Turtle Rock Condo in the Treetops

33 Valley View $766,000

As I drove along Valley View looking for this open house, I was amazed at the open space in this condo neighborhood.  A short drive from Turtle Rock Park, and the Association pool, this area is quiet and uncrowded with condos stair stepping down the hillside.

Stepping into the gated paved courtyard of 33 Valley View, there is a growing suspicion. This could be the condo all of the other condos want to be!

That suspicion is confirmed inside.  Double doors open into an elegant entryway, with a sleek formal dining room, soaring beamed cathedral ceiling, and a large elevated living room.  I could picture the party invitations now. Entertaining would be a breeze.

Across the back of the living room, the wide windowed area with sliders opens onto a deck with a view of the treetops and city lights. An impressive fireplace, hardwood floors, and recessed lighting add the finishing touches.

The kitchen opens off of the dining room. The kitchen has been remodeled with granite counters, custom cabinets and skylights.

Maximizing the Space: This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo makes the most of an ample 2,400 sq. ft space with a relaxed split level floor plan that feels even bigger than it is. The upper level includes the master bedroom, deck, bath, and a second bedroom that works as a convenient home office.

Everywhere you look there are treetop views and inviting decks.

The lower level has a family/entertainment suite with one bedroom on each side of the family room, plus bar sink, bath and laundry room. One of the downstairs bedrooms works as an exercise area. The good sized deck is accessible from the family room and both bedrooms. There is a two car attached garage.  

Just minutes from the University of California Irvine campus, this property offers the Irvine School System with University High and Turtle Rock Elementary schools, the Association pool and 2 tennis courts.

Specifics for this split level condo:
Beds: 4
Baths: 2.5
Sq. Ft.: 2,400
$/Sq. Ft.: $319
HOA Dues: $450/month
Lot Size: -
Property Type: Residential,
Condominium Style: Split-Level, Contemporary
View: City Lights, Tree Top, Trees/Woods
Year Built: 1978
Community: Turtle Rock
No Mello Roos Tax
On the Market: 23 days

Considerations and comparisons: Built in 1978, this place definitely has good bones.  New owners might add more upgrades, but the existing assets are solid.  Recently I visited 243 Terra Cotta in Quail Hill, and found a sleek condo next to rolling green fields.  But, this Turtle Rock condo with its surrounding trees, and views, expansive floor plan, and up front drama  is a very competitive alternative.   For me it was all about breathing room and Turtle Rock easily wins.

Plants have been used to define the drop off between the elevated living room and dining room.  The owners removed a divider, and new owners might want to reinstate it, if there are children or older guests.

Who will choose this property:  Someone who relishes quiet moments on a private deck among the trees might seek solitude here.  Someone who enjoys having friends over, and entertains a lot will be pleased too.  A family who fits the space and values the Turtle Rock schools might settle here.   Or a family with varying age groups might choose this one, using the upstairs/downstairs space to advantage.

Similar nearby properties recently sold: 14 Rustling Wind with 2900 sq. ft. was sold in June for $760,000. And 15 Misty Meadows with 2147 sq. ft. sold for $714,000 in April.   Additional properties nearby listed for sale: 35 Cool Brk. #43 is listed at $769,000 and 759 Tidewind is listed at $759,000.