The Retreat at Desert Willow

Have It Your Way

The builder of a new Palm Desert community hopes to satisfy the needs of a diverse group of buyers.

Lawrence Karol Real Estate

The Retreat at Desert Willow
The Retreat at Desert Willow will feature 28 buildings that each have four single-level condominiums—two stacked on top of two—whose architecture reflects a modern interpretation of Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie style.

With the addition of a new Palm Desert community — The Retreat at Desert Willow — Family Development continues to expand their offerings of homes throughout the desert.

The builder began with Sol, a community of single-family, detached homes across from the Palm Springs Convention Center and then moved on to Rancho Mirage where they built 32 semi-custom homes for Revelle at Clancy Lane. (They’ve also submitted a proposal to develop 660 acres in northern Indio where they’ll create a master-planned community called Virada that will have almost 1,300 houses, condos, and apartments.)

“As with all of our communities, the designs for The Retreat are market-driven,” says Vince Barbato, a principal of Family Development. “That is, we really take the time to research and understand how our buyers want to live in their homes so that we can design residences specifically for their lifestyle.”

The design for the homes at The Retreat was in large part inspired by the success the company had building the community of Pinnacle Pointe in North Scottsdale, Ariz. “The similarities between both communities are undeniable,” notes Barbato. “They both share an excellent location with outstanding views in an area that is convenient to everything the desert has to offer from outdoor recreational venues to shopping, services, and entertainment.”

“But beyond the location and topography, the demographics of both areas are nearly identical as well,” he adds. “There is a healthy share of the population that loves the area, but they are looking to simplify their lives. They no longer need or want the large, single family homes and all of the maintenance time and costs that come with them.” 

RENDERINGS COURTESY OF FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
“We will have a lavishly-designed, resort-style pool,” says Vince Barbato, a principal at Family Development. “And we recognize that fitness is quite important to our owners as well, so our clubhouse will feature an incredible gym, yoga area, and lap pool.”

Because of the similarities between the two communities, Family Development worked with the same residential and commercial architectural firm, Danielian Associates, that designed Pinnacle Pointe.

“The Retreat architecture is probably best described as a modern interpretation of the classic Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie style,” says Barbato. “There are a lot of organic elements included on the exteriors that complement the outside terrain, yet the lines are quite refined and a bit more reflective of a modern, simpler style.”

The community — located near the corner of Portola Avenue and Frank Sinatra Drive — will eventually encompass 28 buildings and each one will have four single-level condominiums — two stacked on top of two — for a total of 112 units.

The ground floor units will have private front courtyard areas and two patios (one on the side and one in the rear) and are ideal for people who want a home without stairs. The second level units — which will each have three private decks — will appeal to those who want the drama of a view and, if the stairs concern them, Family Development is offering the option of a private elevator in those units.

The four different floor plans range in size from about 2,000 to 2,600 square feet. Barbato notes that although the units will share many common traits such as resort-style master suites, nicely-sized junior suites, media rooms (or a third bedroom), and gourmet kitchens adjacent to large, open great rooms, they will all live a bit differently.

The community will have several small park areas and lots of meandering pathways to connect them all. Homeowners will have direct access to the Desert Willow Golf Resort and its courses, Firecliff and Mountain View.

“We recognize that some people like to treat their home as their own personal sanctuary while others like to have family and friends over,” he says. “Some people keep to themselves while others love to entertain. However, our buyers choose to live, we have a great design that is ideal for their lifestyle.”

Each home will come standard with top-brand stainless steel appliances and stone slab countertops. “Because we recognize that our buyers love to add their personal touch — provided they make their purchase in time — we will allow them to pick their finishes and add a host of upgrades if they like,” says Barbato.

“Our goal is to make our owners feel instantly transported to a Five-Star resort once they enter through our private gates,” he adds. Homebuyers will also have private access to the Desert Willow Golf Resort and will be able to walk, bike, or take their golf cart to the resort without having to drive on public streets.

Pricing for the condos starts in the low $400,000s and 37 homes have already been reserved.

To make a reservation, or find out more about The Retreat at Desert Willow, visit theretreatatdesertwillow.com or contact Todd Brinton at 760-422-9345.

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