Homeowners Start a New Chapter at Big Sky in Menifee

MENIFEE, CA--(Marketwired - December 21, 2015) - Newly widowed Donna Reid and her son Travis swapped isolation among the avocado groves for the warm embrace of community at Big Sky in Menifee.

Shortly after her husband passed away, Donna knew her large Temecula home and seven-acre property among orange and avocado groves would be too much to maintain.

Love at First Sight

Donna and Travis had high expectations for their new home. Donna's husband was a homebuilder and the family was used to living in custom built homes. They were also yearning for a feeling of safety and security.

The search for home began in Temecula but the mother and son realized that in the area where they had lived for so long, they didn't feel the sense of community they now desired. Donna still felt the Temecula hills area was too remote.

While out with a friend, Donna discovered Big Sky in Menifee. She loved the community but wanted to be sure she explored all possibilities before making her decision.

"Looking at so many homes, you tend to forget what you've seen," says Donna.

The rest of the home search was a blur. She visited another new home community in Temecula and loved the floor plan she toured, but didn't catch that intangible sense that she was home. It was then that Donna was reminded of the Big Sky community.

Donna knew she was home when she returned to Big Sky. Harps played in her head, signifying that her dream of finding her new community, her safe haven, had come true.

Donna and her son purchased the Residence 1 home on Stagecoach.

A Revitalizing Floor Plan and Storage Galore

Today, the duo enjoys their "T" shaped floor plan with bedrooms on one wing and the great room in the center of the home. This configuration allows the family to feel connected in the shared spaces but allows them a quiet retreat when alone time is needed.

The family loves the oversized kitchen island, which has become a gathering place. The island makes prep, serving, and dining easy and Donna and Travis tend to eat most meals there.

Because these homeowners were condensing their belongings into a smaller footprint, it was critical to have smart storage solutions in their new home. One of their favorite spaces is the ample laundry room, which allows them to stow their cats Tygrr and Gershwin's belongings out of site.

The family stays organized with roll out drawers in the kitchen that make locating the right tool for the job a snap. They keep food items orderly, out of the way, and in plain sight with their spacious and open pantry.

Another favorite spot in the house is Donna's office area that is located directly off the kitchen. It's not only the perfect place for Donna's work but also her treasured collection of family photos. A chevron patterned chair gives the space a burst of personality.

Customized Décor

Working with Susan in the Big Sky design center made the decorating process enjoyable for the mother-son team who, with a homebuilder in the family, have high standards for home.

"Susan was a pleasure to work with," said Donna. "She is very experienced, patient and responsive." 

The family worked with Brookfield's design center to install window treatments in the clerestory level windows that pour sunlight into the family room, thus protecting the furniture from fading. Donna and Travis learned quickly all of the benefits of using Brookfield's design center contractors who know the ins and outs of the home.

Pie in the Sky is a Reality at Big Sky

The community allows the homeowners to feel connected to neighbors without giving up the majesty of the outdoors. The community feels close to nature, with houses sprinkled among trees and massive rock formations. Homes are surrounded by mountain vistas. Miles of meandering trails and paseos allow residents to enjoy their natural surroundings. The community's well-maintained parks and sports facilities give residents the feeling of living among sprawling acres.

Though moving from an expansive and remote property to a community with friendly neighbors just yards away is a significant adjustment, Donna and Travis are settling in well. New memories built at the home will be tempered with the absence of Dad, but Donna and Travis look optimistically toward their future.

About Brookfield Residential

Brookfield Residential San Diego/Riverside is a premier lifestyle provider comprised of a dedicated, knowledgeable team of professionals with the passion and experience to craft exceptional new homes, neighborhoods and communities. From the goals of first time buyers to the prestige of luxury homes, we are proud to offer opportunities that embrace a diversity of aspirations. Respected as an award-winning innovator, we are recognized for delivering consistent quality, design details and an outstanding customer experience. Please visit www.BrookfieldSoCal.com for more information.

Brookfield Residential is a leading North American land developer and homebuilder. We entitle and develop land to create master-planned communities and build and sell lots to third-party builders, as well as to our own homebuilding division. We also participate in select, strategic real estate opportunities, including infill projects, mixed-use developments, and joint ventures. For more information, please visit BrookfieldResidential.com or contact:

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