Best of the Hills

Blog by DeeDee Riley
El Dorado Hills, California

Welcome to my weblog! The Hills I refer to here are the foothills east of the Sacramento Valley. My inspiration for this blog came as a result of my Real Estate profession where touring homes and knowing the inventory are some of the best parts of my job. Though my predominant intention here is to tell you about the homes for sale that have wow’d me, I also want to include what I consider to be among “other bests” of living in this wonderful area. You can search by categories, by clicking on the links below, or click on a tag word under one of my postings for more blogs about that subject. The prices shown on each blog is as of the date written. I'll try and update them when time allows. Please keep in mind that sometimes the pictures don't do a home justice, but they are what the listing agent has submitted to the MLS and what I have to work with. For more pictures or information on any of these postings or for help in locating similar homes available in our area, please contact me by clicking on the “Email Me” link below. Be sure and check out My Favorite Links for more helpful sites. Blog postings with * following the name indicate that the home has been sold and is no longer available.

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Best of the Hills

Fabulous Single Story in El Dorado Hills

Jul. 12, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds

 

   

Queen Elaine Court, El Dorado Hills, CA - This fabulous single story, semi-custom was built in 2001 by US Homes on just over one acre.  The very open floor plan and high ceilings has approximately 3717 square feet with 4-5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.  The kitchen has granite slab counters and raised maple cabinetry.  This home is situated in Crown Valley among newer homes and, as true with all of El Dorado Hills, privy to award winning schools.  From the homes front you can enjoy panoramic local foothill views and  from the back you can enjoy your beautifully landscaped yard set among native oaks.  One additional plus for this great home is that there are no Mello Roos or HOA dues.  It is listed at $898,900.  For more information or pictures email me at driley@golyon.com.

To search all El Dorado Hills and more visit my website at www.DeeDeeRiley.com.

To see and read all of my blogs on the best  homes I'm coming across visit www.MyBestoftheHills.com.

 

Great Ridgeview Home with Sierra Mountain Views

Jun. 11, 2008
Categorized in: Best Views
     

Knight Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA -  Though I love the look of Mediterranean homes, this home was refreshing and adorable.  It was built in 1989 but has been completely updated.  It sits on just over 1/3 acres in the Ridgeview subdivision, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the local foothills and the beautiful snow capped Sierra Mountains from the front rooms of the home or relax by the pool in the lushly landscaped back yard.  There is approximately 3458 square feet of living space which includes 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an office, and a bonus room.  Neighborhood advantages for Ridgeview include not only great schools and a great location but also no HOA dues or Mello Roos taxes.  As of the date of this blog,  it is listed for $829,000.   Please call or email me for more information on this great find. 

To read all my Best of the Hills blogs visit www.MyBestoftheHills.com

Charming Custom in Upscale Highland Hills Neighborhood

May. 28, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds
     
Highland Hills Drive, El Dorado Hills, CAI use to live in the next neighborhood over (Sterlingshire) and drove by this house on a regular basis.  It has always caught my eye as it's curb appeal is so charming.  I wondered what it looked like inside.  On our Lyon office tour yesterday, I finally got a chance to see it, and to my delight, it is just as charming on the inside!  The charm continues out to the back yard where you find the pool and garden areas nestled around some of our majestic native oaks.  Highland Hills homes all have large lots and there are no HOA dues or Mello Roos.  The majority of the homes here were built in the 90's, this one was built in 1990 on .80 acres.  It has 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, and approximately 4420 square feet.  Additionally, the home has a separate 2 bedroom, 1 bath guest suite with it's own mini kitchen, family room, and private entrance from the front of the house.  The downstairs has extensive use of beautiful Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring.  The upstairs master bedroom has a fireplace and private balcony overlooking the back yard where you can also catch glimpses of the local hills beyond.  Listed at $1,085,000.  Please call or email me for more information.  To read all my best of the hills postings visit MyBestoftheHills.com or click here.   

Serrano Golf Course Lot with Folsom Lake Views

May. 23, 2008
Categorized in: Best Views
     
Powfoot Way, El Dorado Hills, CA - This charming Serrano single story may have been built by John Laing Homes as a semi-custom but has superb amenities and upgrades that make it stand out. Throw in the fabulous views and it easily fits into my best find category.  The 3200 square foot, Mediterranean home sits on a slightly raised lot overlooking the 18th fairway of Serrano Country Club with views of not only the golf course but Folsom Lake and the Sacramento Valley beyond it.  A few of the amenities include a custom built casita, a loggia with a fireplace off the back where you can enjoy your views year-round, spacious rooms, a gated courtyard entrance, and a beautiful kitchen with granite counters and maple cabinets. The neighborhood is gated, typical of all of the Serrano Villages, but this particular village is one of my favorites.  Listed at $869,900.  Please call or email me for more information on this wonderful home.  

Highland View Home with Folsom Lake and Sacramento Valley Views

May. 20, 2008
Categorized in: Best Views
     

Aberdeen Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA - Almost to the top of the Highland View neighborhood, sits this beautifully upgraded and adorned, semi-custom home with stunning views to enjoy sunsets over Folsom Lake and twinkling night lights across the Sacramento Valley. The home is approximately 3799 square feet, has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and includes an upstairs bonus room.   One of the bedrooms is located downstairs so can be used as an den/office or a guest room.   The spacious kitchen has more added space with a walk-in pantry.   Venture out from the nook to the back yard, where you'll find the pool area that is private and secluded then wander around the side of the house where the views await you.  The owners have created a patio area there for all your entertaining possibilities.  All homeowners in this neighborhood enjoy large lots, no Mello Roos, and HOA dues of only $35 per month.  This best find home is listed at $923,000.  Please call or email me for more information on it or other listings in the Highland View. 

Great Horse Property Home in Shingle Springs

May. 14, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds
     
Carlson Drive, Shingle Springs, CAThis stunning estate property rests beautifully on 5 oak-studded acres yet is still conveniently located to Hwy. 50, our great schools, and shopping.  The main house is approximately 2649 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom; and the guest house is 1000 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath.  The main house is very warm and inviting with the use of brick in the great room around the fireplace and bar area.  The kitchen is large and open to the nook and great (family) room.  The backyard is magnificently done with a heated swimming pool, koi pond, and lighted horseshoe pit, and ample decking and patio areas.  Add in the amazing horse amenities that include a covered arena and a 5-stall barn with both a tack and a feed room, and you'll understand why I feel that this is both a great find and a great value.   It is listed at $1,199,000.  Please call or email me for more information.       

Beauty with Lake Views in Prestigious Summit Neighborhood

May. 3, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds
     
Huntington Circle, El Dorado Hills, CA - As you make your way inside the gates of the prestigious Summit neighborhood and meander past one amazing custom home after another you can't help but be in awe.  Perched high on a hill towards the back of the development, this home permits sneak peaks of Folsom Lake from the first floor living areas off the back of the house and the pool area, but the 2nd floor is a whole other story.  The 2nd floor has two viewing balconies, including a private one for the Master suite, where you can catch the gorgeous sunset views over the lake. The owner/builder spared no expense building their residence and it is apparent in the appointments used such as the solid knotty alder doors, the radiant heated concrete floors, and the generous use of natural stone.  Even the back yard is a beautiful oasis with a sparkling pool/spa, a putting green, and an outdoor kitchen complete with BBQ, refrigerator, sink, and granite counters.  As you would expect in a house of this character, the kitchen has everything a cook could want - 6 burner range, double ovens, butlers pantry, wine refrigerator.....  As mentioned, the master suite is on the 2nd floor where it can full advantage of the views.  Downstairs is a mini master suite for your guests with a separate entrance, walk in closet and separate tub and shower.  This "best find"  was built in 2006, on approximately .465 acres with over 4400 square feet of living space, and has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.  It is listed at $1,574,888.  If you would like more information or pictures of this home or others like it in our area, please call or email me.  To view a map click here.       

Stunning Semi-Custom Single Story in Serrano

May. 3, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds
     
Meadow Wood Court, El Dorado Hills, CA - It may have the same floor plan as some of the neighboring houses but the owners of this Serrano home spared no expenses on the upgrades and improvements in customizing it.  From the minute you pass through the leaded glass entry and enter the rotunda, you can't help but notice the beautiful travertine floors and the inlayed motif at the rotunda's center.  As you move through the home you'll see not only the owners added touches but those the builder designed in as well such as art niches, a stone hearth, and architecture that transcends between the interior and the outdoors.  In the back yard, you'll find an outdoor kitchen and a refreshing pool/spa.  As with all Serrano neighborhoods, you have a security gate and a private neighborhood park.  This particular Serrano village is close to all levels of schools, the El Dorado Hills Library, and is within minutes of Highway 50 and our Town Center.  This stunning "best find" home was built in 1998, with approximately 2680 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a den.  It is listed for $629,000.  If you'd like more information on this home or others like it in the Sacramento Valley area, please call or email me.  For a map click here.   

Single Story Custom in Great Shingle Springs Neighborhood

May. 2, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds

Vega Loop, Shingle Springs, CA - This is a great find in a great gated neighborhood!  Built on a flat lot, approximately .92 acres, in Hacienda De Estrellas, this beautiful, custom, 2651 square foot home has it all, great curb appeal, amazing back yard, and classic, quality upgrades in and out.  There are 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an additional office/den.  The kitchen has cherry cabinets and slab granite counters.  The flooring consists of distressed wide plank hardwood, 18X18 tile, and carpet.  The back yard is exceptional and well layed out with a solar heated pool,  a spa, a built in kitchen with a granite top, a play structure, and still has room for the family garden or whatever you desire.  The neighborhood itself also has a community center, pool, and tennis courts.  HOA dues are $285 per quarter but that takes care of all the neighborhood amenities and there are no Mello Roos.  This wonderful home is listed at $749,000.  If you aren't currently working with a realtor, I would love to represent you in purchasing this home.  Please call or email me for more information or pictures.          

Beautiful Serrano Custom with Valley & Mountain Views

Apr. 26, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds
     
Sur Mer Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA - Imagine views of Folsom Lake and the Sacramento Valley lights from one side of your house and local and mountain views from the pool, cabana area, and back of your house.  This Serrano custom is truly superb inside and out.  Walking up to the front door, you come through a courtyard area surrounded by roses that smell divine.  Inside quality construction abounds from the gourmet kitchen with it's custom cabinets, massive center island, and granite slab counters, to the family room with it's boxed beam ceiling.  From the kitchen and family room you can see out to the backyard where your beautiful pool and cabana, complete with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace, await you.  Situated within the Country Club gates and built in 2002 on .59 acres, this best find home is approximately 4780 square feet and has 5 bedrooms and 4 baths.  It is listed at $1,595,000.  Please email me for more information on this amazing home. 

Darling Single Story Semi-Custom in El Dorado Hills

Apr. 20, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds
   
Cabrito Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA  -  Built in 1999 and filled with character, this single story, semi-custom home was a great find this week on tour.  Located behind the gates of Serrano's Village B neighborhood, it is within walking distance of not only the local elementary school but the middle school, high school, and the El Dorado Hills library as well.  The home is approximately 2109 square feet, has 3 bedrooms plus a den and 2 baths.  In the kitchen you'll find granite and Corian counters with stainless steel appliances.  I found the backyard to be inviting and very private.  This wonderful home is currently listed at $529,000.  Please call or email me for more information or pictures on this home or others like it.  As always, if you are not currently working with a Realtor, I would love to represent you in the purchase or sale of your home.      

Spanish Mission Style Custom in Serrano

Apr. 15, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds
     
Breese Circle, El Dorado Hills, CA - Designed by Tomano and Chaw, this Spanish Mission style custom is exquisite.  It is located within the gated Country Club neighborhood of Serrano on approximately .73 acres.  Built on a down slope the home appears to be a single story but is actually around 5570 square feet and includes 2 master suites, 3 additional spacious bedrooms, 5 baths, a downstairs game room, a wine cellar, and 3 pantries.  One of my favorite features in a house is a fireplace; here you'll find 4. The builder used many upscale products that speak to the homes quality from custom designed cabinetry and crown molding with rope lighting to Wolf kitchen appliances. The use of wide plank maple flooring as you can see in picture of the kitchen makes the home feel warm and inviting.  This gorgeous home is listed at $1,675,000.  Please email me for more information.      

Italian Rural Estate in Sun Ridge Meadows

Mar. 10, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds
     
Swift Road, Shingle Springs, CA - There were 34 homes on the MLS tour for our area this week located throughout El Dorado Hills, Rescue, and Shingle Springs.  I picked 10 homes to see and though I covered a lot of miles, they were well worth it.  I saw several amazing homes that beautiful spring day starting with a Folsom Lake view home in the gated Summit Neighborhood; and ending with 4  stunning homes in the rural gated community of Sun Ridge Meadows, where property boundaries are marked by white split rail fences.  The most amazing home of all was an Italian rural estate of 35+ acres, one of the largest parcels in Sun Ridge Meadows, and is exquisite in every way.  The home itself is perched high on a knoll overlooking the Sacramento Valley.  I could only imagine the magnificent sunsets the owners must enjoy.   Built in 2004, there is approximately 5884 feet in the main house that includes 3+ bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.  The first thing that caught my eye when I walked in was the quartz stone and distressed hickory floors, that I later found out have radiant heating beneath them. Then I looked past some fellow Realtors gathered in the great room to the outside where I could see the infinity edge pool and the incredible views beyond it.  The kitchen was grand yet still casual with the stonework used around the stove and, though you can't see it in the picture above, the semicircular island/ eating bar.   The grandeur continued in the master suite where the closet had a back door that exited next to the laundry room.  In the master bathroom was a beautiful stone fireplace with its own hearth.  The estate also includes a custom guest house, it's own pond, and horse amenities that include a covered arena and two barns.  This one of a kind, best find is listed at $3,800,000 and is quite a deal for what you'll be getting.  For more information or pictures on this or any of the homes in Sun Ridge Meadows, please email me

Spacious Home on Stunning Shingle Springs Street

Feb. 16, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds
   
Meder Court, Shingle Springs, CA - Two years ago or so, while on Realtor tour, I visited a home on this street.  Though I couldn't tell you what the inside of that house looked like, the street stuck in my mind as it was so beautiful meandering through a little pocket of homes, sitting among majestic oaks on acre + lots.  When this week's list of homes on tour came out, I remembered that beautiful street and made this home first on my list to see.  The house itself is very spacious with 3709 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a game room, but was built in 1991 and could use updating.  However, the lot (just over 1 acre),  is stunning and the potential for this home is huge.  It is listed at $799,000  $675,000.  If you would like more information or to arrange a showing please email me.   

Delightful English Country Home in Cameron Park*

Feb. 10, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds
Bertella Road, Cameron Park, CA
- The delightful English country home had my interest from the moment I pulled up to it.  It is only winter so many of the plants I saw walking up to the front door are dormant, but I could still imagine their beauty in bloom and see that the landscape fit the style of the home so perfectly.  The home, built in 2001, is situated on approximately 1/2 acre and has views to the east from the front, including local views of Cameron Park.  Inside the 3577 square foot house are 6 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, and custom everything from cabinetry to wall finishes.  The kitchen was amazing with 2 full sinks, a Dacor double oven, 2 Bosch dishwashers, a large island with a warming drawer, granite counters. cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances,  and a gourmet gas cook-top with a pot filler.  The owners had the back yard designed and began the project but are relocating.  It will be up to the buyer to see it through.  It is a very private and beautiful lot, however, and looks quite promising.  It is listed at $849,000.  I would love to represent you as your buyer's agent on this best find.  Please contact me for more pictures or information. (This home sold 4-4-2008.)

Classic "Country Craftsman" Custom in Serrano

Feb. 4, 2008
Categorized in: Best Finds
   
Aldea Drive, El Dorao Hills, CA - Situated inside the gates of  the Serrano Country Club, this beautiful home, built by Wichert Homes, is not only spectacular but refreshing with it's country craftsman style architecture.  The lot itself is approximately .42 acre,  wooded with native oaks and gently sloping to an open space that has a seasonal creek running through it.  The home flows very well throughout it's 4962 square feet with 5 bedrooms, 6 baths (4 full and 2 half), an amazing gourmet kitchen that opens to a great room, and a large downstairs bonus room with an outside loggia. This builder tends to put a lot of thought into his floor-plan designs.  An example of this is the 3 conveniently located washer-dryer hookups; one in the master suite, one on the lower level where you'll find 3 of the 5 bedrooms, and one behind the kitchen.  The one on the lower level is situated where it can be turned into an elevator if that is needed instead.  There are many quality features used throughout including Anderson windows, hand scraped maple hardwood floors, and Thermador appliances.  It is listed for $1,499,000.  As always please call or email me for more information.      

Fabulous Villa with Amazing Valley and Lake Views

Jan. 26, 2008
Categorized in: Best Views

     

Casa Vista Way, El Dorado Hills, CA Some weeks as I tour homes, I'll see nice homes but nothing that really jumps out at me, last week was such a delight with 3 amazing homes.  One was a re-tour and I actually blogged about it already under the title "Beautiful Gated Estate in Rescue".  It has been reduced, however, $200K so was held open again for us Realtors to see. I loved it so much the first time that I didn't hesitate to refresh my memory and see it again. Another one is a custom in the country club section of Serrano and next on my "to blog list", but being I'm a view fanatic I had to start with this fabulous home. 

It is situated in the gated community of Villadoro, which is located on the western slope of the ridge separating El Dorado Hills and Folsom.  Here you'll find this 7000 square foot home in all its glory, on a .8 premium corner lot overlooking the Sacramento Valley and Folsom Lake.  As you can imagine with 7000 square feet, all the rooms are very grand and spacious starting from the foyer and including even the upstairs hallways.  There are 5 bedrooms which all include walk-in closets and full bathrooms.  The Master suite includes a fireplace as does one of the additional bedrooms.  How enchanting it would be to have a fireplace going for your guests in their room!  The dream continues in the kitchen with Savage cabinetry, a Wolfe 6-burner range, double ovens, 2 Meile dishwashers, and warming drawers.  Both stories have a laundry room and each comes with a washer and dryer. It is evident everywhere you look. that the builder spared no expense on this house. Villadoro has HOA dues currently set at $350 per quarter but that includes fiber optic high speed internet.  Listed at $2,750,000, most of us can only dream of owning a home like this, but if you find it fits your budget, I'd like nothing more than representing you on your purchase.  Please contact me for more pictures or information on this home or others like it in our area.   

Adorable Single Story Serrano Home with Valley Views

Oct. 21, 2007
Categorized in: Best Views
El Dorado Hills, CA - I loved this home when I saw it on Realtor tour a couple month's ago and can't believe it is still available. Despite Mello Roos that is typical for all Serrano homes, it truly has it all. The 2975 square foot, single story home has many upgrades throughout including granite slab counters and custom cabinets in the kitchen. The gated courtyard has its own built in fireplace and raised stone hearth and is accessed additionally from the living room. From the kitchen nook and cozy family room you can gaze out back to see the built-in outdoor kitchen and amazing pool (built by the award winning Geremia Pools) or look beyond them to the breathtaking Sacramento Valley views. It is offered at $748,888. This is one great find. Please call or email me for more information.

Contemporary Beauty with City Light Views

Oct. 19, 2007
Categorized in: Best Views
El Dorado Hills, CA - This 4168 square feet best find rests on .45 acre in the Ridgeview area and looks like another Mediterranean when you pull up into the cul-de-sac and see the front of the house. However, upon entering the home, you get a whole other feel. The contemporary design and open floor plan combined with the beautiful city light view outside the many windows makes you feel like you're in a flat in San Francisco. The house is designed so that all the bedrooms and main living areas can enjoy the amazing view. On the main level you'll find the master suite, the kitchen, family room, dining room, and guest suite. There you can also go out the sliding doors to a large deck where you can take in the sunset or be mesmerized the the city lights. If the need strikes you, stairs off the deck lead down to the back yard oasis. Back inside and down to the second level, you'll find another two bedrooms, a game room, laundry area, mud room, and another access to the back yard where you can relax in the spa or sunbathe by the beautiful, sparkling pool. It is offered at $1,295,000. Please call me at 916-225-2719 or email me at driley@golyon.com for more information or pictures.

Former Serrano JTS Model Home

Oct. 12, 2007
Categorized in: Best Finds
El Dorado Hills, CA - Built in 2000, this former Serrano model intrigued me from the moment I walked in the gates of the front courtyard which is actually outside the nook windows you can see on the left in the picture of the kitchen. As you enter the house your eye is drawn through the living/dining room to the beautiful, sparking pool and statuesque arbor in the the back yard. Heading right from the entrance, you'll find the bright and well lay ed out kitchen and nook, a bedroom which is currently used as an office, the laundry room, and the family room complete with a cozy fireplace and french door to the back yard. If you had headed left from the entrance, you'd pass the stairs to the second floor which has two bedrooms and a full bath. Just past the stairs you'd find the hall leading the garage and a half bath. And just past that hall are the double doors opening to the master bedroom, very secluded on its own side of the house. As an added bonus, for the golfer in the family, you'll find your own putting green on the right side of house. There are Mel lo Rios and HOAR dues typical with Serrano communities but this home is situated within walking distance of a park, two elementary schools, Rolling Hills Middle School, Oak Ridge High School, and a beautiful new public library. What a find! It is currently offered at $675,000.
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