Easy Living at the Knolls at Hillcrest

The Knolls at Hillcrest offers simplified living

MONTANA LIVING — It’s no secret that Baby Boomers represent one of the largest population demographics in the United States. And as they retire, this generation is looking for convenient access to health care, abundant
recreation and quality cultural offerings.

Designed by Place Architects, the architectural styles at The Knolls at Hillcrest accommodate a range of interior finishes and decor from contemporary to classic, but they all make good use of abundant natural light. 

Enter the Knolls at Hillcrest, a Bozeman development that offers an
interesting alternative in city living. The Knolls at Hillcrest is located adjacent to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital and is within walking distance of downtown Bozeman and Montana State University. With views of town and the Bridger Mountains, the development offers a lifestyle that caters to ease of living, with easy access to the outdoor and cultural amenities of Bozeman.

The Knolls at Hillcrest is a reflection of a trend that is showing up in other areas of the United States, as Baby Boomers enter retirement. People are looking for access to health care, cultural arts and recreation — all things that Bozeman has plenty of. Custom homes, designed to accommodate a range of interior design preferences from contemporary to classic Montana, are specifically appointed to accommodate the needs of the 55+ lifestyle.

The homes are built on zero lot lines, in order to maximize exterior space defined by urban density requirements.  This lot configuration was creatively used to inspire private courtyards that transition and extend the indoor/outdoor living space with outdoor rooms. The majority of square footage in each floor plan is concentrated on the living and entertainment spaces of a home, rather than to accommodate a specific number of bedrooms that has become the more traditional model for home configurations.

Once children are grown and gone, the space needs of parents change, and these designs reflect renewed lifestyle choices and options. The Knolls community is also designed to accommodate and support the ultimate active lifestyle.  Seasonal landscaping, lawn maintenance, snow removal, and security checks are provided for all residences.  Offering a ‘lock and leave’ lifestyle, home owners are free to travel whenever it is convenient.

 “It gives folks an opportunity to enjoy life, and not have to spend their weekends taking care of the lawn,” Cheryl Ridgely, vice president of business development, said. The Knolls has eight different floor plans available, each suited for particular lots around the development. Homes range in size from 1,500 square feet to just over 4,000, and are priced between $424,000 to $795,000. The homes, designed by Bozeman’s Place Architecture, feature a universal design concept, which creates an aesthetically pleasing integration of accessibility throughout a home so transitions are easily accommodated 
as the homeowners’ lifestyles change. 

Each lot was specially engineered for one-story living. While some home plans offer lofts and/or walk-out lower levels, primary living spaces are all located on the ground floor of each house, which is barrier free. Access from the driveway, to garage, to the main living areas of the house can be accomplished without navigating any stairs.

Place Architecture has used clean lines in each of the designs, and no matter which floor plan is chosen for a particular home site, the results have already been remarkable. Abundant natural light, gracious corridors, and open living spaces are the hallmark of the home designs. The custom homes are sized for the lifestyles of singles or couples, yet are big enough  to easily accommodate extended family visits.  One floor plan even includes a casita style guest house that is perfect for a studio, college kids home on vacation, the mother in law, or a home office. Living options are only limited by your imagination of how you’d like to use the space.

The development is owned by The Highlands, a subsidiary of Bozeman Deaconess Health Services and it is adjacent to Hillcrest, the hospital’s senior living community . The Knolls features parks, trail access, mixed-use and residential areas — all features that the developers gleaned from examining active adult  living projects around the country. “We took the gems of what we learned, and applied them here,” Ridgely said.

On the Web: theknollsathillcrest.com