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 Life in Huntington Beach couldn’t be better.
The name of this community says it all. Brightwater offers homeowners a chance to live the Southern California dream. Gently rolling waves, white sandy beaches and the comforting sounds of the surf rumbling and spraying are all part of the lifestyle near the 330-acre Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach, which is home to more than 200 bird species. It is a life that affords simple pleasures, like walking along the shoreline, studying the horizon from the Huntington Beach Pier with the bustling city behind you and watching the sun melt like butter into some other day.
Hearthside Homes has a mission “to build homes instead of houses.” This means knowing the needs and interests of all different kinds of families, from young or blended to growing and mature.
In this neighborhood, there is something for everyone. For the adventurous and the young-at-heart types, there is rollerblading, surfing, biking, boating, bird-watching at the Bolsa Chica reserve and golf. For those wishing to add a little sophistication to their daily lives, there are many fine and casual dining options, the theater, shopping options along the city’s historic Main Street, the International Surfing Museum and the Huntington Beach Art Center. And of course, for everyone, there is the beach itself.
Seaside living
Lana Canova, vice president of marketing, and her design team at Design Tec, created the interior décor of the models at The Sands. Building upon the sound architectural features of the homes' exteriors, Canova created an inspired and elegant portrayal of seaside living with her interior design, and these models give prospective homebuyers a glimpse of the good life at Brightwater.
The special, coastal location of these homes, she explains, required some extraordinary design. “This was not the kind of place to have (anything) mediocre. Hearthside Homes made a huge commitment to this community. The houses are gems and we just tried to pack them with as much gold as possible.”
Stylish models: Residence 1
Residence 1 features a large kitchen with an island and walk-in pantry. Its mocha-finished cabinetry extends to the ceiling and is topped off with glass inserts for a great place to display your many culinary treasures. Gleaming stainless steel appliances create a feeling of sophistication. Warm earth tones throughout this model are punctuated by vivid splashes of color of burgundy and verdant green. Fabrics sport checks and stripes for a modern look, and wicker accents and breezy palms generate the atmosphere of a beachside resort. Finally, the lively color and appeal of Max's bedroom is a real treat and will most certainly lure young visitors.
Residence 2
Residence 2 showcases a rotunda entry and a large family room with a fireplace and media niche. This model offers homeowners various room options, including a den and a tech center with a bookshelf at the upstairs landing.
The beach-cottage theme in this plan features a fresh palette of ocean blue, sun-drenched yellow walls and stunning white cabinetry in the kitchen made even brighter by a blue-brick backsplash and the overarching entryway. The master bedroom takes the shade of a deep sunset gold and is made even more dramatic with a pitched ceiling that showcases white overhead beams and beadboard paneling. One of the rooms includes a clever, sea-themed bed fashioned as a boat that will be appreciated by many a young sailor.
Residence 3
Finally, Residence 3 is a study in elegance. Its white-paneled and red brick exterior feels formal and polished and is matched by interiors that include a master bedroom with a walk-in closet and the option for a bunkroom for bedrooms 3 and 4.
The formal dining room's white wainscoting and rich coffered ceilings stand in striking contrast to the deep green and black accent color palette .The same stylish theme is brought into the family room where modern, straight-line furnishings are brought to life with a richly textured black and white carpet.
Kerri S. Mabee of Temecula is a regular contributor to Southern California Home & Outdoor Magazine. She frequently writes about model homes around Orange County and the Inland Empire.
The Sands at Brightwater
• Builder: Hearthside Homes, hearthside-homes.com
• Designer: Design Tec of Newport Beach has been partnering with builders for 27 years to showcase their homes' interior and exterior features as pleasing, unique and livable.
• Directions: From the 405 north, exit west on Warner Avenue. Make a left on Bolsa Chica Street and follow the signs to The Sands community located at 4562 Wellfleet Drive in Huntington Beach. Log onto brightwaterhb.net for more information or call 714.846.4216.
• Size: The Sands features 2-story homes with 3 spacious, generously appointed models that range from 1,927 to just over 2,161 square feet. Buyers are treated to 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2 to 3 baths and a 2-car garage, as well as special touches such as elegant master suites, cozy breakfast nooks and large kitchens with islands and roomy pantries.
• Price points: From the low $1 millions.
What’s your home worth?
Your home is not only a place to hang your hat, it’s a key investment. Stay on top of its market value.
Orange County:
November 2006: $623K
November 2007 $582,750
Percent Change: -6.5%
Riverside County:
November 2006: $427K
November 2007 $356,500
Percent Change: -16.5%
San Bernardino County:
November 2006: $380K
November 2007 $330K
Percent Change: -13.2%
San Diego County:
November 2006: $487K
November 2007 $440K
Percent Change: -9.7%
Los Angeles County:
November 2006: $517K
November 2007 $499K
Percent Change: -3.5%
Ventura County:
November 2006: $577,500
November 2007 $521,250
Percent Change: -9.7%
Southern California:
November 2006: $485K
November 2007 $435K
Percent Change: -10.3%
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