LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Harvest Court is an Abundance of Beauty


The backyard of one the first homes at Harvest Court in Moraga offers lovely views. Photo provided

"We have found there is a strong demand for new homes in Moraga." So said Moraga resident Chris Leimbach, vice president, sales and marketing, for SummerHill Homes. He should know since he is overseeing the sales for Moraga's newest housing development, Harvest Court, off Camino Ricardo. Since mid-July, when the sales office opened, nine of the 26 homes have been sold, and several more are just waiting for final signatures.

"Sales are going really well," Leimbach said. "Many people seem to want to either stay in Moraga and find something new or return to the area they love."

Initially proposed in 2012 as the first piece of land to be developed under the Moraga Center Specific Plan, Harvest Court is a beautiful development of high-end, quality homes, ranging in size from 3,000-3,400 square feet and from $1.8 -$ 2.2 million. There are 24 two-story homes and, up the hill at the end of the cul de sac, sit two single-story houses. All have three or four bedrooms and most have at least three bathrooms. There are three distinct models, each bringing its own flair and charm. Windows abound, bringing natural light into every room and each house offers at least a 180 degree view of the beautiful Moraga hills. Different styles, colors, roofs, siding, window frames and driveways individualize each property.

"You won't see two of the same homes next to each other," Leimbach explained. "Some may have brick accents on the front while others may have stacked stones. A lot of thought went into every detail of this development to make sure each home feels like 'your' home, not just one more cookie-cutter house down the line."

Every home comes with a fully landscaped front yard and each will be slightly different from its neighbor. Plantings will be drought-tolerant and include native trees, plants and grasses. High-end Precision cabinets, Thermador appliances, Kohler sinks and faucets, marble and granite countertops and luxurious built-ins are all standard features included in every home. Additionally, each home's garage - some for two cars and some for three - is wired for an electric plug-in car. There are numerous optional features, including a solar energy package and home monitoring system.

Adjacent to the Harvest Court development will be a two-plus acre passive park, with native plantings, two bridges and benches for sitting and relaxing. A meandering trail will lead from the homes to the popular Moraga Commons and skatepark. A landscaped outlook area, with benches and covered trellis, is also planned, where residents and non-residents can simply sit and take in the area's natural beauty.

Developed by SummerHill Homes, Harvest Court is one of two SummerHill developments in Moraga; the other, the 27-home Bellavista, is just beginning construction. SummerHill, founded in 1976, is a privately-owned builder of quality homes. According to Leimbach, "SummerHill's goal is to thoughtfully enhance the communities in which we build. We build luxury homes, paying attention to every detail." Other SummerHill projects currently under construction are in Pleasanton, Mountain View, Los Gatos and Saratoga.

Harvest Court's first six families are expected to move in before the end of 2016; it is anticipated that the community will be fully occupied before the end of next year.