An all-single-story gated neighborhood, Carson Ranch offers access to Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway.

For Jerry Bueck, that means a two-minute drive to the pick-up point where he catches a commuter bus to the Nevada Test Site, an outdoor laboratory and national experimental center situated 65 miles north of Las Vegas.

Jerry said Carson Ranch's location allows for an equally hassle-free trip to Nellis Air Force Base.

"I'm retired military and we get our medical services at the base. It's just a quick shot to Nellis for anything we need," he said.

The 2,692-square-foot residence includes four bedrooms, 21/2 baths, three-car garage, great room and entry courtyard. Structural variations allow for a super bedroom in place of two secondary bedrooms and a den in lieu of the fourth bedroom.

"This house uses spaces really well and shows just how much wasted space there was in our rental home," Bueck said.

The couple said they particularly enjoy their kitchen island with expanded countertop seating and the master bedroom's sitting area.

"It's great to have a TV in the sitting area so we don't have to watch TV from bed. The architects put a lot of thought into this home design," he said.

Carson Ranch II offers two other single-story home designs.

At 2,527 square feet, Plan One has three bedrooms, 21/2 baths, three-car garage and an interior courtyard. Options allow for a den, fourth bedroom and third bath.

Plan Three measures 3,091 square feet and comes with three bedrooms, 31/2 baths and three-car garage. The layout includes formal living and dining rooms, plus a family room adjacent to an eating nook and country kitchen.

Every home comes with a fireplace in the family room or great room, recessed lighting and raised-panel interior doors. Master bedrooms and family rooms are prewired for ceiling fans. Master bath highlights include an oval garden tub, separate shower stall, sit-down vanity and cultured marble countertops. Water and energy savers include a programmable thermostat, soft-water loop and 50-gallon water heater with recirculating pump. Homes also come with security prewiring.

Home sites in the community's newest phase range from 10,000 to 16,000 square feet. Prices start in the low $400,000s.

To visit, take U.S. Highway 95 north to Ann Road. Proceed east on Ann to Jones Boulevard, turn left on Jones and left on Rome Boulevard, north of the I-215.

Model homes are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Monday, when they open at noon. For more information, call 395-9009 or visit lyonhomes.com.