While interior living spaces are geared for convenient practicality and modern tastes at Shenandoah in Moorpark Highlands, exterior styling recalls what architectural historians refer to as California’s Golden Era of residential design, says Hans Anderle, lead designer for this striking Pardee Homes neighborhood. Associate vice president with the internationally renowned firm of Bassenian/Lagoni Architects, Anderle believes this melding of old and new serves scenic Moorpark Highlands and modern homebuyers very well.

“Our state’s long history of cultural diversity inspired a particular richness and breadth in the early 20th Century, when a cluster of exceptional architects contributed exceptionally fine residential designs to our cities and coastal communities,” said Anderle. “Pardee Homes wanted new homes that would tie very strongly to these design roots, and we worked together to honor that heritage at Shenandoah.”

Shenandoah’s three designs offer approximately 3,112 to 3,916 square feet, for one- and two-story homes of four to five bedrooms and two and one-half to four and one-half baths. The homes feature dens or bonus rooms and two-bay to two-bay plus swing garages, depending on plan selection.

Each fully decorated model home at Shenandoah presents a distinctive architectural style. With each, buyers may also select equally distinctive alternates, depending on the homesite they have chosen.

Plan Two is perhaps most representative of an artful blend of time-honored architecture and modern space planning, according to Anderle. “While the home does offer separated formal and casual rooms, it’s also characterized by free-flowing circulation between these two zones, which reflects a much more modern approach to floor plan design,” he said. “Plan Two also offers many contemporary layout options, yet its streetscape presence is clearly traditional.”

As modeled, Plan Two offers the character of Colonial Monterey homes, a style perfected in California, according to Anderle. Colonial in its roots, this style also offers many elements of Spanish ranch homes and is adapted to California building materials. Wood beams and posts, decorative tile vents and shaped rafter tails enhance its stucco siding; S-tile roofing completes this aesthetic.

Traditional architecture showcases the home’s Cottage Craftsman alternate, where a stately entry with pre-cast portico surround and porthole window enrich the arrival experience. This model also incorporates a prominent element with Dutch Colonial flavor, highlighted by shingle detailing on the gable ends and dentils above its window. Varied materials for this traditional exterior include stucco, wood siding and shingles, with stone enrichments that further enhance its textural interest.

Plan Two’s third elevation style presents a more formal look that ties to classic Italian homes. Here, strong eaves and cornices feature brackets accenting the eave line. “We also used color accents for the cornices, which is typical of formal Italian styling,” said Anderle. “Arches, columns and quoin elements further define the Italian style, which focuses on strong geometry and elegant, balanced character.”

Regardless of their choice in exterior styling, Plan Two buyers can plan their interior space with many possibilities in mind, according to Anderle. “We have worked for many years with Pardee Homes to create floor plans with the flexibility and versatility to satisfy a wide range of lifestyle needs,” he said. “Plan Two is a perfect example of this design approach.”

Opening from its formal entry, Plan Two provides formal living and dining spaces, dramatized by volume ceilings, a fireplace and expansive views of the rear yard. Buyers may also choose optional French doors or sliding glass doors to reach outdoor spaces from the dining room.

A well secluded bedroom and full bath on this level can serve as guest, in-law or teen suite. An optional configuration gives Plan Two buyers a cozy den, which can augment living room seating or serve as library or home office.

Great Room design enhances the balance of the home’s first level, with a window-wrapped family room offering expansive views to the outdoors, generous furnishing spaces and a media niche. The adjacent kitchen provides a breakfast bar, island with optional sink and a nook with views to the home’s arrival space.

Versatility upstairs is seen in the large bonus room; buyers who prefer more bedrooms can add one in lieu of this space, plus a dedicated bath. They can also specify an optional loft if they prefer this to the open views of the home’s living room below. The home’s luxurious master suite features an optional exercise room, while the standard configuration provides a bedroom.

“Like Plan Two, each Shenandoah design offers its own distinctive look and feel, and choice in layout configuration,” said Joe Uribe, sales representative for Pardee Homes. “We invite area shoppers to come see each of these beautiful model homes, consider which of the three plans might best serve their household and learn more about life in Moorpark at Moorpark Highlands.”

In addition to Shenandoah, prospective buyers seeking Moorpark Highlands location can consider Cherry Hill or Magnolia Lane. Cherry Hill’s two-story homes are enhanced by Tuscan, French and Early California styling. These detached designs offer up to 5 bedrooms and up to 4 baths, in plans of approximately 2,607 to 3,479 square feet, plus a two or three-bay garage. Magnolia Lane’s three designs offer approximately 2,115 to 3,364 square feet of living space in two stories, with three to five bedrooms and two and one-half to four baths, plus two- and two-bay expanded garages.

Residents of Moorpark Highlands will be served by the Moorpark Unified School District, and will be close to area freeways and employment. Moorpark Highlands is also convenient to Moorpark Marketplace. All residents of Moorpark Highlands automatically become part of the Moorpark Highlands Homeowners Association, which maintains common areas and community amenities, and of the Moorpark Estates Community Association.

To reach Moorpark Highlands take the 118 Freeway to New Los Angeles Avenue; exit and head west into Moorpark. Turn right on Spring Road and follow past Charles Street, following signs. All model center sales offices are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Monday, when hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Diane Huchingson or SueAnn Hays at Cherry Hill, please call 805-530-1508. Call Mike Maimes at 805-529-1098 for Magnolia Lane and call Joe Uribe at 805-529-1642 for Shenandoah.

Established in 1921, Pardee Homes is recognized for its superior master-planning concepts, quality homes, responsive customer service and dedication to the educational and civic goals of the communities in which it builds.