KingsBridge offers classic feel

The houses, many of them large and lavish, offer all the modern conveniences and the latest trends in home design. But the neighborhood itself, a gated community along Batesville Road in Simpsonville SC, offers a more classic feel, said resident Dianne Gustin.

"There are people walking, they're jogging; there are people skating in the streets; there are people riding their bicycles," said Gustin, a retiree who has lived in KingsBridge with her husband since 2000. "It just really reminds me of when I was a lot younger, and the neighborhoods were a lot quieter, and people just kind of milled around. The pace is a lot less hectic than neighborhoods that don't have the gate."

Despite high-end price tags, KingsBridge is in high demand. There are 176 lots in the neighborhood, which was born in 1995, and only 28 remain unsold, said Carole Atkison, the marketing manager for KingsBridge. Residents say property values are skyrocketing, in part because of their neighbors' efforts to maintain and enhance the area.

For instance, resident Christine Laird said her family home cost $605,000 when they purchased it in 2001, and it is now valued at more than $900,000. Overall, homes in the neighborhood have sold for anywhere from $337,000 to $1.26 million, according to data provided by Atkison.

Residents gave several reasons why they were attracted to and continue to enjoy KingsBridge. The houses are nice, and most are distinct. Many have impressive landscaping. The location is good - away from the city, but not too far away.

There is a lot of activity. There are many families with children. The gate offers security. The nearby public schools are good. The well-appointed clubhouse, with its Junior Olympic-sized pool, is a great place to entertain.

"It's large enough for a big gathering, but the rooms are divided, so if it's 20 people versus 100, you're not going to feel overwhelmed in the space," said KingsBridge resident Susie Woodworth.

Residents also said they enjoy the size of the neighborhood.

"It's large enough so that you don't know everybody in the neighborhood, but small enough that you do know a majority of the people," said resident Diane Baliker.

Brick and stone are the most popular building materials for the homes, with red brick appearing throughout the neighborhood. White columns also are popular, giving the neighborhood a college campus feel in some areas.

French country is the neighborhood's architectural style, Atkison said. Some aspects of the style are multiple roof slopes; windows of different sizes and heights; front-facing gables; natural materials; and bay windows with copper roofs.

Common KingsBridge features include fireplaces - often more than one - covered porches, stainless steel appliances, open floor plans, three-car garages and lavish master bathrooms.

But as nice as these features are, residents say their neighbors are what they enjoy most about KingsBridge.

"I think they're great; I really do," Woodworth said. "There's a lot of shared family values."

"That's the best part," Baliker added. "We bought in here because of all of those physical characteristics, but we love it here because our neighbors are just great."