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

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.   

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.       

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.          

Best Deal for Folsom - April 08

May. 2, 2008
Categorized in: Best Deals
   
Pine Grove Way, Folsom, CA - This best deal is not bank owned but definitely priced to sell at $160.34 per square foot.  It was built in 1982, in the custom neighborhood of Valley Pines, on approximately 1/3 acre, with 3399 square feet, 4 bedrooms, and 3 baths. The master bath has been tastefully remodeled.  The kitchen needs updating still but is large and has used brink incorporated around the built in ovens giving it a great deal of character.  In the back yard, you'll find a large pool with 2 waterfalls.  Currently listed for $545,000.  For some perspective on this price, our Trendgraphix for the month of March showed 67 homes selling for an average of $210 per square foot.  This figure includes 11 bank owned sales that averaged $188 per square foot.  For more information on this home or others like it, please call or email me.  For more information on our Lyon RE Trendgraphix please click on the Trendgraphix link above.   

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.      

Amazing Summit Home with Breathtaking Views

Mar. 24, 2008
Categorized in: Best Views
     
Columbia Circle, El Dorado Hills, CALocated inside the gated Summit neighborhood, this amazing home has amazing views as well of Folsom Lake and the Sacramento Valley lights.  Perfect for entertaining, it was built in 2001 on just under 1/3 acre and has approximately 4842 square feet, that includes 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a separate guest suite.  The kitchen features granite counters, Dacor appliances, and a pantry with a dumb waiter to the garage below.  Both the kitchen and nook are situated at the back of the house and look out at a relaxing and private backyard paradise, complete with pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and fire pit.   It is listed at $1,649,000.  Please email or call me for more pictures or information on this best find, best view home. 

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

Beatiful Custom El Dorado Hills Neighborhood - The Summit

Feb. 25, 2008
Categorized in: Best Neighborhoods

The Summit, El Dorado Hills, CA - This beautiful neighborhood is situated on the northern end of El Dorado Hills off Francisco Boulevard.  So exquisite an area that it was chosen for the location of the 1988 Street of Dreams Home Tour for the Sacramento area.  There were a few homes in there before that time but really took off in the 90's and since.  There are approximately 190 home sites inside the gated community ranging in size from just over 1/3 acre to 2.33 acres and only a few of those lots remain undeveloped but tightly held by their owners.  The homes range in size from just over 3000 to just under 11,000 square feet.  Some of the homes towards the back of the neighborhood have Folsom Lake views adding to their gracious ambiance.  Even though I feel such a sense of awe when I drive through the streets, I have always felt a friendliness too.  Maybe it's the little neighborhood park and tennis courts that make me think of family.  There are HOA dues of $130 per month but no Mello Roos.  Currently there are 7 homes for sale in this wonderful neighborhood ranging from just under $900,000 to $1,950,000.  For more information on any homes for sale here in the Summit or other developments of its quality in our area, please contact 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.   

Stunning Custom in Folsom with Views

Jan. 7, 2008
Categorized in: Best Views
   
Serpa Way, Folsom, CA - This stunning custom is conveniently located just west of El Dorado Hills on the knolls above Folsom and has panoramic views of the Sacramento Valley.   It was built in 2007 on .29 acres with 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and  4200 square feet and includes upgrades such as travertine floors and granite counters.  There is an indoor/outdoor courtyard with a fireplace and a fountain that allows you a cozy place to gather if you're not out enjoying your view.  The master suite is very grand with 2 fireplaces, one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom.  Currently there is a built-in pool and spa in progress.  Included in the price of this beautiful home is a Bosch washer and dryer and a flat screen TV.  It is  offered at $1,450,000.  Please call or email me for more information.      

Best Deal in Folsom December 2007*

Dec. 27, 2007
Categorized in: Best Deals
   

Cimmeron Circle, Folsom, CA - This Tudor home was built in 1981 on .41 acre with 3100 square feet.  It has an updated kitchen with granite counters, RV parking, and plenty of storage.  Priced at $424,900 makes this deal only $137 per square foot.  Our Lyon Real Estate Trendgraphix report shows that in November there were 351 homes for sale,  56 of them sold with an average per square foot price of $216.    (This home sold January 30, 2008.)

   

Stunning Tuscan in Custom Serrano

Dec. 11, 2007
Categorized in: Best Finds

Greenview Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA

- This stunning custom home, inside the guarded gates of Serrano Country Club is exquisite and grand starting at the entry. Built this year by Hudgens Construction, the 5125 square feet floor plan is well thought out with 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, an office, a library/media room, and a game room. Four of the bedrooms are suites and 3 of them are on the main level. In the large kitchen you'll find all the chef necessities. Other amenities include a 4-car garage, two covered patios, and an outdoor kitchen. The home is just getting the finishing touches including some of the landscaping but the .525 acre lot is nicely studded with native oaks. It is offered at $1,895,000. Please email me if you have an questions on this home or our wonderful foothill area.

Beautiful Gated Estate in Rescue*

Nov. 19, 2007
Categorized in: Best Finds

Rescue, CA - Tour day was an especially busy day for me this week so when I decided on which houses to visit, this home wasn't on my list. Luckily for me a few other agents I saw on tour had been to see it and sparked my curiosity so much I rearranged my schedule to fit it in. This is an amazing house with a beautiful setting on a 5 acre (horse property) lot. Situated between El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park in Green Springs Estates, it truly looks like an estate. The development is gated as well as the property. As I entered the property gate at the top of the road, I gazed past an expansive, gently sloped lawn sprinkled with a few evergreens and mature native oaks to the house. Off to the right, I could see an unattached 3-car garage with a guest house (900 sq. feet) built on top and beyond that a tennis court. As I got to the bottom of the driveway, I could see that the house had another 3-car attached garaged. Around the back of the house, I found an incredible 1200 square foot, edgeless pool with a waterfall, a swim up bar, and a cave that you can swim into and once inside find benches to sit on. From the pool. as well as from the whole back of the house you have views to the east that include the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The grounds were mesmerizing, but I finally made my way around the front, up the steps, and into the entry of the house. It was built this year with just over 5000 square feet that includes 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, an office, and a solar system that generates most of the home's electricity. It has a craftsman feel with it's simple, clean lines in the cabinetry, built-ins, and wainscoting, and a warmth about it from the use of brick fireplaces (including one in the kitchen/nook) and the extensive use of wide plank, yellow pine flooring. The kitchen is quite spacious and gourmet, has granite slab counters with an eating bar, that fireplace I mentioned, and stainless steel appliances. All the baths have travertine showers and floors.

One more bonus for this horse property development is that it has no Mello Roos. This amazing home is offered at $1,495,000 $1,295,000 which in my mind is not only a best find but a great value for such an estate. If I didn't love my own view and know my current home is already too big for me I'd be tempted. As always, call or email me for more information on this home or if I can help you find more like it in our area. (This home sold 3-7-2008.)

Sprawling Single Story Custom in Milton Ranch Estates - Shingle Springs

Nov. 9, 2007
Categorized in: Best Finds
Shingle Springs, CA - Located in prestigious Milton Ranch Estates, on 5 level acres, this sprawling single story custom home has it all. It was built in 2004 on Pyracantha Drive; and it just so happens as you drive south on South Shingle Springs Road beautiful Pyracantha bushes mark the road side boundary's for the development on both sides of the entry gate. This time of year they are in their splendor with bright red orange berries. The 3627 square foot, 4 bedroom home has many elegant touches throughout including the use of Italian travertine on the floors and floor to ceiling in all shower and tub areas, coffered ceilings, crown moldings, and a slate fireplace in the great room. The large gourmet kitchen features beautiful granite counters, stainless steel appliances, a commercial range, a butler's station, and a large pantry. Outside you'll find a covered patio and a wonderful pool with a rock waterfall. Milton Ranch Estates are horse properties as well and this home is already set up with a two stall barn, tack room, and a round pen; and is completely fenced. This is a great find and is offered for $1,199,999. Please call or email me for more information.

Beautiful Santa Barbara Style Custom in Francisco Oaks *

Nov. 3, 2007
Categorized in: Best Finds
El Dorado Hills, CA - I loved this home the first time I saw it a few months ago. I re-toured it again recently and can't believe it is still not sold. It's the nature of the market, I suppose. Fashioned in a Santa Barbara style and built in 2004 in the charming Francisco Oaks neighborhood on .41 acre, it is approximately 3850 square feet, has 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The cabinets throughout are handcrafted with a dark brown stain adding to the home's coziness. The kitchen includes granite slab counters and stainless appliances. The oak tree studded backyard is beautifully landscaped with a built in pool/spa and a dramatic waterfall that spills from an upper level patio just outside the kitchen, to the lower level where you find the pool and more patio area. There is actually a view of Folsom Lake as well from the Balcony off the master bedroom. It is offered at $949,000 $874,000.  This home sold 5-12-2008.

El Dorado Hills Custom Home in Francisco Oaks

Nov. 1, 2007
Categorized in: Best Finds
El Dorado Hills, CA - This wonderful home was built on just under a third of an acre in 2004 by DiChristina Custom Builders. It sits on a cul-de-sac just inside the gates of the Francisco Oaks neighborhood. It's impressive, yet still has a homey feel, due in part to the hardwood floors throughout much of the downstairs including the very open kitchen /family room area. Within the 4920 square foot living space are 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and an upstairs bonus room where you can catch a peek of Folsom Lake. The spacious master bedroom, located on the second floor, has a cozy fireplace and also has a view of the lake. The private backyard has a friendly feel with many areas to enjoy - an outdoor kitchen, a beautiful Wisteria covered arbor, a quaint fire pit area, and a large luscious lawn. This best find is available for $993,353. Please don't hesitate to call or email me for more info.
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