(Desert Shores is a luxury motorhome resort in the Palm Springs area of Southern California. It has 141 lots, each with a casita in a waterfront setting. Lots are available to buyers at prices starting in the $300,00 range. We invited a resident, Robbie Orme, to describe the resort for our readers.)
When you turn into the Desert Shores entry, you are surrounded by flora and emerald green lawns. You glide past a fountain and are welcomed by a staff member as the gates open. Additional fountains and landscaping draw your attention to the clubhouse, fitness center and adjoining swimming pool. Recently the clubhouse was extensively remodeled and enlarged and now includes an inviting meeting and event room, lounge, large industrial kitchen, and security-protected mailroom. The lounge is replete with comfy sofas and chairs, a coffee bar, game tables and chairs, and a pool table. A large TV is the perfect place to watch sporting events with fellow residents. A detached fitness center houses a large selection of athletic equipment, with a wall-mounted TV to distract or entertain.
Majestic mountains form a backdrop on all four sides of the resort. Three lagoons, several islands, waterfalls and fountains provide beauty and privacy for the motorhome properties, each with a uniquely landscaped front garden. On each lot, large concrete pads are set beside a 1,200-square-foot casita, which contains a great room, bonus room, full bathroom, closet and an attached garage. Backyards are unique, with diverse combinations of a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in entertainment center, outdoor bar and/or palapa. Landscaped grounds and outdoor furniture invite you and your guests to sit, wine, dine, read or just relax in privacy. Open pergolas provide shade next to your casita, and some properties have shade screens to soften the afternoon sun.
One of the unique aspects of this resort is that it is weather proof. When the weather is cooperative, there is no more beautiful place to live and entertain than your outdoor property. But when Mother Nature becomes difficult, you can retreat to your casita to enjoy and to entertain while looking through large, sliding doors at the exquisite landscaping. You have a great room where you can lounge or entertain, and a complete kitchen with a large refrigerator/freezer, built-in stove and oven, dishwasher, disposal, microwave and more.
The bonus room in the casita can be used for an office, library, retreat, entertaining or other purposes. Many of the bathrooms include a walk-in closet. A washer and dryer are located either in the bathroom or the garage, and you may also have a pantry in the kitchen or the garage. Many garages have extensive storage cabinet systems as well.
There are many interest groups in the Desert Shores community. Jeepers explore the desert landscape each week; car collectors participate in local shows or simply gather together to talk shop; motorcycle enthusiasts bike together, and a needle therapy group that includes knitters, beaders, crafters and crocheters meets weekly to chat, share inspiration and create. We also have a pool exercise group, a hikers group, and card groups, including a weekly poker session for men. Even our beloved pets get consideration—small dogs meet twice a week to sniff and play in our completely fenced dog park. Larger dogs get together at a separate time.
An integral part of our lifestyle is entertaining and enjoying the company of fellow residents. Many residents have golf carts and as the season gets into full swing, 5 p.m. brings a golf cart parade as occupants tour the streets and look for the welcome sign that indicates “stop and wine with us.” Both scheduled resort events and resident mini-parties are a regular occurrence, with an official Desert Shores event once a month during the season. Annual events include a Margarita casita crawl, New Year’s Eve function, St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and a social organized to explore local restaurants. Each season a motivated resident will suggest a new adventure—and off we go.
Desert Shores occupies 60 acres with beautiful lawns, plants, flowers, lagoons, waterfalls and fountains. Come visit and you will find yourself transported into a resort paradise. n
(To learn more about Desert Shores, visit desertshoresresort.com. Properties for sale or lease are available through Signature Properties, represented by Barbara Gilfoy. Call her at 760-775-9808 for information or to schedule a visit.)
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