Neighborhood of the week: The Terraces

Opulent. Luxurious. Elegant.

There aren't enough words to describe The Terraces, the magnificent condominium complex with the commanding presence perched on the shores of beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene, just off Lake Coeur d'Alene Drive.

Designed by award-winning architect R.G. Nelson and developed by the Hagadone Corporation, this controlled-access community consists of 30 residences that offer the ultimate in luxury living. From the gourmet kitchen to the spacious living areas to the expansive master suite, no expense has been spared in creating these exquisite homes.

Sitting on 4.35 acres running 1,100 lineal feet along the shoreline, this community offers the height of security with gated access, code-controlled entry doors and elevators, full TV surveillance and communication directly to your unit, and a full-time onsite manager.

Opulence and grandeur abound in the area's most prestigious and exclusive condo residence, featuring masterful attention to design elements and exquisitely appointed interiors. Built in 2007, most units are 3 bedroom/3.5 baths and offer the finest in high-end living. The list of features the condos can offer is endless, from the sunken bar in the living room oriented to take full advantage of the view, to the walk-in wine closet, to the heated terrace complete with summer kitchen and power awnings.

"There's even room for your baby grand piano," said Christy Oetken, a Realtor with Windermere Coeur d'Alene Realty, representing The Terraces.

The residences are designed to provide a stunning view of the lake from nearly every room through a 120-foot glass wall that slides open electronically, affording direct access to the terrace. "You bring the whole outdoors in," said Randy Oetken, also a Realtor with Windermere.

Gracious living areas feature 10-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. As you enter, touch a preprogrammed switch and a selection of lights turns on throughout the home. Architecturally designed lighting with integrated programmable dimming systems creates multiple moods and scenes. The entertainment room includes a media center, wet bar and fridge, while the formal living room is graced with an 8-foot long granite-wrapped glass fireplace.

The gourmet kitchen can include luxuries such as a wine refrigerator, espresso machine, commercial stove with hood, walk-in lighted pantry, trash compactor, and the ultimate in stainless steel appliances. Custom-designed European cabinets of imported wood are warmed by under-cabinet lighting. Granite countertops with full backsplash, stone tiled floors, and commercial grade designer hardware complete the picture.

The master bath is accented with stunning granite and imported marble/stone flooring and shower walls. You'll find top-of-the-line Kohler fixtures, separate walk-in closets, and a soaking tub with 6-foot infinity edge. Even the walk-in showers are luxurious, with glass walls and double showerheads. "You could live in the shower," Christy joked.

Each unit has two heated outdoor terraces that include a summer kitchen, flat-screen HD TV, and a floor engineered to drain without dripping on your downstairs neighbors. Seasonal flowers or evergreens fill the planters that line each terrace.

The features that you can't see are equally astounding. Heating and air conditioning systems are high efficiency, with three separate systems and zone controls in each residence. Fire and smoke protection systems include full sprinkler coverage. The homes are wired to meet today's high-speed Internet, television and audio-visual needs. Each unit is engineered for sound control and wired for automatic drapery systems at each glass wall.

There's more. A two-car garage with a secure private storage area can be accessed directly via elevator from your home. An emergency generator system that provides uninterrupted power in strategically needed areas. The elevator even knows who you are, once you enter your personal security code, and delivers you right to your front door.

The host of amenities offered by The Coeur d'Alene Resort all are available to the residents of The Terraces, including airport limo pick-up (you're 15 minutes from the Coeur d'Alene Airport and 40 minutes from the Spokane Airport), concierge, catering, housekeeping, and use of the Spa. A lifetime membership to the world-renowned Coeur d'Alene Golf Course, tennis courts and private beach is also included. "Just call, and they'll come over on a golf cart and pick you up," Randy said.

The private marina is steps from your door, with your very own covered 14' x 36' slip. It only takes a phone call and "they will have lunch ready with coolers filled and the boat all warmed up for you," Randy said. "All you have to do is get onto your boat and go."

The fully equipped fitness center is steps from your front door, with a boardroom available for residents' use complete with wet bar, television, fireplace, and DVD player. "And, of course, a view to die for," Christy said.

A full-time manager/concierge lives onsite to handle everything from maintenance issues to answering questions about the wide variety of amenities that the Resort and Coeur d'Alene have to offer.

And, above all, it's the view, Randy pointed out. The panoramic views of the lake, the world-famous floating green, the mountains, and the golf course are unmatched.

Residences occasionally do come onto the market. Currently, there are five units available, ranging in price from $1.9 million (which is designer-ready, meaning there are no finishes so you can complete it as you choose) to $5.1 million. HOA dues are $4,500 a quarter.

In the condo on the market for $2.9 million, the artwork and furnishings are negotiable. "It's a heck of a buy at $2.9 million," Christy said. "It's a good price in comparison to what others are selling for."

The Terraces are the ultimate in high-end living. "You have everything right here at your fingertips," she said. "There isn't anything like it in the world, with everything right here."

If you've been looking for that perfect place on the lake, look no further. Call Randy and Christy Oetken at (208) 660-0506 for more information about becoming one of the lucky residents of The Terraces.

If there's a neighborhood that you'd like to see featured in this series, please contact Beth Hanggeli at (208) 659-8367 or bhanggeli@cdapress.com.