The Mercury Floor Plan: Thoughtful Design and Modern Comfort
The Mercury floor plan offers a smartly designed layout of nearly 2,500 square feet with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, featuring a split floor plan for privacy, an included appliance package, and elegant finishes. We were excited to tour this model, seeing how it differs from other Mattamy designs. Highlights include:
- Welcoming Entry: A wide, grand entryway leads into the home.
- Private Guest Area: The first guest bedroom has its own en-suite with a shower/tub combo, single vanity, and a walk-in closet, offering privacy for visitors or family.
- Convenient Laundry: A dedicated laundry room comes with a washer, dryer, window coverings, and refrigerator already included, making the home move-in ready.
- Garage Features: A three-car garage, epoxied floors, and soft water loops are standard.
- Split Bedroom Plan: Two additional guest bedrooms are located on the opposite side of the home from the primary suite, one with a walk-in closet and the other with a rolling closet, ensuring maximum privacy.
- Versatile Den: A den/office space with beautiful French doors provides a quiet area for work or study.
- Open Concept with Definition: The living, dining, and kitchen areas flow openly but maintain distinct spaces.
- Chef's Kitchen: Equipped with the Gourmet Chef Edition, including a gas stove, oven, microwave, and a very spacious walk-in pantry.
The primary suite in the Mercury floor plan is designed for comfort, featuring abundant natural light, including unique windows above the bed. The en-suite bathroom boasts a 'party shower' with a distinct tile design, separate double vanities, and a unique water closet/linen closet combination. The large walk-in closet ensures plenty of storage without fighting for space. The patio, while not as expansive as the Mint, still offers a great size with can lights and a pre-wired ceiling fan, perfect for enjoying the quiet and serene views.
Vail, AZ Lifestyle: Schools, Shopping & Recreation
Living in Vail, AZ offers a balanced lifestyle with A-rated Vail School District schools, diverse shopping options less than five minutes away, and access to unique recreational activities, all within a short drive of Tucson's major amenities. We've seen firsthand how this blend makes Vail incredibly appealing.
Education Excellence
The Vail School District consistently receives high ratings, making it a major draw for families. The schools serving Cantabria at Rincon Knolls are:
- Elementary School: AAA Elementary School (approx. 5-minute drive)
- Middle School: Old Vail Middle School (approx. 5-minute drive)
- High School Options: Empire High School (approx. 3 minutes away) or Siena High School (even closer), with other choices like Mica Mountain High School also available. All these schools are A-rated according to Niche.com, which is a resource we often share with clients.
Shopping and Daily Conveniences
One of the biggest advantages of Cantabria at Rincon Knolls is its proximity to everyday necessities. Within five minutes, residents have access to two major shopping hubs:
- Safeway Shopping Center: Includes Safeway, a hair studio, nail salon, physical therapy, Subway, and Marco Pizza.
- Major Retail Hub (Houghton & Mary Ann Cleveland): Features Walmart, Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Ross, AutoZone, Dutch Bros Coffee, Cold Stone Creamery, and numerous restaurant options like Jersey Mike's and Native Grill & Wings.
Recreation and Local Attractions
Beyond daily conveniences, Vail offers a variety of recreational opportunities:
- Del Lago Golf Course: A beautiful local golf course.
- Colossal Cave Mountain Park: Less than a 20-minute drive, offering tours of thousands-year-old cave systems—a perfect day trip for adventure enthusiasts.
Access to Greater Tucson
Vail provides excellent access to the wider Tucson area, ensuring residents can easily reach city amenities without living in the thick of it. For those exploring the broader Tucson market or luxury options, you might find valuable information in Tucson’s 3 BEST Luxury Areas — Which One Fits You? (Map Tour) or INSIDE Semi-Custom LUXURY Homes Near Tucson from the $600Ks! [Dove Mountain AZ].
- Target & Costco: Approximately a 15-minute drive to the Houghton & 22nd area, which also includes a Northwest Medical Center and another Walmart Super Center.
- Downtown Tucson: A 20-25 minute drive via I-10.
- Davis-Monthan Air Force Base: Approximately 20-25 minutes, with multiple accessible routes.
- Tucson International Airport: A convenient 20-minute drive, far enough to avoid air noise but close enough for easy travel.
Pricing and Incentives at Cantabria at Rincon Knolls
Mattamy Cantabria at Rincon Knolls offers competitive pricing for new construction homes, with current incentives including up to 6% towards a rate buy-down or closing costs, plus all brand-new appliances, making them an excellent value in today's market. With only 22 quick move-in homes remaining, these opportunities are limited but highly beneficial for buyers.
Here’s a quick overview of some available floor plans and their approximate pricing:
Floor Plan
Mint - 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 3,000 sq ft., 3-car garage tandem, approx. $655,000 starting price
Mercury - 4 beds, 3 baths, ~2,500 sq ft., 3-car garage, approx. $541,000 starting price
Cooper/Ginger (smaller) - 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,800 sq ft., +2-car garage,
under $400,000 for a brand-new home (starting at $399,000)
These prices, especially with the incentives, represent significant value. For example, some homes have seen reductions of $47,000. The 6% incentive can be used to dramatically lower monthly mortgage payments through a rate buy-down or reduce out-of-pocket expenses at closing, offering substantial financial relief. Furthermore, all quick move-in homes come fully equipped with brand-new appliances, including the refrigerator, washer, dryer, oven, stove, gas range, and microwave, providing a truly move-in ready experience.
Key Takeaways
- Vail, AZ offers unparalleled suburban tranquility: Located southeast of Tucson, Vail provides a peaceful desert setting with convenient access to city amenities and a highly desirable, A-rated Vail School District.
- Mattamy Cantabria at Rincon Knolls provides exceptional value: With only 22 quick move-in homes remaining, buyers can take advantage of significant incentives, including up to 6% towards a rate buy-down or closing costs, plus all brand-new kitchen and laundry appliances.
- Homes are designed for modern living and efficiency: Floor plans like the Mint (3,000+ sq ft, 4 bed/3.5 bath) and Mercury (~2,500 sq ft, 4 bed/3 bath) feature luxurious finishes, flexible spaces, and energy-efficient construction, with a HERS score of 56 for reduced utility costs.
- Prime location for convenience and recreation: The community is less than 5 minutes from major shopping centers (Walmart, Home Depot, Safeway) and offers easy access to recreational sites like Colossal Cave and Del Lago Golf Course, as well as Tucson's airport, hospitals, and downtown.
- Diverse pricing with strong incentives: Homes range from spacious luxury models around $655,000 to more compact options starting at $399,000, presenting opportunities for various budgets, all enhanced by Mattamy's buyer incentives.
Should You Choose Mattamy Cantabria at Rincon Knolls?
Mattamy Cantabria at Rincon Knolls might be right for you if you prioritize:
- Brand-new, energy-efficient construction with modern finishes
- Access to A-rated Vail School District schools
- A tranquil, gated community with mountain views
- Quick access (under 5 minutes) to major retail and grocery stores
- Significant builder incentives (up to 6% towards rate buy-down/closing costs and included appliances)
It might be better to explore other options if you prioritize:
- An older, established home with mature landscaping
- A fully custom-built home from the ground up
- Being directly in the heart of downtown Tucson or other specific urban areas
- A community with extensive on-site amenities like a large clubhouse or community pool (though individual homes can add pools).
