ISSAQUAH--When two of the area's most highly regarded custom homebuilders chose to be part of Wilderness Peak at Talus, it underscored what some homeowners have already discovered: this conveniently located gateway to the Issaquah Alps is an exceptional place to live.

Featuring designs by award-winning homebuilders Boitano Construction and Schademan Country Edition Homes,Wilderness Peak offers custom homes in a unique mountain village setting.

"Both builders have more than 20 years of experience crafting custom homes for homeowners with exacting standards," says realtor Mary Thurtle.

For those who appreciate the workmanship of custom builders, Thurtle recommends touring homes at Wilderness Peak quickly, as builders plan to construct only 13 homes in this unique urban sanctuary.

As one of five distinct neighborhoods that make up the master planned community of Talus,Wilderness Peak features picturesque lots ranging in size from 6,500 to 9,500 square feet and are priced from the low $500,000s. Most sites in this upscale neighborhood boast panoramic views of either nearby Squak Peak and the surrounding Issaquah Alps, or overlook lush greenbelts, protected forestlands and other open spaces.

For Northwest native Jay Boitano, building in a new community where "Mother Nature provided the blueprints" was an easy decision. Many architectural characteristics of his Craftsman designs blend seamlessly with the community's surroundings.

Luxury abounds in these spacious homes, and is apparent in everything from the ceramic tile floors to the millwork. High tech cabling, a built-in security system, forced air heat and quality appliances enhance the comfort and livability of each Boitano home.

Schademan Country Edition Homes took a similar dedication to design and construction in its creations at Wilderness Peak.

"This company clearly understands that each home is a very special place that can shape and enhance each family's quality of life," says Thurtle.

The two-story homes range in size from 3,200 to 4,500 square feet on lots up to 9,500 square feet. Each layout features at least four bedrooms, a bonus room and three-car garage with stainless appliances, granite slab, custom ceramics, solid core doors and high quality fixtures throughout.

Every home at Talus is carefully situated to blend with the area's topography. With 20,000 acres of public trails, woodlands and nonmotorized recreational opportunities, Talus offers direct access to outdoor activities and beautiful scenery.

Developers are adding an array of amenities, including a series of discovery stations, trails, bird sanctuaries, shelters for picnicking and wetland interpretation, and other facilities--all designed to encourage exploration while protecting the terrain and habitat.

When completed, Talus will encompass a wide assortment of homes along with commercial and retail space, while keeping only one-third of this 630-acre mountainside sanctuary open to human habitation.

Talus developers have exercised diligence and creativity in balancing new home development and public infrastructure improvements with environmental protection--earning a VISION 2020 award for their efforts and assuring homebuyers that this area will be enjoyed by generations to come.

View these homes: Wilderness Peak at Talus is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m.

Getting there: From I-90 east take Exit 15. Turn right and drive south on SR 900. Follow the signs for one mile, turning right onto Talus Drive.

Prices: Vary by neighborhood. At Wilderness Peak, homes start from the low $500,000s.

Homebuilders: Boitano Construction and Schademan Country Edition Homes.

More information: Call Mary Thurtle at John L. Scott (Bellevue South office) at 425-466-4190 or visit www.talusliving.com.