When Mel and her husband Miguel first bought their home in 2020, it was just the two of them starting their life together. At the time, their first home was perfect for newlyweds. It was a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house that fit their needs exactly. Fast forward a few years, and their family has grown exponentially with three sons—Theo (5), Ronan (2), and Asher (18 months)—alongside furry family members, Chloe (their husky mix), Fox (their Great Pyrenees mix) and their two birds. With these new additions to the family and planning for Mel’s parents to eventually live with them as well, they knew they needed something bigger.
So began their home search. They knew they wanted more privacy. Their previous backyard was small and visible from every neighboring home, making it difficult to create the peaceful outdoor space they wanted for their family.
One evening, during a random drive through the area, they stumbled upon Uplands. The moment they saw the breathtaking view of Mount Rainier, they were captivated. They couldn’t stop talking about it. When construction began, they immediately scheduled tours of the model homes. After walking through several options, they knew Richmond American Homes was the right builder for them.
They ultimately chose the Donovan floor plan, and it has been the perfect fit for their family. The layout provides plenty of room for everyone while still feeling open and spacious. They also selected a lot that checked every box on their wish list—a large backyard that backs up to the greenbelt and trail system, plus a location right next to the park. For a family with three active little boys, that combination felt like a dream come true.
One of their favorite spaces at home is the loft. This fall, Mel will begin homeschooling their children, and she’s transformed the loft into a learning space that their entire family enjoys. The large windows flood the room with natural light and provide a beautiful view of the forest behind their home. It’s peaceful, inspiring, and quickly becoming the heart of their daily routine.
Of course, the backyard deserves a mention too. During the summer, they practically live outside. Between the kids running around, the dogs exploring, and family gatherings, it has become one of their most cherished spaces. Having the forest right behind them creates a sense of privacy and tranquility that they’ve never had before.
One of the things they love most about living in Uplands is the lifestyle and amenities. The kids love visiting the café for hot cocoa, Miguel takes full advantage of the gym (where he works out almost daily), and they all swim to their hearts content at the pool in the summer. Walking the trails with Chloe and Fox has become a regular part of their family routine, and once they begin homeschooling this fall, they’ll be able to take some lessons outside of the house and in the club.
They’ve hosted many gatherings with friends and family members since moving here, and without fail, the view of Mount Rainier leaves everyone speechless. Guests are equally impressed by the thoughtful craftsmanship of their home and the natural beauty surrounding their property. It’s one of those places that people immediately feel connected to when they visit.
“Looking back, it’s incredible to think that one random evening drive led us to the place we now call home. Uplands isn’t just where we live—it’s where our family is growing, learning, and making memories we’ll cherish for years to come.”—Mel
At Uplands, scenic backdrops turn everyday moments into unforgettable memories. Tap to explore our homes and make your move.
