The Woods Founders Club Is Going Strong

The Woods at Newtown, a 55-plus lifestyle community, recently opened its information and design center at 176 Mt Pleasant Road. Throughout the month of September, the center is offering visitors a preview of plans and designs for the community’s clubhouse, as well as condominiums and townhomes.

“After just three weeks of being open, we had more than 25 deposits as part of our Founders Club for The Woods at Newtown’s first release, which includes 29 condominiums and six townhomes,” said Diane Gagliano, director of sales. “Response has been tremendous, and activity has been nonstop. This program provides them with an opportunity to reserve a home early at preview prices.”

According to Ms Gagliano, the majority of founders are from towns throughout Fairfield County, with two depositors from Westchester County, N.Y., and Florida, respectively. The median age is in the low 60s.

This month, the finishing touches at the information and design center are being completed and the designer condominium model, adjacent to the information center, is being installed.

“The two-bedroom model features a spacious floor plan with a great room, full luxury kitchen, elegant owner’s bath, dressing closets, hardwood flooring, vaulted ceilings, and bright open space,” Ms Gagliano said. A private patio overlooks The Woods’ picturesque surroundings — 80 percent of which will remain in its natural state.

“The active-adult market is booming in contrast to the nation’s overall housing slump,” said Barbara Kleger of 55+ Consulting, who conducted extensive consumer research on behalf of The Woods at Newtown. “Most leading-edge baby boomers purchased their homes 30-plus years ago, and have witnessed several fluctuating markets over the past three decades. They know the current market is more realistic, and they can gain appreciation value by selling their current larger home to purchase a new home at competitive market rates.”

At the same time, she explained that the 55-plus market is looking to “right-size” their residence — a trend among this group for single-level living. Ms Kleger said today’s active adults want maintenance-free living, near family and friends, where they can pursue hobbies, personal interests, or travel.

The Woods at Newtown will feature 178 private residences, including 132 clubhouse condominiums, with indoor parking and private storage rooms, and 46 townhomes with first-floor master suites, private elevators, and two-car garages. Homeowners also will have access to an 8,000-square-foot clubhouse, connected to the condominiums through enclosed walkways. Outdoor amenities will include a bocce court, golf putting green, picnic area and gazebo, as well as the Central Park Commons. Site work is expected to begin in October with the first release slated for occupancy in late 2008.

For more information or to preview The Woods at Newtown, stop by the information center; call toll-free, 877-WOODS-55 (877-966-3755), or visit www.TheWoodsAtNewtown.com.