A Super Sized Find in Turtle Rock Hills

18762 Via San Marco, Irvine CA

The minute you step into this home you are caught by the light. It is everywhere, streaming through the bay windows, bouncing off the burnished wood floors, flooding the kitchen and the family room.

The light leads the way through a spacious open floor plan flowing around the huge living room that is perfectly positioned in the center of the house to capture the best view of a very private, very large backyard with a steep green hillside.

The French doors and bay windows frame the many views.

Situated on an oversized 10,000 sq. ft. lot, this in many ways, is a super sized property, made even better by its secluded location on the quiet streets of Turtle Rock Hills.

Off to the right, a formal dining area competes with the living room for attention, positioned near French doors opening onto the backyard. Beyond there is the kitchen, an informal dining area, and the family room, all nicely done and linked with tile and hardwood floors.

Off to the left, down the hall, the four bedrooms and two baths all fit together, each providing another big helping of natural light. They offer big bay windows and window seat views of the backyard. The home has new carpets and paint throughout.

The owners have lived here over thirty years and clearly enjoyed their home. The house is being shown with some furnishings to set the stage. With the bedrooms, family room and adjoining eating area all open, the viewer can pencil in a variety of options.

That openness leads to ‘what if’s.’ What if the family room grew bigger? Or that very private backyard acquired a pool or added patio accessories? What if the bedroom with the wonderful view of the backyard became a library with built in bookcases, or a home office?

This home could be sold as the starting point for a whole new round of innovations or as a welcoming site ready for a new family to move in. The huge private backyard could acquire a spa, chill pool, barbeque, and added patio accessories, becoming a great entertaining area, flowing perfectly from the line of French doors in the living room.

Up front a new great room could be created from some of the extra driveway space, or be developed from the existing garage with a new garage added.

Either way, there are supersized assets here. Situated in a quiet spot in Turtle Rock Hills with the oversized lot and a private hill in the back, this house has a great presence

Where it goes from here is the question.

Specifics:

Beds: 4

Baths: 2

Sq. Ft.: 1,925

$/Sq. Ft.: $571

HOA Dues: $140/month

Lot Size: 10,725 Sq. Ft.

Single Family Style:

One Level, Ranch

Central Air

Two Car Garage

Irvine Unified School District

Year Built: 1968

No Mello Roos Tax

Community: Turtle Rock

Limitations: Competition in this price range might find buyers looking for extra features. Right next door there is a similar home for sale that offers a salt system pool and spa. In this price range, a buyer might be looking for more kitchen upgrades, or an enlarged family room. This might lead to an evaluation of the home, with the buyer’s requirements, and the development potential and cost involved, making the final call. In April this home was listed for a hundred thousand more.

Who will make this property their home? A family needing bedrooms, yard space and excellent schools could opt for this home. A family seeking a floorplan with all of the bedrooms on the main floor might choose this home. Or, a couple who like to entertain and want to develop the property with even more supersized assets might select this home.

In Comparison – The house next door at 18782 Via San Marcos is pending at $1,299,000, offering 4 bedrooms and three baths, a salt pool and spa and waterfall. Also in Turtle Rock, 5 Morning Glory is listed at $1,199,000. It is a two level Craftsman with three bedrooms, two baths, and a view.

Discuss below or on Talk Irvine.

The House is a Jewel. The Park is a Gem.

71 Oak Tree Lane Irvine, CA 62612 $585,000

As I entered the cul de sac to see this home there was a flash back to the home that I saw last week at 34 Redwood Tree Lane. That home was also just steps away from the rolling green fields of University Park.

Having a private park in your back yard that’s completely free of urban traffic and noise has to be a daily pleasure.

This cul de sac has the same quiet, well planted look and there is a short walk running up to the park right next to this home.

Inside I found a different, but equally intriguing home. This property is a smaller slice of space, very striking, but more contained. Newly remodeled, it is finely finished and nicely executed. Surfaces of tumbled stone, wood, marble, and granite have all been used to advantage. The polished surfaces, crown moldings, recessed lighting, and high ceilings give the home a distinctive look.

The soaring spiral stairway to the loft and French doors complete the effect. This home has obviously been enjoyed by its owner. Perhaps, as a place to listen to music, sit and talk with friends, and work on weekend projects.

From the kitchen on through the dining area, into the living room and out onto the covered patio, the space is all open and functional.

The upstairs loft is small, but dramatic. I had the feeling that you could be working on a project up there, somewhat apart, but still enjoying the overall space.

The master bedroom is tucked away off the entryway, and across from the second bedroom, which could easily become a small office or library. There is also a murphy bed.

The kitchen, and baths have all been redone. There is new AC, newer furnace and plumbing, and double paned windows throughout.

Property Specifics:

Beds: 2

Baths: 1.75

Sq. Ft.: 1,500

$/Sq. Ft.: $390

HOA Dues: $222/month

No Mello Roos Tax

Lot Size: 3,300 Sq. Ft.

Single Family

Single Garage

Style: One Level, Traditional

View: Trees/Woods

Year Built: 1969

Community: University Park

Schools: Irvine Unified School District

Drawbacks: A potential buyer will have to weigh the desirable location and the overall size of the home. What the buyer values most might determine if this is the right space for the money. It is very nicely finished, but compact. If the size fits, then the surrounding community with a private park may tip the balance.

Who will call this spot home? An individual or couple that is drawn to University Park’s established community and excellent facilities might settle in here. Busy professionals who work, travel, and entertain casually would be happy here. Young families needing bedrooms and play space probably will not fit.

Comparisons: If you like the University Park area, you might also check 12 Redwood Lane (pending) at $549,000 with three bedrooms and 2 baths.

Discuss below or on Talk Irvine.

A private park and a personalized home in University Park:

34 Redwood Tree Lane, Irvine

$659,000; Sale Pending

The minute I entered the Redwood Tree Lane cul de sac to see this property, I felt the difference. Beyond the cul de sac there is a glimpse of the private park that sits in the middle of the University Park community.

Just a few steps from their homes, private green fields roll through the neighborhood, completely free of urban traffic. I walked up the short sidewalk to the park to find kids playing in the sand, people walking their dogs, more playgrounds to the left, and a volleyball court and recreation center to the right. As a parent, a park like this has to be a reassuring plus, and perhaps the best selling point.

After scouting the park and entering this home, I found that this home is worthy of its location. The 26 year resident (who is an artist) has spent time, effort and an estimated $150,000 to develop this home, creating a base of operations for family, friends and colleagues. And as it turned out that was a winning combination. Two days after this open house there was a pending sale listed for the property.

Throughout the home the mood is dramatic, but the effect is casual and elegant. Art, plants, custom paint and lighting and marble and tile define each area and complement the open floor plan and cathedral ceilings.

The elegant dining room, equally sleek kitchen, plant filled patio, and art studded living room all flow together. Then upstairs, a huge working studio is a work place and meeting spot with room to improvise. It could also become two rooms.

Built in 1969 this park view property has been upgraded with Italian cabinetry and granite counters in the kitchen. There’s a built in grill, double oven and microwave. All wiring has been hidden behind the counters. Marble floors have a continuous pattern and custom interior paint with updated rounded edges has been used throughout. All windows are double paned and there is a garden window. A subtle textured treatment has also been used on the staircase handrail. The master suite has a cathedral ceiling and European imported dual grey glass closets.

Specifics on this Two-Level Modern:

• Four bedroom

• 2.5 baths

• 2200 sq. ft.

• $/ sq.ft: $300

• HOA dues: $227

• TV: Cable

• Roof: Spanish Clay Tile

• Cooling: Central Air

• Garage two cars

• Two reserved parking spaces

• Lot size: 3000 sq. ft.

• No Mello Roos

• Award winning Irvine schools

Limitations: This property sold quickly and appears fairly trouble free. But some buyers might be looking for a floor plan with a downstairs bedroom for older family members or guests. Or they might want a bit more outdoor space. The plant filled patio off of the living room with the park just steps away makes the outdoor space quite palatable.

What makes this property irresistible? Families with young, active children will welcome the interior park with no traffic as a safe, family centered resource. Professionals who work in or near Irvine will also choose this house with its open flow, and inviting layout. Individuals who need a great space like the one upstairs for a home office, studio, or group meetings will gravitate to this home.

Added notes and comparisons: This property went on the market nine days ago and two days after Sunday’s open house it was a ‘sale pending.’ If this property and the University Park system intrigues you, you might check other listings in this area. An example is 12 Redwood Tree Lane listed at $549,000 with three bedrooms, one and three quarter baths, and 1560 square feet. This home has many of the other property’s features, on a slightly smaller scale.

Discuss below or on Talk Irvine.

41 Willowgrove Irvine, CA 92604

This Woodbridge condominium has a whole handful of natural assets, and a few inevitable limitations. The private lot location at the end of a cul de sac gives the home a generous helping of natural light and privacy.

The location off of West Yale Loop in a secluded part of Woodbridge secures the home’s value in a community that offers a nearby lake with a beach club and water craft facilities, excellent schools, a senior center, tennis courts, pathways, bikeways, recreational parks, and pools. The overall established image of the Woodbridge community is a big plus.

Also, the home is FHA approved, and was recently reduced $20,000.

Specifics for this two level Craftsman:

• 3 bedrooms

• 2 full baths

• 1 half bath

• Square Footage: 2059

• Ceramic tile and linoleum flooring

• Shutters

• Metal Roof

• Twp car garage

• Stucco, 1 common wall attached

• Gas and wood fuel, gas starter fireplace in living room

• Laundry in the garage

• HOA: $346

• No Mello-Roos tax

Natural Assets: Within this home, a feeling of seclusion and ease is created with the open floor plan and a free standing patio and green space wrapping around the side and the back. Double paned windows insure quietness. The home was built in 1978 and shows definite pride of ownership.

As you move from the formal entry into a comfortable living room, and then on into the dining area, central kitchen with breakfast bar, and a good sized family room, there is a natural feeling of openness and access to the outdoors that suggests entertaining and family parties. The cathedral vaulted ceilings complete the feeling of spaciousness. The outside areas are beautifully maintained.

The bedrooms are all upstairs and the master suite has a roomy retreat that could be become another bedroom or an office.

Limitations: On the downside, much of the interior is original with popcorn ceilings and darker wood cabinetry and paneling. A lighter approach In woods throughout the interior could capitalize on the natural inside/outside look of the home. Light lemon paints, lighter woods and plants might extend that appeal. Also, the availability of a bedroom on the main floor would be a welcome addition for senior owners or older guests.

Comparison with nearby properties: 45 Willowgrove is currently listed at $639,000. It is a similar property with 3 bedrooms, 2 and half baths, 1840 square feet. HOA: 346. It also lists Italian tile and special window treatments.

Who will pick this property? A young family seeking Woodbridge schools might choose to be here. Coupled with Woodbridge’s lakes and sports facilities, there is good family potential. Or it could be a retreat for a mature couple with room for a library, grandchildren and guests.

What appeals to you about this property? Is anything a dealbreaker?

Discuss below or on the Talk Irvine Forums.

Start with a prime location, then pick a skilled artist to interpret the setting. That was my take on Sunday’s open house at 3 Whitewater #2 ($510,000). From the outside, this townhome blends right into the natural hillside surroundings in a secluded area of Turtle Rock, just minutes from the University of California Irvine.

But as you step inside, be prepared to be intrigued. The home is meticulous and the added detail in art is extensive. The open loft floor plan lends itself to the strategic placement of art and the owner, who has lived here 17 years, has obviously enjoyed the space and made the most of his surroundings.

The den has become his studio, and his three dimensional art work has been used to advantage throughout the home. Most of the effects are from the artist’s perspective, and the results are dramatic.

It was definitely my cup of tea, but you have to see it to make your call.

Farrow and Ball organic paint has been used with hand done sealed floors. Plants, fabrics, individual pieces of art, special door treatments, musical instruments, and dividers all make the most of the high ceilings, art lights, clerestory windows, and added special lighting.

Natural Assets and Updates: This place has “good bones,” no matter what your artistic leanings. A very appealing floor plan, desirable end location, and an inviting natural setting set the tone.

• The home was built in 1977 and has 1,648 square feet with views from the windows, patio and two balconies. The upstairs has a large den/studio/second bedroom with patio and a master bedroom with a sitting area, balcony, updated bathroom, and two walk-in closets.

• The kitchen has been remodeled with new appliances, white cabinets, tiled floors, counters and recessed lights. The formal dining room has an art treatment floor and hill views that open to a private yard. The living room has high ceilings, fireplace with an upgraded mantel, and patio access. There are art lights everywhere.

• Hardware has been replaced throughout. The two car attached garage has a new epoxy flooring. There is a newer water heater and plumbing, newer air conditioning and a new roof in 2011.

Detractions: The wood stairs are creaky. The overall space is a little tight. This is made less apparent by all of the open light and outside views. But I still found myself wishing for a little more patio space, another bedroom.

Location: The community is prime Turtle Rock with 142 detached homes, 198 condominiums and townhouses. There are walking, biking, hiking trails, pool, tennis courts, and the investment enhancing overall halo effect of Turtle Rock. The seclusion achieved in a gated community exists here, with the bonus of easily reached urban connections like South Coast Plaza, and the Irvine Spectrum, award winning schools, and a thriving academic community nearby. Association dues are $498. There is no Mello Roos Tax.

Recent Sales Comparisons Nearby in Turtle Rock:

• Across the way off the central courtyard, 6 Whitewater is listed as sale pending at $528,000 with backup offers accepted. Three bedroom, 2.4 bath, 1961 sq. feet. HOA dues $495. Split level with city lights and hill views.
• Listed as just sold May 1, 34 White Water, 32 Cool Brk, $640,000 – 3 bedrooms, 2.75 baths, 2077 sq. feet. HOA: $500. Hill, tree top views.

What seals the deal? Who belongs here? This could be a welcome retreat for active people who treasure their solitude, outdoor time, and natural surroundings. For an individual or couple who travel frequently, it would be very workable. They could just lock the door and go. Writers, artists, and professionals who need a home office, could tailor the space to fit.

Discuss below or on Talk Irvine.