Neighborhood of the week: RiverLife at Mill River
<p>RiverLife at Mill River is one of Coeur d'Alene's newest waterfront communities.</p>
<p>The optional carriage house is one of the unique features of the homes in this neighborhood.</p>
<p>Multi-hued Craftsman-style homes are prevalent in Mill River.</p>
<p>Mill River is situated on the shore of the Spokane River on the western edge of Coeur d'Alene.</p>
Isn't it amazing what a few years can do? What was once the site of a lumber mill has been transformed into the gorgeous waterfront community of RiverLife at Mill River in Coeur d'Alene, off Seltice Avenue.
Viking Homes and Monogram Homes are building luxurious single-family Craftsman-style two-story homes and classic bungalows in RiverLife. (Apartments and condominiums in Mill River are offered by Copper Basin Construction.) Prices for these homes run from the $200,000s to the $600,000s.
"We have a lot of floor plans to choose from," said Fred Sharp, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty representing Victory Homes in Mill River - plans that range in size from 1,400 to 4,000 square feet, not including the optional detached garages and carriage houses. Viking Homes has lot/home packages available; the house plans are customizable so, with Viking's help, you can design your dream home.
These houses offer the conveniences that you expect in a luxury home, and even a few that you might not expect. Granite countertops with extensive tile backsplashes, stainless steel appliances, rock or brick-faced fireplaces with large mantles, luxurious master suites - the choices are endless.
Although the lots are not directly on the Spokane River, homeowners are entitled to the use of the private gated three-quarter mile long waterfront park.
"That's the biggest draw there, being on the river," Sharp said. "You don't find white sand very often on the river." A sandy beach, full restrooms, barbecue pits, two white sand volleyball courts and a covered cabana are set aside for the residents of Mill River. For homeowners with a boat, there is a day dock in Johnson Park available for their use.
Lots in RiverLife are small by design, affording owners the opportunity to enjoy a nicely landscaped yard without having to do a lot of maintenance. Many of these homes are second and third homes for their owners, so recreation is a priority - mowing the lawn is not.
Houses are brightly colored, Sharp pointed out; Viking has a wide variety of color pallets to chose from. "The homes are very upscale, old-school Craftsman design," Sharp said, "with nice finishes and lots of extras such as gables, raised porches, board and batten, and shingles."
Houses can be built fully Energy Star certified for an additional cost, Sharp said, which will save money in the long run on utilities. The certification stays with the home; it does not transfer with the homeowner if the house is sold.
The community of Mill River is a short 1.5 miles to Coeur d'Alene and the many amenities that we have in this area. Residents can stroll along one of the many walking trails or down the wide tree-lined sidewalks. The neighborhood is located just off the Centennial Trail, affording access to the extensive network of walking and biking trails that crisscross the area.
Streets in RiverLife are narrow and privately owned by the HOA. Fees are $500/year and cover road maintenance, as well as maintenance of the park and monumentation.
One of the characteristics of the homes in RiverLife that makes this neighborhood stand out from others is the ability to add a carriage house. Plans for these unique structures range in size from 400 to 1,000 square feet and are perfect for weekend guests, or boomerang children returning to the nest.
"The carriage house seems to be the big draw," Sharp said. "They are totally separate living spaces that can include a kitchenette, bedroom or bathroom, and can be built over a detached 2-3 car garage.
"It's the only neighborhood in the city of Coeur d'Alene that allows carriage houses, so not to build one is a travesty," he said.
About half of the original 56 lots in RiverLife are still available, but they're going quickly. "There are some houses that have a fantastic view of the river," Sharp said. "There's been a lot of interest."
So, if you'd like to be one of the owners of that fantastic view, call Fred Sharp at (208) 665-5239 or visit www.fredsharp.net for more information. Viking Homes has a model home available for you to tour; call to find out when it is open.
Life on the river, North Idaho style - that's RiverLife.
If you have a neighborhood that you would like to feature in this series, please contact Beth Hanggeli at bhanggeli@cdapress.com or (208) 664-0248.