Turtle Rock Single Family Home in Highland Gardens

5 Sunrose $949,000

Turning off Turtle Rock Drive onto Willow Leaf takes you to this 3 bedroom, 2 bath single family home in a secluded Highland Gardens cul de sac. Recently, I have seen a number of homes in the $900,000 plus price range in Woodbridge and this was an interesting contrast. Compared to Woodbridge's inviting, but somewhat snug, neighborhoods that revolve around the North and South Lakes, Turtle Rock offers a more spacious, secluded feeling in the midst of hills and hiking trails. Both communities are strong contenders in the Irvine market offering top schools, parks and easy access to Orange County's many urban assets. It just depends which fits your preferences. On Saturday this particular Turtle Rock home was proving to be a preferred destination attracting a steady stream of visitors.

Significant Numbers: New to the market, about 6 days, this home was built in 1979. HOA dues are $99. The all one level home is 1,875 square feet on a 6,098 sq. ft. lot, at $506 per square foot. There are no Mello Roos. According to public records, the home was sold for $830,000 three years ago.

Close up: From the street the appeal is strong. Double doors open to a good sized step down carpeted living room on the left with a fireplace and a big helping of windows. The windowed dining room overlooks the living room. Cathedral ceilings, dark stained floors in the entry, dining room and kitchen and many windows work well throughout the home.

The kitchen with sleek granite counters and center island/breakfast bar pairs with a roomy family room with brick fireplace. A good sized landscaped raised brick patio and lush grassy area include an English rose garden.

The master suite opens to the patio and has granite counters and an enclosed tub and shower and a walk-in closet. There are two more bedrooms and another full bath with tub and shower. One of the bedrooms serves as a study/office.

More specifics:

Single family residence
Bedrooms, 3
Baths, 2
Attached, one common wall
Central furnace, central air
Laundry in garage
Double garage
Two parking spaces
Association pool, spa
Irvine Unified School District

What should be considered? The appeal of the Turtle Rock setting and the immaculate condition of the home will be weighed against equally strong assets and similar prices in other prime Irvine locations.

Who will move in? More mature buyers will consider the single level floor plan and parents may see the secluded cul de sac as a safer option for children. Bren Park hiking trails are nearby for active families.

Recent nearby listings: 23 Sunlight, $123,888; 30 Morning View, $1,249,000

Recent nearby sales: 6162 Sierra Palos Rd., $1,140,000; 19521 Sierra Raton Rd. $1,310,000.