SEQUIM AREA DEVELOPMENTS AND COMMUNITIES

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BELL HILL

Bell Hill is the name of the large hill immediately south of the city of Sequim.  Development began in the late 1980’s with the building of logging roads that would later become residential streets.  Bell Hill properties are valued for their views of the Strait, Sequim Bay, the Cascades, and Victoria, B.C.  Popularly referred to as Bell Hill, the area currently consists of six major residential developments. They are:

HIGHLAND HILLS was the first phase of development. This was a grouping of 5 acre parcels, facing north, with panoramic views of the city and the Strait. Since the initial development, virtually every parcel has been short platted into approximately 1 acre parcels for residential use.  Originally, residential lot development required individual wells and septic systems, but water and sewer service is now provided by the City of Sequim and the PUD. Strong protective covenants are strictly enforced to keep values high.

·        Location: South of central Sequim, approx. 1 mile.

·        Development begun: Late 1980s

·        Principal Street(s): Doe Run Rd., Fox Hollow.

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built Single Family Residences

·        Price range; Homes: $400,000 - $1,000,000+       Lots: $100,000 - $375,000+

·        PUD water, City sewer

LAKE OF THE HILLS is around the south side of Bell Hill, with views down into Happy Valley and on to the Olympic Mountains. Some lots may also offer saltwater views. There were originally larger acreages, but some were developed into 2.5 acre homesites.  Similar in feel to the Highland Hills development, Lake of the Hills offered larger parcels, without paying quite the premium price for other Bell Hill properties. The lots are supplied with water from PUD, and individual septic systems are required.  Protective covenants are slightly less restrictive.

·        Location: South of central Sequim, approx. 2 mile. Southwest side of Bell Hill

·        Development begun: Early 1990s

·        Principal Street(s): Hillside Dr., Lake of the Hills Loop, Lakeview Dr., and Forest View Dr..

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built Single Family Residences

·        Price range; Homes: $450,000 - $900,000       Lots: $125,000 - $200,000

·        PUD, individual septic systems

BELLECREST ESTATES is situated at the top of Bell Hill, and commands some of the finest views in the county.  360 degree views are possible, with views of the Strait, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascades. Residences are supplied from a private water system, and require individual septic systems. Covenants allow for the keeping of horses and other critters. Lots range in size from 1 to 3 acres in size.

·        Location: South of central Sequim, approx. 1 mile. Top of Bell Hill

·        Development begun: Early 1990s.

·        Principal Street(s): Carriage Dr., Stampede Dr.

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built Single Family Residences

·        Price range; Homes: $600,000 - $900,000+     Lots: $150,000 - $400,000

·        Private water system, individual septic systems

BELL GATES is a land development that started selling in 2003. It consists of a terraced grouping of larger residential lots situated on the eastern slope of Bell Hill. Its main appeal comes from lots in sizes ranging from 1.5 to 5 acres, CC&Rs that allow for keeping some critters, and the prestige of a gated community with water and mountain views. As of this writing, a single home has been completed in the development, but some clearing has begun on other homesites. Access to Bell Gates is through Highland Hills.

·        Location: East slope of Bell Hill, approx. 1.5 miles from town

·        Development begun: 2002.

·        Principal Street(s): Elk Pass Road

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built Single Family Residences

·        Price range; Homes: Lots: $185,000 - $350,000

·        PUD water, City sewer

EMERALD HIGHLANDS is located at the lower approach to Bell Hill, just after turning onto Miller Rd, south of Sequim.  Emerald Highlands is served by Sequim City sewer service and PUD water, allowing for smaller lot sizes and somewhat lower development costs. There is a mix of custom built and “spec” homes, with comprehensive CC&Rs to protect values. Most lots offer some views of the Strait, some rivaling Highland Hills properties.

·        Location: South of central Sequim, approx. 3/4 mile.

·        Development begun: Mid 1990s.

·        Principal Street(s): Emerald Highlands Way, Amethyst Dr..

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built and Spec Single Family Residences

·        Price range; Homes: $190,000 - $325,000           Lots: $65,000 - $119,000

·        PUD water, individual septic systems

SOLANA is situated on the lower reaches of Bell Hill's eastern side. It is a terraced clearing with views of Sequim Bay and Mt. Baker. Currently, sales of individual lots in the Estate section are well under way, and construction of the first condominium units are nearing completion.

·        Location: Lower east slope of Bell Hill, accessed off of Simdars Rd.

·        Development begun: Late 2004.

·        Principal Street(s): Unnamed

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built Single Family Residences, Individual Condominium Units

·        Price range; Homes: Lots: $160,000 - $260,000 - Homes & Condos: Undetermined

·        City water, City Sewer

SUNLAND

Sequim’s first “premier” community, featuring an 18 hole golf course. Sunland homes and condominiums are generally considered to be mid- to up-scale. Mix of custom built and “spec” homes. Amenities include security patrol, golf course, club house, and swimming pool. Though not generally known for its views, the north side of Sunland offers duplex condominiums with nice views through Dungeness and on to the Strait of Juan De Fuca.

·        Location: Approx. 2 miles north of central Sequim, off Sequim-Dungeness Way

·        Principal Street(s): Taylor Blvd.

·        Dwelling Type(s): Single Family Residences, Duplex Condos

·        Development begun: Early 1970s

·        Price range; Homes: $250,000 - $650,000           Lots: $75,000 - $125,000

·        Community water system, community sewer

DOMINION TERRACE

Sequim’s first large condominium development, Dominion Terrace was laid out in 4 unit, single level buildings, to take advantage of the wide views of the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Grounds and common areas are open and very well kept.  Amenities include well maintained clubhouse with pool and shop.  Monthly condo fees are generally considered to be high, but include power.

·        Location: South of Sequim, approx. 1 mile, on 3^rd. Ave.

·        Principal Street(s): Norman St., South 3rd Ave.

·        Dwelling Type(s): Condominiums

·        Development begun: Late 1960s

·        Price range; Homes: $90,000 - $150,000 Lots: NA

·        City water, city sewer

SOLMAR

Solmar is a mix of mid range custom and spec homes, with home ownership a blend of retirees and working folk. Situated between Highway 101 and the Old Olympic Highway, bordered on the west side by McDonnell Creek and on the east by Sunny Dell shooting grounds. Solmar is laid out with lots of trees, winding streets, and a small central lake.

·        Location: West of Sequim, approx. midway to Port Angeles

·        Development begun: Late 1960s

·        Principal Street(s): Dryke Rd., Solmar Dr.

·        Dwelling Type(s): Single Family Residences

·        Price range; Homes: $175,000 - $300,000           Lots: $60,000 - $85,000

·        Community water system, individual septic systems

MONTERRA

Monterra is a unique community in the area, in that it is comprised mostly of  manufactured homes and that the residents own, rather than lease, the property on which their homes are situated. Monterra is located along the Strait of Juan De Fuca, so some of the properties offer expansive water views.  Community club house.

·        Location: Northwest of Sequim, approx. midway to Port Angeles.

·        Development begun: Mid 1970s

·        Principal Street(s): Finn Hall Rd., Monterra Dr.

·        Dwelling Type(s): Manufactured, some Site Built

·        Price range; Homes: $150,000 - $275,000           Lots: $40,000 - $80,000

·        Community water system, individual septic systems

MAINS FARM

Located approximately 6 miles northwest of Sequim, near the base of the Dungeness Spit, Mains Farm offers easy access to nearby public recreational facilities. It’s a residential setting of approximately 1/3 acre lots, set in former open farmland. While some areas may tend to be somewhat windy,  most are buffered by the trees of the protected state and federal lands that border it on the west.

·        Location: Northwest of Sequim, approx. 6 miles, at end of Sequim –Dungeness Way (Anderson Rd.).

·        Development begun: Late 1960s.

·        Principal Street(s): Cays Rd., Cline Rd., Nelson Dr..

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built and Spec Single Family Residences

·        Price range; Homes: $250,000 - $375,000           Lots: $70,000 - $95,000

·        Community water system, Individual septic systems

DUNGENESS MEADOWS

Developed around a 9 hole community golf course, Dungeness Meadows is hidden away in the trees along the Dungeness River. Consisting of mostly custom site-built homes of modest size, there is also an area set aside for manufactured homes.  In addition to the golf course, amenities include a pool, clubhouse, RV storage, and security patrol.  Several of the homes are along the river, protected by a dike with a walking trail.  

·        Location: Southwest of Sequim, approx. 3 miles, off River Rd..

·        Development begun: Late 1960s.

·        Principal Street(s): Dungeness Meadows Dr...

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built and Spec Single Family Residences, both Site- and Factory-built

·        Price range; Homes: $175,000 - $275,000           Lots: $60,000 - $85,000

·        Community water system, Individual septic systems

DUNGENESS ESTATES

Dungeness Estates is a single development with two distinct personalities. The older section, begun in the early 1970s, fronts along Woodcock Rd., and consists of fairly standard ranch type homes and the occasional 2 story or split entry design.  Further into the development, there is a hollow area with a central pond, and beyond this point there are homes built mostly in the late 80s and thru the mid 90s.  These newer home are mostly custom built and several of them border the western areas of the Dungeness Golf Course. Because of this development pattern, Dungeness Estates values and appeal tend to be very broad.

·        Location: Northwest of Sequim, approx. 6 miles, off Woodcock Rd..

·        Development begun: Mid 1970s.

·        Principal Street(s): Ridgeview Dr.

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built and Spec Single Family Residences

·        Price range; Homes: $175,000 - $350,000 Lots: $50,000 - $90,000

·        Community water system, Individual septic systems

THE MILLER PENINSULA

Not a development, but a geographic area about 10 miles east of central Sequim.  The Miller Peninsula is a square cornered peninsula of land, shouldered land area, with Sequim Bay on its west side, Discovery Bay on its east side, and the Strait of Juan De Fuca along its north coast.

Most of the interior is a mix of privately owned and state lands that are virtually undeveloped. In the early 1990s, there was a large destination resort planned for development by Mitsubishi Corporation, and a good deal of speculative buying occurred over a 1 to 2 year period. After the plan was dropped, development of the Miller Peninsula’s three main communities went back to its previous slow pace.

Over the last few years, some of the larger interior parcels have quietly changed hands, passing between corporations and land trusts, and some private ownership, principally as timber lands. Occasionally a rumor would begin to circulate about the state developing its lands into a day-use recreational facility. Recently, it seems, the State has become more serious about recreational development, and meetings have been scheduled for public comment and questions about future use of the area.

The Miller Peninsula’s two northern corners are home to three residential developments:

DIAMOND POINT

Once a quarantine station, or "pest house", where ships from foreign ports could be fumigated, and immigrants suspected of carrying diseases could be kept in isolation. Many of the inbound were Chinese workers headed for the railroad building activities of the west end of the county. Diamond Point was set up much like a military outpost. It was part of a network of such facilities located along the Pacific coast under the Federal government. With only primitive dirt roads in the area, it was much more accessible by water.  Several of the pilings from the old dock remain off the southeast shore.  The quartermaster’s home was restored,  and a few bricks still stand from the jail.
(http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/wa/diamondpoint.html)

The actual area of the Diamond Point development consist of the lower lagoon area, and the hillsides that look down on the lagoon. It’s a mix of custom and owner-built homes, and the occasional manufactured home. Styles are casual, and covenants are “relaxed”.

Though the lagoon, a central feature of Diamond Point , appears land-locked, it still rises and falls slightly with the tides, and it is now a favorite spot for area birdwatchers.

North of the lagoon are the remnants of a boat launch where, at one time in the 1960s, it was planned that a barge would carry provisions and passengers to and from Protection Island, which was being developed into a residential community. Protection Island was going to be another “fly-in” community, with a central airfield and a protected marina. Some older maps still show the airfield, and the planned marina is easy to identify if you should fly over it. Plans for developing Protection Island have been long abandoned, and the island is under the ownership and care of the federal government as a bird sanctuary (See the picture in the Olympic Peninsula Photo Album).

·        Location: East Northeast of Sequim, about 15 miles. Northeast corner of Miller Peninsula.

·        Development begun: Late 1950s.

·        Principal Street(s): Diamond Point Rd..

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built , Spec, and Mfgd. Single Family Residences

·        Price range; Homes: $275,000 - $575,000 Lots: $85,000 - $225,000

·        Community water system, Individual septic systems

SUNSHINE ACRES

Actually laid-out and developed in large part by a prominent local blind attorney! He had a three-dimensional scale model made for himself, and he would confer with his partners and contractors on various work projects using his model as a reference.

Sunshine Acres was developed over several years, and in several different sections or blocks. The northern, older portion featured several lots with great water views with Protection Island featured prominently.  The more central  area was built around a community airport and marketed as a “fly-in” resort.  The land immediately around the airstrip was set aside for commercial use, and it was hoped that it would attract a mini-mart /  gas station business, a motel, or a restaurant or coffee shop.  To date, it’s essentially served as hangar space.

For the most part, Sunshine Acres is made up of wooded lots, under an acre in size, served by a community water system. The last area to be developed was a cleared and open area , sloping towards Discovery Bay, and offering great views of the bay and the northwest.

·        Location: East Northeast of Sequim, about 15 miles. Northeast corner of Miller Peninsula.

·        Development begun: Late 1960s.

·        Principal Street(s): Diamond Point Rd., Rhododendron Dr., Madrona Way.

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built , Spec, and Mfgd. Single Family Residences

·        Price range; Homes: $220,000 - $525,000 Lots: $50,000 - $250,000

·        Community water system, Individual septic systems, some community drainfields

PANORAMA VISTA

Located at the northwest tip of the Miller Peninsula, Panorama Vista is a relatively small development by area standards. Approximately ¼ of the residential lots are along the north line of the community and are “medium” (approx. 50’) to “high” (100’ +) bank waterfront lots with dramatic views of the Strait, the Cascades, and Canada. 

The first lots to be developed in Panorama Vista were the “front lots” along the water, and the upscale homes built on them set the tone for values for several years. The interior lots went unsold well into the 1990s, owing largely to the relatively high prices being asked for what were nice, wooded lots that had no views.

Panorama Vista offers good privacy in a quiet wooded setting, in an area of nice homes and protective covenants, with access to miles of beach along the Miller Peninsula’s north coast. The county maintains an access point to the beach within the development, with very limited parking.

Panorama Vista is found at the end of East Sequim Bay Road, and like Sunshine Acres and Diamond Point,  is only accessible by a single county road.  Potential residents will want to weigh the value of privacy against any added inconvenience.

·        Location: East Northeast of Sequim, about 12 miles. Northwest corner of Miller Peninsula.

·        Development begun: Late 1970s.

·        Principal Street(s): Panorama Blvd.

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built , Single Family Residences

·        Price range; Homes: $275,000 - $1,000,000       Lots: $85,000 - $200,000

·        Community water system, Individual septic systems

DEVELOPMENT IN THE FOOTHILLS

In the early 1990s, development of residential property was beginning to move south of Sequim, into the foothills. Though this area is somewhat tougher to develop, it very often features wonderful views of the Strait, Sequim Bay, and Victoria.  At the time, the value of view properties to the buying public had been made clear with the overwhelming popularity of the Bell Hill developments. Larger parcels of land north of Sequim were getting harder to find, and these hillside parcels had not really been considered for residential use before.

Two notable developments were begun, late in the local real estate boom of the  1990s,  by separate groups of area investors.  Horizon Hills, southwest of Sequim along Lost Mountain Rd., and Louella Heights, southeast of Sequim off Palo Alto Rd, both offer incredible, expansive views of the Strait , the Cascades, and more. Both were developed into residential lots ranging 2 to 5 acres in size, and both were served by power and phone and gravel roads to each lot.

There were some initial sales of these lots, but it was soon discovered that the cost of drilling individual wells for residential use was prohibitive, so the remaining lots either didn’t sell or sold at bargain prices.  Eventually, over the next few years, property owners chipped in to have community water systems developed, with supply lines extended to each lot.  Unfortunately, by the time the systems were installed, the local boom had gone bust.

Popularity of these developments, and several other similar developments remained low through the 1990s, with just a few sales. These properties were poised very nicely when land sales picked up in the market of 2000. Water systems were in place, and there had been a few very nice homes built, helping to reinforce the values for upscale water view properties. 

·        Location: Southwest and southwest of Sequim, approx. 6 miles.

·        Development begun: Late 1980s and early 1990s.

·        Principal Street(s): Lost Mountain Rd. and Palo Alto Rd.

·        Dwelling Type(s): Custom Built , Single Family Residences

·        Price range; Homes: $250,000 - $1,000,000       Lots: $85,000 - $300,000

·        Community water system, Individual septic systems

MOBILE HOME DEVELOPMENTS

Manufactured homes (aka mobile homes, off-site-built homes, etc.) represent a large segment of the residences sold In the Sequim area real estate marketplace.  The county’s building department says that fully 1/3 of the permits they’ve issued for new construction in the last few years have been for manufactured housing.

As a reference, the Kelly Blue Book guide for manufactured home values categorizes  the construction quality of homes into several levels. The quality of manufactured homes we see most often in our market generally fall into the top two levels.  Most of the manufactured homes purchased and set up in our area tend to be better quality, double- and triple-wide units with extra features like decks and garages.  Many have been purchased by retirees who have moved to our area and want a new , attractive, energy efficient home, tailored to their requirements, without having to get involved in the major undertaking of a site-built home project.  While manufactured homes were once considered to be inexpensive alternatives to site built homes that didn’t retain their value, we’re beginning to see manufactured homes on 1 acre lots with mountain and/or water views with prices going well above $275,000.

There are several mobile home parks in the area, where the home owner leases the lots their homes are on. Some were started in the early 1970s, and most of those are closer in to Sequim city limits.  Nearly all of the manufactured home parks in our area restrict occupancy to those who are over age fifty or more, and are often referred to as “senior”  parks.

Parks usually offer amenities like a clubhouse or activity center, protective covenants,  or convenient central locations and monthly fees that include water / sewer / garbage  and community grounds maintenance… similar to condominium fees. In a mobile home park, the home is not legally “attached” to the land and remains personal property, but the county assessor will tax it like real estate anyway. Go figure.

Probably the newest and most completely developed parks are Parkwood Mobile Estates, west of Sequim, and Classen Cove, north of Sequim.  Parkwood is outside of the city of Sequim, along Highway 101, and is convenient to shopping and conveniences.  It is a well-planned community with all the popular amenities, and property values benefit from the nicely maintained common areas.

Classen Cove is inside Sequim’s northern limits, and is a well-designed, compact park of top quality homes. It offers the advantage of being close to Sequim’s medical facilities on Fifth Avenue, and also just a short walk to SARC (Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center). 

Copyright 2006 Shelter Rock Resources, Inc.