A couple years ago (2006, to be exact) an out-of-this-world phenomenon took place in northern Colorado Springs. Well, to be accurate, it was actually an out-of-this-country occurrence—Keller Homes constructed and opened La Bellezza villas (said properly with a heavy Italian accent).

And heavy Italian accents are exactly what one would expect among the stucco-and-stone homes.

A small community, La Bellezza roosts where Colorado Springs recedes
to the rolling Rockies. For one's own sanity, it's a wonder the familiar mountain range is in sight, because otherwise La Bellezza feels, looks, certainly sounds, and even smells like Old World Italy.

Here, the pavement of typical suburbia transforms into cobblestone roads and stone archways. Stained sidewalks stop abruptly to follow fountains that gurgle and glide through courting stone walls. Manicured grass suddenly comes upon sticky sage plants and fluffy basil landscaping. Here, northern Colorado Springs welcomes and embraces northern Italy.

The homes are majestic and spacious, but the community finds uniqueness in its details. The houses are adorned with black iron that has been twisted artistically into welcoming gates or decorative flower boxes. Occasionally, a third story features a small balcony that perches just so, as if begging for a reenactment of Rapunzel. Stone, wood and stylized stucco create each house in complementary
hues, while, outside, shooting wheat stalks and lavender stems courtesy in the wind.

The community is as beautiful as it is thoughtful. It was built "green" in accordance to several components outlined in the Built Green Colorado guidelines. Moreover, across the street (West Woodmen Road), rests the green fields, tennis courts, playgrounds and hiking trails of Woodmen Valley Park.

La Bellezza integrates the best of the Old and new worlds into the beauty of Italy and the Rockies. Perfecto!