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

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.       

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. 

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.  

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.   

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.

Hilltop Mansion in El Dorado Hills

Jul. 5, 2007
Categorized in: Best Views

   

El Dorado Hills, CAPerched on a hilltop, this mansion sits all by itself on three beautifully landscaped acres with views of Folsom Lake, the Sacramento Valley, and the Sierra Mountains.  It was built in 1987 and totally remodeled just this year.  The home is approximately 10,500 square feet and includes 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, a poker room, a ball room, a maids quarters, and a kitchen with Viking appliances and granite counters.  Outside in addition to the heated pool with swim-up seats that overlook the Lake are three covered patios and reflection ponds you see in the picture on the right.  One of the covered patios contains an outdoor kitchen.  For the car enthusiast there is a 20+ car garage.   With 3 acres, there's still room for a tennis court or even a heliport if you so desire.  It is situated in a very quiet and upscale neighborhood and though the neighborhood isn't gated, the property itself is fully fenced and has a security gate at its entrance.  If this isn't enough for you, the home is professionally decorated and fully furnished as well.  It is currently listed for $4,500,000.      

Serrano Beauties

Jul. 5, 2007
Categorized in: Best Neighborhoods

El Dorado Hills, CA - If you are familiar with the area, you may have noticed that I have not included any of the beautiful custom homes inside the gates surrounding the Serrano Golf Course. However, if you are unfamiliar with the area, you may not understand why I would even bring this up, so I'll begin by giving you a little overview. Serrano is a very prestigious master-planned community and is considered one of the largest in Northern California. It encompasses 3500 acres and is approved for 6500 homes. There are several gated neighborhoods each with its own character and style, along with homes of varying prices and sizes currently starting at $424,000.

On the highest point of those 3500 acres rests what is often referred to as "Upper Serrano". Here is where you find the custom homes built on sites ranging from 1/3 acre to over an acre. Here is where you also find the championship golf course and Serrano's beautiful country club. Sales on these lots began in 1995, in 1997 it was a "Street of Dreams" location as part of the nation's premiere luxury home tour. Would you think there would be some "best finds" or "best views" in Upper Serrano? Trouble is that the homes in this neighborhood "wow" me on a regular basis. There are so many stunning and amazing homes for sale here, I have a hard time singling them out. Some have beautiful views of Folsom Lake and the Sacramento Valley below, some have views of the golf course, and others have a view of century old oak trees surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Right now the highest priced home is listed for $3,395,000. There are still several lots for sale as well. If this is an area you are interested in please call or email me as I would be happy to send you information on homes that meet your criteria within this community.

Best Find with Beautiful Folsom Lake Views

Jun. 7, 2007
Categorized in: Best Finds

El Dorado Hills, CA - This is a magnificent home, built with an unsurpassed attention to detail. A craftsman-inspired estate built in 2000, it is situated inside an exclusive gated development (one of my favorites here in El Dorado Hills) on a little over .5 acre. The 7000+ sq. ft. home includes 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, a 6-car garage, a wine cellar, a gym or playroom, a library-lounge, a gourmet kitchen, and an outdoor courtyard with a built in spa and BBQ. If this isn't enough, it has 280 degree views of Folsom Lake and the South Fork of the American River. The builder/home owner thought of everything and spared no expense inside or outside in building this fabulous home. It even comes fully furnished and is listed for $1,999,997. This home is now sold. Congratulations to the very lucky new owners on their beautiful home.

Beautifull Folsom Lake View

Jun. 1, 2007
Categorized in: Best Views

 

 

 

El Dorado Hills, CA - Here you see a beautiful view of Folsom Lake but this home also has incredible views of Browns Ravine Marina and the lights of Sacramento as well. You can actually walk to the lake from the backyard. The home was built in 1989 but has been tastfully remodeled throughout. It has 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and is approximately 3427 square feet. It sits together with its 6-car garage on approximately 1.12 acres for $999,000.

Folsom Lake at Dusk

May. 29, 2007
Categorized in: Best Views

In this region of rolling hills we are fortunate to have beautiful views of not only the Valley, but also Folsom Lake, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and a number of local golf courses and community lakes.  Here is Folsom Lake at dusk seen from the Highland View neighborhood in El Dorado Hills.  The lights across the lake are Granite Bay.  Please add this site to your favorites and check back to see what other great things I have come across.  

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