. Welch Construction builds amazing show-home for the 2009 Southern Utah Parade of Homes

t. George is known for it’s warm, rich red rock against a brilliant blue-sky backdrop. Split Rock’s “Escape” blends the allure of the outdoors with a home that adds to the beauty that surrounds it. Rob McQuay’s modern southwest architecture lures you into the property with resort-like qualities. Two outdoor patio courtyards hint that you have found your perfect hideaway. You can picture yourself lounging on the sofa, while the exquisite outdoor stone fireplace sets the stage for a warm and welcoming evening. The carefully chosen mix of stones on the patio, flow naturally with the home’s surrounding palette, creating a sense of calm. It is perfect for entertaining or just to enjoy on your own.

n a world that means snow, Park City, Utah stands out for beauty, luxury and charm, but fitting into this world is what the White Pine Canyon Lodge does naturally. Part of the Colony, a gated community of ski-in/ski-out homesites, this magnificent residence provides the peaceful serenity found only in the most remote places but with all of the fully functional amenities of the best modern homes. The driveway, decks and walkways are heated with six 95% efficiency boilers and entry floors are warmed with radiant quartz tiles. While such luxuries place an emphasis on modernity, it is an emphasis quickly disguised by the beauty and elegance of each carefully crafted detail on the main floor.

marveled at this years parade of homes in St. George for several reasons. First of all, the United States was hit with one of the worst recessions in US history leaving the economy bleak and feeling poor. Homes sales and construction starts around the country slid to some of the worst numbers on record. Secondly, St. George was always that quiet city you only stopped in for gas or stayed the night while "just passing through". It seemed as though this quiet town would always stay a quiet town. In recent years, many of those passer-throughs started to retire and found themselves looking for warm weather while retaining an active lifestyle. This brought a lot of attention to the area as it is the perfect place for an active adult lifestyle. Regardless of how bad off the economy was, it seemed as though people started looking for a place to settle down and St George was the place to do it.