Perched high atop a hill in Moon, Sonoma Ridge takes full advantage of the site's panoramic views and evening sunsets.

The Heartland Homes community of single-family homes contains more than 130 lots on 300 acres, of which 150 acres are protected open space. There is a walking trail, community center, pool, poolhouse and multi-purpose field for residents' use.

Nineteen home sites are left in this phase and a new phase with 27 more lots will open in January, said Heartland sales manager Erin Stipetich.

Estate and Village home models range in size from 1,900 to 3,400 square feet and in starting prices from $280,000 to $425,000 before upgrades. All are available with a wide array of architectural and design choices.

The red-brick Pinehurst model on Duckhorn Drive boasts bold cathedral ceilings and an open-floor plan. Designed in the traditional mold, the 3,100-square-foot model can have 4 to 6 bedrooms and 3 1/2 to 6 baths. The flexible floor plan allows for an in-law suite, rear stairs and a sitting room in the master suite's walk-in closets.

The 15- by-14-foot kitchen has an adjacent 16- by 9-foot breakfast area and comes with many choices: three layouts, cabinets in many colors and finishes, granite and other counter top materials, hardwood or other flooring and pantry storage. The 21- by 17-foot great room is just off of the kitchen and manages to feel both cozy and bright due to its fireplace and wall of windows.

Dining rooms are making a comeback and the Pinehurst has one. The 17- by 11-foot formal room has access to the kitchen and foyer. The first floor also includes a laundry area with additional storage, 13- by 11-foot study and 11- by 12-foot formal living room that could double as a second study or children's play room. The standard first-floor elevation includes an optional 17- by 11-foot sunroom with cathedral ceiling and skylights.

Upstairs, the children's bedrooms measure 13 by 12 feet and 12 by 10 feet, each with a full-size walk-in closet. They share a 'Jack and Jill" bathroom featuring double sinks and separate water closet and tub.

The second-floor master suite has a 19- by 16-foot bedroom with an attached master bath that's almost as large. Adding to the luxury is a full soaking tub, separate tiled shower and a pair of individually situated sinks that make getting ready in the morning a breeze. A smartly placed shallow linen closet in the water closet area adds to the storage. A 12- by 6-foot walk-in closet rounds out the layout. The model features an optional second walk-in closet and full-height mirror wall walk-through withmini-sitting room. The optional second-floor elevation includes a fifth bedroom and fourth bathroom.

The model home has just about every available amenity including extensive crown and other molding, wainscoting, high baseboards, stainless-steel appliances, granite counter tops, skylights, sunroom and finished basement. While the base model starts at $425,000, this home is priced at $749,900.

Heartland Homes offers a "Live Healthy, Save Green" program that features a "who's who" of high-end fixtures and materials, including a Lennox high-efficiency furnace, Andersen windows, DuPont Tyvek home wrap and Kohler WaterSense high-efficiency faucets. The builder estimates that these upgrades will save more than $200 a month in utility bills and improve indoor air quality.

Sonoma Ridge is part of the Moon School District and is a five-minute drive from Robinson Town Center and the new Market District Giant Eagle at Settler's Ridge. Nearby hospitals include Sewickley Valley and Ohio Valley.

Even with all that action minutes away, the short drive up the winding Beaver Grade Road feels a little like heading to Grandma's house.

The Pinehurst model is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. on weekends and by appointment. For more information, call Erin Stipetich at 412-788-0169.

Doug Oster writes a blog, "Growing With Doug," exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.