Lot preference

[usctrojancpa]

Ok, here is my personal opinion.  First off, I love bigger lots.  But I LOVE view lots even more.  To me it's about privacy and light.  If the large lot is partially taken up by hillside then that will be a negative for me.  Toll Brothers is one of the best builders in my opinion, both in terms of customer service and the quality of homes that they build. I mean, what other builder has been able to sell homes before they even open house models?  None that I can think of.  So glad Irvine Pacific isn't building these large homes.  Anyhow, I would opt for the view lot with a smaller lot versus a big lot that's hillside and has less privacy. 

 

[acf]

easy choice, view lot

 

[stephen]

It really depends how you are going to utilize the bigger size lot. I know based on experience, many people want a bigger lot, but in reality, they rarely go to the yard.

We are outside all the time.  Covered outside kitchen, dining, living with fireplace.  Open dining, firepit, and pool.  Also a half covered jaccuzzi.  When guests come over we are almost always outside even in winter where we turn on the outside heaters.

New lot at Bella Vista will have more then this including an outside bar and bathroom.

Good first world problem to have, congrats.
I think you can't go wrong.
I'd say even with lot size being rare in Irvine, view lots are probably more rare.  If you can swing it, go for the view lot...which is still great size so you can do all those outdoor touches you mentioned. Also you'd have to landscape 5000 sq ft less so you'd spend less on that part of it, to help bridge the gap.

For your purposes, I'm going against the grain and saying go for the 14k lot. The difference between 9,000 and 14,000 is massive in real life.

It'll be tough to fit everything you mentioned above on a 9K lot in a manner that looks impressive.