Neighborhood of the week: The Estates at Black Rock Bay

Just a few miles south of Coeur d’Alene down Highway 95 is The Estates at Black Rock, part of the luxurious Black Rock development, with a host of outdoor activities at your doorstep and truly breathtaking panoramic lake views at every turn.

Minutes from downtown and nestled between two championship-level golf courses, The Estates at Black Rock offers a mix of active community and convenience, with just the right amount of privacy and breathing room. This unique neighborhood features estate-style, single level living homesites ranging from 1 to 6.5 acres, with very competitive owner-finance options.

Although you feel like you’ve entered another world when you pass through the gates at The Estates at Black Rock, it’s 13.1 miles to the Rockford Bay turnoff from the bridge on Highway 95. You’re only 20 minutes from the Coeur d’Alene airport and 45 minutes from the Spokane airport.

“It’s quicker to downtown from Black Rock than it is from Hayden Lake,” said Greg Rowley, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty.

The Estates at Black Rock was actually the first real estate offering on the Black Rock North golf course, which has since transitioned to The Club at Rock Creek. So, many of the homesites have golf course views along with their beautiful water views. The lake views are panoramic, Rowley said, and are not the filtered ones that you sometimes find in lakeview properties.

“The homesites have a pretty dramatic view of the lake,” Rowley said.

The Estates at Black Rock was designed as a community of estate-style homes: Private estates tucked into native surroundings. You won’t find manicured parkways and sidewalks in this neighborhood; what you will find is elbow room and privacy in a community setting. The developer has retained 50 acres of common space throughout the neighborhood, and has plans to install a trail system through that acreage.

The design requirements for The Estates differ from those of Black Rock. Homes are required to be a minimum of 4,000 square feet. Homesites are only on one side of the two streets that wind through the neighborhood, so homeowners won’t have to peer over each other’s homes to see the lake.

Membership in The Golf Club at Black Rock is not a requirement of living in The Estates at Black Rock. However, if you do select that option, along with the award-winning Jim Engh-designed course, you’ll have use of all Club facilities, tennis, fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming, dining, and social activities. Immediate family members also enjoy these privileges. Not a golfer? Then you can take advantage of some of the best in Northwest dining, the stunning 31,000-square-foot clubhouse, and serene pool and poolside bar.

A paved cart path takes residents from their homes in The Estates at Black Rock to the waterfront beach club, with private moorage opportunities on Lake Coeur d’Alene. This luxurious clubhouse was designed and built by Aspen Homes, and features clusters of comfortable seating around gas fire pits, a fully equipped kitchen, and private lockable lockers. A roomy storage closet is available for storing kayaks and other water toys.

“It’s the perfect party place,” Rowley said.

There are 12 covered boat slips adjacent to the beach club, 7 of which are still available for purchase by Estates homeowners. The covers can be removed to accommodate sailboats, as well.

A system of trails winds through the 20 acres of natural terrain connecting the neighborhood to the lakefront, featuring a picnic area and fire pits.

Of the original 24 lots, only 16 remain, ranging in size from 1 to 7 acres. Four homes have been built at The Estates at Black Rock, and four additional lots have been purchased. Aspen Homes will be breaking ground on a spec home in late 2015/early 2016, and that model will showcase the style of construction they bring to this neighborhood.

The parcels in The Estates at Black Rock are larger than you’ll usually find, Rowley said, and the building envelopes are all out on the cliff line, overlooking the lake. Although some of the lots are steep, they are still very buildable.

“Every lot has a view of the lake, except the one on the golf course,” Rowley said.

Lakeview and golf course homes and lots are available. Lot prices start at $270,000; available homes range from $1.45 million to $2.5 million.

Homes in The Estates at Black Rock fall under the Black Rock homeowners association. Dues are $180/month, and cover 24-hour gated security of the homesites, snow removal, and maintenance of the common areas and mail station.

As the former golf pro at Black Rock, specializing in luxury real estate, Rowley is intimately familiar with this area and all that it offers its residents.

So, if you’ve been looking for a larger lakeview lot tucked in the trees, yet minutes from town, call Greg Rowley at (208) 659-6527 for more information about life in The Estates at Black Rock.