Room to Ride in Scottsdale Az
If you are looking for a place to spread out in Scottsdale, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of acreage’s for sale.
One thing that is gaining popularity are equestrian-focused housing developments. These high-quality communities include common horse facilities. Turquesa Equestrian Estates in Northern Scottsdale is a perfect example of this. A gated community currently under construction, Turquesa will have only 18 home site’s. It will feature 17 acres dedicated to open space and common area, as well as the Skystone Ranch equestrian center with a 40-stall barn, lighted arena, turnouts, paddocks training pens, and more. The home site’s themselves will be on 1.5 to 2 acres. Community trails are designed to connect with state land, allowing for extensive rides around the countryside. Also included will be a full-time barn manager, so even if you can’t check on your horse every day, you can be assured that they are well taken care of. Plus, you share the expense of all of this with your neighbors, making it easy to own, and enjoy, horses.
Turquesa is also designed for convenience, as the builders chose property close to the freeway, in an area not far from shopping and schools.
This property really is unique, and Scottsdale deserves it. Previously, Scottsdale horse lovers have been hard pressed to find a place to live and kept horses, as new developments encroach on previous horse community. Not only that, but going for a good long ride has often meant trailering the horses somewhere first. This is ironic, as Scottsdale is home to tons of equestrian types, including trainers, and frequently hosts horse shows.
But since Turquesa has room for only 18 families, you might need to look further. There are other properties with plenty of room for horses nearby Scottsdale. There’s Rio Verde Foothills, which has a few empty acreage home site’s left, just waiting for your vision to develop them. They have water and electricity on the lots. All they need is you to pick a builder and home style. These are licensed horse-friendly properties.
There’s also Sonoran Vista Equestrian Estates, which offers 4.5 to 5 acre home site’s. Every once in a while a custom home comes up for sale.
California Delta is Water Recreation Paradise
If you’ve ever driven southbound through California’s Central Valley, you probably have been surprised to see an ocean-going freighter making its way into Stockton.
Yet ships do call on Stockton – and have for decades – as they make their way to the state’s interior through an intricate set of waterways sometimes called the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta or the Sacramento Delta, or just the California Delta. The point is it’s a delta not unlike what you see in the Deep South and, in fact, there are some surprising connections between Louisiana and the California Delta. Anyone who has visited Isleton for its famous Crawdad Festival can testify to that.
It’s also eerily similar to the rural roads and towns near New Orleans where levees keep the river from flooding the countryside. In this case it’s not the Mississippi that you worry about but the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers that creates a water system carrying 47 percent of California’s water runoff. Most of the land of the inner Delta is under sea level, generally between 21 and three feet below.
Lots of water means lots of water recreation for parched residents of the San Joauin Valley, who enjoy boating in this area and visiting the interesting small towns throughout the Delta.
The Delta region is comprised of 738,000 acres in six counties, so you could seemingly wander around in there for years without finding a way out. We recall one time navigating the Delta on houseboat where our navigation charts were the only way to ensure we would ever be heard from again.
But that, of course, is the appeal of the California Delta. Traveling to the Delta is a fast trip from the San Francisco Bay area. After all, one of the Delta’s largest cities, Antioch, is comprised largely of people who live in the Delta region and commute daily to San Francisco. From there you just cross a bridge and all of a sudden you’re driving on lonely two-lane roads skirting the canals and levees, turning every which way until, voila, there’s another little town to explore and check off your list.
On our most recent trip to the Delta we decided we’d spend the night in some rather unusual “waterfront” accommodations: a 40-foot Bluewater yacht with its own dock, located at the confluence of Georgiana Slough and the Mokelumne River. The Dockside Boatel has an Isleton address, but this is one of the places you’ll want to call for directions. The owner will be happy to give them to you and will be there to greet you because she lives in a house just a few yards onshore from the dock.
This was a great base of operations for forays into the Delta region and an excellent choice if you love being dockside and enjoy the sounds and slight wave action of the water. We had the dock to ourselves and there are two chairs on the dock perfect for fishing, reading the paper, watching the sunset or just overall taking in the sights and sounds of the Delta tributaries.
A 40-foot boat is a good-sized boat and a chance for non-boaters to sample what it would be like to have a large boat for regular getaways. You’re not going to drive this boat anywhere because it’s being rented as a floating bed-and-breakfast inn, but it’s no more costly than staying in a room at someone’s home. The boat has a parlor area, a galley (kitchen), a stateroom with two beds down below, a head (bathroom), and plenty of space out on the aft deck for sitting. (Special note to landlubbers: as boaters know, heads can be a little temperamental and this one is no exception).
Breakfast is delivered to your door at whatever time you prefer, and ours was a well-prepared hearty combination of French toast, sausage, eggs and two kinds of juices. We were impressed with the quantity of food for what we considered a nominal nightly rental rate. Lower priced B and B’s are more apt to give you a cinnamon roll and send you on your way.
While there are several small towns within easy driving distance, we especially enjoyed Isleton, where you do start to get the connection with Louisiana. We’re told that Louisiana residents actually do come here to live and they seem to bring some of that Cajun spice right along with them. Check out the crawdads served at Isleton Joe’s or Ernie’s or, better yet, plan your trip for the Crawdad Festival each June. While you can catch crawdads in the Delta, thousands of crawdads are shipped in from Louisiana — pre-spiced — for the festival.
We drove many backroads in the Delta where we found numerous marinas, each with a restaurant and some variation of waterfront dining. There were state parks where it was easy to pull off and find a canal-front location to have a picnic. There were draw bridges that were great for photos. And t was fun to see the many variations of boats plying the inland waterways during our visit, including a 19th Century sailing ship that was offering rides from the Antioch Marina.
If you drive along Highway 60, you’ll encounter several different towns – Isleton, Rio Vista, Locke, Walnut Grove and Ryde – which will each give you a taste of life in the Delta region and of the history that created this unusual destination. Check out the restored Ryde Hotel, just south of Walnut Grove where you can almost hear the voices of the party-goers who once traveled here by sternwheeler. Or stop by Rio Vista, considered the biggest town in these parts with 5,000 people. This is Bass-fishing Central where the annual Bass Festival attracts 35,000.
We couldn’t leave the Delta without getting on a boat – a boat that actually moves, that is – so we dropped by H2O to Go Boat Rentals, located between the cities of Rio Vista and Lodi and rented our own 17-foot runabout for a couple of hours. This was a late-model (almost new, in fact) bowrider that sped us to several locations along the Delta waterways giving us an entirely new perspective of the Delta. Sure enough, we came upon one of those ocean freighters that was headed into Stockton. It was time again to freak out a few more of those travelers headed down the interstate.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: The California Delta is generally located between Sacramento and Stockton and then southwest to Antioch or northwest to Suisun Bay. It’s easily accessed from all of those areas.
WHAT: The California Delta is where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers converge to take runoff waters from the Central Valley through a channel to San Francisco Bay and then out to the Pacific Ocean. There are actually a number of islands in this area, all created by natural and man-made channels. The earthen levees in the area have allowed extensive farming throughout the Delta and boating in the Delta area feels like you are driving your boat through farmlands.
WHEN: Boating is best in the summer months, but a temperate climate allows recreation and travel in this area any time of the year.
WHY: The Delta’s waterways are fun to explore and the variety of towns, marinas, parks, lodgings and unique down-home restaurants adds to the overall appeal.
HOW: For more information on the Delta, contact the California Delta Chambers and Visitors Bureau at www.californiadelta.org or phone (916) 777-4041. For more information on the Delta’s Dockside Boatel, go to www.deltadocksideboatel.com or phone 510-919-2197. To learn more about boat rentals on the Delta, go to www.h20rents.com or phone 209-810-6755.
Rio Vista New Homes for Sale
Jump start the hunt for your next new home in an Active Adult Community by checking out these great available homes at Trilogy’s Rio Vista:
Seaside (home site #6036)
The Seaside is modeled after classic California ocean-side homes, where the stunning natural setting encourages outdoor living. This new home is thoughtfully designed to invite the beauty of the Delta inside. Your sheltered entry-way and receiving hall lead gracefully past the guest suite and chef’s kitchen, opening on the dramatic dining room and great room. This home is perfect for those who like to entertain friends and family.
This home is 1,469 sq. ft. and features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a 2-car garage.
The Seaside, home site #6036, is priced at $244,253.
Belmont (home site #9481)
Experience a grand entryway in your new Belmont home along with an envy-inspiring kitchen and sit-down bar that opens into a great room and dining room. If you are into large get-togethers, there’s an office and patio off the great room, with doors you can open to let the moonlight in or the party out.
The big master suite has a walk-in closet in the bath area and a separate patio where you can enjoy your morning coffee. When you’re ready for breakfast, the nook next to the kitchen is the perfect spot. Architectural details like an octagon-shaped office and extended curved bar area in the kitchen make this home extra memorable. A guest suite makes your guests feel welcome.
This new home is 1,765 sq. ft. and features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a 2-car garage.
The Belmont, home site #9481, is priced at $233,990.
For more information about these and other Rio Vista New Homes, please contact a community representative. Be sure to inquire about the latest incentive available on these homes.
Designer New Homes Available at Rio Vista
Move into this Big Sur model today (Homesite #9411, Elevation: D). This new home is 1,361 sq. ft. at offered at the feature price of $241,364.
If you are more the Pebble Beach type, this new home (Homesite# 9408, Elevation: B) at 1,406 sq. ft is available for $247,470.
Also available now is the Windsor model (Homesite# 6051, Elevation: F) at 2,041 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2 car garage at $306,872
Latest incentives available on these homes can be obtained from a representative at the Rio Vista Active Adult Community.
New Home Rate of 4.25% (4.428% APR) – Act Now!
Act now for a 4.25% (4.428% APR) rate on your new home at Trilogy Rio Vista.
Connect with a Community Representative and schedule a Mortgage Savings Calculator demonstration to see how this rate can save you up to $30,000 in interest payments. You may even qualify for a Federal Tax Credit and save EVEN MORE!
At Trilogy at Rio Vista, new homes are segmented into three collections:
Monterey (1,153-1,469 sf)
Monterey homes are modestly sized (and modestly priced) homes perfect for those looking for a cozy home for themselves, friends, and family.
Peninsula (1,652-1,864 sf)
The Peninsula collection is slightly larger and ideal for those looking for the feel of a bigger space without the need for a 2,000+ sf home.
Wine Country (2,018-2,507 sf)
The Wine Country collection provides ample space combined with unique design targeted at those who require a larger floor plan.
On-site community amenities include a nationally-recognized championship golf course, the Vista Club including a fabulously appointed fitness center, dining options at Nines American Cooking or the Cyber Cafe, tennis, an indoor pool – the list goes on and on – come see for yourself!
This special rate offer ends March 31, 2010.
New Homes Available Soon: Windsor and Petaluma Models
Active Adult Communities – Rio Vista
From the low-mid $300,000’s there is one Windsor (2,018 sq.ft.) and one Petaluma (2,381 sq.ft.) model available for move-in within 3-4 months.
Make your decision today…move into your new home at Rio Vista!
The Windsor model (homesite #6051) features 2 bedrooms and 2 baths with a 2 car garage.
From the minute you step up to the front door, the Windsor reaches out and pulls you in. The inviting exterior smoothly transitions into a roomy interior that makes the most of all 2,018 square feet. Once inside, you’ll be awed by the greatness of the great room, ready for whatever you can dream up—dinner parties, movie nights, you name it.
The dream kitchen has a large island and plenty of area to whip up Grandma’s chicken Parmesan recipe. And with the kitchen only steps away from the great room, it’s easy to grab the wine glasses and deliver a toast to friends, all while keeping an eye on the cake in the oven.
At the back of your home, the relaxing master suite gives you a chance to unwind on your optional covered patio (a covered patio is also an option off the great room). Weekend guests are free to relax, too, with the front guest room and bath separated from any activity that may be going on elsewhere. To give more guests an excuse to stay up late, convert the den into a third bedroom. Or, use it to lead your friends in yoga poses or play a mean game of darts. The options for entertaining are as wide open as your imagination.
The Petaluma model (homesite #6033) features 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with a 2 car garage.
Inspired by stately homes with welcoming porches and gorgeous detailing, the Petaluma’s front courtyard and porch provide outdoor entertaining possibilities year round. They also add to the livable square footage offered by this sizable home, with multiple options for customizing.
Will you choose the Windsor or Petaluma model as your new home?
You can’t go wrong with either choice!
Florida Beaches and Theme Parks Await You!
December 16, 2009 by lisa
Filed under New Homes, Retirement Communities
Retire within 30 minutes from the beach or Orlando at Victoria Gardens in Deland, Florida! 
Victoria Gardens by Shea Homes are superior homes designed around how you want to live. From features that enhance comfort and healthier living to eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, superior living is literally designed and built into every aspect of this retirement community and every inch of your home. That’s what makes them such a great value.
At Victoria Gardens, we segment our new homes into four collections: Garden (1,409-1,670 sf), Trellis (1,430-1,928 sf), Vineyard (1,820-2,496 sf) and Vineyard Estate (2,618-3,326 sf). The Garden and Trellis collections are modestly sized (and modestly priced) homes perfect for those looking for a cozy retreat for themselves, friends, and family. The Vineyard collection is slightly larger and ideal for those looking for the feel of a bigger space. Finally, the Vineyards Estate collection provides ample space combined with unique design targeted at those who require a larger floor plan.
Your new home awaits you in Florida!
Visit www.trilogylife.com or call 866-342-2168 to learn more.
Your New Home in the Wine Country Collection
December 10, 2009 by lisa
Filed under New Homes, Retirement Communities, Rio Vista
Life is sweet when you retire in a new home in the Wine Country Collection. Choose from 5 different models – Windsor, Asti, Petaluma, St. Helena, and Yountville.
Choose the Windsor model and imagine yourself in…
…An inviting exterior that smoothly transitions into a roomy interior…
…A dream kitchen with a large island and plenty of area to whip up your favorite recipes…
…A “Great Room” with enough space to host dinner parties, movie nights or whatever fun event you can think up…
…The relaxing master suite that gives you a chance to unwind on your optional covered patio….
From the minute you step up to the front door, the Windsor reaches out and pulls you in. For details on this and other new homes at Rio Vista, speak with a Trilogy sales consultant at 888.204.4446.
New Homes in Rio Vista, CA.
Rio Vista by Trilogy Life features 3 unique new homes plan collections offering 13 unique floor plans and a wide variety of elevations. These new homes featured here are from the Monterey collection new homes in Rio Vista, CA.
Carmel Plan - New Homes Rio Vista
2 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
1,153 Sq. Ft.
2 Car Garage
Big Sur Plan - Rio Vista New Homes
2 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
1,361 Sq. Ft.
2 Car Garage
Pebble Beach - New Homes
2-3 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
1,406 Sq. Ft.
2 Car Garage
Seaside - Rio Vista, CA.
2 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
1,469 Sq. Ft.
2 Car Garage
New Homes in Rio Vista – Monterey
Rio Vista New Homes - Carmel
NEW HOMES IN RIO VISTA
If you’re lucky enough to have a close-knit group of friends, there couldn’t be a better place to entertain them. From the minute you walk through the foyer of the Carmel, vaulted ceilings create a feeling of openness that continues into the living, dining and kitchen areas of this 1,153-square-foot home.
Get your book club comfortable in the living room and add your two cents to the discussion as you whip up margaritas in the gorgeous kitchen. Continue the conversation over shrimp fajitas in a dining area that’s not only spacious but has a gorgeous bay window.
Designed to be super comfortable, the master suite has a walk-in closet that’s a shoe addict’s dream. Every bit as important is the fact that the master suite is set back from the guest room, so you’ll never wake up to an alarm clock that’s not your own. For details on this and other New-Build Homes, contact a Trilogy sales consultant at888.204.4446.
See more Rio Vista New Homes by Shea Homes Trilogy Life – Active Adult New Homes.