Live Like Martha

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

24 Jul 2006 02:12 PM

If you are a fan of Martha Stewart's show (or have caught her during one of her guest stints on the "Today Show" or "Oprah") then you know there is little this style guru can't make, update, redo, fix, or organize. So, it should come as no surprise that she is now offering you a way to live just like she does. Not by following her "lifestyle" tips, but actually living in a space designed by Martha herself. An entire home manufactured in her image.

KB Home has teamed up with Martha Stewart to create Martha-branded homes in cities across America. The homes form residential communities and all are based on Stewart's own properties in Maine, the Hamptons and Bedford, New York. The first "Martha" community sprouted up in March in Cary, North Carolina. The homes sold like hotcakes-93 of the first 108 lots sold in less than 6 hours. The run on "Martha Homes" inspired an expansion to other parts of the nation. Currently, "Marthavilles" are being built in Atlanta, Houston, Las Vegas, Chicago, Daytona Beach, Charlotte, Southern California, Colorado, Louisiana, Virginia, Indianan, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Prices for the homes range from $200,000 to $650,000, and many buyers think it's a wise investment. While the houses come unfurnished (buyers can choose from more than 20 floor plans), potential homeowners can purchase Stewart's picks for fixtures, flooring and paint colors. All of the homes come with unique "Martha" touches including, open kitchens with large countertops for the home cook's expansive appliance collection; craft nooks off the kitchen; and large dining rooms that can easily fit tables that seat 10-12 people (what do you expect from the queen of entertaining).

In most communities Martha Stewart Homes come in at least three facades with names like "Lily Pond," "Katonah," and "Skylands." To take a virtual tour of the homes click here.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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