When The EastLake Co. was planning its final neighborhood, The Woods, the building community wasn't sure that the area, known for its affordable housing, would accept homes starting in the $500,000 range. What they didn't expect was that these homes would quickly break the $600,000 barrier and even include homes in the multimillion-dollar range.

"There's a clear demand here for this level of home," said Bill Ostrem, president and CEO of The EastLake Co. "We're finding that many of the people buying homes in The Woods already live in this area and have been waiting for upscale homes to be built here. Yet we're seeing equal demand for the homes we offer in the high $200,000s, which proves to us that South County has buyers at all ends of the spectrum and needs housing to reflect that."

Perhaps more surprising is that of the five custom homes built for the Sycuan Casino & Resort Tour d'Elegance, an event coordinated by the San Diego Building Industry Association and held this year at The Gates -- the enclave of estate-sized lots for custom homes at The Woods -- one was in escrow for $3.5 million even before construction was completed.

"To our knowledge, that's the first time a Tour d'Elegance home has gone into escrow before the tour started," Ostrem said.

In addition to the five custom homes built for the Tour d'Elegance, The Gates at The Woods by EastLake includes 59 additional estate-sized lots ranging in size from half an acre to more than one acre. Already there are more than 200 people on the interest list for these lots.

The Sycuan Casino & Resort Tour d'Elegance included five custom homes, shown here on opening day, at The Gates at The Woods by EastLake.

When completed, The Woods will encompass The Gates as well as 344 estate-sized homes on lots ranging from 7,350 to in excess of 14,000 square feet. ColRich by Pulte Homes built residences in the first phase that range from 3,258 square feet to 4,302 square feet and are priced from the high $600,000s. Continental/D.R. Horton Homes, also built in the first phase, offer homes ranging from 2,578 square feet to 4,205 square feet priced from the $600,000s. Only a few homes remain in these first phases.

In the fall, K. Hovnanian, Cornerstone Communities and ColRich by Pulte Homes will begin construction on homes on the balance of the lots in The Woods.

One of the homes featured at the Tour d'Elegance was built by Shea Homes. The entrance to that home is shown above. Photo credit: Scott Curry

"There's definitely a distinctive feel to The Woods that people notice as soon as they cross the Venetian bridge at one of the entrances," Ostrem said. "There are iron street lamps and detailed iron gates custom-crafted by artisans, beveled curbs, etched sidewalks, lush landscaping and other details that give the neighborhood a timeless, classic feel and tell residents that they've arrived."

This meticulous attention to detail extends to the stately clubhouse, inspired by legendary architect Addison Mizner and designed by Doug Mansfield of Laguna Beach. The 9,200-square-foot, two-story private resident clubhouse captures the majestic influence of years gone by in every inch of its detail. The Addison-Mizner inspired design includes swimming pools, spa, a fitness room, demonstration kitchen and formal and informal indoor and outdoor gathering areas.

Adjacent to the clubhouse is another entrance to The Woods, this one lined by 76-year-old Eucalyptus trees, showing the preservation of the area's original landscape.

It all comes together to round out the master plan that was conceived in 1983 and has culminated today into a comprehensively planned and balanced environment of total quality living.

Now in its final stage, EastLake is a beautifully designed community showcasing a variety of architectural styles, breathtaking vistas and the tranquility of the nearby lake and mountains. It features recreational amenities for residents of all ages and activity level, and a location close to major freeways and the border, yet maintains a relaxed, rural back-to-nature atmosphere. There is a clear emphasis on environmental preservation, with homes, restaurants, marketplaces, an office park and U.S. Olympic Training Center all integrated with man-made lakes, areas for play and recreation, and linked by pedestrian and cycling paths.

Located in Chula Vista, east of Interstate 805, EastLake is one of the largest master-planned communities in San Diego County. It totals 3,200 acres, including 180 acres of industrial land, more than 70 acres of commercial property, and more than 1,100 acres of parks, recreation and open space.

Vallbona Freeman is principal of CIM Incorporated, a La Jolla-based public relations firm serving clients in the real estate, financial services, entertainment, environmental and retail industries.

Related Link

The Woods: www.thewoods.co