Wallis ranch: A jewel in the hills
Imagine a community nestled among verdant hills surrounded by miles of trails from slope to ridge. At the center of the neighborhood is a resort-style clubhouse that includes dining areas, barbecue spaces, a fire pit, swimming pool, kids’ play area and a shared garden.
Sound like a dream come true? It's all been realized right here in Dublin, California.
And it's called Wallis Ranch.
Situated on Tassajara Road, just two miles from I-580, this resortstyle master-planned community was developed by Danville-based Trumark Companies, an organization that prides itself on a near-reverence for the natural attributes of the vacant land it develops.
“We saw 186 acres of beautiful property surrounded by riparian streams,” says Trumark Chief Operating Officer Peter Kiesecker. “We knew protecting the land and offering a place for people to live would be a winning combination.”
So right they were. Even as you happen upon the development, you know you're approaching something special.
“To enter the property, residents must walk or drive over two bridges, each beautifully decorated with stone and creative lighting,” muses Kiesecker. “They then follow a rockery wall in which each stone was laid — one-by-one — to the entry gates; gates that were commissioned by local artist Eric Powell and are one-of-a-kind.”
While the tranquility of artisanal design that melds seamlessly with nature, welcomes you into the property, the residential structures themselves do not disappoint.
“All homes were designed with the character and theme of Wallis by leading architectural firms such as Pleasanton-based Dahlin and Oakland-based KTGY,“notes Kiesecker.
Wallis Ranch — named 2017 “Master Planned Community of the Year” by the National Association of Home Builders — includes eight neighborhoods developed by six different builders: Horton, KB Homes, Taylor Morrison, Pulte, Warmington, and Trumark itself. Townhomes, triplexes and standalone dwellings are among the available residence types.
While the presence of such extensive amenities might convince the average homebuyer the community is out of reach, in truth, Wallis Ranch proffers something for everyone.
“Wallis offers a variety of options for both first-time buyers and intergenerational families, “notes Kiesecker. “Our first-time buyers love the price points of our attached townhomes and triplexes, while our larger, extended-family buyers can purchase estate homes with the ‘next-gen’ options of separate entries and separate-but-connected living space for parents or other family members.”
Indeed, the separatebut-connected living spaces, sometimes termed “generational suites,” are as luxuriant and self-contained as any aging parent or boomerang young adult could wish. They include large bedroom and living areas, in-suite baths, and even food preparation spaces.
But it’s the generous — and generationally friendly — resort-style amenities that truly set this rustic jewel in the hills apart. Kindred House, the neighbormeets-neighbor clubhouse, alone is a marvel. Crafted of stone that both reflects and celebrates the natural surroundings, it houses a gleaming fitness facility, expansive lounge and dining areas, and a grand open-air fireplace with generous seating. You can arrange gatherings for yourself, or rely on the activities director to schedule recreational and leisure options.
Directly adjacent to Kindred House is the large swimming pool with room enough for kids to splash and parents to observe. Permanent chaise longue chairs beckon sun worshippers, while the neighboring spa offers to soothe sore muscles. Beyond the pool area is a stunning fire pit surrounded by stone seating, ideal for family gatherings, dinner parties and other intimate events.
It all overlooks a charming play area for young children that includes swing sets, slides, and more. Opposite is the neighborhood community garden with ample room to grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruits on plants, trees, or vines.
Wallis Ranch is that rarest of residential options. It includes a stunning natural setting with high-level architecture and state-of-the-art amenities to rival many other high-end developments. Situated as it is, so close to schools, businesses, shopping, dining areas — and Bart — it almost seems too good to be true. If all you require is a total lifestyle solution, Wallis Ranch just may be worth a look.