Keep your investment safe by taking fire prevention steps! Equestrian homes and properties tend to have a lot of potential fire hazards, which means that, as an owner, you need to do what you can to protect your home and family, as well as your horses and livestock. When you own a property in desert areas, for example Palm Desert and surrounding Real Estate, you need to be extra careful to prevent any dry brush and flammable debris from causing a fire that may destroy your property and its precious contents.
In order to end National Fire Prevention Week with a strong finish, we’ve put together some guidelines for owners of equestrian homes in the event of a fire.
Start by preparing yourself and your property for emergencies. Make a map of your home and the layout of the entire property. Delineate several exit routes on the map and make sure it is in plain view at all times, in a central location where all household members can see it or find it in a hurry. If you have staff, make sure they all have copies as well. Of course, make sure the phone numbers for the fire department are listed on the map.
Determine where all the water sources on the property are and make a map of this as well. This is critical, especially in the drier desert areas, such as Palm Desert, where fires can spread rapidly through dry brush. You may be able to significantly slow down the fire with these water sources while you wait for the fire department to arrive.
Develop a plan for transporting horses. Horses can be difficult to transport, especially if they are rushed or panicked. If you do have some warning, it may be possible to move them. Therefore, it’s essential to have suitable loading ramp on the property and sizable yards. It may be beneficial to practice loading the horses onto a truck a few times a year, so they are familiar with the process.
In the event that it’s not possible to fully relocate the horses, determine a safe zone on the property where they can be moved to. This should be a yard or area that is completely free of flammable materials and has no surrounding trees. Having this kind of area increases their chances of survival.
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Only YOU can prevent a fire in your home! When you own or are considering buying equestrian homes and properties, it’s critical to be on top of your property’s maintenance and to take preventive measures against potential emergencies. Since this week is National Fire Prevention Week, it’s the perfect time to establish strategies and do what you can to prevent fires from occurring on your property.
Fires can cause devastating damage to equestrian homes, horses and livestock. The best preventive measures you can take are to increase your awareness of the risks in your area and to prepare yourself as much as possible for a potential emergency. This holds true when you’re searching for properties anywhere in the country, from Indio and Rancho Mirage Real Estate to Texas, Wyoming, Montana or Virginia Real Estate.
Start by getting to know your local fire authorities. They will be able to help you increase your knowledge of the area and help you identify potential threats. They can also provide you with a list resources and contacts in case a fire actually does occur.
When it comes to maintenance, there are also many things you can physically do to keep equestrian homes as safe as possible.
• Make sure to keep the grass in laneways and buffer zones trimmed.
• Remove any flammable debris from the property on a regular basis and clear all debris from gutters. We often see lots of dried twigs and leaves on desert properties—alleviate these as they are like natural kindling and pose a very real threat.
• Avoid planting trees that are flammable, such as gum trees, pine trees, melalucas and conifers.
• Plant slow-growing trees—they tend to contain a lot of moisture in their leaves and smooth bark, which make them ideal choices for fire protection.
• Install a sprinkler system to keep you property green and less flammable—this is an ideal move for owners of Rancho Mirage Real Estate and other properties in hot, dry, desert regions.
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Rancho Mirage has amazing equestrian homes!
It seems obvious that living in a resort city would appeal to everyone—but the allure of Rancho Mirage real estateexpands beyond its resort-like environment and availability of equestrian homes. One of the eight cities of Coachella Valley (aka the Palm Springs area), it’s nestled between Palm Desert and Cathedral City, a centralized location that provides convenient access to all the desert cities.
Formally established in 1973, settlements in Rancho Mirage actually date all the way back to the 1920s. However, it became a playground to the rich and famous after World War II, when famous philanthropists Walter and Leonore Annenberg opened their Sunnylands retreat to visitors such as Bob Hope, Fed Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Frank Sinatra and even several presidents, including Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan.
Fast forward to present day—Rancho Mirage is a modern day city that enjoys both yearlong and seasonal populations who ascribe to its sunny weather, lush greenery and elegant atmosphere. With 12 incredible golf courses, stunning canyons and a cultured community, it’s no wonder that Rancho Mirage real estate is in demand. It’s the perfect place for equestrian homes, seasonal dwellings, and stunning abodes overlooking one of the beautifully manicured golf courses.
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Stellar Views South and West!
This ideally located income producing farm has just been reduced for the 2013 season to $33,000/acre. A total price of $945,000. Stats for this farm are as follows..
Location: Corner of 53rd/Calhoun. Two paved roads, and approx. 5 minutes from the Polo Clubs and 10 minutes from grocery stores, cleaners, pharmacy, coffee shop. Old Town La Quinta is 10 minutes away also.
Features: Private Well that is approx. 500 ft. deep. CVWD water for irrigation. Small home that rents for approx. $500/month and is currently rented. Out-buildings that are currently rented for approx. $1,000/mo. Well irrigated alfalfa fields that produce approx. 7-9 cuts/yr.
Zoning: A-2 Two homes/acre. Could easily be sub-divided into 4 parcels and the well would serve all 4 parcels.
Recent Sales in the immediate area: In the past 6 months there have been 4 land parcels sold within a couple miles of this lovely ranch. Price/acre has ranged from $22,000-$26,000/acre. Those ranches were not located as close to La Quinta nor were they already under work like this one is.
Grab this farm if you are looking this season..the phone has been ringing!
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Palm Springs – Smoke Tree Ranch is one of those neighborhoods that stands out like no other in the desert. It is considered by many to be the ultimate example of exclusivity, notoriety and prestige, dating back to the 1930s. A relaxed, casual and rustic lifestyle can be found here at Smoke Tree Ranch.
Smoke Tree Ranch’s pristine landscape
Smoke Tree is so private and tucked away from view that many Valley residents don’t even know it is there or have never ventured behind its guarded entrance gate. Encompassing approximately 300 pristine acres of desert, Smoke Tree boasts an amazing array of 93 luxury residences and the 20 acre Smoke Tree Guest Ranch, which is located at its center. The homes are represented by a variety of architectural styles, all blending harmoniously in with their natural setting.
Buying opportunities in Smoke Tree Ranch do not come along often . . . and there are new homes currently under construction. Owning in Smoke Tree affords you the opportunity to join the Ranch Club and enjoy it’s recently renovated clubhouse, restaurant, swimming pool, tennis club, on-site hotel/bungalows for guests and access to Smoke Tree Stables.
This historic neighborhood offers an unmatched lifestyle enjoyed by many celebrities of the past, including Walt Disney. It is conveniently located ten minutes away from downtown Palm Springs and the Palm Springs International Airport and Interstate 10 are an easy 20 minutes from Smoke Tree – making travel outside of the desert easy and accessible.
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And why is La Quinta Polo Estates so appealing to equestrians? For starters, this private enclave of elegant “ranchettes” is located directly across from the El Dorado Polo Club entrance. How’s that for convenience? It is also just a short drive away from the nationally recognized Desert Circuit Horse Show in Thermal. This private enclave within the entry gates off of Madison Avenue is made up of unique custom homes zoned for 2 horses per acre, giving the community appeal to a broad range of equestrian lovers.
But La Quinta Polo Estates’ appeal goes beyond the equestrian factor. These estate home sites are approximately 2 acres and most of the existing homes are upscale, featuring large private drives, spacious outdoor entertaining areas complete with large pools/spas . . . and some even with tennis courts. And there are several area country clubs nearby for golfing and club amenities.
Right around the corner from La Quinta Polo Estates on Jefferson St. is a shopping center, restaurants and golf shop. You’ve got the feel of living in the country, but with all of the conveniences of city living.
The custom homes at La Quinta Polo Estates range from 4,500 to 9,200 square feet. This community is a well kept secret in the area – because here you can have a private estate property built in an elegant setting. There are still home sites available for you to create your own dream estate – and have horses if you wish.
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RANCHO MIRAGE – If you live in the Palm Springs Valley, then you have likely heard of Clancy Lane – a well-known street connecting Bob Hope Drive with Monterey Avenue. This is an area rich in its equestrian and agricultural heritage. Some of our valley’s most well-heeled and sophisticated residents now make their homes in the Clancy Lane neighborhood, which includes some exclusive gated communities as well.
Clancy Lane boasts some interesting history harkening back to the 1920s and before. From Civil War until the early 1920s, travelers passed through Rancho Mirage on the Bradshaw Trail (what is now Highway 111) on their way to Yuma. As early as 1924, the area’s promotion began with the purchase of hundreds of acres of land from Southern Pacific Railroad by Bert Davie and E.E. McIntyre. Davie, from Michigan, was an ardent promoter upon seeing the flourishing date groves at nearby Wonder Palms Ranch. He then built a ranch house at Clancy Lane and built a north-south thoroughfare connecting his ranch to the Bradshaw Trail and named it Rio del Sol, which later became Bob Hope Drive.
In 1932, Clancy Lane’s namesake Les Clancy, built a home in the development after arriving in the area with his wife and brother. He was the first of the gentlemen farmers to build here. Hailing from Santa Monica, the area actually became known as “Little Santa Monica.” In the tradition of earlier settlers of the Palm Springs area, the Clancy’s built an adobe on their property and planted it up with grapes, dates and grapefruits.
Today, Clancy Lane attracts equestrians and residents seeking ideal location with the utmost of privacy. Currently, homes in the Clancy Lane area go for approx. $500,000 to $3,500,000. It’s a unique area, close to The River, Eisenhower Medical Center, many championship golf courses, Palm Desert’s fashionable El Paseo shopping district and so much more.
If you are interesting in finding out more about available Clancy Lane properties, call Kim Kelly with HK Lane Real Estate. She will gladly tour you about the neighborhood and show you the highly desirable properties for sale in this historic and interesting part of the Palm Springs Valley.
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Anyone in the market for a horse property? Not just any horse property . . . the late celebrity Merv Griffin’s equestrian estate in La Quinta was put on the market this week for $9.5 million. This property joins other local celebrity homes that are also on the market – actor Cary Grant’s home is going for $3 million and Suzanne Somers’ home is going for $17.5 million, both located in Palm Springs.
Griffin’s 39 acre estate is likely the only equestrian property in the Palm Springs Valley that has a racetrack. The 5,000 sf Moroccan-style home also includes a 16 horse stable with staff quarters at each end, 14 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, 4 one bedroom guest casitas, 2 3-bedroom guest houses, 2.5 acre lagoon and much more.
This equestrian -specific estate was built by Griffin in the early 1980s, as he was an avid horse lover and rancher. He wanted to have a place to breed Arabian horses and someplace he could relax with family and friends. Horses were his passion and so was living a lavish lifestyle.
Merv Griffin was born in San Mateo in 1925. He started out his career as a singer and then went on to host a game show, then moved on to eventually host his own show called “The Merv Griffin Show.” Griffin also played a part in creating and producing the games shows ‘The Price is Right,’ ‘ Jeopardy,’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ which are still popular today.
Next, Griffin got into real estate in the late 80s and 90s and began purchasing resorts, casinos and hotels. He owned the Merv Griffin Givenchy Resort & Spa here in Palm Springs and also the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. At his death in 2007, Griffin was estimated to be worth about $1 billion.
We were lucky to have Merv Griffin as a La Quinta resident. Should you have interest in this one-of-a-kind equestrian paradise, Kimberley Kelly with HK Lane will be happy to arrange a tour and offer her rich knowledge of the equestrian world.
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