Author Archives: SMS

Open House Review: 19215 Beckwith

Turtle Rock Hills Single Family Home On Oversized Lot

19215 Beckwith Terrace $1,400,000

Heading up Turtle Rock Drive into the hills and turning into the President Terrace Community, you will find this Beckwith Terrace classic sitting on an oversized 8,200 square foot lot in a secluded cul de sac.

Just reduced $100,000, this four bedroom, two and a half bath home is a mix of original materials, spacious rooms and special features like the three car garages, quiet location and peekaboo views of city lights. The weekend open house traffic was brisk.

Significant Numbers: Built in 1970, the home has HOA dues of $166. Now priced at $1,400,000 with 2,831 square feet, the home is $495/sq. ft. This single level home is detached with no common walls. On the market just over 110 days, the home’s space and location invite upgrades. Overall, my take on the home would be, ‘good bones.’

CloseUp: Starting with inviting curb side appeal, double doors open into a tiled entry leading into a large living room and family room with rock walled fireplaces. Both open out onto a huge covered patio and yard with views. A good sized formal dining room completes the picture. Cathedral vaulted ceilings, sweeps of light and glass, and custom draperies make the most of the location and the space.

The family room opens to a sleek all white kitchen with breakfast nook, casual eating area, walk in pantry, and access to the laundry.

The oversized master bedroom also opens to the patio and has a walk in closet. There are three additional bedrooms being used for guests, family and as study spaces, plus another full bath and a half bath.

More specifics:

Single family home

Bedrooms, 4

Baths, 2 and a half

Detached, no common walls

Three car garages

Irvine Unified School System

Forced air heating, no cooling

Association 3 pools, spa, two tennis courts

What should be considered? The oversized lot, three car garages, and prime cul de sac view location in Turtle Rock hills will be key, along with the new price cut, and the single level open floor plan. The original condition needing upgrades will also be evaluated.

Who will move in? An active family will see the opportunities. Turtle Rock’s close, but yet secluded location, nature trails and parks, top schools nearby, and proximity to University of California Irvine will all add up. For a buyer who has frequent guests, grandchildren, or older family members, the all on one level, open floor plan with oversized rooms and the expansive back yard will cover a lot of ground for family living and entertaining. For investors added upgrades would work. Several of the other homes in the cul de sac have been expanded and updated to take advantage of this location.

Nearby recent listings: 18922 Racine, $1,399,000; 72 Shade Tree, $1,298,000.

Recent sales: 5582 Oakley Terrace, $1,475,000; 18722 Via Verona, $1,487,000

Open House Review: 14 Whistling Isle

Upgraded Woodbridge Single Family Home

14 Whistling Isle $858,000

Turning off of West Yale Loop and heading up Timber Lane, there is a quiet section in the outer loop of Woodbridge where 14 Whistling Isle is tucked into a nest of side streets. Brand new to the market, this was the first open house for this upgraded single family home, and a lot of people showed up on Saturday to get the first look.

Significant Numbers: This 3 bedroom, 2 bath single family, detached home was built in 1982. It has been on the market about 7 days. HOA dues are $82 a month. The square footage is 1,678 and the lot size is 5,663 sq. ft. The home has been upgraded and there is a new roof.

CloseUp: This single level home presents nicely from the curb and opens to a large living room with a cozy step down fireplace nook on the right. To the left the formal dining room overlooks a lush, live plant filled atrium complete with built In planter, fountain, and access to the garage. Also to the left, an upgraded kitchen pairs with a small family room that accesses the patio.

The kitchen has new granite counters with a roomy breakfast bar, built in microwave, top of the line stainless appliances including a gas grill and convection oven, recessed lighting and a good sized pantry.

The brick edged covered patio is finished with attractive planters and surrounding yard areas that are nicely maintained with ample room for entertaining and dining. A little more landscaping might help to screen out surrounding neighbors.

The bedrooms are off a separate hall running from the family room. The master suite also opens onto the atrium and has an upgraded double vanity with tub and shower and walk-in closet. The second bath off the hall has also been redone.

In the process of upgrading rich coordinated paints link with the wood floors that run throughout the home to define the space. Shuttered windows in the living room, sleek upgrades in the baths, and coordinated lighting provide finishing touches. However, on the flip side of the upgrades, visitors will note that there is more work to be done, such as the screened door leading to the patio.

What will be considered here? The South Lake location in Woodbridge is a prime spot with award winning schools, lakes, parks and community atmosphere. The outer loop location is not as desired, but the fact that the home is on a quiet side street closer to West Yale Loop and away from Culver traffic will be considered. The upgrading in the kitchen, living room and baths all on one level adds value and appeal. The overall square footage is a little snug but the open floor plan makes the most of the space.

Who will move in? A young family attracted to Woodbridge’s many assets might choose this home with its provisions for family activities inside and out. An older couple with frequent guests, grandchildren, and entertainment commitments might find this home very workable too.

Additional Specifics:

Single family home

Bedrooms, 3

Baths, 2

Double attached garage

Detached/no common walls

Central heat

Two parking spaces

Laundry in the garage

Association pool and spa

Irvine Unified School System

Recent Listings: 17 Corsica, $839,000; 42 Elm Tree, $729,000

Recent Sales: 2 New Meadows, $856,000; 15 Soaring Hawk, $780,000

Open House Review: 25 Canyon Ridge

Newly Remodeled Turtle Rock Condo with Salt Water Pool

25 Canyon Ridge, #56 $1,100,000

Turning off of Turtle Rock Drive onto Starcrest takes you to a secluded neighborhood in a quiet cul-de-sac. Walking up the steps and entering the condo at 25 Canyon Ridge, #56 you will find a newly remodeled, pristine home overlooking a spacious saltwater pool and spa in one of the largest lots in the tract.

Significant Numbers: This three bedroom, two full bath condominium has 2,200 sq. ft. There is no Mello Roos. There is one common wall attached. It was built in 1977 and the lot size is 5,000 sq. ft. HOA dues are $130. Price per square foot is $500.

Close-Up: Nicely done in every detail, the large living room to the left of the entry leads to the kitchen and formal dining room overlooking the patio, pool and spa. The home has been carefully staged to emphasize its assets, both as a family retreat and an entertainer’s haven. The open floor plan works with split levels and the expansive outdoor area.

Downstairs, there is an exercise room and bath and laundry room. Upstairs a master suite includes a special soundproof wall, custom bath and a private deck with a partial view of mountains and city lights.

Throughout the home attention to detail shows up, in freshly painted subtle colors, skylights, interior lighting, shutters, new molding and baseboards, travertine tile and carpet.

The kitchen pairs perfectly with the dining room with a bay window view of the pool, stainless appliances and granite counters including a breakfast bar.

The garage is spotless with built-in cabinets and there are double paned windows throughout the home.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 3

Baths 2 full

Double attached garage

Inside laundry

Heating electric

Central air

Attached, one common wall

Two parking spaces

Irvine Unified School District

What will be considered here? The usual questions of condo versus single family, the key location in a secluded area of Turtle Rock, and the numerous upgrades in the recent remodeling will all be considered here. The lot size coupled with the private saltwater pool and spa will also be noted.

Who will be the next ones sampling the saltwater pool? An active family, or a professional couple who entertain a lot like and want a perfect Irvine location might consider this home. Turtle Rock’s top schools and parks will attract an assortment of buyers too.

Recent listings: 52 Tidewind, $1,049,000; 16 Whitney, $940,000

Open House Review: 11 Heron

Woodbridge Single Family Home with 3 Car Garage

11 Heron $1,199,000

Turning onto Heron, this property looked familiar. Several months ago I attended an open house a couple doors down and I remember the same package of very functional assets. At a glance this is a good sized single family home in a quiet spot near North Lake and Lagoon in Woodbridge with quite a few nice options.

Significant Numbers: New to the market, a little over 20 days, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath 2 level detached home has 2,350 sq. ft. on a 4,792 sq. ft. lot. The $/sq. ft. is $510 and HOA dues are $82. The home was built in 1977.

CloseUp: Stepping into the slate entryway, an open floor plan offers a sweep of light filled space that includes a formal living room with fireplace and vaulted ceiling, formal dining room, and gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar. The crown molding, high ceilings, shutters and hardwood floors give the area unity and elegance. The family room with fireplace and master bedroom and bath with glass block Travertine shower and dual vanity are also on the main floor. The master suite includes a mirrored door walk in closet.

The kitchen blends well in the open space with dark granite counters, and recessed lighting. There are Canadian birch cabinets, upgraded stainless appliances and a garden window overlooking the backyard, which has a large grass area, and large bricked patio.

The other bedrooms are upstairs. And the three car garage is attached.

Specifics:

Bedrooms, 4

Baths, 3

3 Car Garage

3 parking spaces

Detached, No Common Walls

Association Pool, Spa

Central furnace, central air conditioning

Irvine Unified School District

What will be considered here? The size and location of this single family detached home near Lakeside Middle School and North Lake & Lagoon in Woodbridge will be evaluated along with the price. The convenience of three garages, the overall layout and privacy and space within the home and in the outside areas, will be part of the evaluation.

Who will move in? A family looking for a great lake location with all of its attractions in Woodbridge, along with the community’s top schools will be attracted to this home. The location on a quiet street and the open floor plan make this home a great choice for a family and for entertaining.

Recent listings: 77 Nighthawk, $999,950; 30 Meadow Grass, $950,000

Recent sales: 71 Nighthawk, $1,149,000; 2 Mallord, $1,200,000

Open House Review: 18 Rustling Wind

Supersized Turtle Rock Condo

18 Rustling Wind $895,000

Turning onto Hillgate from Turtle Rock Drive I remembered other condos that I had seen here. The area is quite secluded and every condo seems to have its own perch among the treetops. But this one has a few extra quirks.

It is three stories with 2,855 square feet, superb views and exceptional privacy. On the flip side, the number of steps will be a question for some, and the exterior is going to need to be redone.

Significant Numbers: This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home was built in 1978. As noted, the exterior is ready to be redone and HOA dues are $515. The broker indicated plans for the exterior are underway. The square footage is 2,855 at $313/sq. ft. It has been on the market about 20 days and there is no Mello Roos.

CloseUp: Moving into the entryway, on the left steps take you up to the main living level, with the third level reserved for the four bedrooms. Custom brick flooring mixed with carpeting, views from every room, French mullioned windows, custom window treatments and French doors throughout the home set the tone.

The open floor plan with a family room with fireplace and a good sized casual eating area sit off of the kitchen, while a formal living room with another fireplace pairs with the formal dining room. Two good sized decks with views of city lights, or hills and trees add the finishing touch to this elegant home. Festive family Christmases and lavish parties are easily pictured.

The kitchen is nicely outfitted with a breakfast bar and windowed area overlooking the private grassy knoll In the back.

All four bedrooms are upstairs with two baths. The master suite includes a walk in closet.

Specifics:

Bedrooms 4

Baths 2.5

Forced air heating, no cooling

Attached, 2+ Common Walls, No One Above, No One Below

Double garage with extra storage space

Two parking spaces

Association pool, community pool

Irvine Unified School System

What will be considered? The price, the supersized space, a three story open floor plan, the numerous classic touches throughout, and the privacy with large decks and views will all be noted. On the other hand the need for exterior updating and the numerous steps will come up. The broker said there are plans for the exterior to be redone. She added that many of these condos are seeing transitions with older owners selling to younger families who can handle the steps.

Who will move in? It could be a good sized vigorous young family looking space and the Turtle Rock setting with top schools, parks, trails and pools, along with a key spot in Irvine, near everything, but still nicely secluded. Another combination might be a couple who likes to entertain and often welcomes guests, or needs some extra rooms for an at home office, library or hobbies.

Recent listings: 30 Oak Tree Lane, $895,000; 4895 Corkwood Lane, $960,000.

Recent sales: 53 Oak Tree Lane, $845,000; 4432 Sandburg Lane, $830,000