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 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.       

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

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 Setting in El Dorado Hills

Jul. 21, 2007
Categorized in: Best Finds

El Dorado Hills, CA - As you head north of El Dorado Hills towards the rural area areas you come across a court of custom homes that were built in the late 80's and early 90's. The street has that country feel as the homes sit on acre parcels and are surrounded by beautiful oaks. Some have the added beauty and serenity of the New York Creek gracing their boundaries. This charming Victorian is one of the lucky. The creek runs meanders across one of the back corners of the property. The home is approximately 3000 square feet, has 4 bedrooms, and 3 full baths. There is not currently a pool but there is plenty of room and privacy to put one in if you so desire. It is currently listed at $899,000. Please call me for more information and or pictures on this 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.           

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