Neighborhood of the Week: Cottage Grove

Carefree living. That's what life in Cottage Grove is all about.

Everything is taken care of for you. Driveways and sidewalks are shoveled. Lawns are mowed. Yards are landscaped and watered. Common areas are tended. If you'd rather spend your free time living instead of caring for your home, then this is the place for you.

The homes in this beautiful gated community are top of the line, offering homeowners maintenance-free living. HOA fees cover everything - snow removal, front and back landscaping, and maintenance of the stunning water features scattered throughout the neighborhood.

Many of the residents own a second home elsewhere, are snowbirds, or are downsizing - although it's not an age-restricted neighborhood. Their kids are in college, they spend a fair amount of time elsewhere, or just want an easier place to live.

"So far it's been a really big hit," says Mike Green, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty and the listing agent for Viking Homes' Cottage Grove. "People like the small feel of the neighborhood. They love the carefree lifestyle."

Living in Cottage Grove offers many of the same benefits as living in a condo, Green says. The difference is, you own your home.

Cottage Grove was fashioned with classic residential areas like downtown Coeur d'Alene in mind: quaint homes lining peaceful tree-lined streets, neighbors visiting on front porches. Many people would love to live in that type of neighborhood; this way they can, but in a brand new home.

One of the many selling points is its location. Cottage Grove is minutes from major shopping and restaurants, yet has a very secluded feel. "You're right here, where you need to be," Green said.

Viking Homes has taken great care designing this neighborhood, adding double-sided waterfalls, a park-like common area, and walking paths. It doesn't feel like a new neighborhood, with mature trees and landscaping scattered throughout.

Cottage Grove has been a big hit, says Scott Krajack, Estimating Manager and Land Development Director for Viking Homes. The neighbors all know each other already. It's the perfect price point for people to live their life and not be concerned about maintenance. "They have the freedom to get up and go, and not worry about anything," Krajack said.

"I would move my own mom in here," Green said.

One of the special features of the community is the double-sided waterfalls, so residents can enjoy them from the street as well as from the comfort of their living rooms. "The waterfalls are a really big hit," Krajack said.

Lots in Cottage Grove are selling quickly, especially the ones around the waterfalls. If you aren't lucky enough to buy one of those lots, don't worry - they can install your own personal water feature in your front yard.

Garages open onto an alley, so most of the traffic is funneled behind the houses. That adds to the classic feel of the community, hearkening back to a time when homes clustered together on quiet streets that weren't broken up by garages and driveways.

Viking Homes offers four house plans in Cottage Grove, most with master suites on the main level. With two to four bedrooms in each plan, there's plenty of room for the kids to visit.

The first of the 39 lots was sold in August 2013. 11 homes are either completed or under construction. Prices run from $189,000 to $239,000, with additional charges for options like fireplaces and tiled showers. Homes range in size from 1,200 to 2,100 square feet. HOA fees are $125/month.

Viking Homes mixes it up by utilizing a variety of elevations, so your house will look different than your neighbors'. Homeowners can choose from a variety of options such as colors, cabinetry, flooring, countertops, and rockwork accents on the front of their homes. Houses are built on a slab, but you can add a crawl space.

Many of their standard features are considered upgrades in other neighborhoods, Green said. Landscaped front and backyards, granite countertops, comfort height toilets, full tile backsplashes, HardiePlank siding, covered front porches, patios and air conditioning are all standard at Cottage Grove.

Each house has a storage area in the attic that runs the length of the house, which is perfect for those folks downsizing from larger homes.

Bathrooms generally have separate tubs and showers. In the two-story homes, there's room to tuck a garden tub into the master bath. Some master suites have the walk-in closet off the bathroom instead of in the bedroom. That way, you can dress without disturbing your partner still snoozing in bed. And the laundry room is next to the master suite, regardless of what floor it's on.

Mike Green has lived in Coeur d'Alene most of his life. Two years ago, he decided to change careers and joined Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty. He won Rookie of the Year his first year and was part of a Sterling Award for top producer. Last year, he teamed up with Viking Homes and earned Coldwell Banker's Diamond Society Award.

"I've been fortunate to get in with Viking Homes," he said. "I couldn't be happier. I found my niche. I love making people happy. Whether I'm buying a home or selling one, I get to be that guy that's a huge part of their life."

Two spec homes are available to explore and imagine life in Cottage Grove, with one more under construction. The lots are selling quickly, so you need to act now if you want to be a part of this special community.

"When people get here and see the price and the neighborhood, they sit down and say, 'How can I get a house in here?'" Krajack said.

For more information, contact Mike Green at (208) 691-2126. Or stop by the model home and find out how you too can experience carefree living, Cottage Grove style.