Canyon’s Edge Executive Retreat        56 Shade Tree $974,900                 

Scooting along Shady Canyon Drive, the view is all open wilderness, just minutes  from Orange County’s urban nest of beaches and freeways.  I was headed to Canyon’s Edge in Turtle Ridge, a gated community that sits next to the wilderness, and I was remembering visiting Quail Hill awhile ago. Both areas offer premium locations,  delivering a big helping of the outdoors with easy access to all of the urban connections.

It’s a lifestyle worth considering.  Spend the afternoon hiking, practically in your own backyard, and then head off for the next trip, or an evening out with the 73 Freeway and Orange County Airport nearby. 

Turning into Canyon’s Edge,  I found a  community  that may be a match for its surroundings.  If it is to your taste, then you will recognize it instantly.  At the back of the property there’s no urban neighbor on the other side of the fence, just a sweep of open wilderness.

New to the market , this Canyon’s Edge single family home compares well with Quail Hill, offering similar options with a bit more space.

Capturing some of the feel of a Tuscan farmhouse, this stone and stucco 2 bedroom, 3 bath single family home opens into a serene interior that promises more.  Italian Tagina tile is used throughout the home and the 2,330 square foot open floor plan includes  an extra downstairs room that could become a third bedroom.   A formal dining room, casual dining area, and cozy family room with stone fireplace,  overlook  the backyard  and wilderness beyond. 

The gourmet kitchen with food prep island, large walk in pantry, granite counters, and breakfast bar is opposite the family room.  Outfitted with recessed lighting, a 36” glass cooktop with five burners, under cabinet fluorescent lighting, and special deep roll out drawers for pots and pans, this kitchen looks equal to any task, whether it be an elaborate meal or a quick barbecue prep.

Outside is equally serene.  Skillfully landscaped to blend into the surroundings, there is a patio and grassy area with fire pit, fountain, barbecue, heaters for chilly evenings, and dining area.

Throughout the home there is the feeling that each room is intended to be just right,  functional, appealing and unobtrusive.

Upstairs, the master bedroom has a media niche off to one side, a walk in closet,  and a master bath that has a separate shower and oversized tub. The other good sized bedroom has an adjacent private bath.  There is a convenient upstairs laundry.

Some of the home’s  many details include  oil rubbed bronze hardware, raised panel doors, recessed lighting throughout, energy advanced dual glazed windows, prewired sound system, an interior sprinkler system, and retardant glazed tile roof.  There is a double garage and wrought iron and masonry fencing.

Specifics for this two level Mediterranean:

Beds: 2
Baths: 3
Square Footage: 2,330
$/Sq.Ft.: $418
HOA Dues: $271/month
Forced air, central air
Property: Residential
Type: Single Family
View: Canyon
Year Built: 2003
Community: Turtle Ridge, Canyon Edge
County: Orange
On the Market: 22 days

Considerations and Comparisons:  Canyon’s Edge compares well with Quail Hill and may offer a bit more space for the dollar. But this community is a selective choice.  The dollars spent here are for space coupled with those other key ingredients  of location, privacy, convenience, and distinctiveness.  New to the market, this home will attract a certain buyer with some definite ideas of what the home should be.

Who will make this stone and stucco farmhouse theirs?  A professional couple, a busy executive, or a small family who love  the outdoors, might gravitate to this home. Quality schools, exceptional hiking and recreational areas, a remote, retreat lifestyle,  and easy access to nearby beach communities could all be factors in the sale.

Nearby properties and recent sales:  19642 Sierra Santo Rd. sold for $835,000 in June and 19367 Sierra Bello Rd. sold for $940,000 in March.  Current properties listed:  17 Shade Tree is listed for $869,000 and 5 Starlight is listed for $895,000.

Discuss below or on Talk Irvine.