Neighborhood of the week: Tullamore

If we were in Ireland, we would know that Tullamore is a sleepy little town founded in the 18th century that came to prominence when a hot air balloon crashed into it in 1785, destroying more than a hundred homes. Or perhaps we'd know it because of the success of Tullamore Dew, a world-famous Irish whiskey distilled in the town.

Here in North Idaho, however, Tullamore is synonymous with homey, attractive and affordable. A neighborhood conveniently located at the intersection of Highway 41 and Poleline Road in Post Falls, it prides itself on home plans that fit almost any lifestyle and budget.

Although there were a number of builders involved in Tullamore at the start, Copper Basin Construction is now the primary organization designing and building the homes in this friendly community.

Darren Ducote of Coldwell Banker is Copper Basin's salesperson for Tullamore, as well as three of their other neighborhoods: Skyview Estates, The Vineyard, and Orchard Lands. He has been a Realtor since 2002.

"I have so much fun, making people's dreams come true," Ducote says.

Tullamore was originally designed with an Irish theme - which is evident in the grasses and boulders that grace the boulevards, and street names like Galway, O'Connor and Cormac. The original concept was to reach back into the past, to a time when homes had front porches that snuggled up to the street. A time when people were truly neighbors, interacting with each other as they sat on those porches and strolled down those streets.

Time has passed, and new builders have different ideas. But that original theme is still reflected in this neighborhood, and in the homes that Copper Basin is building.

"Copper Basin finds what consumers are looking for," Ducote says.

Walking the quiet circles of Tullamore, you'd never know that you're just minutes away from Post Falls, Hayden, and Coeur d'Alene. The neighborhood is bordered by main roads, but is still private. There's very little traffic, the streets don't go anywhere but home, so there's no reason to drive through Tullamore unless you live there. Look to the south, east, or north across vast fields and you'll see the surrounding mountains, standing guard.

One of the identifying features of these homes is the availability of a "toy box" - oversized attached garages to hold your RV, boat, snowmobile, or collection of classic cars. You can stroll out to work in your shop - wax that RV, change the oil in that Corvette, finish that woodworking project - without putting on your coat or taking off your slippers. They're constructed with the same materials and color schemes that are used in the homes, so they blend in rather than standing out.

The lots vary in size, so there's room to stretch out in Tullamore. Many of the lots are 1/3 of an acre or more, while the ones in the Cormac section (which features alley homes) are 1/4 acre or more. These larger lots provide a little extra room: an expansive back yard, plenty of space for that toy box, and the feeling that you're not sitting right on top of your neighbor.

And there's more: walking trails, a one-acre park, easy access to Prairie View Elementary and Post Falls High School. There are plans for commercial and office growth on the borders of the community, although services aren't that far away now. You're only 10 minutes from Hayden, and a stone's throw from Highway 41 and Interstate 90.

Homes vary in style and size, from multi-family units to single homes. There are houses with side-loaded garages, and alley houses with the garages at the back that fit the original concept of Tullamore: homes close to the street with front porches, resembling the neighborhoods of yesteryear. The feeling that you're in a close-knit community is strong here.

"The neighbors are friendly," Ducote says. "There's an overall feel of neighborhood. People walk by and make a connection."

The homes in Tullamore are consistent but customized: consistent in terms of finish and quality of work, but they don't resemble normal subdivision "cookie cutter" tract homes. Varying elevations, shadow lines, roof pitches, exterior textures - each home looks different than its neighbors. Differing setbacks also help create a visually interesting community, with houses sitting back 6-15 feet from the street.

"We're attracting all different sorts of age groups," Ducote says. "Whether it's a first home, last home, or something in between, we accommodate so many different types. We have it all."

The subdivision was originally planned at 232 acres, with 1,021 residential units including single family and multi-family homes, and assisted living spaces. There are 123 lots developed, with an additional 31 in the process of being recorded. And plenty more on the horizon, as the need arises.

"We're down to a handful of lots available," Ducote says. There are three spec homes on the market and multiple plans available for you to walk through as you design your own home, he says.

The houses feature 30-year composition roofing and Hardie Plank siding, which is more durable than traditional vinyl siding, not to mention insect- and fire-resistant. Inside the homes, you'll find Huntwood cabinetry, custom wood trim, 9-foot vaulted ceilings, and open floor plans. Walk-in closets, granite countertops, master suites, and classic fixtures and appliances lend an air of casual elegance and functionality to these beautiful homes, while the energy efficient gas furnaces and low-e vinyl windows will help you save your hard-earned cash.

Traditionally, the highest appreciation in value occurs within the first three years after a home is built. So you'll gain the most equity by picking out a lot and building your own home now, as opposed to buying one that's already been built to someone else's specifications.

HOA fees are $400/year and cover maintenance of the perimeter fence, the one-acre park, boulevards, common areas, and green spaces. It also covers plowing the alleys (the city takes care of the streets). Homes range from $150,000 and up.

Tullamore is a young community, in spite of being approved in 2007. There's still plenty of time to get in on the early phases and become a part of the foundation of this neighborhood, watching it grow and helping to shape the direction that it takes. Not to mention, becoming a part of this friendly, close-knit community.

"Every neighborhood serves its own purpose," Ducote says. "The story is just being written for this one."

For more information on how you can become part of the Tullamore family, contact Darren Ducote at (208) 964-9090.