Neighborhood of the week: Bella Ridge
Have you been dreaming of a home in the mountains? Waking to deer wandering through your yard, sipping your morning coffee on a deck surrounded by the silent forest?
There are plenty of spots in North Idaho where that's possible. But not spots that have incredible views of the mountains and prairies. Spots that have a maintained, paved road leading to them. Spots with paved driveways and utilities already stubbed to the homesite. And spots that are just a few minutes from town. If this sounds like what you're looking for, then Bella Ridge is the answer.
Bella Ridge is a serene community of approximately 40 lots from 2-5 acres tucked in the mountains on the south side of the Spokane River between Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene. The lots are treed, with stunning views of the surrounding area.
You're only minutes from I-90, with easy access to Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Spokane. It's the perfect location for couples with jobs in both Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, for example.
The layout of the lots and terrain create a sense of privacy, although the neighborhood is not gated. "It's close, yet secluded," said Tommy Beutler, a Realtor with Century 21 Beutler & Associates. "It's hard to find property with these kind of views and access."
One of the best aspects of these lots is that they're ready for your builder to arrive and start constructing your home. Each lot has a paved driveway leading to the homesite and all utilities are stubbed to the site, including electric, natural gas, digital cable, phone, water, and high speed Internet.
This makes it easier to estimate the cost of building your new home, said Bryan Short, also with Century 21. "You don't have to factor in the cost of drilling a well or putting in a driveway, let alone paving that driveway - it's all been done for you already." All you have to consider is the cost of building the home and landscaping the property. That can also make it easier to finance the property, as well as find a builder to construct the home for you.
Homes in Bella Ridge lean toward the ideal North Idaho look: Craftsman-style, using natural materials. "The topography lends itself to daylight ranchers of over 2,500 square feet, 2,000 of which must be on the main level," Short said.
Lot prices start around $115,000, and homes range from $500,000 and up. The most recent sale in Bella Ridge was close to $1 million, which included a gorgeous 6,000-square-foot home with an additional lot.
HOA fees are very reasonable at $75/quarter, which cover maintenance of common areas and snow removal.
The water system is already there, Beutler pointed out. Greensferry Water District provides that service, so you don't have to incur the unknown expense and risk of drilling a well. There's actually a large reservoir on top of the mountain, and fire hydrants are located throughout the neighborhood.
Although the mailing address is Coeur d'Alene, children living in Bella Ridge attend schools in the Post Falls School District.
Privacy is the key word in this neighborhood. The lots are large enough that you won't be living on top of your neighbors. The developer has left the trees in place, so you will definitely feel as though you're nestled in the forest. The terrain is varied, and the roads wind through the community as they climb into the surrounding mountains. It's the perfect location for your country retreat.
A few homes have already been built in Bella Ridge, if you're interested in purchasing an existing one. But if you would like to build your own, there are lots available.
This high-end development is a perfect location for your Idaho custom home that embraces the Northwest lifestyle. So, if you're ready to wake to spectacular views in your mountain retreat, call Tommy Beutler at (208) 818-2712 for more information.
"If you're looking for acreage close to town," Beutler said, "this is the place."
If you have a neighborhood that you would like to be featured in this series, please contact Beth Hanggeli at bhanggeli@cdapress.com or (208) 664-0248.