Developing Houston: Live like you’re on vacation at NorthGrove by Toll Brothers

by Melanie Kalmar

October 08, 2018

Live like you’re on vacation every day of the year at NorthGrove by Toll Brothers, a 600-acre master planned community of single-family homes in Magnolia, TX. This country setting brings you close to nature without taking you far from Houston.

Named World’s Most Admired Homebuilder by Fortune magazine for four consecutive years, Toll Brothers develops master planned communities with a variety of price points, from first-time and move-up homebuyers to empty-nesters, says Jim Jenkins, vice president of master planned communities for Toll Brothers.

“We’ve been in business for more than 50 years,” he says. “Our core values are to be the best, do the right thing, take care of each other and delight the customer.”

“Our core values are to be the best, do the right thing, take care of each other and delight the customer.” — Jim Jenkins

Playtime can be any time of day

Toll Brothers, the developer and sponsoring builder of NorthGrove, is joined on the project by Perry Homes, Chesmar Homes and M/I Homes, all award-winning builders.

“NorthGrove is one of the newest communities in Montgomery County, which has a reputation for being heavily wooded and family friendly,” says Jenkins. “We are also proud that our elementary school, Cedric Smith, is one of the best schools in the state of Texas. It has exceeded every metric that elementary schools are measured by.”

The community is loaded with amenities that beckon you to the outdoors: tranquil lakes for catch and release fishing; the Cardinal Trail for hiking, biking and running; a dog park with separate sections for big and small pets; and sitting areas featuring Adirondack chairs. Dozens of bird and butterfly houses are scattered throughout the neighborhood, encouraging visits by wildlife.

There is also The Retreat, 7.5 acres of recreational amenities, which include a charming community clubhouse that architecturally is a modern take on a classic barn and is ideal for entertaining guests. The amenity center is equipped with a kitchen, lounge area and a two-story fireplace; offices to reserve for private meetings; an outdoor, resort-style pool; splash pad and playground for kids; and a fitness center with studio space for classes, accessible 24 hours.

Sophisticated suburban setting

In addition to being the developer of this hidden gem, Toll Brothers also builds and offers two series of home design collections: the Executive Collection starting at 3,000 square-feet and priced from the upper $300,000s; and the Estate Collection beginning at approximately 4,000 square-feet and priced from the low $500,000s. The Executive Collection model home is located at 8554 Burdekin Road, and adjacently located will be the Estate Collection model home.

“The primary difference between the two series is the Executive Collection is built on a 70-foot-wide home site, and the Estate Collection is built on an 85-foot-wide home site,” says Kristine Lewis, sales manager for Toll Brothers.

The development also offers both gated and non-gated sections within the community where select home sites backup to the reserves, which allows for optimal privacy.

NorthGrove is close to the ExxonMobil campus, within 10 minutes of Highway 249 and 20 minutes from I-45 and the Grand Parkway. With shopping, entertainment and dining a short drive away, the only problem is deciding what to do first.

Rooms with a view

Outdoor living spaces are particularly popular for those accustomed to outdoor living or relocating from cooler climates.

“Our Vanguard model has an outdoor dining area if you wanted to entertain and spend more time outside,” Lewis says.

Many courtyard plans lend themselves to a Casita, a living area for guests or in-laws that is separate from the main house and consists of a bedroom, kitchenette and full bath. Meanwhile, the Guest Suite Elite option, unlike the Casita, is part of the house and boasts its own bedroom, small den, kitchenette and small bath.

Designed for modern living

“Finishes are where Toll Brothers outshines some other builders in the area,” Lewis says. Some of its features include larger baseboards with real pine, crown molding, granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, Kohler fixtures and Benedettini cabinets.

“Finishes are where Toll Brothers outshines some other builders in the area.” — Kristine Lewis

Both series offer a second bedroom on the first floor, as this seems to be trending with potential buyers. “It’s becoming very important to families who prefer a first-floor nursery or a place for their parents to stay.,” Lewis says.

Toll Brothers sales centers are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon – 6 p.m. Learn more about Toll Brothers home designs, quick delivery homes, and more at TollBrothers.com/Houston, or call 855-289-8656 for assistance from an Online Sales Concierge.