Outdoor options expand living space

BOTHELL -- For homeowners whose love of the outdoors begins at home, the community of Kimura Gardens offers custom garden spaces that extend living space outside.

Each of the three- or four-bedroom homes includes one of three backyard landscaping packages: Fresh-To-Your-Table Gourmet Garden, Pacific Northwest Zen Garden, and Clean and Green Outdoor Fireplace.

"The garden packages are a huge hit with homeowners -- they absolutely love them," says listing agent Tana Lehman. "They're unique to the homebuilder and really add value to the homes. Now that it's summer, I see a lot of our homeowners spending quite a bit of time in their backyards with their new neighbors, enjoying a glass of wine around the fire pit or water feature."

Kimura Gardens has six homes for sale: two complete and ready for move-in, three scheduled for completion later this summer and fall, and one presale.

"The neighborhood has received a lot of attention from buyers and has a nice mix of homeowners: families with children, downsizers and single professionals," Lehman says. "They all love the low-maintenance lifestyle we're offering; both the front and backyards are fully maintained for them.

"Parents also love our cul-de-sac setting. There is no through street, so their kids can ride their bikes or scooters to the park," she says. "In addition, the community is in the Northshore School District, one of the top-rated districts in the region. The schools that serve our neighborhood -- Kokanee Elementary, Leota Junior High and Woodinville High School -- received eight, nine and 10 stars, respectively, from Greatschools.org."

Kimura Gardens' Gourmet Garden package includes a raised vegetable/herb planter and patio dining space. The Zen Garden offers a water feature on the patio. The Outdoor Fireplace package includes a propane-heated, energy-efficient fireplace for a cozy setting year-round. One package is included in the price of the homes.

The garden aesthetic extends throughout the Kimura Gardens community. The neighborhood has three parks, including one with play equipment. A trail winds throughout the neighborhood and along a bordering greenbelt. Homes adjacent to the green space are still available.

Buyers can choose from bungalow-style and courtyard home designs. Featuring three bedrooms, the bungalow-style homes have detailing reminiscent of the historic homes found in established Seattle neighborhoods such as Green Lake and Ballard. They feature efficient and open floor plans.
The larger courtyard homes include up to four bedrooms and feature flex spaces such as bonus rooms or lofts, as well as fenced backyards for privacy. Some of the homes also offer first-floor guest suites or formal parlors; others feature oversized second-floor master suites with sitting rooms.

"One of the things I hear often from our homeowners is how comfortable and livable the homes are," says Lehman. "They also like the great rooms -- they are perfect for entertaining. Everyone feels included."

Kimura Gardens is built by CamWest, a Toll Brothers Company. For presale homes, buyers can personalize their spaces through the homebuilder's CamYes! program. The neighborhood's project manager works one-on-one with new homeowners, from purchase through move-in, to ensure that the homes meet their needs.

Kimura Gardens is located approximately two miles from I-405 and 10 minutes from historic downtown Bothell. The University of Washington Bothell campus is less than two miles from the neighborhood, and the shops, restaurants and services at Mill Creek Town Center are less than 15 minutes away.

Toll Brothers is among the nation's leading builders of luxury homes. Its recent purchase of CamWest Development, LLC -- which has been building homes locally for more than 20 years -- expands the company's reach to the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1967, Toll Brothers is now building homes in 20 states.

Toll Brothers was rated No. 1 in 2011 and 2010 for Financial Soundness, Long-Term Investment and Quality of Products/Services in the homebuilding category of Fortune magazine's annual World's Most Admired Companies survey.

Content provided by Kimura Gardens