s search lasted more than a year before they discovered Somerset, a community of 152 homes priced from $190,000 to the mid-$250,000s. The first house they liked went under contract, so they decided to build from the ground up. After picking their personal colors and fixtures, and adding a covered patio to the rear of the house, the couple moved in during the summer.
“The value is so good compared to what we saw in the Kennesaw or Marietta area,” said Alce. “And we got more space, even in the backyard. I love the whole place, but the master bedroom is the best part of the house for me. It’s a huge space with a sitting area and two huge closets so we can each have our own. I also like that there’s a lot of space in the kitchen.”
With square footage as high as 3,244, Somerset’s floor plans accommodate a range of layouts designed to give homeowners room to spread out. Some features include two-car garages, two-story foyers, rounded walls of windows, formal dining rooms with tray ceilings, second-floor laundries and masters with tray ceilings, walk-in closets, sitting areas and garden tubs in the bath. Kitchens have eating areas and island breakfast bars, and are equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and tile backsplashes. Exteriors are a blend of brick and shake. The neighborhood also boasts a swimming pool, playground, a pavilion for social gatherings and sidewalks.
The Alces were also drawn to the location for the schools. “When our son turns four next year, there will be some good pre-K programs in the area we can consider,” said Alce.
Somerset’s value, space and amenities outweighed the commute Alce makes to her job as a nurse at Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead.
“I always said I wouldn’t buy a house near where I work because I can always change jobs,” said Alce. My husband also transferred to a closer location, so it’s convenient for him. That wasn’t a big issue compared to what got. The house and the family-oriented neighborhood are perfect. We’re very happy.”
Somerset
Location: Highway 381, Dallas, Paulding County
Price range: from the $190,000s to $253,000
Number of homes when completed: 152
Styles: two-story traditional
Square footage: 2,300 to 3,244
Lot sizes: 1/3 acre
Amenities: swimming pool, pavilion, playground sidewalks
Schools: Russom Elementary, Moses Middle, East Paulding High
Getting there: From downtown, take I-75 north to Barrett Parkway and turn left; right on Cobb Parkway; left on Dallas-Acworth Hwy. 92; Somerset is on the right.
Contacts: Agent Donica Childs, 404-729-4824
Information: 404-729-4824, tamrawadeandpartners.com.
