Nothing can rain on this 'Parade'

COEUR d’ALENE — Seven thousand square feet.

A custom two-story fireplace.

Three bedrooms, each with its own deck and view of the Spokane River.

A four-car garage.

Four full-bathrooms and two half-bathrooms.

Did we mention the upstairs library?

This three-floor home, "Riverside Retreat," by Monarch Custom Homes, is the largest of 19 being featured in the Parade of Homes that begins Saturday.

“Everything in this house has a little bit of a European flare,” said Shawn Anderson, Monarch Customs Homes owner who toured the property Thursday.

The showcase of dream homes is put on by the North Idaho Building Contractors Association. The 2020 Parade of Homes includes Selkirk Construction, Monarch Custom Homes, Monogram Homes, Architerra Homes, ActiveWest Builders, Timbered Ridge Homes, Affordable Custom Builders, Rosenberger Construction, Anthem Pacific Home, North Ridge Contracting, Aspen Homes, Hayden Homes and Atlas Building Group.

NIBCA executive officer Leslie Streeter said the Parade of Homes is a chance to enjoy the outstanding work of some of the area’s best builders. Visitors can see how they brought out the finest features and learn about the latest trends, styles and colors of different builders.

“The event is all about elevating the quality of life in North Idaho, illustrating what a beautiful place we live in,” wrote Scot Haug, NIBCA president. “Experience the possibilities and allow yourself to dream about your next home, or design inspiration.”

The homes, from starter to luxury, are in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Hayden and Harrison. Each has its own distinct designs and features.

This year, the Parade of Homes is offered both in person and online due to the coronavirus, on Sept. 12-13, and Sept. 18-20.

“With it being virtual and online, clients from New York can look at what the houses are being produced out here and they pick builders based on what they see,” Streeter said.

That worldwide connection is paying off, as Idaho is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country.

Anderson said more people are looking to move to North Idaho. Monarch Homes is receiving close to 10 calls a day — it used to be that many in a week — from those interested in having a custom home built here.

“And the urgency is crazy,” she said,

Riverside Retreat, which has been purchased, offers sweeping river views, an outdoor fireplace, silk light shades from Milan, Italy, 10-foot exterior doors, a butler’s pantry, and high-end granite and marble throughout.

It also includes meticulous landscaping and a dock on the river.

“It’s a spectacular home,” Streeter said.

The Parade of Homes is set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, and from 1-6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Tickets are $10, which includes admission to the 19 houses across all five days, as well as access to the homes’ virtual tours on the new NIBCA Parade of Homes app.

Tickets can be purchased at each home site that will be good for access to all the other entries in the Parade of Homes.

Buy tickets at NIBCA.com or check out the app on the Google Play or Apple store by searching “NIBCA Parade of Homes.”

Info: 208-765-5518, info@NIBCA.com, NIBCA.com or install the app.

The Press published a special 78-page magazine on the Parade of Homes on Sunday and it is available at The Press office. It contains directions to the homes, highlights about the homes, and information about each builder and the NIBCA.