Enjoying the beach is a family affair at Shea Homes' The Cottages in Oxnard, the gated community of charming residences that's both ocean close and family friendly. Ideally located just 2 miles from the beach, The Cottages features spacious homes priced from the high $300,000s along with a private swimming pool, spa and tot lot.

"For the price of a small ocean close condo, families can have more room and more amenities at The Cottages," said Heather Stevenson, vice president of sales and marketing for Shea Homes Southern California. "When you combine that advantage with Shea Homes' innovative designs and quality craftsmanship, The Cottages is an unbeatable value."

In addition, America's 5-Star homebuilder, is celebrating its 5-Star Value by giving home shoppers the chance to win one of five 5-Star Dream Prizes when they visit The Cottages. register today and everyday online at http://SheaHomes.com/FiveStar through July 31 to increase the chances of winning. "And to win all 5-Star Dream Prizes register today, in person, at one of our Community Information Centers," Stevenson said.

Dream prizes include a 5-Star spa vacation, a 5-Star home theater package, a 5-Star cruise, a 5-Star golf vacation and a 5-Star dining experience.

The Cottages showcases three stylish three-story floor plans ranging from approximately 1,972 to 2,074 square feet, including three to four bedrooms, two and one-half to three baths spacious bonus rooms and rear-access two-car garages. In the largest plan, a fourth bedroom and adjoining full bath are located on the first floor, where they are ideal for overnight guests.

Introduced by traditional step-up front porches or entries, the homes abound with impressive refinements. Heading the list are gas fireplaces with log sets and gourmet kitchens that make mealtimes a delight with built-in GE white appliances, birch cabinetry, ceramic-tile kitchen countertops and under-cabinet task lighting. Master suites make luxury an everyday experience with walk-in closets, elegant master baths with oval tubs and separate showers.

Exteriors are distinguished by Spanish, Monterey and French Country architecture accented with materials such as stone, brick and decorative trim.

The Cottages' own swimming pool, spa and tot lot head a long list of recreational amenities throughout the surrounding area. The community's ideal location offers opportunities to spend a day at the beach, play golf at a dozen nearby courses, or take advantage of 35 miles of bike trails and more than 70 miles of hiking trails at Point Mugu State Park. Other nearby attractions include dining, whale watching cruises and sportfishing trips at Channel Islands Harbor and hiking, camping, scuba diving, kayaking and exploring the natural habitat of Channel Islands National Park.

Another advantage for residents of The Cottages is convenient proximity to a wide variety of shopping destinations, including the Esplanade mall, The Rose Shopping Center, Plaza Del Norte Marketplace and the Camarillo Premium Outlets. There's even a weekly Farmer's and Fisherman's Market every Sunday at Channel Islands Harbor.

To discover the ocean-close, family-friendly community of The Cottages, take Highway 101, exit at Victoria Avenue and turn left toward Channel Islands Harbor. Turn left on Wooley Road, right on Patterson Road and The Cottages will be on the left-hand side. The Information Center and furnished models are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Wednesday, when hours are from 1 to 6 p.m. For more information on The Cottages, call 805-985-8318.

An award-winning builder of new homes throughout Southern California, Shea Homes is a division of Shea Homes Limited Partnership, an independent member of the Shea family of companies, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2006.

Shea Homes also is investing in the future of children and communities across America by sponsoring a multi-faceted literacy awareness program that urges parents to "Read With Your Child 15 Minutes a Day." For more information, visit the Web site http://sheahomes.com.