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

Best Deal - El Dorado Hills- July 5, 2008

Jul. 5, 2008
Categorized in: Best Deals
 

 

Cascara Ct., El Dorado Hills, CA - The best price per square foot home today in El Dorado Hills is listed at just $130.49 per square foot or $475,000. This 3640 square foot home sits on just under one quarter acres and was built in 2003 in the Stonebriar neighborhood.  It has 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms.  The home has a downstairs bonus that can be used as a bedroom and a pool.  For perspective on this price: Our Lyon Trendgraphix shows the average price per square foot for all El Dorado Hills sold homes for the month of May at $191.  Bank owned sold homes averaged $171 per square foot.  Email me for more information on this property or other homes for sale in El Dorado Hills.

To see all bank owned properties for El Dorado Hills visit my website at www.DeeDeeRiley.com and click on the link at the top of the page. 

To see more of our Trendgraphix click here.

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. 

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.   

Best Deal El Dorado Hills - April 08

May. 2, 2008
Categorized in: Best Deals
Redondo Drive, El Dorado Hills, CAThe "best price per square foot" home in El Dorado Hills is unbelievably priced at only $140.66 per square foot.  It's bank owned and extremely low even among other bank owned properties.  I truly believe sometimes this is a strategy for banks to get a higher price as it insights competition and multiple offers.  However, it is what it is so I'll just give you the information I found.  This semi-custom home was built in 2004, in one of the gated villages of Serrano, on approximately .482 acres, and has 4265 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths.  The kitchen has granite counters and stainless steel appliances.  Our Lyon RE Trendgraphix statistics for the month of March show that 30 homes sold at an average price per square foot of $192.  Of these 30 sold homes, 9 were bank owned properties averaging $163/square foot.  The home is listed at $599,900.  Keep in mind that generally, larger homes go for less per square foot so though it has the lowest per square foot price, it isn't the lowest priced home.  There are two homes under $300K for sale in El Dorado Hills and both of them are bank owned. Please call or email me for more information.   To see all bank owned properties in El Dorado Hills visit my website at www.deedeeriley.com and click on the instant search button at the top of the page.

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.      

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. 

Best Deal for El Dorado Hills - March 08*

Mar. 5, 2008
Categorized in: Best Deals
   
Belhaven Way, El Dorado Hills, CA - The best deal today in El Dorado Hills looks like this 3640 square foot home built in 2003 in the Stonebriar neighborhood on just over a  1/4 acre lot .  It has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a pool.  Our current Trendgraphix statistics shows that 28 homes sold in El Dorado Hills in the month of January for an average of $206 per square foot.  Nine of those 28 homes were bank owned and averaged $175 per square foot.  This one is also bank owned and is listed for $535,000, only $146.98 per square foot.  Unfortunately for homeowners, they are having to compete with these low prices to get their homes sold.  Please email me for more information on this property or others like it. (This home sold 3-27-2008.)

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.  

Best Deal for El Dorado Hills - February 08*

Feb. 6, 2008
Categorized in: Best Deals
   

Samuel Way, El Dorado Hills, CA - My best deal post for December 08 was Belhaven Way and it currently is still the best price per square foot home available in El Dorado Hills at $143.72 per square foot but this home built in 2005 is the next "best deal" at only $156.61 per square foot.  Our Lyon Trendgraphix market trends showed the 36 homes that sold in El Dorado Hills for the month of December averaged $212 per square foot.  Looking at bank owned properties only, the 17 that sold averaged $190 per square foot. Located in the Laurel Oaks subdivision, on .220 acres with 3863 square feet that includes 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms (4 full and 1 half), an office, and a media room.  It is bank owned and listed at $605,000.   For more information on this home or others like it in our area please contact me.  (This home sold 3-28-2008.)          

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.   

Best Deal in El Dorado Hills - December 2007*

Dec. 29, 2007
Categorized in: Best Deals
Belhaven Way, El Dorado Hills, CA - Built in 2003 on almost .2 acres in the Stonebriar neighborhood (south of Highway 50), this home has approximately 4174 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (one of which is in the home's casita).  The back yard is nicely landscaped for low maintenance.  It has a built-in pool and backs to a greenbelt.  The kitchen has granite counters and stainless steel appliances.   Due to a corporate relocation the sellers have moved out of the area and the home is now owned by a relocation company.  It is listed for only $599,900 or $143.72  per square foot making it the best deal in El Dorado Hills.  Just to give you an idea of how good a deal this is, our Lyon Real Estate Trendgraphix show that for the month of November, there were 30 closed sales in El Dorado Hills and they averaged $220 per square foot.  If you would like more information on this home or are interested in seeing it, please email me at driley@golyon.com or call me at 916-225-2719.  (This home sold 3-27-2008.)   

Best Deals

Dec. 27, 2007
Categorized in: Best Deals

These are homes for our foothill area in the MLS (multiple listing service) that have the lowest price per square foot. I've excluded those in a distress situation (short sales) and those needing alot of updating or repair.  Please keep in mind that these are not necessarily the lowest priced houses for these areas.  The reason for this is that generally as a home's square footage goes up, the price per square foot comes down.    

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.
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