WEST FARGO – There's a lot to look at in a newly built Monarch Homes house in the River's Bend at the Preserve development here. With just under 5,000 square feet between its basement and two stories, six bedrooms, six bathrooms and a gourmet kitchen, it's an abode that offers something for everyone and looks like it's made for glossy magazine spreads. Soon, anyone can get a peek inside and check out the high-end details throughout. Located at 2514 McLeod Drive E., it will be the featured home during the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead Fall Parade of Homes that's open noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 26-27 and Oct. 3-4. A Remodeled Home Tour is set for noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 3 and 4. More than 50 new homes will be showcased during the parade, with free admission to all houses except a $5 charge to tour the featured home. All proceeds will be donated to the HBA's charitable foundation.
High-end living
Even beyond the physical features in this West Fargo home, integrated technology in everything from window blinds to temperature monitors will keep things running smoothly for years to come. Jamie DeJean, owner of Smart Home Technologies, said the business installed several systems here. For example, the complex lighting system features engraved switches that specify which rooms they control, and a "home" button will illuminate multiple common living spaces at once. Motorized shades in the great room and master bedroom can be raised and lowered using the wall-mounted iPad or a smartphone, he said, or the control system's astronomical clock can automatically adjust the shades to open and close at sunrise and sunset throughout the year. Home monitoring systems, which include cameras and logs of when doors open and can warn the owner if something fails, also are installed. "That way if you're away on vacation and for some reason the furnace stopped working and it got below a certain temp, it would send you a message to let you know," DeJean said. Still, the house's other high-end features often steal the show. Ryan Johnson, sales manager and co-owner of Monarch Homes, said the basement has a full wet bar with reclaimed wood beams, LED lighting and stone accents on the front. On the upper floors, transom windows give the modern home a traditional touch. Walk-in closets are in every bedroom, and the master bedroom includes a large bathroom with a free-standing soaking tub and a walk-in shower. Granite countertops and benches, high-end appliances and an abundance of crown molding, cultured stone accents and gas fireplaces complete the house's luxurious look. Even some of the lighting is a cut above the normal, Johnson said. "We try to incorporate a lot of wall sconces for lighting," he said, pointing to two sconces that illuminate the upstairs hallway. "These spaces like a piece of art on the wall, and it gives you some light."
If you go
What: Fall Parade of Homes
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When: Noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 26-27 and Oct. 3-4
Where: More than 50 new homes will be on the parade. The featured home is at 2514 McLeod Drive E. in West Fargo.
Info: Featured home has a $5 admission fee; all other homes are free to tour. A Remodeled Home Tour is also set for noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 3 and 4. For more information, visit www.hbafm.com or www.facebook.com/paradefm .
