I just wrapped up the first open house weekend for The Bradford, our latest project with Connie Kay Design, and the reaction was, frankly, phenomenal. We had ten discerning couples drive out specifically to see the model homes, and the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive.
The key takeaway from The Bradford? Visitors were genuinely blown away by the level of detail and customization. The consensus was unanimous: people were shocked that each home felt like a completely custom residence rather than a typical spec home or new construction. That was a huge win for us and validates the intentional design approach we took.
One recurring theme that really stuck with me was the idea of “experience.” Numerous people commented on how each area of the model homes, The Gabriele and The Wellington, felt like its own distinct experience. From the moment they stepped into the entryway, every room had a palpable character and intention. It was fascinating to see how many sophisticated buyers picked up on and appreciated these nuanced, experiential design choices. They spent time in the homes and commented on how thoughtfully the differences between the models were executed.
We even had a well-known architect, who owns a large firm, come through. He was deeply impressed with the intentionality behind the design. He did offer some thoughtful critiques, noting that certain design decisions were made at the expense of others. For example, while he appreciated the strong lines of sight—especially the views through the gables upstairs and downstairs—he felt that placing the kitchen against the back wall slightly reduced the connection to the outdoor living area. Still, his feedback was an added layer of professional validation.
What was most extraordinary, though, was the level of engagement. No one simply walked in, said “this is nice,” and left. People stayed for an average of 40 minutes, which is almost unheard of for an open house. They were all deeply engaged, offering detailed commentary and truly experiencing The Bradford by Connie Kay Design.
It was a very strong opening weekend, and I’m incredibly energized by the detailed and positive response.Highlights from the Weekend at The Bradford:
- Exceptional Engagement: Attendees stayed for an extraordinary 30–40 minutes on average, deeply engaged with the properties.
- Custom Feel: Visitors were unanimously impressed that each home felt like a bespoke, custom residence, not a typical spec home.
- Experiential Design: Buyers noted how each area of the homes offered a distinct, thoughtful experience, confirming the success of the intentional design.
- Sophisticated Buyers: The high-end clientele noticed and appreciated the detailed, nuanced design and customization.
- Architectural Praise: A prominent local architect was impressed by the intentionality of the design, offering valuable professional affirmation.
If you’re interested in learning more about this one-of-a-kind neighborhood + presales opportunities, just down the street from Old Town Steilacoom, give me a call or shoot me a message.
– Ronny
