Homes on Parade

You have through Sunday to see the homes that are taking part of this year’s Parade of Homes (most are open, while a few can only be toured “virtually”), which is being presented by the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County.

One of the homes is from Lititz-based Pine Hill Building Company, which is headed by Mike Garman, and took top honors (The Fulton Award) in 2024’s Parade of Homes. This year’s entry claimed Best in Show in Single-Family, Division 3.

Located in Lebanon County (it’s only minutes away from the city, as well as Mt. Gretna), the modern-farmhouse-inspired home was designed to envelop its future owner in what Pine Hill deems as “Livable Luxury.” Indeed, it showcases the design elements, trends and products that are on homeowners’ wish lists.

They include such amenities as:

1. Flex spaces that can be used in any number of ways. This home had two such spaces.

2. Home offices. This light-filled space featured interesting millwork on a wall.

3. Accessible from a side door and the garage, the home’s mud room was designed to keep coats, footwear, backpacks and pet needs contained and organized.

4.Open living spaces/private and quiet getaway spaces. The pandemic taught us that a little separation can be a good thing. In this home, the living and dining rooms and kitchen function as one open space, while other areas are unto themselves.

5.A second-floor laundry makes doing laundry a breeze.

6.A Primary Suite that functions as a true retreat. This one features a pine ceiling in the bedroom, a large walk-in closet and a spa-like bathroom, complete with a wet bath.

7. A kitchen in which function meets beauty, thanks to design elements such as a mix of hickory (wood is back) and painted cabinetry, quartz counters, a large island and upscale appliances.

Problem-solving Ideas

As for innovative design elements, that included what Pine Hill terms as a scullery. Located behind the kitchen and adjoining the mud room, this hidden space provides the answer to keeping your open kitchen neat and tidy when you entertain. It also takes a big step beyond the typical pantry in that it can be used to prep meals, as it is equipped with ample counter space, a sink, dishwasher and beverage fridge. It’s also stocked with lots of cabinetry.

Aesthetics

This house was brimming with ideas!

1.Tile. Everyone was oohing-and-aahing over the patterned tile that defined the floor in one of the bathrooms.

2. Subway tile. No, not the traditional white design. One bathroom featured subway tile that glistened in a hue of green. In another the pearl-like hue was installed vertically.

3. Oversized lighting fixtures, notably the traditional design that illuminates the staircase and the two modern glass globes over the kitchen island.

4. Let there be light! The staircase was wrapped with windows, while the back of the house featured doors and windows that merge indoor and outdoor spaces.