Developer unveils gated community for adults

Call it a seniors' resort, an active adult community, a gated getaway for ages 55 and above. The descriptions all apply to some degree to The Pines at Gahagan, a 109-home neighborhood south of the Berlin G. Myers Parkway in Summerville.

The Pines will have a $1 million resort-style clubhouse and amenity center. The village is geared toward active adults ages 55 and up. And the community has a security gate at its entrance near Gahagan and Garbon roads.

Summerville Homes, one of the largest residential real estate companies in the Charleston area, is the developer and builder. Construction began in the past month. Total sales for the community are expected to be $30 million to $35 million, said Cheryl B. Smithen, spokeswoman for Summerville Homes.

"In our planning phase, we've researched the active adult needs and viewed communities around the country, so our Pines at Gahagan homes incorporate the open floor plan that active adults seek as well as extra space for visiting family," said Bill Marx, president of Summerville Homes.

Homes will have features that are often extras in other builders' homes, such as Corian countertops, 42-inch cabinets and smooth ceilings, Marx said. "A plus for buyers is the small size of the community. We look for quick build-out of the community to keep construction disturbance to a minimum," he said.

The neighborhood will have brick homes with a range of house styles. Home sizes range from 1,800 to 2,755 square feet, and prices start in the mid-$200,000s. Features include grade-level entry, hardwood floors in main living spaces, ceramic floors in kitchens and baths and satin-nickel lever door handles. Plans come with optional loft space that can be used as extra bedrooms and bathrooms, media rooms or home office space. Screened porches are standard, with sunrooms an option.

The amenity center will have a fitness center, locker rooms, pub, game and billiards room, hair- styling salon, outdoor pool, lap pool, library, business center and a gathering room, the company said.

"Our homes will allow maximum personalization so homeowners get the home that is right for them," Marx said.

Summerville Homes builds in Charleston, North Charleston, Ladson, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, Aiken and Myrtle Beach. For more information, visit to www.summervillehomes.org or call 873-2649.

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com.

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