5 Pinewood #3 $629,900

Customized Condo in Woodbridge

Turning into this Woodbridge condo complex, two blocks from North Lake, I was intrigued. The neighborhood is a uniform color, of course, but the color here is a muted greenish brown, and the whole area has a distinct look.

The area is known as Woodbridge Crossing and Pinewood is billed as “one of the most beautiful residential streets in America by Urban Planners.” The homes are clustered across from a park with pool, jacuzzi and play areas. The home that I visited is the Brighton model and the realtor labeled it a “top to bottom customization.”

CloseUp: The gate opens to a wrap-around courtyard and patio with stone pavers accented with succulents and weathered furnishings. Inside, there’s a condo with a lot of polish and just a bit of attitude. The owners have remodeled, updated, and obviously enjoyed their home.

Granite counters, maple and cherry cabinets, oil rubbed bronze hardware and accessories, GE Profile and KitchenAid appliances, and Berber carpeting have all been used to advantage. Dramatic two story ceilings work well too.

It would be interesting to see ‘before and after’ pictures of how this home looked originally.

Significant Numbers: The home was built in 1977 and has been completely remodeled. It is a two level condo in the Craftsman style with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Square footage is 1,750. HOA dues are $456 and $/sq. ft. is $360. It has been on the market 24 days and is now listed as pending.

Stepping into the tiled entry there is a den and half bath off to the right, and living room with wood burning brick fireplace straight ahead on the right. Shutters cover sliding doors that lead to the patio. A formal dining room is on the left paired with a well developed kitchen.

The kitchen was remodeled in 2006. The result is a burnished glow of wall treatments, Santa Fe glass deco tiles with mosaic details, and laminated wood floors. A bank of windows wrap around the breakfast bar area. Granite counters, tumbled stone backsplash, stainless appliances, and custom maple cabinets make this kitchen a place where the cook will linger, along with everyone else.

Upstairs, the master makes the most of the high ceilings and has a customized bath with cherry cabinetry. There is a custom stone tile oversized shower and double vanity with granite counters. There is also a second bedroom, and another customized bath off the hall.

The main floor den could be used as a third bedroom. Laundry is in the double garage and there are two parking spaces.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 2

Baths, 2.5

Sq. Ft., 1,750

$/sq. ft.,$360

HOA, $456

No Mello Roos

Forced air, central heating.

Full copper plumbing

1 common wall attached

Association pool and spa

Double garage

Irvine Unified School District

What should be considered here? This condo was built in 1977 but the extensive remodeling and attractive location two blocks from North Lake, coupled with the park across the street, give it some market edge. Woodbridge’s small town atmosphere, outstanding recreation facilities, and top rated schools will figure in the buyer’s evaluation. The square footage of 1,750, versus the price, will be weighed. And the prospect of two bedrooms, with a downstairs den that could be a third bedroom, will also be considered.

Who will be moving into 5 Pinewood? A small family, or an active couple attracted to the location, and the whole Irvine area, might see this as an option, in contrast to a single family home. Someone seeking a very pleasant secluded area with easy access to surrounding Orange County attractions will be attracted to this condo.

Recent Sales: 28 Pinewood #55 sold for $650,000 in September; 30 West Yale Loop #15, sold for $630,000 in July. Recent listings: 13 Creekwood is $530,000 and 38 Lakeshore is $709,000.

Discuss on Talk Irvine: http://www.talkirvine.com/index.php/topic,3391.0.html