Summerfield, a new development in Pequea Township, is close to Routes 272 and 222, offers a variety of floor plans and sizes, and is next to an elementary school.

It's a combination the Wellington Development Group believes will attract both first-time buyers with young children and empty nesters looking for smaller living spaces.

The 148-unit planned community, on Penn Grant Road in the little village of West Willow, near Willow Street, features a combination of townhomes and villas served by Lancaster city sewer and water systems.

It is laid out on 40 acres, and its development plan was executed to meet the guidelines of the Pequea Township Neighborhood Design Ordinance. Consequently, 50 percent of the land will serve as common open space.

 The Summerfield development is the first major residential development in Pequea Township since 1991. It was first presented to a board of supervisors in 2004 that expressed concerns with the design. Following years of negotiations, a new board of supervisors granted final approval in September last year.

The developer is the Wellington Development Group. The builder, Millfield Construction Co. and its president, G. Robert Riahi, have more than 25 years of experience creating neighborhoods in Lancaster County — Brighton, Regent's Park and the Arbors at Spring Valley.

Six floor plans, up to 1,800 square feet in size, are available. Villa plans, which provide one-floor living, will be available in July.

Millfield is offering pre-grand-opening incentives, including a $2,000-$5,000 contribution to the buyers of select units — $3,500 toward closing costs, 100 percent financing to qualified buyers, up to 1 percent assistance for buyers using the builder's preferred lender, and an appliance package of washer, dryer and refrigerator. (If a buyer does not want the appliances, the builder will provide $1,800.)

Both Federal Housing Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture financing are available.

The model home showcases the Blue Jay plan. The 1,620- square-foot (not including unfinished basement) townhouse has three bedrooms (with a walk-in closet in the master bedroom), 2 1/2 baths and a two-car garage. The basement can be finished as part of an upgrade offered by Millfield.

The model is priced at $199,848 after incentives, while two Blue Jay plans currently under construction start at $174,115.

A slightly smaller Finch plan packs three bedrooms (with a walk-in closet in the master bedroom) and 2 1/2 baths into 1,595 square feet and has a one-car garage. It is priced at $164,946 after incentives.

Two Robin-plan homes are under construction. The Robin features two bedrooms (with a first-floor master bedroom), two baths and a one-car garage in 1,200 square feet. It is priced from $152,030 after incentives.

Standard features in all the homes include pantry closets (some walk-in), garage-door openers, maple cabinets, GE appliances, Moen faucets, efficient heating and cooling systems and insulation packages with "Super Seal."

Upgrades can also be purchased and include an 8-by-10-foot treated wood deck, granite kitchen countertops, crown molding on kitchen cabinets, stainless steel appliances and hardwood foyer.

A homeowners' association charge of $60 per month covers lawn care, snow removal from common areas, and maintenance. Most garages are accessible by rear alleys.

The development is in the Penn Manor School District. Heather Fremont, broker for the Millfield Real Estate Group, said, "It's a great, convenient location," noting that the development is directly behind the Pequea Elementary School, making it easy for children to walk there. "I think that will really appeal to families," she said.

"These are really well-priced homes in a very desirable community," Fremont said. And the work done by the homeowners' association, she added, "is great for people who would rather spend their time doing other things."

Lori VanDuzer is the sales agent for the development. Open-house hours are noon-5 p.m. daily (except Wednesday and Saturday).

csmedley@lnpnews.com