The following was featured in Lancaster Newspaper's Distinctive Properties:

With winter on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to consider the low-maintenance living at Home Towne Square, Landmark Homes’ 55-plus community just west of downtown Ephrata.

The Arts and Crafts-style homes in a palette of colors, the inviting front porches with ceiling fans, the picket fences and gazebo evoke the charm of classic neighborhood living from days gone by — without all the work. A homeowners association fee covers snow removal, mowing, landscaping, garbage removal, recycling, and clubhouse and pool membership. You won’t have to worry when the snow begins to fall, and you can “lock and go” whenever your heart desires, no matter the season. That could mean a short walk to the private community clubhouse, or Towne Hall, where you’ll find fitness equipment, a library, kitchen, and plenty of space for all the social activities of the neighborhood, from parties to group meetings. There’s also biking/walking trails and an outdoor swimming pool for warmer months.

When you’re ready to venture outside the community, Home Towne Square offers easy access to points beyond, such as New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, as well as many amenities right in Lancaster County.

Home Towne Square offers 14 one- and two-story floor plans, ranging in size from about 1,800 square feet to just over 3,200 square feet. All homes feature first-floor owner’s suites. You can custom build your home, or you can take advantage of two quick-delivery homes currently available and start enjoying that low-maintenance living right away.

The first, the Edinburgh at 425 Ashton Circle, was a stop on this year’s Parade of Homes tour. The 1.5-story home has two bedrooms and two baths, a grand two-story foyer and 10-foot ceilings. The kitchen features Cambria quartz countertops, a pantry and stainless steel appliances. It opens to the living room and breakfast nook. The first-floor owner’s suite has a tray ceiling, two walk-in closets, and a private bath with tile shower and ceramic flooring. The first floor also includes the second bedroom, a “craft room” or multipurpose room, a dining room and a study. A bonus room on the third floor could be used as a third bedroom or sitting room. The home also has a gas fireplace and hardwood flooring throughout most of the first floor. At 3,130 square feet, the Edinburgh is priced at $429,800.

The second home, the James at 533 Landon Circle, features two bedrooms and two baths on one story, with second-floor storage. The kitchen opens to a living room and dining area with a large breakfast bar and Cambria quartz countertops. The owner’s suite includes an oversized closet and private bathroom with tile shower and ceramic flooring. The home also has a flex room with coffered ceiling, a gas fireplace in the living room and hardwood flooring in the common living areas. At 1,794 square feet, the James is priced at $324,600.

A third home, the Winston, is currently under construction, with completion scheduled for early 2017. The one-story Winston has two bedrooms and two baths. The kitchen features a custom island, granite countertops with tile backsplash, spacious pantry, and stainless steel appliances. It opens to a living room warmed by a cozy gas fireplace with stone surround. The owner’s suite has a tray ceiling, his-and-hers closets and a private bath with tile shower and ceramic flooring. The Winston also includes a formal dining room with elegant, Craftsman-style wainscoting, a private study with coffered ceiling and hardwood flooring throughout the main living areas. The two-car garage has a mudroom entry with convenient lockers. At 1,978 square feet, the Winston is priced at $367,800.

Currently in the second of five phases, Home Towne Square will have 300 single-family residences when complete.

The model home, at 322 Home Towne Blvd., is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Home Towne Square is located in the Ephrata School District. Homes include gas heat and public water and sewer.

Directions from Lancaster: Take Route 222 North to the Brownstown/Rothsville exit, then follow Route 272 North for 4 miles. Turn right onto the Route 322 West ramp and follow Route 322 for 1.6 miles. Turn right on Hackman Road, then left into the community.