Greetings!
Because my family was one of the first, if not the first, to move into a home at Telescope Point a little over 39 years ago, I am often asked what it was like, especially details about the various home models. I can only speak to Phase 1, and to the best of my recollection. If someone remembers something different, thank you in advance for the contribution. Here goes.
The first phase of homes at Telescope Point, was released in January 1985. Phase 1 consisted of approximately 12 – 13, out of 94, homes planned for the community. Phase 1 homes begin on the east side of High Ridge Avenue across the street from the tennis court, which was finished, and functional, and continue south, down the entire length of the cul-de-sac. The release also included the home to the south of the RV parking lot on the corner of High Ridge Avenue and Neblina. The release was late, the weather was rainy, and there was a lot of mud because the area lacked paved surfaces. Telescope Avenue was a dirt road.
Phase 1 home prices varied between $139,000 – 169,500. Pricier than neighboring development Palisades but more affordable than Edinburgh Estates, located across El Camino Real, south of Tamarack. Capri Estates did not exist at that time.
The three models showcased were all two stories, a few were two story split levels. Model 3: 3 bedrooms + 2 full bathrooms upstairs, half bathroom on main level. Model 4: 4 bedrooms + 2 full bathrooms upstairs, half bathroom + a small laundry room on main level. Model 5: 3 bedrooms + 2 full bathrooms upstairs, and one bedroom and one full bath on main level. The first phase did not have a split Model 3. I do not remember if it ever did. Since there were no split models, I am not sure how the split was done for a Model 4. A Model 5 split has one interior, large staircase with two landings between main and second floors, and two half staircases leading downstairs, one to the dining room, another to the family room, with the kitchen between those two rooms. All three model homes are located on the east side of High Ridge Avenue near the Tamarack entrance. The Westana (builder) sales office was in the garage of Model 4, and manned by a gentleman named Dennis.
If one of these three models is in original state without additions, you can distinguish it from the others from the street. A Model 3 has two neighboring second story windows in the front, flush with the garage door. A Model 4 has two neighboring second story windows, flush with the garage, and a staircase window next to the front door. A Model 5 has one second story window facing the street that sits back from the garage, and one window on the second story on the same side of the house as the chimney. Model 5 was called China Point. I have the original hard copy floorplan and a digital file somewhere around here. If interested, let me know and I will try to get a copy to you.
Lindsey Management was the first company to manage the HOA and collect monthly fees, which were estimated to be approximately $39.00 per home, per month once all 94 homes were sold. Until then, the estimated total upon community completion of $3,666.00 was divided and paid by the current number of sold homes homeowners. Phase 1 first month HOA fee was approximately $305.00 and deducted from closing costs. A well-known gentleman named Chris was the community gardener. A gardening service eventually replaced him, and he went on to start his own business and he tended several neighborhood yards over the years. I do not know if the following CCRs are still legit, but you might find them interesting, and they were active in 1985. Every home must retain two trees in the front yard at all times. Garage doors could not be open longer than 30 minutes. Yard sales were not allowed unless it was a Telescope community event, and limited to two events, annually. And finally, and this is a biggie, absolutely no street parking.
I hope this was interesting to someone.