Perched high on a hill overlooking the Kent Valley, the neighborhood of Viewcrest offers views of the Cascades and Mt. Rainer and the tranquility of a peaceful retreat. Yet every urban convenience is just moments away.

With its one- and two- bedroom condominiums and three-bedroom single-family homes, Viewcrest opened with a bang last year and has continued with its popularity, says Eric Halgren, area sales manager for Polygon Northwest, the community’s builder.

“This is a neighborhood that combines two very distinct home collections with very attractive pricing within a location that gets you to the airport in less than 20 minutes or downtown in about the same amount of time,” says Halgren. “While location is said to be everything in real estate, there are many extraordinary features about Viewcrest that keep the homebuyers coming.”

The condominiums at Viewcrest offer single car direct access on most plans, a feature that can be hard to find. The interiors blend traditional floor plans with a more contemporary interior finish, including rich autumn stained shaker cabinets with sleek satin nickel handles. Directional overhead lighting in the kitchen complements the updated appliance package and is coordinated to match additional designer finishes in the home.

There are six model homes to see, three of which have been professionally furnished. Approximate square footages range from 800 to just over 1,000, with various locations from which to choose. Prices start in the $200,000s.

Condominiums make up about half of the neighborhood. The other collection of homes include a single-family design newly introduced by Polygon in this neighborhood only.

“Our two floor plans, The Cascade and The Rainer, offer the homebuyer great options that cannot be found elsewhere,” says Halgren. “We introduced these homes to Viewcrest only as we learned the market demanded an affordable home with more bedrooms than the traditional condo, but less maintenance than that of a larger single-family home.”

The Rainer and The Cascade offer approximately 1,700 and just over 2,000 square feet, respectively, with three bedrooms plus an open den on the entry level. Pricing for those homes begins in the $300,000s.

Upstairs, the kitchen features modern finishes, including drop pendant lights over the bartop or center kitchen islands, stainless Whirlpool appliances and many options for customizing finishing touches, including countertops and floor coverings.

“These plans have captured the spirit of fine living,” says Halgren. “When asked, our customers say hands down, the location of Viewcrest coupled with the plentiful home choices are a winning combination.”

Sales at Timberland have been under way for a little more than a year and the condominium development already has its first high-profile tenant.

“We call this unit ‘The Jennifer,’ ” said Lynne Redman, community sales manager for Timberland. The condominium will soon have a starring role as actress Jennifer Aniston’s home in her Portland-filmed romantic comedy, “Management.”

The former “Friends” star isn’t the only one to be dazzled by the star power of Timberland, with its mix of townhouse-style condominiums, upscale shopping, close proximity to downtown and plentiful green space. Located in the Cedar Mill area of Northwest Portland, the 88-acre development’s 118-unit first community, The Reserve, is almost sold out, and sales in its 139-unit second community, The Falls, have been steady as well.

“For me, the location was the key — it’s close to where I work, to the freeways and downtown,” said Marybeth Kahn, a fashion designer and fitness instructor who moved into a three-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 1,471-square-foot condominium at Timberland in December. “The design of this particular unit really sold me. But one of the biggest keys was the green spaces here. I moved here from a house in the West Hills that was only five minutes from the Wildwood Trail.

“I like walking along the falls and the creek on the west side of Timberland — it gives me a real sense of getting away from everything, even when I’m in the heart of the development.”

For years, Teufel Nursery’s sprawling property along Barnes Road in Cedar Mill, one of the last large parcels of undeveloped land within a few miles of downtown Portland, was an oasis of woodland surrounded by the leafy neighborhoods between Sunset Highway and West Hills.

Expectations were high for the Teufel parcel. A careful master-planning process yielded Timberland, a community that when fully built will include 1,300 condominium units, a 15-acre retail and restaurant complex, parks, bike trails, a creek, ample green space and an on-site middle school.

Nature calls

Timberland offers a unique blend of urban lifestyle and proximity to nature. Developer Polygon Northwest has retained a perimeter of deep-green Douglas fir forestland around the site. A series of landscaped trails, suitable for biking and hiking, wind through the greenspace.

Along the western edge of the development, Cedar Mill Creek cascades down from the West Hills, serenading the homeowners in The Falls section of the development. The site also borders wooded, wetland-rich George Foegue Park, and ultimately will include four “pocket parks.”

Timberland’s indoor living spaces are equally lavish. Polygon Northwest is offering a choice of 12 floor plans, ranging in size from 647 to 1,681 square feet. Prices range from $189,990 to $364,990. Designs include one-level “suites” with one to two bedrooms, and two- and three-level condominiums with two to three bedrooms.

The layouts are surprisingly varied, designed to accommodate a wide range of lifestyles. “We have lots of choices here,” said Redman. “We have floor plans that will appeal to singles, couples, families with children, downsizers and people who like to entertain.”

The homes at Timberland contain a variety of amenities not found in a typical condominium. The ground-floor garage of the 647-square-foot Fir plan, for example, includes a startlingly large, L-shaped storage area. In the three-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 1,681-square-foot Daphne townhome, a 20-foot island capped with dramatic black granite runs the length of the galley-style gourmet kitchen, and the stairs to the upper and lower levels are gracefully concealed.

All units feature room-by-room heating controls and air conditioning, as well as Gypcrete soundproofing between floors.

Classic style

The units have a classical, sophisticated feel, with large windows admitting views of the surrounding greenery. Even the standard finishes feel luxurious.

Kitchens are open and elegant, with dark ceramic tile or slab granite counters, ample cinnamon-stained Shaker-style or flat-panel cabinetry, stainless-steel Whirlpool appliances, hardwood floors and undermount sinks. Thoughtful design details abound: Craftsman-style millwork and architectural lighting packages, gas or electric fireplaces, and tile or hardwood entryways.

Homeowners association fees ($168 per month in The Falls; $160.50 per month in The Reserve) include all landscaping and insurance. The units also come with a 10-year warranty, and an on-site warranty staff provides service on demand.

Greta Josephson bought one of Timberland’s Cedar townhomes in late 2007; she and her mother, Linda, moved into the two-bedroom, two-bath unit in January.

“It really suits us,” Linda Josephson said. “We love the area, it’s close to everything, and there’s a real sense of community here. My daughter chose it, but I would have chosen it as well.

“You see a lot of open sky and get a nice breeze here, and it’s a great location. Our family owns Josephson’s Smokehouse in Astoria, and you can get there in an hour and a half. We also like the fact that there’s a lot of diversity here. This isn’t just a retirement community. There are all ages here.”

This article appeared in The Oregonian’s New Home Monthly section on Saturday, April 26 2008

Madera, located in the Lakeland master-planned community, offers an alternative to the maintenance and responsibilities of a traditional single-family home, without any of the compromise.

Homes at Madera will overlook the natural beauty of the Auburn Valley.  An elegantly gated community entrance welcomes residents home to richly appointed town home residences with well-crafted exteriors, luxurious main-level master suites and fine interior finishes.  Madera’s distinctive architectural character complements the serene natural setting of the Lakeland community - complete with a private putting green.

“Many of our homebuyers are finding Madera at Lakeland by way of friends who already live within the community of Lakeland,” says area sales manager Jeff Tellvik.  “With the popularity of other Polygon single-family homes in nearby neighborhoods, Madera becomes the natural fit for a lower-maintenance lifestyle option.  As the demand for master suites on the main level continues in this marketplace, the offering at Madera is ideal.”

On April 26, a limited selection of new locations will be released to the marketplace.  Private appointments are currently being scheduled by Polygon sales staff for tours of the community and personal time to discuss purchasing options.

“Many of our current homeowners and prospective purchasers spend winter in the warmer climates,” says Tellvik.  “With spring on the horizon, Madera is becoming livelier with returning homeowners and visitors.  We are looking forward to seeing many people between now and the next release.”

The two- and three- bedroom town homes at Madera feature a traditional two-car garage and professionally landscaped grounds.  These plans are highlighted by main-level master suites, kitchens with separate eating spaces and dramatic vaulted ceilings.  Pricing for Madera’s next release will begin in the $270,000s.

The Lakeland community features a 15-acre park with ball fields, covered picnic areas and playgrounds.  And the Lakeland Town Shopping Center has a Top Foods, Starbucks, Subway and other specialty shops.

Creekside at Progress Ridge is a Polygon Community located in Beaverton, Oregon. New town homes are for sale. These townhomes feature quality craftsmanship and are only minutes away from downtown Beaverton. You can find details about Creekside at Progress Ridge on our website or come on by and take a look yourself!

Creekside at Progress Ridge address:

15260 SW Mallard Drive
Beaverton, OR 97007

Office Hours:

Monday: 12pm - 6
Thursday - Sunday: 11am - 6

Phone: (503) 524 - 7206

Email us at: progressridge@polygonhomes.com

Creekside is a Polygon Community located in Kent, WA. New homes (Phase I & II are both sold out - Phase III is opening soon) are for sale. These homes feature three to four bedrooms, roomy dens and multiple car garages. You can find more details about Creekside on our website.

Creekside address:

21502 49th Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032

Office Hours:

Monday: 2 - 6
Tuesday - Friday: 10 - 5
Saturday - Sunday: 10 - 6

Phone: (253) 872-2447

Email us: creekside@polygonhomes.com