Wagoners Row

For generations, the communities and estates near Hagley Museum and Library have been laced with prestige. E. I. du Pont, founder of the DuPont Company, selected this picturesque setting along the Brandywine River for his company and his home, which he built in 1803. Over the years, other wealthy landowners followed suit. A new community in this elegant enclave is unheard of – until now. Marra Homes is now offering Wagoner’s Row, this exclusive area’s first 55+ community.

Located along the Brandywine Scenic Byway, Wagoner’s Row will reside on land once owned by Mary Kaye Carpenter, mother of Ruly Carpenter, the former owner of the Philadelphia Phillies. The community will have a private entrance with an 8-foot-high stone wall. Mature trees and professionally landscaped open space will buffer Wagoner’s Row from Montchanin Road. Many drivers won’t even realize there are homes behind the trees. With two cul-de-sacs, the community is contained; there will be no drive-through traffic.

For generations, the communities and estates near Hagley Museum and Library have been laced with prestige. E. I. du Pont, founder of the DuPont Company, selected this picturesque setting along the Brandywine River for his company and his home, which he built in 1803. Over the years, other wealthy landowners followed suit. A new community in this elegant enclave is unheard of – until now. Marra Homes is now offering Wagoner’s Row, this exclusive area’s first 55+ community.

Starting at $1.29 Million

Located along the Brandywine Scenic Byway, Wagoner’s Row will reside on land once owned by Mary Kaye Carpenter, mother of Ruly Carpenter, the former owner of the Philadelphia Phillies.

The community will have a private entrance with an 8-foot-high stone wall. Mature trees and professionally landscaped open space will buffer Wagoner’s Row from Montchanin Road. Many drivers won’t even realize there are homes behind the trees. With two cul-de-sacs, the community is contained; there will be no drive-through traffic.

Marra Homes – which has built custom residences in Westover Hills, Briedablik, Greenville Manor and Barley Mills Court – has thoughtfully designed the community so that residents will benefit from peaceful views. There will only be 12 homes, ranging from 2,600 to 3,500 square feet. There are 14 customizable designs, but no two homes will be alike. Consequently, the early buyers have an advantage. Choice homesites are still available.

As befits an area so linked to the du Pont family, Wagoner’s Row will possess the air of a French village, a refreshing addition to New Castle County. The 14 designs all present a charming face to the curb. The homes, which will all include natural materials, often feature steeply pitched rooflines, turned gables and dormer windows. The Bloombury design has a classic hip roof characteristic of a French countryside manse.

Despite the Old World touches, these homes have a modern outlook. Picture first-floor owner’s suites for one-floor living. Kitchens open to family rooms or great rooms. There are designs with two- or three-car garages, which like the shutters will have a carriage house-style look.

Many homesites can accommodate walkout basements, and since the ceilings are 9 feet high, the basements are perfect for additional finished living space.

Marra Homes has already determined which designs are suitable for each homesite. After selecting a site and a model, buyers will sit down with Marra Homes’ experts to customize the plan to your liking. Buyers can design their interiors and select the finishes that reflect their lifestyles.

Like the models, there are no cookie-cutter kitchens in this community. All buyers will meet with designers at Waterbury Kitchen & Bath in Kennett Square who will help create the space of their dreams, from the cabinetry to the countertops to the fixtures and appliances.

Buyers receive a generous allowance for landscaping and hardscaping around the home. Once the lawn and plantings are installed, they needn’t worry about upkeep. All the homes come with sprinklers in the yards, and the homeowners’ association covers lawn maintenance. Spend the winter and Florida and weekends at your beach home without fretting about yard work.

From the luxurious molding and millwork to the tile to the hardwood floors, expect only the highest quality products. All the homes will have two-zoned heating and air conditioning and energy-efficient utilities and building materials.

Buyers can also expect superior construction. Delaware-based Marra Homes has built custom homes and developed communities throughout Pike Creek, Wilmington, Greenville, Centreville and Palm Beach, Florida. Buyers who would like to use their own plan should consider Marra Homes’ community of four one-plus-acre homesites on Kennett Pike between A.I. du Pont Middle School and Tower Hill School.

As a 55+ community, Wagoner’s Row is for the buyer who wants to simplify without sacrificing style and convenience. The property is near Janssen’s Market – residents will be able to walk there for coffee – and the restaurants and shops in Greenville. It’s also a short drive from Route 202 and downtown Wilmington.

But most importantly, it is nestled in one of the most beautiful areas in Wilmington that rarely sees new construction. Don’t miss it.

Written by Pam George