Sub offers high-style living

"Bellagio," in Italian, means a beautiful place of leisure, says developer/ builder Mark Guidobono.

And that's exactly the kind of home he intends to erect in his luxury site condominium community of that name in Novi.

Cambridge Homes plans to construct 55 homes - minimum size 4,000 square feet - over 77 acres on the west side of Beck Road between Eight and Nine mile.

"This is going to be the best, this is going to be the grandest community Novi will ever see, the best community in southeast Michigan," Guidobono said.

Custom design is his specialty, so much so that Guidobono has spent $3 million building a model at Bellagio to show off all the possible bells and whistles.

"We sit down with a homeowner and get to know them, what they like. Get a personality profile. We determine what their objectives are. We have an architect on staff, a designer on staff to work with customers," he said.

Guidobono concedes that his market niche here probably is one percent or less of all new home build customers.

"This is going to be their dream house," he said.

A new home on a lot at Bellagio will start at about $900,000.

At that price, buyers can expect a home with three to five bedrooms, most with their own private baths; two half-baths; three to six fireplaces; air conditioning; four-car garage; and jet tub and separate shower with multiple heads in the master.

Other standard features include all kitchen appliances; first floor laundry and in some cases both first and second-floor laundries; and basement.

Floor coverings include marble, Brazilian walnut and slate, countertops granite. Brick, limestone and upgraded shingles are primary exterior materials.

"We're probably the only builder that lets you change anything you want," said Matthew Hatz, sales representative. "You can make any changes you want any time you want."

"We've got large lots here, just under one-acre homesites," Guidobono said. "A gated community is very desirable, I think. People like the privacy.

"It's a great location in relation to expressways, a great school system (Northville) and a great city," he added.

"Mark and his brother (Eric) are always on site and more than willing to meet with any homeowner at any time," Hatz said.

The Bellagio model is a story-and-a-half of 11,000 square feet including the finished lower level.

It includes a vestibule; large, walk-up foyer; library with coffered ceiling, fireplace and built-in bookcases; formal dining room; butler's pantry; and grand room set off by columns with fireplace, two-story coffered ceiling and bookcases.

The kitchen/nook contains a large island, walk-in pantry and built-in desk. The family room also has a fireplace.

The master suite with step ceiling features separate jet tub and multi-head shower, two separate vanities and a dressing/ makeup area, walk-in closet, compartmentalized commode and retreat area with a refrigerator and sink.

A large concrete deck can be reached from the master, grand room or kitchen.

Three bedrooms, each with its own bath, are upstairs as is a loft/study area.

The lower-level walk-out has been finished to include a full bath with sauna, wine cellar, theater, bar, several game areas including billiards and cards plus a large sitting area.

Special features of the home include 8-foot mahogany doors, leaded glass in windows, large crown and floor moldings, staircases off the foyer and family room and the garage designed to give a courtyard effect.

Bellagio is serviced by city water, sewers and sidewalks. The property tax rate is $30 per $1,000 of state taxable value, half of sales price for new construction. That means the owners of a $1 million home there would pay about $15,000 the first year.

The annual association fee is projected at $1,000.

John Leone has ordered a 5,600-square-foot English Tudor in Bellagio.

"The main reason for me was the style of the homes there - 1920s, 30s Palmer Park," he said. "I really love that style. I like the unique personality of Bellagio."

Leone said he was also attracted by the extensive use of stone, marble and hardwood by the builders.

"They're really great people to work with," he said. "The owners (Guidobonos) get involved in the selection process. They're pretty honest people."

The sales office/model at Bellagio, (248) 348-3800, is open noon to 5 p.m. weekdays, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.