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.  

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.          

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.

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.

Great Value in Rescue

Jun. 1, 2007
Categorized in: Best Values

 

Rescue, CA- Situated in a gated community where most of the lots are 5 acres or more, this custom home rests on 5.6 acres surrounded by oak trees.  Built in 1991, it is approximately 4080 square feet, has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a den, and 500 square foot of lower level living that includes a bonus room.  Though it needs some updating and backyard landscaping it is a great deal at $849,000.  This great value just sold on Aug. 23rd for an even better value of $781,000.  Congratulations to the buyers of this beautiful home.           

Best Find - A True Adobe Home

May. 31, 2007
Categorized in: Best Finds

Placerville, CA - This one-of-a-kind home is a true adobe. The home sits secluded in a gated subdivision on over 19 acres. The views are incredible looking out to the hills beyond and the rural valley below. As for the value, the home has approximately 6500 square feet, 4 bedroom, 3.5 baths, top of the line appliances, and infinity pool and is offered at $1,265,000; you decide. The work that has gone into this is evident and amazing. The interior walls are 1.5 feet thick concrete. How long must that alone have taken! Unfortunately, though they have worked on it for 8 years, the sellers vision of the estate is not complete. For the buyer who can carry out that vision, they have the makings of a beautiful and unique retreat.

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