Casual Mountain Retreat

Priced between $90,000 and $185,000, the Highlander is an affordable, sustainable option for both Baby Boomers and retirees looking for a casual mountain retreat or coastal getaway. The two-story, 1,780-square-foot home features a loft on the second floor and a modern lodge motif with natural state elements, russet tones and a warm cedar shake exterior. Natural stone, glass mosaics and copper fixtures and finishes will be featured throughout the home.

“This would make a great vacation home or weekend home,” says Rick Boles, president of Palm Harbor Homes, Phoenix Division, which is designing and building the modular home for the Show Village exhibit. Boles says that, even with its high-end finishes and classic aesthetic, the model home was designed with today's budget-conscious buyer in mind. Even the entry-level option comes standard with the second story (unfinished) and includes all standard options. “It's extremely affordable because it's systems-built,” says Boles.

The Highlander is also designed and built to achieve certification through NAHB's Model Green Home Building Guidelines. Sustainable features include a high-velocity, low-energy HVAC system, dual-pane low-e casement windows, tankless water heater, low-flow plumbing fixtures and recycled wood products (see sidebar on page 14 for more sustainable features).