When Jenny and Mike Buckowitz began shopping for their first home, new construction seemed well beyond their budget, until a friend suggested they visit The Townes at Belleau Creek, Payne Family Homes’ charming community of detached cottage homes in St. Peters.

An Internet search produced glowing reviews on the homebuilder and convinced the young couple that a tour of Belleau Creek might be worthwhile. Now, “wow!� and “awesome!� are the two words this dynamic pair use most often to describe their Payne Family experience.

Living space and good schools were huge issues for the Buckowitz family, which includes energetic 2½-year-old twins, Peyton and Michael. Entering the 2-story “Givry� display, their first reaction was, “Wow, we’re not looking at any other houses. This is our dream home!�

Assisted by Community Sales Manager Meghan Edwards, Mike and Jenny found that they could actually afford a four-bedroom version of the home, with a backyard and more space than they ever thought possible!

Fortified with animal crackers and fruit snacks, twins Peyton and Michael Buckowitz help mom and dad review plans for their new home

Jenny was immediately won over by the Givry’s spacious kitchen and its open view to the dining area. Moving upstairs, she was, yes… wowed! “It was breathtaking! – the loft, the open hallway, the double doors to the master bedroom – it was almost like a fairy tale!�

For Mike, there was an unexpected bonus. “Belleau Creek provides outside maintenance,� he explained. “We both work, so this means we can spend our weekends with the kids, instead of mowing the lawn or doing yardwork.� “Or shoveling snow!� Jenny added with a relieved sigh.

Now under construction, the Buckowitz’ home is scheduled for completion in early October. Mention of the date reminded them of another example of Edwards’ professional skill. “Meghan is amazing, and we haven’t had a single problem!� the couple chorused. “She even arranged a closing schedule that worked perfectly with our current lease. Meghan made everything happen, and we can’t wait for the house to be done!

Giving similar kudos to Edwards’ assistant, Ashley Balkenbush, and Superintendent Bruce Wilson, Mike and Jenny summed up their first venture into home ownership with one word (you guessed it): “Awesome!�

Four multi-level cottage home designs are included in Belleau Creek collection. Economically priced from the $130’s, the models encompass a minimum of 1536 square feet and come with special incentives that vary per plan. A new display model is under construction, and the current Givry display and three inventory homes are available for immediate purchase.

The neighborhood enjoys an outstanding St. Peters location at the intersection of Belleau Creek and Mexico Roads, close to Mid Rivers Mall and the numerous restaurants and shopping centers along Highway K. The Townes at Belleau Creek (314-477-1158) is open daily, and additional information may be obtained online, www.PayneFamilyHomes.com

Diana and Patrick McDonough definitely qualify as experienced new-home buyers.

The couple had built three houses elsewhere before purchasing their current – and they insist, “Final!� – Payne Family Home in The Meadows at Ohmes Farm.  Formerly residents of Cottleville, the McDonoughs had decided to downsize, even though they  still have two active young sons – Kyle, 13, and Michael, 11 – at home, plus Tucker, the family’s first puppy.  Topping their list of “must-haves� was a ranch-style home; a location close to the boys’ private schools and extra-curricular activities; and a manageably-sized yard, requiring less maintenance and allowing more time to enjoy their busy family life.
“We shopped all over, looking at many builders and all kinds of plans,� says Diana. “We liked St. Peters, but there weren’t many new-home communities in this area. Still, the minute we walked into Payne Family’s display here at Ohmes Farm, I knew this was the right house!�

In fact, the elegant “San Marino� ranch was so close to the McDonoughs’ vision that, except for the addition of a finished lower level, they made only minimal changes to the basic floorplan.  Patrick was influenced by Payne Family’s construction quality.
“We’ve always built new,� he explained, “and architectural ‘flash’ doesn’t impress me. I want to know what’s behind the walls, and I could see that these homes are very solid and well-built.�
Leaving nothing to chance, the couples researched the company online and were further reassured by customer reviews. Their search was over, and construction began – under the watchful eye of at least one McDonough family member every single day!
“It was exciting to watch the house go up,� Diana recalls, “and [field superintendent] Bruce Wilson and [general manager] Scott Kerns were fantastic to work with!�

After a moment of parental hesitation, Kyle was allowed to describe his special contribution to the process. As the lower-level entertainment area neared completion, the carpenters needed owner instructions for installation of cabinetry in the bar area – but Patrick was out of town on business.  With his dad’s long-distance guidance, Kyle demonstrated his computer skills, producing a set of drawings that worked perfectly!
“I’m not sure we should tell the world that we let our 13-year-old designed our bar,� Diana whispered.