Sea Smoke neighborhood making progress in Semiahmoo

Houses dotting the corner of Semiahmoo Drive and Semiahmoo Parkway signal progress for Sea Smoke, a new neighborhood promising affordable luxury to homebuyers.

The 19-acre development has eight active listings ready to be inhabited, and seven more units are expected to go on the market in early fall. When it is completed in the next two to four years, the development will have a majority of single family homes, along with townhouses and shared-wall homes, which are similar to duplexes.

Cohen Group NW, a Bellingham-based company licensed under Keller Williams Western Realty, became the main real estate agency for the neighborhood after it partnered with the development in November. Cohen Group NW stepped in after two other real estate agencies previously marketed in the neighborhood.

Leo Cohen, the owner of Cohen Group NW, said he is excited to offer upscale affordability that will allow people to purchase $400,000 to $600,000 homes near outdoor amenities like golfing and the Semiahmoo beaches.

“We want to create something where everyone can feel like they have something luxurious without costing an arm and a leg,” Cohen said.

The houses are intended to bring something new to Semiahmoo, transitioning to what Cohen called a “new era of housing” focused on efficiency and smaller spaces. The houses range from 1,300 to 2,500 square feet and are situated in a gated community.

The neighborhood’s homes feature Northwest modern design with white trim, lighter colors and modern craftsmanship, Cohen said. Nate Jackson, a builder in Bellingham, will partner with Francisco Oropeza from New Beginning Homes near Boise, Idaho to build the remaining houses.

Prospective buyers don’t have to wait for a house to go on the market, Cohen said. A buyer should reach out to him at 360/205-9820 if they like a particular lot and design, which can be moderately customized. Housing customizations are offered as long as houses adhere to the size and style guidelines of the community.

The new neighborhood would be perfect for people who work remotely, are looking for a second home or who want to live close to nature, Cohen said.

Wayne Schwandt is the project manager of Rimland Pacific Inc., a consulting company that provides management and development services to the Sea Smoke neighborhood.

The neighborhood is in its first phase of development. During this phase, 40 units are being built. An additional 79 units will be added in phase two.

Planning for phase two has yet to start, Schwandt said, but it will be modified to what the developers learn from phase one in terms of design and the type of homes. The developers are also looking to add amenities to the neighborhood in phase two, which could include recreation areas like a park or pickleball court.

Cohen Group NW is also working on two other projects in the Blaine area. In east Blaine, the team is introducing more affordable housing over the next 10 years. The team is also working to create a new grocery store near Cost Cutter, which could take upward of a couple of years, Cohen said.