Long-branded with a trademark of excellence, Phillippe Builders Inc. proves that this distinction is well-earned with the grand opening of another neighborhood in the Gates of St. John. Magnolia Gate offers new home buyers a showcase of seven model homes, all in the cottage style.

These one- and two-story cottage homes range in living space from 1,600 to 3,000 square feet. All blend the charm of traditional appeal with the freshness of modern architecture, according to Rachael Phillippe, sales and marketing manager of the Steger, Ill.-based company.

"Magnolia Gate is where country befriends contemporary with an unmatched panache that only Phillippe Builders can achieve," she said. "With classic porches and dramatic exterior lines, the spectrum of Magnolia Gates' cottage-style homes is as right for families as it is for empty nesters and singles of all ages and interests. The list of models is inviting to all."

With pre-construction pricing that begins at $194,900 for a limited time, the models at Magnolia Gate include ranch and two-story floor plans, ranging from combinations of two bedrooms with two baths to four bedrooms with 2.5 baths.

All models have two-car garages, generous master suites with walk-in closets, and exceptional kitchens and dining areas. Phillippe Builders demonstrates its superior craftsmanship, personalized attention to detail, and outstanding customization skills throughout each of the Magnolia Gates' homes.

Standard exterior features include a combination of cultured stone, decorative vinyl and attractive landscaping. Inside, homeowners enjoy central air conditioning, ceramic entryways, natural wood trim, designer lighting fixtures, and Mohawk® carpet.

From first-family homes to breath-taking estates and maintenance-free town homes, each neighborhood of the Gates of St. John is designed to meet the evolving phases of a family's life. Whether it's fishing in the pond, playing soccer on one of four planned fields or strolling leisurely after dinner along the meandering walking trail, the Gates of St. John keeps pace with a family's growth and change.

With 12 decorative gates to distinguish each of its unique neighborhoods, this one-of-a-kind, inclusive community development has been in the works for years. The vision of master planner Phillippe Builders, the Gates of St. John features an inviting central boulevard, plenty of natural green space, tree-lined streets and a variety of well-equipped community recreation areas.

The development is also home to the newly opened Crown Point Christian School, which offers a respected curriculum for 600 kindergarten through eighth grade students, and Rest Haven Christian Services' Park Place Christian Community, which offers independent luxury condominium ownership and future assisted living on a 13-acre campus that will include a well-appointed community center. Plans for a future commercial complex will bring desirable professional services and related establishments to the community.

Nearby medical centers, malls, the Lake Central and Hanover school systems (elementary grades through high school), a water park, sports facilities, and nature centers are within comfortable driving distance from the community. Easy access to interstates 65, 80, 94, 90, and Ill. 394 make commuting or traveling for fun to Chicago, Gary, Hammond, and Merrillville convenient and hassle-free.

In addition to Magnolia Gate, Phillippe, with its subsidiary Dutch Mill Builders, has three additional neighborhoods under construction in the Gates of St. John.

Located in the heart of the community, Autumn Gate is the first neighborhood to welcome new home owners. With just a few select lots left in the first phase of development, plans call for a total of 206 homes, ranging between 1,600 and 2,400 square feet, starting in the mid $200,000 range. The Autumn Gate model homes serve as Phillippe's sales and selection centers in the Gates of St. John.

Tucked away just inside the main gate beyond the boulevard, Sterling Gate offers buyers the largest lots in The Gates of St. John, many of which include premium lake and English basement locations. As a result, the lavish plans by Dutch Mill Builders range from 3,000 square feet and up. Pricing currently begins around $870,000.

Nestled between Autumn Gate and Sterling Gate, Wysteria Gate is an exclusive enclave that backs up to the area designated for the soccer fields and is partially surrounded by water features. It offers a variety of executive-style single-family homes, with designs being built by Phillippe, Doorn Builders and Sierra Homes.

According to Rachael Phillippe, the 40-year-old company is associated with the finest engineers, architects and trade professionals in the building industry and is recognized for its consistent adherence to stellar construction.

Recently, Phillippe Builders initiated a new program in the Gates of St. John for builders to maintain a steadfast focus on preservation of the environment. Using recycling containers, they participate in a volunteer initiative is aimed at encouraging "green" efficiency and at reducing dependence on landfills.

BREAKOUT

For more information about the new cottage homes at Magnolia Gate, Phillippe Builders and The Gates of St. John, call the sales center at (219) 558-8900 or log on to www.phillippebuilders.com. To visit the Phillippe builders' models and sales center, which are open daily (except Wednesday) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., take I-94 to I-65 south and exit on U.S. 231 west, which will take you to the Gates of St. John entrance at Park Place. Models are located on Adler Cove off of Park Place. Deposits for Magnolia Gate are being accepted at the Autumn Gate sales center.