The Painted Apron

California Dreamin’, a home tour

Posted by the Painted Apron on February 17, 2013 · 21 Comments 

Last Sunday we were on a plane heading home from spending 4 glorious days in the California sunshine. We went to Palm Desert and stayed with my sister and her hubbie in their fabulous home on the 6th fairway of  PGA West.  I want to share some photos with you and take you on a little mini vacation!

One of my favorite childhood memories is my father explaining the beauty of the Southern California mountains, “They are not lush and green in the summer” he said, “and they are not majestic with snow in the winter time, but you will learn to appreciate their beauty.”

And I have.  They are simply stunning. Like a kaleidoscope they change color as the day goes by.

They turn purple as the sun goes down…The mountains are home to wild long horn sheep which sometimes wander down to the golf course to graze

This sculpture is one artist’s version of a desert sheep, this is on display in the median of a nearby shopping mall.

Welcome to S&S’s CASA. It is adobe with a red tile roof, which is pretty much standard in Southern Cal.

Everywhere you look is lush with colorful landscaping…

When you approach the front entrance you pass through a short alcove, with marble shelves on both sides displaying plants and stone and iron artwork hangs on the walls.

Entering through the tall double wooden doors

You get a glimpse of the pool and are greeted by Lady, the family pooch.

Inside the courtyard there is an incredible stone edged aquamarine pool

which features a stacked stone waterfall at one end.

Passing by the pool you approach the large leaded glass french doors that mark the formal entrance to the main house.  There are leaded glass transoms throughout the house.

The ceilings are tall, the rooms are spacious and the light floods in everywhere

Off the foyer to the left is the formal living room, which features a fireplace and glass french doors facing out onto the courtyard and pool.

On the other side of the foyer is the large open dining room, and beyond that is the hall to the bedrooms.

Just beyond the dining room is a large built in bar with glass front cabinets displaying crystal glassware.

The bar area is inset between the dining room and kitchen and across from the living and family rooms. A central and convenient location for entertaining and everyday living.

The large open kitchen is a gourmet cooks dream, with every bell and whistle you can imagine.  The large half moon island acts as a “chef’s table,” for watching food prep and dining.  Large bar stools provide seating for 6 comfortably.

There is a butler’s pantry tucked behind the refrigerator and just past the ovens, which connects the kitchen to the dining room.

Across from the kitchen is the family room, highlighted by a massive fireplace with a red marble hearth and double sliding glass doors to the patio overlooking the golf course.

Large butter soft leather furniture invites you to come in and get comfy, as you gaze at the mountains and palm trees.  I could stay in that room forever!

On the flagstone patio there is a fountain and you can see the green grass of the golf course at the patio’s edge.

They haven’t missed a detail in the design of this house. My BIL is a very talented architect, by the way, and his designs are flawless.

There is a fire pit and an outdoor kitchen

Citrus trees and stunning views

Can you see the hummingbird feeder at the center bottom in the above photo?

They have to fill it every 2 days! These little birds are as fast as lightning, but I was able to catch this one incredible male who was having a long drink. His head was the most beautiful shade of royal purple.

This is the view of the hole that their house is on, it is midway down on the right side, and when you sit on the patio you can watch the golfers hit their approach shots onto the green and then putt.  It’s very entertaining!

They have their own golf cart that they use to toot around in, and HH & I drove around and explored the scenery.

The main house also has 2 bedrooms, with en suite baths, a powder room, office and a large laundry room.  BUT, HERE IS THE COOL PART, there is a little guest house, a CASITA, {Spanish for small house} with the entrance off the courtyard across from the pool.

This is such great concept for guests.  It is so private and comfortable.

Can you see the reflection of the mountains in the glass of the entry door?

They have hung large mirrors all over the house to visually expand the spaciousness and light even more.  There is one hanging over the bed inside the casita.  The casita features a nice sized bedroom and large bath,

with french doors opening from the bedroom into  a large shower/tub, a private water closet, and there is even a mini fridge in the sink cabinet and a microwave oven in the closet!

Time to go home now, it goes so fast!

I sure am going to miss the fruit laden orange trees and flowers

and all the stunning views…

Have you fallen in love with these mountains yet?

The feature photo was taken at an Art Show we went to in Old Towne La Quinta, called Art under the Umbrellas

The quaint street was full of vendors and umbrellas of course!

These umbrellas, painted with colorful designs were for sale…

I might have to try this myself!  They were really cute!

I love California! February and March are ideal months to visit the desert cities.  Moderate temperatures during the day, ranging from 65-80 degrees, and cool evenings make for delightful weather during these winter months when the rest of the country is freezing.

I’m joining

the Tablescaper for SEASONAL SUNDAY

Between Naps on the Porch for METAMORPHIS MONDAY & TABLESCAPE THURSDAY

Stone Gable for ON THE MENU MONDAY and TUTORIALS, TIPS & TIDBITS THURSDAY

The Gunny Sack for WHAT’S IN THE GUNNY SACK?

Memories by the Mile for TUESDAY TRIVIA

Savvy Southern Style for WOW US WEDNESDAY

Cuisine Kathleen for LET’S DISH

Rattlebridge Farms for FOODIE FRIDAY

Alderberry Hill for MAKE THE SCENE MONDAY

The Dedicated House for MAKE IT PRETTY MONDAY

No Minimalist Here for OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY

The Busy Bee’s for THURSDAY BLOG HOP

Crafts ala mode for WHAT TO DO WEEKENDS

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