by Laverne Lavinsky

Alpine Chateau, situated on the north bench of Alpine, is a community that's far from ordinary where one will find custom-built homes that carry a distinct European style.

That, coupled with the homes' high-tech security features and prime location, make Alpine Chateau, located at 315 N. Pfeifferhorn Drive (990 West), a very desireable community, explains Mark Cressler, a partner with Pride Homes of Utah.

The community, for example, which is surrounded by an electronic gate, is by far second to none. Instead of a traditional gate that is typically accessed with a key code, the electronic system is monitored with video cameras. All traffic, either by car or foot, is recorded by camera and stored on a computer. The advantage to this system is that everything -- whether going in or out of the subdivision -- is recorded.

"If there is a burglary, the cameras can be rolled back and we can find out who came through the subdivision," Cressler explains. "The problem with a traditional gate is that people give out their codes, which means it can be accessed by pretty much anybody."

The electronic system also features "night vision," which can record activity in the dark.

Another key security feature of the homes is that all residents and guests must enter the homes via fingerprint identification. Residents and guests gain access to the home by touching a square piece of glass, which scans in their fingerprint and registers it into the system.

"We decided to incorporate this fingerprint system because keys can get lost or copies can be made. Also, with a key code pad, the numbers can easily be given away," he says.

According to Cressler, the homes will include four surveillance cameras around the exterior. The model home, which will open after Thanksgiving, will feature a panic room and a few other hidden security areas.

Set high on the north bench of Alpine, the community offers pristine

mountain views as well as opportunities for hiking, biking and horseback riding through an extensive trail system. The trailhead begins at Alpine Chateau and connects to the Slick Rock trail, which then connects to Snow Bird Ski Resort and Guardsman Pass up Big Cottonwood Canyon.

"If you're looking for a place that has a country-like feel with horse property, well-maintained yards, where everything is immaculate, then this is the place to live," says Ryan Fenton, Pride Homes' director of marketing.

Once half the homes are built, a community center will be constructed to include a pool, sports court, hot tub, clubhouse and playground.

Pride Homes started developing the community of June this year. There are 23 lots available with seven homes currently under construction.

"Selling the homes is going much better than anticipated," Cressler says. "They have actually sold quicker than we thought."

The popularity of the homes can be attributed to the unique European designs which architect Landform Design has developed. There are 12 floor plans available, which buyers can alter and add onto.

"Each of the homes carries a theme from a particular country, whether it be Italy, France, Spain or England," Cressler says.

The model, for example, will be an Italian villa style and will include such features as a medieval tower, an observatory and tower room on the top floor, and ceilings that are painted with murals.

"People absolutely love these designs," Cressler adds. "Many of them were in the Parade of Homes."

The homes are built of the highest caliber and standards, which Fenton says is a result of Pride's experience in the Utah homebuilding industry.

"Pride's builder Kent Saxey has been building in Utah for more than 30 years. He has won several Parade of Home's awards for his work," he says.

The exterior of each Alpine Chateau home will be built of all masonry, while the roof will be comprised of architectural shingles, which are thicker that standard shingles.

Inside the homes, custom features include granite countertops; marble floors; jetted tubs; jacuzzi showers; rounded corners and crown molding; cherry, alder or maple cabinets; 10-foot ceilings; hand-finished textured walls; 90-percent efficient furnaces; and windows made of low-E glass.

The homes range in price from $580,000 to $2 million and include from between 5,200 to more than 10,000 total square feet.

Price is another factor that sets Pride apart from other builders. And, Cressler believes his company can compete with others because of Pride's vertical business structure.

"Because we own several of the companies, such as the engineering firm, the building company, the mortgage company and the real estate agency, this creates a vertical monopoly, meaning we can cut costs dramatically," he explains.

For example, Cressler points out that below his subdivision there is a group of older homes that are the same size as those in Alpine Chateau. He believes he can build the same homes for about $50,000 less than their market value.

Another key selling point of the homes that Cressler emphasizes is location.

"The location of Alpine Chateau is truly ideal. It's on the west side of Alpine, which makes it one of the closest communities in Alpine to I-15."

To reach Alpine Chateau, take I-15 to Alpine/Highland exit. Head east, then turn left on 6000 West. Go 1.5 miles and turn left at Matterhorn Drive, then turn left on Pfeifferhorn Drive and head up the mountain.

For more information, call
801-565-0200.