9 San Jose Transports the Spirit of Italy to Prestigious Covenant Hills

Online, September 18, 2009 (Newswire.com) - LADERA RANCH, CA (September 19, 2009) - Reminiscent of a romantic, stately manor nestled in the sun-soaked hillsides of the Italian countryside, 9 San Jose has emerged as one of the most elegantly-appointed custom estates to grace the exclusive gated village of Covenant Hills in the scenic South Orange County community of Ladera Ranch.
Custom homebuilder Markem Development of Coto de Caza and architects John McCloskey and Vince Shulda of Shulda McCloskey Architects of San Clemente teamed up to create 9 San Jose, an exquisite Italian Revival-inspired residence that features 6,900 square feet of interior living space, six spacious bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a striking exterior staircase that adds a heightened sense of glamour to an already extraordinary estate. Additional features include an expansive great room, an enormous kitchen that is well-equipped for grand family meals and entertaining, and a separate guest room or maid's quarters with its own bath, bedroom and entrance.
"Markem Development is a family-owned and operated company, so we know exactly what makes a home livable for a family," noted Mark Kemmerer, president of Markem Development, whose 40 years of building experience continues to yield homes of the highest quality. "With 9 San Jose, we have a home that's very elegant, and every room and passageway at 9 San Jose offers a sense of serenity and style that's what one would expect of a custom estate."
Handmade exterior and interior lighting and warm, weathered oak interior flooring are featured throughout the residence, along with dramatic wood beams, handsome custom cabinetry in the kitchen and living areas, a spacious, glass-encased wine cellar, and a stunning master suite accompanied by an impressive closet and dressing room.
Architect John McCloskey shared that one of his favorite aspects of 9 San Jose is the marriage of the interior of the home with its incredible exteriors. Pocket sliding doors feature prominently throughout the first floor and provide a picturesque extension to the outdoors. The result allows the breathtaking Covenant Hills canvas to serve as the ultimate wall art.
Added Kemmerer: "When building a custom home in Covenant Hills, it's impossible to overlook the amazing landscape and natural setting that surrounds you. So, we created an outdoor entertaining area worthy of the countryside by incorporating a private courtyard with a beautiful stone fountain, a pool, a barbecue island, and a fireplace. It's the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. From the east, there are these incredible views of the rolling hills and green valleys and in the winter, the snow-capped mountains appear as if they're in your own backyard."
Covenant Hills enjoys panoramic views of hills and valleys, the rugged silhouette of the majestic Saddleback Mountain ridgeline, San Juan Creek, and neighboring San Juan Capistrano. And from the west, the Pacific sends refreshing ocean breezes up past the twinkling night lights of Ladera Ranch to gently stir the solitude of Covenant Hills above.

"One of the most attractive aspects about Covenant Hills is its exclusivity, for sure," Kemmerer added. "But, what is even more special is that, while Covenant Hills' residents enjoy peace and privacy, an active community and all types of modern conveniences are waiting on the other side of the gates."
The Covenant Hills' lifestyle offers the rare opportunity to escape and unwind while enjoying the privileges that are associated with exclusive, "behind the gates" living. Featured among Covenant Hills' long list of amenities is a beautifully-appointed Spanish Colonial-style clubhouse with a swimming pool, barbecue/picnic areas, expansive play lawns, an orange grove, lush gardens, and miles of hiking and biking trails, all surrounded by acres of preserved open spaces.
Residents also enjoy many popular community events and activities throughout the year, including summer concerts and movies in the park, monthly wine-tastings, the annual Fall Harvest festival, traditional holiday events, and more.
Covenant Hills residents also enjoy access to all the facilities and amenities located in and around Ladera Ranch, including 16 diverse parks, encompassing the dog-friendly Wagsdale Park, the 25-acre Cox Sports Park, an authentic water park, several resort-style clubs with swimming pools, lap pools, plunges, wading pools and aquatic play areas, plus tennis courts, volleyball courts, a skate park, tot lot play areas, group picnic areas and more.
In addition, Ladera Ranch is home to a host of public and private schools, daycare centers, a public library, and convenient shops and services, including the thriving Mercantile West center and "downtown" Main Street.
Plus, Ladera Ranch residents make virtual connections via LaderaLife.com, the community intranet that links families with their neighbors, as well as local schools, recreational facilities and more. Many resident clubs have been started through LaderaLife.com, providing residents of all ages with the opportunity to make friends with others who share common interests.
For those who aspire to create their custom dream homes at Covenant Hills, homesites can be purchased from the low $700,000's to over $1 million. In addition, a limited number of move-in-ready custom homes built by some of the area's premier homebuilders are currently available at Covenant Hills and are priced from the $2 millions to high $4 millions.
To find more information regarding the custom homesites and custom homes at Covenant Hills, contact the Custom Sales Gallery by calling 888-220-2303. For more information on the gated, hillside village of Covenant Hills, please visit covenanthills.com.
To reach the exclusive, gated village of Covenant Hills, exit Ortega Highway from the I-5 Freeway in South Orange County, and proceed east 2.5 miles to Antonio Parkway. Turn left onto Antonio. Turn left onto Covenant Hills Drive and proceed to the East Gatehouse.