Hundreds of residents and prospective buyers turned out for the grand opening of Andalucia, a new gated neighborhood of detached homes in the Irvine Spectrum District.

Visitors toured three fully furnished model homes and stopped for complimentary drinks from Moonwood Coffee, pausing at second-floor windows and along community sidewalks to take in views of the surrounding hills, nearby neighborhoods and the Irvine Spectrum skyline. From the community’s front gate, walkways and bike paths connect to Los Olivos Community Park, Los Olivos Marketplace and Irvine Spectrum Center, with trail access that extends all the way to the coast.

The 82-home community offers the only new-home ownership opportunity in the Spectrum District. The detached homes range from approximately 1,326 to 1,752 square feet, with three or four bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Each residence includes a two-car garage and private yard, along with access to Seville Park, a private recreation area with a pool, spa, shaded barbecue areas and a great lawn for informal play and gatherings.

Irvine Company and home builder California Pacific Homes have introduced Andalucia as an option for buyers who want single-family living in a walkable, central location next to open space.

The community is zoned for the Irvine Unified School District, including University High School, and sits adjacent to the Quail Hill open space preserve and near Laguna Coast Wilderness, part of the more than 57,500 acres of permanent open space dedicated by Irvine Company.

For Dax Acosta, who lives across the street in the Barcelona community, the appeal is the chance to move into a new detached home while staying in the same neighborhood and school district. “The public schools here are so good; that’s a big reason we want to stay,” he says.

Acosta, who visited with his wife and two children, says the homes were beautiful inside, with floor plans that are “laid out really well” and finishes that matched what they expected for the price. He says he likes that the community is close to the family’s regular stops at Irvine Spectrum Center, Whole Foods and Costco.

Justin Blowers and his wife, Jennifer Dukat, walked over from their home in nearby Promenade with their dog to see the new models. “It’s super safe with really easy access to a lot of things,” Blowers says. “We love having the Spectrum right there. Everything you need is in the area, plus nature and walkability.”

The couple use nearby trails almost every morning before work and were drawn to the Andalucia kitchens, large windows and private outdoor spaces they imagine using for working from home, outdoor meals and giving their dog room to roam.

“Andalucia buyers will benefit from the thoughtful design of the community, its mature and abundant landscaping and the quality craftsmanship of each home,” says Robin Fiorello, vice president of sales and marketing for California Pacific Homes. “We are proud to partner with the Irvine Company in creating this new community in one of Irvine’s most desirable locations.”