By Shawna Serig Kelsch
Brian Fleis and his father, Ed Fleis, are continuing a legacy project that the two began together almost a decade ago.
The elder Fleis, now 75, had already built thousands of homes in Brevard by the time the two joined forces, working as a general contractor and owner of JerJeff Construction with Brian’s brothers. But there was more work to do on the 210 acres that the family owned in Viera.
So, they opened Monarch Homes of Brevard and began planning the seven communities that are located within Capron Ridge. The area sits just off Viera Boulevard and U.S. Highway 1, on the outskirts of the booming urban sprawl of Central Viera.
“It’s so different and, yet, still so close to everything. We don’t have the traffic congestion,” said Brian Fleis, “but we do have the same quality of life and five outdoor parks, open natural spaces, kids playing stickball, families out together walking.”
If this vision of tranquil living is what you’re looking for, just wait until you see the homes in Cashel Village at Capron Ridge. Homes here have a Key West feel, with lush landscaping and unique, custom floor plans. They are spacious and bright, incorporating natural light from the surrounding preserved woodlands. Additionally, the 56 homesites – which start at around $330,000, come in six distinct designs ranging in size from 2,670- to 3,428-square-feet. Features include energy efficient appliances, modern kitchens, walk-in closets, tile floors, jacuzzis and more.
“We put the best contractors to work in our units,” said Brian, “and the craftsmanship shows.”
The model home certainly shows it, with light colors, cool tile and wide views from the combined dining and living great room into the pool/patio area with outdoor summer kitchen. Everything feels light and airy, and the décor has been customized to summer cottage perfection. “That’s the creative work of Brian and his wife, who hand picked everything you see in here together,” said Monarch Homes Sales Manager, Kelly Colbourne.
Tralee Bay, another community in Capron Ridge is nearing the end of its sales cycle with just 5 lots left. Here, the homes are on bigger lots, all are nestled on waterfront or preserve lots and feature Tuscan architecture with tile roofs and paver driveways. Homes have a minimum of 2,000-square feet of living space and prices that start at $460,000.
Colbourne greets visitors and tours them through the model home and home sites in each development, showing off the custom options and explaining the benefits of living in here – such as the large community center, with heated lap pool and umbrella-shaded tables with lakeside views; picnic pavilion, playing fields for soccer, basketball, tennis and shuffleboard; miles of private walking trails, lighted sidewalks and docks and bridges throughout the lakes and sanctuary areas.
All of this was designed with “family first” in mind, explained Brian Fleis, who is especially nostalgic when describing the feeling of driving around the development he and his father built together.
“There’s nothing better,” he said, “than knowing that the residents living here are enjoying the outdoor spaces as much as the indoor ones,” he said.
And maybe that’s what makes Capron Ridge ‘The Natural Place to Call Home.’
