By Deborah Donovan, The Daily Herald, September 24, 2005

A raised oval dining room under a domed ceiling, show-stopping staircases, plush home theaters and television sets almost everywhere stand out in the 2005 Parade of Homes.

If you go to home shows to see stunning and imaginative touches, the parade at the Sanctuary of Bull Valley in Woodstock is one to visit.

Other features include first- floor master suites, two-story rooms, hearth rooms - often with large televisions rather than fireplaces, although the homes have several of each - back staircases and extensive exterior detailing.

One warning: The development's hilly terrain means some of the homes require a climb to the front door.

The parade is open today and Sunday and Thursday through Sunday each week through Oct. 16.

Ten new, furnished homes are side by side, and visitors can tour all of them with one ticket.

Home prices range from $700,000 plus land for a house that has been sold to $1.6 million.

Here are the highlights of the home:

The raised dining room under an oval tray ceiling greets visitors immediately as they enter the oversized foyer.

A rounded bay of windows and pillars set off the dining room and make it even more stunning.

The staircase in the foyer curves too, emphasizing the dramatic shape of the open dining room.

"The home is an American design based on entertaining with a formal dining room," said Scot Begovich, president of Burnham Custom Homes.

The gigantic island covered with light-colored granite and illuminated by two chandeliers is the main surprise in the kitchen, which has cherry cabinets and a Viking range. Even details like two dishwashers and a built-in coffee maker do not cause a stir in this house.

The small room at the rear of the home theater deserves attention. Its special shelves display videos or DVDs - just like a neighborhood store.