By Anne Zimmerman
Sun Valley sold out Phase I of the White Clouds development, and with an exciting new concept for Phase II, it broke ground this spring near the Sun Valley Village
When talking about real estate, it’s location, location, location. That sums up Phase II of Sun Valley’s second phase of the White Clouds development. It’s location is unmatched at the northern edge of Sun Valley across from the Village and the soon to be fully renovated Sun Valley Lodge. Additionally, it is at the base of the nine-hole alpine links White Clouds golf course, adjacent to the bike path/cross country ski trail, and just a quick walk to the Clubhouse with its popular bar and restaurant, 10,000-square-foot terrace, and putting course.
“This project is an extension of all the other exciting changes at Sun Valley,” comments Wallace Huffman, the long-time Sun Valley executive spearheading the project. “With its close proximity to the Village, the residents will be a part of Sun Valley as much as any of the guests.”
The Concept
Sun Valley is a place where people come, love, and want to return. The resort reports an astonishing 75 percent return rate for visitors, and it makes sense that many would like to buy their own place to anchor their stay without forfeiting the experience of being part of the resort. Phase II of the White Clouds development offers just this opportunity.
Surprisingly, until the White Clouds development, it has been 35 years since Sun Valley offered property for sale, underscoring how remarkable it is that there is this opportunity now. “The first phase of White Clouds were decidedly custom homes with a single-family experience,” says Huffman. “With Phase II, we have amended the master plan to create a clustered community of fourplex and duplex homes that owners may opt to make part of the rental pool when not in residence, and Sun Valley will maintain and manage the rental.”
According to Huffman, Ruscitto/Latham/Blanton Architectura, the designers of Phase I, will design Phase II. “The designs are outstanding, and we are starting with a beautiful piece of property. The land for Phase II is larger piece of property than for Phase I, and the design comfortably accommodates 36 units. The two-bedroom homes will be about 2,000-square feet in size with a garage, and the three-bedroom will be approximately 2,350-square feet with a garage,” says Huffman.
“We will launch the phase by building 16 homes configured into four duplexes and two fourplexes,” Huffman describes. “We are treasuring the views up to the Pioneer Mountains and the morning and evening light with our floor plans and ensuring spaces for outdoor living. The two-bedroom units step up the hill with a great room on the second level and a deck over the garage for phenomenal elevated views. There will be townhomes in the fourplexes, and the architecture will vary between the complexes with alternate floor plans.”
The Lifestyle
Mark Thoreson, Huffman’s right-hand man for managing White Clouds construction and assisting with sales had only minutes before our meeting made the walk from the site of Phase II to the front door of the Lodge. “Just six minutes,” Thoreson reports. “It is closer to the Lodge than some of the Village units at the bottom of the hill.”
The concept anticipates appealing to people who want to connect fully with all the programs, facilities, and events at the resort. Thoreson mentions, “The residents of Phase II enjoy the same access to facilities at Sun Valley as guests to the hotel and lodge. That includes the pools, tennis, and preferred tee times. The development is not only on the Trail Creek main bike path and cross-country trail, but it is also near the multi-use hiking trail. I would say that it’s in the middle of everything. Also, the nearby Clubhouse is a gathering spot where neighbors and friends can easily meet to share a meal.”
The original master plan called for more density. “We downsized the density on the 20 acres from our original plan. When completed, there will be less than ten units per acre,” reports Huffman. “We really want to energize the village. It’s right on the trail, and there will be a watercourse running through it that connects to the golf course pond.”
Huffman and Thoreson are making it easy for homebuyers to settle in. “We offer an option of a designer amenity package that includes furniture, linens, kitchen and table ware, and anything and everything that is needed, so it is completely turnkey.”
Do they anticipate owners may wish to put units in the rental pool? “If they do, it will be extremely easy to do. Sun Valley will manage and maintain the property and rent out the units, so it will be hassle-free and owners can count on great care for their investment,” says Thoreson.
“We also anticipate a good demand for the rentals,” adds Huffman. “The remodel of the Lodge will result in fewer units than before, and the demand should be high for White Clouds rentals.”
The Team
The White Clouds development is built by Sun Valley and sold by Sun Valley. The sales team is made up of the same pair developing the project to Sun Valley’s high standards—Wallace Huffman and Mark Thoreson. Both have risen through Sun Valley’s ranks in resort management and hospitality and are exceptionally knowledgeable about the area.
“It’s a unique approach to buy directly from Sun Valley and not through an agent. I hope people will find it easy to deal with Mark and me,” comments Huffman. “We have been with this project from its initial concept, and we are committed to the quality of the homes and the experience of the homeowners who will live here.”
Find more information on the second phase of the White Clouds residences at: whitecloudsresidences.com/townhomes.