Neighborhood of the week: The Reserve

You'll notice it the minute you drive into The Reserve - the Architerra Homes difference. It's in their attention to detail: the high-pitched roofs, the subtle color palette, the variety of floor plans that are different, yet similar. And once you walk inside an Architerra home, that difference continues in the materials used, the vaulted ceilings, and the natural light streaming through the oversized windows.

The Reserve is one of Post Falls' newest neighborhoods, having just opened in February 2015. Although it's one of Architerra Homes' first projects in North Idaho (the other is Foxtail), they aren't new to the industry; their team has over 70 years of combined construction experience.

Architerra Homes includes a high number of options in their base plans. Even if buyers don't add upgraded options, they will own a beautifully finished home with the features that come standard in an Architerra home. "They do a great job," said Elsa Owsley, a Realtor with Century 21 Beutler & Associates in Coeur d'Alene, representing Architerra Homes in The Reserve. "They add a lot in their basic plans that other builders don't."

The Reserve is nestled at the edge of the prairie, affording its residents sweeping mountain views on all sides. Phase 1 consists of 50 lots ranging in size from 7,000 square feet to 1/4 acre; Phase 2 will add an additional 36 lots. Some lots are large enough for shops.

When you walk into a home in The Reserve, the first thing you notice is the light. Architerra Homes will not waiver from their commitment to bringing natural light into their homes.

Higher ceilings and increased windows contribute to the availability of natural light. Main floor ceilings are 9-foot minimum, with signature vaulted ceilings in key areas, so even single-story homes look and feel bigger.

The interiors have been specially designed by Lake Forest Interiors in Hayden. Kitchen granite countertops are included in the base price, as are laminate wood flooring and stainless steel appliances. "Baseboards and moldings are stained throughout the home," Owsley said. From the USB ports in the master bedroom to the oversized tub in the master bath, they focus on the details.

Homeowners will select their own color and lighting options, as well as hard surfaces and paint, from seven different schemes. "It's their house; they get a say," Owsley said. Many of the floor plans feature the great room concept with a combined kitchen/dining room/family room, although more traditional plans are also available with a formal dining room. High efficiency furnaces, spacious closets, wide hallways, a deep sink in the utility room, pantry in the kitchen - the list of standard features seems endless.

Outside, front yards are landscaped and include sprinklers. There's a covered front porch and back patio to extend your living space, with many plans including a covered rear patio. The subtle yet bold exterior paint colors were created specifically for Architerra Homes by an award winning and internationally respected design firm. Exteriors feature a Craftsman look complete with Hardi Plank siding and masonry touches; you can even have the garage door painted to match your color scheme.

The Reserve has its own homeowners association; dues are $225/year and cover maintenance of the common areas and walking trails.

Syringa Park, a seven-acre city park with a playground, two basketball courts, volleyball court, covered picnic shelter, restrooms, walking path and benches, is minutes away. Children living in The Reserve will attend schools in the Post Falls School District, which are within walking distance. A new elementary school is currently planned within The Reserve, which voters will consider on the March 10 school levy and construction bond measure.

Prices for base model homes in The Reserve range from $221,000 to $271,000. Architerra designs their homes and communities with a focus on how people live. "The main thing is to create a community with continuity throughout," Owsley said.

You can currently choose from 18 all-new floor plans designed by an award-winning Northwest architect. These Craftsman-style homes range in size from 1,500 to more than 2,500 square feet, with 3- to 5-bedroom single story ranchers, two-story homes, even a rancher with a bonus room over the garage. Older homeowners can select a zero step entry home; you can even add a basement. Plans include a two- or three-car garage, as well as a tandem option to extend the garage to house three or four cars.

There will be a variety of finished spec houses with different floor plans, options and colors available in The Reserve, so you can get a good idea of what your home will look like. Currently, four spec homes are under construction, with a fifth in permitting.

Architerra Homes has negotiated special lender programs with two local lenders, offering varying incentives for buyers; contact Owsley to discuss the advantages of each program. "We are also within the USDA footprint," Owsley said, "if a buyer qualifies for USDA financing."

One of the pillars of Architerra Homes is customer service. They are committed to taking care of their customers with open communication throughout the home buying process. Buyers will work directly with an Architerra representative during the entire process, starting with a simple introductory phone call from the builder within one week of a contract being signed. "It's the little things that makes the difference," Owsley said.

Homes in The Reserve are covered by the nationally recognized 2-10 HBW Warranty. It's a limited warranty program providing one-year workmanship, two-year systems and 10-year structural protection for qualifying items.

"It's about flexibility," Owsley said. "Homes in The Reserve will be unique; no two houses will look the same. You can make your home your own."

If you're ready to experience the Architerra difference, call Elsa Owsley at (208) 771-5387 for more information on living in The Reserve. Or stop by the fully furnished model home at 1531 Bunting Lane in Post Falls Thursday through Monday from noon until 5 p.m. to see the difference for yourself. For more information about Architerra Homes, visit their website at www.myarchiterra.com.

Step inside - and feel the Architerra difference.

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.