Neighborhood of the week: Pine Pointe Phase II

Do you dream of living in a home in the woods, in a neighborhood ripe with amenities, that's close to town yet away from the hustle and bustle? Where your kids can ride their bikes to school and you can walk miles of paved trails? Where you're a stone's throw from lush parks and ball fields? If that's the case, then Pine Pointe is for you.

Pine Pointe Phase II is one of the newest sections of Coeur d'Alene Place. Nestled in one of the last undeveloped forested areas north of town, it's the first area in the neighborhood that features treed lots - something that folks have been asking for in this popular community.

"Coeur d'Alene Place never had trees before," said Scott Carr, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty, representing Aspen Homes in Pine Pointe.

Coeur d'Alene Place is a pedestrian-oriented community which focuses on traditional people-centered neighborhoods. It's reminiscent of the communities from your childhood, where neighbors visited on front porches, children walked to school, and families played together in local parks.

More than 70 acres are dedicated to parks, playgrounds, greenbelts and an extensive trail system. Neighborhoods are designed so no home is more than a five-minute walk from one of the seven parks that feature a basketball court, playgrounds, picnic areas, ball fields and restrooms. In the summer, movies are shown in the Park at Palais on an inflatable screen.

Bluegrass Park is the 12-acre heart of the community. Located at the center of Coeur d'Alene Place, it features a water spray park, covered picnic areas, playgrounds and bathrooms, and functions as the community center.

A network of more than 10 miles of extra-wide walking and biking trails link the neighborhoods of Coeur d'Alene Place. The Prairie Trail utilizes an old rail bed that connects to the Centennial Trail and takes you to local restaurants, schools, shopping - even Riverstone, the Kroc Center and downtown Coeur d'Alene.

Aspen Homes is building high-quality custom homes on the 17 forested lots of Pine Pointe Phase II. Six of those 1/5 acre lots have already sold in the two months they have been available. Lot and home packages range from $325,000 up to $500,000. Aspen Homes is taking great pains to leave as many trees as possible on the lots to enhance the Northwest feel that homeowners are looking for in their definitive North Idaho home.

There are currently three spec homes under construction in Pine Pointe Phase II. One for $371,000 is nearing completion; one for $415,000 has just been framed; and the foundation poured for a two-story with a five-car garage in the $370,000 range.

The houses are rustic Northwest craftsman style with timber frame exteriors and stone accents, and include three- to five-car garages. Aspen Homes incorporates standard features that you typically won't find elsewhere, including granite counters, hardwood floors, custom cabinets, wood interior doors and trim, central air conditioning, and gas fireplaces with stone surrounds. Options include basements and bonus rooms, double master suites, office niches, covered back patios, upstairs laundry rooms (in two-story models), and open-plan great rooms. They offer a wide range of upgrades designed to help you create your perfect dream home.

Aspen Homes is proud to announce it has been awarded the Gold Award for Curb Appeal and Landscaping in the 2014 Parade of Homes for The Summit in Pine Pointe. It was also voted Best Residential Builder in the Best of 2014 contest, sponsored by the North Idaho Business Journal.

You will find a number of artistic touches throughout Coeur d'Alene Place. There are stately brick monuments at the foot of the lightposts and at intersections, identifying the streets. Rolling hills and trees cluster in natural groupings along the winding walking trails.

The master street tree program is designed to beautify the community while increasing pedestrian safety. Trees are planted in such a way that as they grow, they'll form a canopy over the streets, creating a buffer between the homes and walkways, and the traffic.

Three schools are located in the community: Skyway Elementary, Woodland Middle and Lake City High School. Children can bike or walk to school, and enjoy the independence of not having to rely on their parents for transportation - which is a bonus for mom and dad, as well!

The homeowners association is designed to protect the value of the homes, as well as the residents' quality of life. Dues are $18 a month, and cover maintenance of the parks, green spaces, trails and trees.

Pine Pointe is located directly behind the 8.5 acre Coeur d'Alene Soccer Complex, offering restrooms, drinking fountains, and three soccer fields. It's also in a low-traffic area, which is great for kids. "You can walk out your back door and be at the schools," Carr pointed out.

And don't forget the views. "Homes in Pine Pointe have a really nice view of Canfield Mountain," Carr said.

Aspen Homes is a custom home builder that has been building in the Coeur d'Alene area for over 20 years. They pride themselves on honesty, integrity and value, and believe in tailoring each home to fit their customer's specific needs. You just have to see one of their projects to appreciate the quality and craftsmanship they put into every home.

So, if you're longing to live in a stunning custom home in the trees, yet still be close to town, call Scott Carr at (208) 640-0464 to learn more about Pine Pointe Phase II.

If you have a neighborhood that you would like to be featured in this series, please contact Beth Hanggeli at (208) 659-8367.