(Lewes, Del.) Everyone is familiar with the real estate mantra “location, location, location.” While good public schools, safe neighborhoods, and proximity to recreational pursuits always are sought-after by potential homebuyers, affordable property taxes also play a significant role in today’s home-buying decisions. At Vineyards in Lewes, Del., homeowners enjoy the best of all worlds: beautiful new homes; an amenity-rich locale; and the advantage of Delaware’s significant tax benefits, among the lowest median property tax rates in the United States.

Developed by Fernmoor Homes, the mixed-use Vineyards community encompasses spacious single-family homes, condominiums, and rental apartments; 35,000 square feet of commercial space; and a recreation-centric lifestyle with a full complement of resort-style amenities.  Exquisite carriage homes and additional commercial pad sites are planned for future development.

Sales currently are under way for the single-family homes at Monterey West at Vineyards and the condominiums at Mendocino West at Vineyards.

Monterey West’s single-family homes feature three bedrooms, two- to three-and-one-half bathrooms, first-floor owner’s suites, two-car garages and between 1,600 to 2,410 square feet of well-designed living space. Buyers can choose from four different home designs, including the Braxton, the Middleton, the Livingston and the Wolcott. Single-family homes currently are preview priced starting at $309,900.

“The Middleton features 1,970 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a study, a full basement and a two-car garage,” said Vineyards’ Sales Representative Guy Waites.  “This home also boasts a beautiful Craftsman-style exterior with generous porch, which buyers have the option of extending to a wraparound porch. The Middleton personifies single-floor living at its finest.”

Condominiums at Mendocino West are situated in a four-story building and feature two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms, balconies, owner’s suites with private baths and between 1,117 and 1,587 square feet of well-designed living space. Condominium homes are preview priced starting at $205,900 and provide the many of the same luxury details as Vineyards’ single-family homes.

Both single-family homes and condominiums offer buyers a host of standard interior and exterior features.  Among these are professional landscaping, maintenance-free vinyl siding with stone accents, Energy Star Certified High-Performance Low-E Argon filled windows, 30-year architectural shingles, and composite decking front porches.

Kitchens feature maple cabinetry, granite countertops with four-inch backsplash, stainless-steel undermount sinks, polished chrome faucets, Energy Star Certified appliances and garbage disposals. Bathrooms include polished chrome faucets, tile-surround showers with seat and opaque glass door in the owner’s bath, Fiberglas tub/shower combination in secondary bathrooms, cultured marble countertops, and white porcelain pedestal sinks in the power room.

Residents of the Vineyards will enjoy an array of on-site amenities just steps from their new home, including a clubhouse with billiards, a fully equipped fitness center, a sparkling outdoor pool, an outdoor  terrace with lounge furniture, barbecues and a firepit, perfect for socializing with family and friends; a winding nature trail; a dog park; and bocce and horseshoe courts.  At the center of the Vineyards is 12-acre Harmony Lake with a planned small beach and volleyball court, and coming soon, a fishing pier and kayak/pedal boat launch. A second clubhouse and pool are planned at the community.

Situated on Route 9, Vineyards is just minutes from Coastal Highway (Route 1), for easy access to Rehoboth Beach and its famous boardwalk, Lewes Beach, and Dewey and Bethany beaches. Other nearby attractions include the Nassau Valley Winery, Dogfish Head Brewery, Cape Henlopen State Park and Lewes Canal Park.  Golf courses, recreational pursuits, several grocery and big box retail stores, Tanger Outlets and opportunities for fishing all are nearby. Lewes is a walking town, situated where the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet. Within one-half square mile, you will find the historic district; museums; inns, and bed and breakfasts; fine restaurants; and a variety of shops.

“Favorable interest rates make the current real estate climate ideal for those looking to buy or sell a home, and current low inventory means greater demand for the  housing inventory that is available which is a boon for sellers,” noted Carol Smith-Gephart, Fernmoor Homes’ director of sales and marketing.  “With Delaware’s low real estate taxes and no state sales tax, there is no better time to explore all that the Vineyards — and this pension- and retirement-friendly location — has to offer.”

For more information on the Vineyards, contact Waites at (302) 703-5570 or via email at gwaites@fernmoorhomes.com. The sales office is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment (closed Friday and Saturday).

Lori Crowell