DIAMOND RIDGE ESTATES-Boulevard of new 'dream' homes
By Suzanne Monson
Seattle Times Reporter
Auburn-Far from a diamond in the rough, the luxury homes of Diamond Ridge Estates are more like polished jewels near the green-the greens of Washington National Golf Course, one of the region's premiere public links.
Home to the 2001 Street of Dreams, Diamond Ridge Estates was a natural choice for GS Builders & Developers to construct its signature European craftsmanship homes. When complete, this heart-of-the-golf-course community will feature 99 homes; GS Builders & Developes will offer homes on select homesites.
Set on half-acre lots protected by robust firs, GS Builders' homes at Diamond Ridge Estates will be arranged on gated cul-de-sacs off tree-lined and manicured "Husky Boulevard," a quiet road named after the University of Washington golf team. Behind security gates, fountains and waterfalls provide quiet respite. Gottfrid Snellman, owner of GS Builders & Developers, brings nearly four decades of experience-and meticulous attention to detail to the select rambler and two-level homes he's building here. Rambler-style homes will be available starting at 2,800 square feet; two-story homes start at 3,000 square feet. At this time Snellman also offers homes in the 3,600-3,800 square feet range, with at least four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
"We sincerely believe we offer Street of Dreams amentities for half the price," says Snellman, whose homes start at $645,000.
"Buyers, particularly those from the Eastside, are always amazed at the value they get for their money in this community," agrees Lori DeVore of John L. Scott.
Inside Snellman's model at Diamond Ridge, an 18-foot ceiling soars above the front foyer. An appropriately gracious formal living room, with a granite-surrouded mantle above the gas fireplace, is ideal for entertaining. Spacious 12-foot coffer ceilings conceal the source of living room lighting, while casting a warm glow from high above.
Throughout the remaining main floor, nine-foot ceilings give an equal sense of openess. Hoemowners may sip morning coffee in the kitchen nook, which features bay windows and an eight-foot-high swing door that opens to patio. Pre-wired for stereo speakers and plumbed for a gas barbeque, the expansive patio features privacy enhanced by surrounding trees.
Whether dining inside or out, the kitchen features classic styling and conviences suited for both the entertainment-ready chef or the casual cook in each household. Custom cherry cabinetry, granite slab countertops and an island gas cooktop with telescoping fan are among the array of conveniences. A second island with built-in beverage cooler, and a walk-in pantry with glass door give the kitchen surprise storage and accessibility.
Much of that same detailing flows into the adjacent over-sized family room, where the gas fireplace is surrounded by granite. This blends naturally into the built-in customized cherry entertainment center.
Snellman's hands-on workmanship at Diamond Ridge Estates is also found in the main floor den where eight-foot double French doors set with designer glass create a professional entry.
Upstairs, a cathredral ceiling graces the model's master suite, a room which features its own sundrenched sitting area. This area leads to a private patio facing the 7th fairway. There's wardrobe space in the 12-by-11 foot walk-in closet, plus additional room in the linen closet, closed by mirrored doors. A jetted tub, bidet, double-head shower, heated tile floors and see-through fireplace add a distinctive sense of class to the master suite.
Three other bedrooms, including a guest room with its own covered deck, are upstars also. So is the large bonus room, which featurs an auxiliary room that can be used for storage, excercise equipment, a student's study or hobby room.
Layers of millwork, architectural and crown molding cap all interior finishing. Household conveniences include a built-in vacuum system, and double hot water tanks that feature a hot water circulation system so "you get instant hot water instead of having to wait for what feels like minutes," says Snellman.
The tile-counter laundry room, with built-in ironing board and broom closet, is a handy place especially after a day on the links at Washington National Golf Course. Homebuyers here also will appreciate GS Builders' 953 square-foot three-vehicle garage; it offers extra space for golf cart parking and a shop.
DeVore also predicts that visitors to Diamond Ridge Estates will want an early look at the newly designed rambler by GS Builders.
"This home's five-section bow windows features a gently curving arch which make the beautiful outdoors here feel as if they're part of the interior," says DeVore. "GS Builders also offers special design services. Gottfrid can start his high-tech design by just sketching ideas on a piece of paper."
More information: Call Lori DeVore at (253) 332-8354 or 1-866-706-1234 or visit www.loridevore.com.
John L. Scott Real Estate-31620 23rd Ave S., Federal Way, WA 98003