Neighborhood of the week: Lost Creek Estates
More than three miles of walking trails that wind through pristine forests. A year-round spring-fed creek spilling over rocky outcrops, filled with brook trout. And a beautiful home, nestled in the midst of this natural splendor. It's the North Idaho dream. It's Lost Creek Estates.
After the hustle and bustle of a busy day, wouldn't it be nice to pass through one of the three picturesque entrances to this neighborhood, wind your way down paved roads, and return home to your own woodland paradise?
Conveniently located just north of Post Falls, Lost Creek Estates is one of the newest developments in the area, taking its name from the stream that carves its way through this 262-acre project. The attention to detail in this neighborhood is evident in the stone-accented bridge across the picturesque water feature at the entrance, the timber-framed school bus shelter, and the rustic solid timber bridge that spans the creek.
There's no other neighborhood in North Idaho with these amenities. Wooded building parcels average slightly over one acre in size, providing the perfect blend of manageable maintenance and room to breathe. "You've got enough land around your house that's not unreasonable to maintain, and has direct access to the 162-acre conservatory," said Chuck Hughes, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty. "You have your own private playground."
The highlight of this neighborhood is that playground: a 162-acre forested conservatory set aside for the exclusive use of Lost Creek Estates residents - well, except for the wildlife that call it home. Over three miles of non-motorized trails wind through the property, affording residents ample room to stretch their legs.
Underground utilities are in place to each lot, including Avista natural gas, Kootenai electric, Verizon telephone and Northern Kootenai water. High speed Internet is provided by Intermax Networks. Clean, pure water is drawn from the unlimited supply of the Rathdrum aquifer to a dedicated 120,000 gallon reservoir, which also pressure-feeds the fire hydrants located throughout the neighborhood. Children attend school in the Lakeland School District.
Lost Creek Estates is easy commuting distance to both Coeur d'Alene and Spokane, with Interstate 90 and Highway 53 within easy reach. "If you want to work in the Spokane Valley or in Spokane, yet live in the country, this is a really good option," Hughes said. "It meets a lot of people's needs." Located as it is in the mountains near Rathdrum, it features both beautiful prairie and mountain views. And Rathdrum offers a wealth of services, so you don't have to drive to Coeur d'Alene to shop or recreate.
There are 16 parcels in Phase I; Phase II opened in 2014 and includes 22 new building sites, two of which are 5 acres each and the rest average 1.22 acres. Phase III will consist of 26 parcels. Lot prices in Phase I range from $117,600 to $145,600 and Phase II $85,000 to $119,000 (the 5-acre parcels are priced at $205,000 and $245,000). The lots are level with good soil and few rocks, which means less expensive foundation work - and happy builders.
Homes in Phase I ran in the $700,000+ price range. "We've held the lot pricing to protect home values," Hughes said. They're aiming for a price point in the $400,000-$500,000 range for homes in Phase II.
HOA dues are $50/month for homeowners, $25/month for lot owners. Water service is $40/month. The roads are public, and maintained by the Post Falls Highway District.
You can bring your own builder or select from a list of recommended builders. Architectural requirements and covenants can be found on the website (www.lostcreekidaho.com), along with current pricing and homes that are under construction.
Monarch Development is currently starting construction of a spec home that will be completed in January 2015. This 2,397 square foot home with a bonus room above a three-car garage will include many upgraded features at a reasonable price point.
The project originally started in 2006, but the downturn in the real estate market slowed development - until now. "We're in a nice stable market now, with Phase II," Hughes said. "Builders are excited about this project, and we're confident it will grow." Three of the houses in Phase I were in the Parade of Homes; they plan to include another house in the 2015 Parade.
"You can go right out your back yard and hop on the trail, visit with your neighbors, or take your dogs for a walk," Hughes pointed out. "It's the North Idaho dream, being in the woods but having the services of living in town."
Hughes has been a Realtor since 1999, after retiring as a Coast Guard pilot in 1988. He and his wife bought property in this area in 1982, and moved here permanently after he retired.
To reserve your spot in this mountain neighborhood, contact Chuck Hughes at (208) 660-7139. And for more information about Lost Creek Estates, visit their website at www.lostcreekidaho.com.
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.