Relationship Investments Make your very special moments unforgettable. We feature a wide variety of jewelry to show how much you care.
For private appointments, evaluations, to trade-up or sell your ďŹ ne gems, please contact
BIGHORN Golf Shop Palm Desert, California (801) 971-2223
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PROPERTIES (800) 551-5578 www.bighorngolf.com
© BIGHORN PROPERTIES 2013. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
A Dream Becomes Reality Romantic Mediterranean, 608 Rocky Creek Visionary Planning Capturing Life’s Best Moments: Jean Wells & Steve Hamerslag Inspirational Hikes Member Spotlight: Heather & Fred Gallagher Westminster Winner: The Roozen Family Gaining Fresh Perspective Youth Sensations Artistic Brilliance: And the Winner is... Blackbird Interiors Top Chefs Vibrant Vitality Love the Life You Live It’s Blue Skies Ahead: Jim & Claire Gagan Staying Ahead of the Curve Artistic Balance: Debi & Jeff Aarthun Strokes of Genius Grand Slam: Get in On the Action BIGHORN Is All We Do! Now That’s Amore! Pam & Peter McIlroy Celebrate In Style Envisioning the Possibilities: Barbara and Woody Stuart & 131 Netas Drive BIGHORN Philanthropy Touches Lives and Brightens Futures Inspired Treasures: The Hubbard Residence Savor the Season 531 Mesquite Hills, Sophisticated Design Enhances Harmonious Surroundings Cutting-Edge Technology BIGHORN: Five Minutes From Everywhere Picture Yourself Here: 144 Tepin Way On the cover: BIGHORN sheep sculptures designed by famed artist Lorenzo Ghiglieri greet homeowners and guest to the Canyons course. PHOTO BY MARK DAVIDSON
Chairman: R.D. Hubbard | Publisher: Carl Cardinalli | Editor: Theresa Maggio Production Director: Stacy Daniel, Hired Hands Graphic Design Contributing Designer: Scott Burch Design | Production Editor: Lisa Marie Hart | Printer: Ace Printing Contributing Photographers: Scott Avra, Marissa Bergmann, David Blank, Mark Davidson, Kelley & Peter Gibeon, Ethan Kaminsky, Mark Karlstrom, Pat Lassy, Scott A. Nelson, Todd Robles and Shannon Wilsey 4
ST. JOHN BURBERRY JAMES PERSE GUCCI BOTTEGA VENETA OPTICAL SHOP OF ASPEN DAILY GRILL LEGGIADRO RALPH LAUREN STUART WEITZMAN CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN ESCADA SOMA INTIMATES CHICO’S THEODORE WOLFGANG PUCK PIZZA|BAR
A Dream Becomes Reality Photography by Kelley and Peter gibeon
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You shouldn’t have to travel to faraway places to experience an oasis of calm within your living space. Inspired by the open and carefree living of Moroccan architecture this homeowner brought together one of the most creative design teams and talented craftsmen to bring her experiences and love of Marrakesh to the lush desert oasis of BIGHORN. And it worked. Upon arrival you are immediately transported to one of the most innovative and imaginative desert estates anywhere. Built over the course of four years, no detail has been missed and every element of this iconic home has a story to tell. Moroccan artisans spent months at the Casbah Cove estate carving wood, stone and plaster while lovingly and intricately laying thousands of feet of authentic tiles throughout the home. The finishes and furnishings reflect deep appreciation for quality, craftsmanship and authenticity while creating a tranquil and relaxing environment.
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The home reflects the layout of a modern riad, with most of the rooms opening onto the central arcade that surrounds an indoor atrium with towering queen palms and lush landscaping. You’ll experience the outdoors while living within the comforts of your home as the glass ceiling allows sunlight to filter in throughout the day, creating an exotic mood that plays with light and shadows. Retract the glass and it completely disappears, lending an open-air ambiance that flows perfectly into those starry desert nights. Additionally, disappearing doors throughout the home, three dining areas, an outdoor hookah lounge with the sounds of a trickling fountain and a built-in home theatre make the casual transition from indoor to outdoor living seamless.
The family room draws you to relax within its warm and inviting colors and layout opening to the outdoor patio and taking in the views beyond. An adjacent fully appointed bar is conveniently placed for entertaining ease. 8
The airy dining room evokes the feeling of being in a modern Moroccan tent with its romantic draped ceiling and oversized French doors that open onto an outdoor terrace. A catering kitchen off the dining room makes entertaining a breeze.
Although spacious, the areas within this home – each inspired by the rich fantasy and intoxicating charm of North Africa’s jewel destination – were created to be savored whether spending time on your own or entertaining. The luxurious master retreat offers disappearing doors to the outside, just steps away from the lap pool, a spa-inspired white marble master bath with soaking tub, morning bar, outdoor shower and a private secret garden with breathtaking views across the surrounding mountain range and to the vast desert-scape below.
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Ever dreamed of having your own private spa? The sophisticated Hammam, a classic Moroccan spa, features an oversized spa, organic spa bed, “tadelakt” plaster fireplace wall, sitting areas with full-sized massage tables hidden within and an expansive steam room, bath and convenient laundry. All your very own. You don’t have to run away to a faraway resort to really live, you can live here, in your own private haven.
After sunset, homeowners and guests may convene in the hookah media room with lounge seating for 20. Disappearing glass doors overlook the untouched, mountainside preserve during the day, but with a touch of a button, a 20-foot screen rises from the ground to transform conventional movie watching into a truly spectacular experience. State-of-the-art acoustics emanate from the built-in ceiling and floor speakers, while a thematic sculpted doorway artfully frames the screen. 10
High above the valley floor the unparalleled views of mountains and the valley below can be enjoyed from both the black granite 75’ lap infinity pool off the master suite or the 40’ round reverse infinity-edge swimming pool designed for basking in the sun and entertaining on any scale. Whether you are soaking in the desert
sun with friends in the afternoon or taking in the twinkling stars and city lights at night while you swim a few languid laps before bed, you are in a dream-like world all your own. Casbah Cove offers the ability to live in your own private haven without having to go very far.
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Casbah Cove also features: • Spectacular entertaining home for intimate parties of 20 or up to 200, Casbah Cove can easily accommodate all of your guests. • Stone, plaster, wood and brass finishes throughout – handcrafted and installed by Moroccan artisans. • Amazing 30’x40’ retractable glass ceiling. • Unparalleled privacy allows you to enjoy both a 75’ lap infinity pool and 40’ round reverse infinity-edge swimming pool for sunning. • 2 spas, one indoor and one outdoor. • 16,800 sf of majestic Moroccan architecture and design including indoor and outdoor living spaces. • 4 fully appointed bedrooms, including a detached guest house with kitchen area and private entrances. • 5 full baths, two half baths; one with an oversized steam shower. • 3 outdoor dining areas. • 8 sculpted fireplaces. • Secret garden high above the valley. • Vanishing glass walls in the theatre, library and master. • Outdoor shower off the master bath. • Lush landscaping features date palms, mature olive trees, birds of paradise, gardenias and so much more. • Limestone slabs, intricate Moroccan tiles and Siberian oak floors. • Sophisticated Hammam spa with steam room and built-in seating. • Elevator walls lined with mother of pearl, adorned with a TV and music controls. • 9 built-in flat screen TVs plus movie theater with outdoor screen. • Temperature-controlled wine cellar that accommodates hundreds of bottles. • Radiant heated floors in master and most common areas of the home. PROPERTIES • Hookah media room features seating for 20, with the touch of a button, a 20-foot screen rises Resales & New Sales from the ground to change traditional movie watching into a truly spectacular experience! • 3 car plus golf cart garage with hand-carved garage doors. (760) 773-5300 For more information, call (800) 551-5578 or visit www.bighorngolf.com/CasbahCove. 12
(800) 551-5578 www.bighorngolf.com
608 Rock y Creek
Romantic Mediterranean
It’s an affair to remember throughout this European-inspired home. Be romanced in this 7,379 sf, 4 bedroom plus library home offering dramatic golf course and mountain range views, formal dining with wine refrigerator display and high-performance kitchen. Designer master suite features separate baths, two interior suites plus upstairs suite with family room. Spectacular 1,146 sf indoor/outdoor living through pocket sliders to pool, spa, firepit lounge and barbecue center. For more information please call 800-551-5578 or visit www.bighorngolf.com/608RockyCreek.
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Visionary Planning In the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains 1,100 feet above the Coachella Valley lies BIGHORN, one of the most stunning golf communities ever created. Originally founded by Westinghouse Communities in 1989, the property took on new life in 1996 when R.D. Hubbard and a group of Member investors he brought together purchased the property and developed a vision and commitment that far exceeded the original concept. The new owners grasped the magic of BIGHORN in its mountains, canyons, dramatic rock outcroppings and desert washes. Realizing these assets could not be duplicated they preserved and honored them as they continued the development. Not willing to settle for one acclaimed golf course, the new owners doubled the size of BIGHORN by purchasing more land directly across Highway 74 and sought to develop what was destined to become the Canyons. Of course, a great golf course needs a great designer. So R.D. Hubbard and fellow investor and golf legend, Jim Colbert, persuaded Tom Fazio, one of the world’s foremost innovative and respected golf architects, to apply his design magic in creating the dynamic Canyons course.
Photography by Mark Davidson, Ethan Kaminsky and Todd Robles
Philosophy of Tom Fazio In designing the Canyons, Fazio focused on creating 18 signature holes, each providing a unique experience for the golfer on a playing surface of the highest quality. The outcome had to be as pleasing aesthetically as it was satisfying to play. During the creation of the 7,054 yard, par 72 Canyons course, Fazio was attuned to the ecology of the valley seeking to enhance the natural desert appearance while maintaining playability. For Fazio his courses must recognize and be compatible with the area’s environment by utilizing the natural terrain and indigenous plant species. In expressing this component of design value Fazio states, “Protecting the environment, honoring it, is extremely important to us.” Fazio personally monitors the overall management of each project he undertakes, working closely with the development team, and BIGHORN was no exception. Fazio creates a course much like a sculptor who has an idea of what he wants to sculpt, but whose real work starts when he puts his hands on the clay. Fazio’s team begins with a mass grading plan, but then with plan in hand, physically drives and walks the terrain deciding the layout of every hole – its appearance from the tee, its length, landing areas,
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views of the green, challenge of an approach shot, placement of bunkers, and contours of the green and potential pin placements. It’s the power of their collective imagination and a trove of experience that decides the outcome and where the idyllic stream should flow in relation to the hole, or where the grove of fan palms would frame a fairway or provide a back drop for an approach shot.
The Canyons Course: A Crowning Achievement From its opening in 1999 the Canyons course was hailed as a crowning achievement winning many national awards. Each hole was a unique and visual experience for golfers and the beauty of the course for potential homeowners was unsurpassed. Within the first month of opening $40 million in property sales occurred.
“I scrutinize every shot, every angle, every concept for each hole,” Fazio confesses. “With today’s technology it’s easy to produce a plan and implement it. And the result may be a decent product if one starts with excellent property. But the trick is to make it outstanding – a memorable experience.” Fazio asks, “Will the course and the experience for the golfer stand the test of time?” That takes more effort; that takes time and critical scrutiny. When the Canyons was finished, Fazio’s conclusion was simple: “It will exceed the expectations of the golfer.” And indeed it has.
Developing Canyons Hole #2 Of the many memorable holes, Canyons Hole #2 provides a challenge for golfers of any level and an aesthetic feast for the senses. The hole is 434 yards from the back tees and from that vantage point one can enjoy panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and San Jacinto Mountains. Two waterfalls create a stream which diagonally crosses the fairway and flows down the entire length of the hole. The hole plays to an elevated green with white marble sand bunkers along its left side just above the stream.
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The beauty of the surface hides a functional infrastructure. Experienced construction manager, Greg Babington, explains the structural design and dynamic plumbing that makes the breathtaking waterfalls work. Sophisticated computerized pump stations operate a series of electronically controlled pumps, motors, and valves pushing water for the stream through a network of pipelines from the lake abutting the Canyons 4th hole uphill about a half mile to the lake at the Canyons 11th hole. The system is programmed to open a large diversion valve to allow water to flow into the stream in the natural palm grove in the middle of Canyon Drive, the Canyons’ main thoroughfare. From there gravity takes over as the stream meanders into the lake that feeds the three waterfalls above Hole #2. One waterfall faces the Canyons main entry and provides a stunning Shangri-La moment to BIGHORN owners and visitors alike; the other two waterfalls appear to converge and create the stream running the length of Hole #2. Particularly aweinspiring is the 23’ high waterfall to the left of the hole where the cart path passes below its base and golfers can feel the spray from the falls as the cascading water crashes into the lake below. It’s not just underground improvements or the unseen facilities providing water for irrigation and streams, but the earth itself was “improved” – shaped and sculpted to create an exquisite environment and canvas for course and homes. Heavy equipment and talented managers and operators created the landforms described on plan and massaged in the field. Over 7 million cubic yards of earth were moved in creating the Canyons. Cook & Solis, a company with expertise in stream creation and multiple residential and golf course projects under its belt, was engaged to form the streams, creating stream beds and placing rock, gravel and sand in configurations that were natural to the eye and functional for flow. It’s an extreme challenge to distinguish the stream along Hole #2 from any naturally occurring stream flowing at the rate of 2,000 gallons per minute. In the same way, it’s next to impossible to distinguish the artificial rock formations of BIGHORN’s entry and waterfalls from those natural formations one would find in one of the canyons to the south of BIGHORN. Bill Ackerman and Site Development Studios, who have created rock forms all over the world, were responsible for the creation of BIGHORN’s “canyons” entry and other rock formations so prominent at the Canyons. “Site Development Studios deserves huge recognition for their work,” Babington explains. “Excavation was performed beautifully to accommodate the structural layout. Then SDS did their magic.” Based on a clay model of the rock complex of the waterfalls to be built, Site Development Studios had latex forms made from actual canyon rock faces. Glass fiber reinforced concrete (or GFRC) was then poured into these forms or molds, which created four-to five-foot panels that were identical to the actual rock faces of the canyons. These panels were then configured so as to create the life-sized, 23’ waterfall sculpted in the model. The GFRC looks so real, everyone who is told it’s artificial can’t believe it. 17
Don Vita of Vita Inc. was the mastermind of the detail in the land plan for the Canyons. He and John Stratton (also of Vita Inc.) were the landscape architects responsible for the re-creation of the desert environment, including the grading contours, tree, shrub, wildflowers and boulder placement. Every single tree, shrub, plant and rock that one sees on the Canyons was placed there. It’s true! That means all the landscaping on the 9 miles of streets, along all golf holes and on all residential lots as well as the entire Highway 74 frontage was called out and placed and planted. It was Don Vita’s idea to use the boulders harvested during mass grading to create the Canyons’ prominent “Inca-like” retaining walls. It was his idea to freely use fully “skirted” palms for the Canyons, which instantly gave the development a timeless feel and are so important in framing and creating a backdrop for Hole #2. Overall, a truly remarkable effort and one that has earned BIGHORN special recognition for its sensitivity to the desert environment and acclaim for its beauty. Today, the common areas and golf courses at BIGHORN are attentively and tirelessly maintained in impeccable condition by Golf Course Superintendent Dave Lowe and his remarkable crew. Anyone who drives through BIGHORN, plays either course, or walks around the community will appreciate the superb care with which the grounds are maintained. Anyone who plays Hole #2 can attest to its “tournament ready” condition. How to Play Canyons Hole #2 BIGHORN’s PGA Tour Player Representative, Casey Wittenberg, describes how to master playing the par 4, #1 handicap hole. From an elevated tee it’s easy to see that danger lies on the right side of the fairway where a water hazard and thick palms await the
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wayward shot. However, inasmuch as the fairway slopes slightly from left to right, your second shot may be from a slight downhill or sidehill lie to an uphill green, guarded by a stream and bunkers to the left of the green. “The second shot on Canyon’s Hole #2 is reminiscent of the second shot at Augusta National’s #9. It’s not the overall distance of the shot that is challenging; it’s the crazy lie that wants to force the ball to the right yet the green requires a shot that moves right to left,” explains Casey. BIGHORN’S Director of Golf Instruction, Tom Stickney, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor, says if you remember two simple keys you can master Canyons Hole #2 every time. 1) Off the tee, remember that the challenge is all along the right side, thus in order to hit the ball safely into the fairway Tom suggests lining up on the far right side of the tee box and aiming across to the left side of the fairway. “This way,” Stickney coaches, “you have a much higher probability to find the short grass which is the number-one goal off the tee.” 2) For your approach shot onto the green, it is important to recognize hazards along the left side, therefore, it makes sense to come into the green from the left side of the fairway. Missing the ball right of the green gives you an easy up and down. If you miss the ball left you flirt with the waterfall, creek, and deep bunkers that heavily guard the left side. Remember the key to Canyons’ 2nd hole is placing your tee shot on the left side of the fairway to give you a shot that makes it easier to hit the right center of the green or leaves the ball in a position where an up and down is very accessible.
Capturing Life’s Best Moments By Theresa Maggio Photography by Mark Davidson
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Only in our dreams do we think we will ever encounter a six-foottall ice cream cone, gigantic sundae or a larger-than-life Hershey’s Kiss! Artist Jean Wells has made our childhood passions come to life in the most spectacular fashion, sculpting the Good Humor reality into playful, sparkling museum pieces worthy of the happiest of fantasies. These iconic images remind us of our first valentine, happy diner dates, or hanging out with our girlfriends; but most importantly Jean’s pop-inspiration reflects authentic nostalgia that makes us smile. Exhibiting her love of fast food culture, Jean presented her “Urban Fruit Tree” in 2008 at the La Jolla Antheneum, a 16’ mosaicked tree whose fruit consisted of soda pop bottles, hamburgers, ice cream cones and Hershey’s kisses. The public loved it and her infamous tree has traveled from LACMA to Chicago. Audiences have flocked to see her exciting work at numerous juried fairs in cities including Berlin, Paris, Hong Kong, London, New York and San Francisco, with collectors of her art located all over the globe.
A life-size series of “bathing beauties” includes Pearl, Bertha and Mable (seen above). Jean’s girls reflect a simpler, happier era where girls really did have fun. Each lady took a year to create and each one has a distinct personality and style; together they are the 50’s version of America’s sweethearts. “I have always been attracted to sparkle,” expresses Wells. “I love to infuse art and life with big, bright colors and healthy doses of pizzazz.” Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Jean was born into a large artistic family and apprenticed with her father Thomas Wells. Her tutelage as a teenager focused on Byzantine-style mosaics as he was completing a commission for St. Demetrios Greek Church in Seattle. She began sculpting in 1980, when she developed her playful imagination by drawing from her life experience while focusing on her color, form and design. The artist hand-cuts her form and glass materials, piecing together the design to create captivating retro hanging offerings including “Hamburger and Fries,” 21
Jean’s largest works of art are the “Urban Fruit Trees” which rise up 17’ tall and are a span of 11’ wide with their branches adorned with signature candies, confections, burgers and soda bottles. 22
“Mustard Only” (a classic hot dog), and a Candyland of ice cream cones, cupcakes, gum ball machines and red hot lipsticks. Jean and her husband Steve, who incidentally is a venture capitalist, own homes in Rancho Santa Fe and in BIGHORN as of July 2012. The couple joined friends from Germany last spring who were looking at BIGHORN and met BIGHORN Properties’ Broker Associate Lorna Ball. “While we weren’t in the market,” Jean grinned, “We fell in love with BIGHORN so we purchased a home on Chalaka designed by Guy Dreier. I love his architecture – it complements my sculpture beautifully.” The Hamerslags loved the house so much that Jean transitioned her dining room into her studio, an ideal space with natural light. “Guy Dreier is a genius,” professes Jean. “His homes are architecturally and artistically stimulating. I love his skylights and tall windows capturing our spectacular views. Our home is the perfect background for my art.” Moving in last summer assisted by their gallery “moving van”, a vintage Good Humor ice cream truck, the couple hit the community
running. Joining in the Spa & Wellness Fitness Classes including TRX, Booty Barre, Spin, Zumba and the monthly hikes they met other Members. Steve loves playing golf and participated in a number of Club-sponsored golf tournaments. Jean began playing Bridge and Canasta, visiting local galleries and museums, inviting friends and family to their new home and soon discovered she loved creating art in the desert on a regular basis. “I don’t think I have ever met such inspirational, engaging, highly educated, interesting people all in one area,” Jean praised. “Everyone is so welcoming!” While the couple started meeting Members, Jean soon discovered there were many residents who were also collectors of her work. “It has been exciting for me to see my art that I haven’t seen in years,” mentions Jean. Many Members have stopped in her home studio to see some of her latest work and introduce their children who are aspiring artists. The couple is excited about the upcoming season at BIGHORN, resolving to become even more active in the community and for Jean, expanding her inspiration of the desert around them.
To experience more of Jean’s incredible sculptures please visit wellsart.com. Below: The Hamerslag residence at BIGHORN.
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Inspirational Hikes
By Lisa Marie Hart Photography by Mark Davidson, Fred and Heather Gallagher
Somewhere between the first glow of a glorious winter sunrise and the moment its rays begin to warm the quiet desert, the hiking trails of Palm Desert stir with BIGHORN Members eager to start their day. It isn’t just the adrenaline rush of the cardio workout as they take the elevation in stride that gets these early birds out of their comfortable beds and onto the trails. Most will tell you it’s the fulfillment of traversing the varied terrain – and the consistently rewarding lookouts in all directions – that keep them stepping out into the fresh morning air, taking those first steps across the dry land and climbing upward toward perspective. The Coachella Valley’s wonders, BIGHORN included, seem larger than life from the views on more than 140 trails. Here, where the only rush is that of the wind, the thrill of 360-degree natural beauty transcends words and even time. The many Members of BIGHORN who have become avid hikers will be the first to tell you how fortunate we are to be well-situated near some of the nation’s premier hiking trails. Many of these time-tested paths are accessible from our own backyard.
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Member Spotlight Heather and Fred Gallagher’s villa hallway reminds them of favorite moments gleaned from years of hiking near BIGHORN, iPhones at the ready. Artistic shots of flora and fauna blend with smiling faces of friends and family posing on rocky summits while an endless valley lies out below. How did you select BIGHORN? Five years ago was our first time in Palm Desert. Our friends who had recently purchased at BIGHORN suggested we “just look.” We didn’t have to get in the car to see the mountains or go hiking. Plus the people at BIGHORN are very energetic like we are, and are excited to be active. How often do you go hiking? We’re on the trails almost every day from October through May, the moment the sun is up! The beauty of having trails right at our doorstep is that Heather can use them as her cardio routine. “If you only have an hour or so, there’s a pet-friendly trail where you can travel with some great elevation in between,” she says.
What is the closest trail to your front door at BIGHORN? It takes five or six minutes to connect with the Art Smith Trail straightaway. Along your way you can stop at The Marketplace, have your latte and walk there. You can travel all the way from BIGHORN to the Indian Canyons and into Palm Springs if you want to, its about a 15-mile hike.
We hear you also play bocce ball... After a celebration up on the trails, we like to get together at the end of the day with BIGHORN friends for cocktails and bocce ball. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s not something that takes years of practice to develop and enjoy. Did you say you even hiked during the Palm Springs International Film Festival? Yes, a group of us from BIGHORN felt we wanted to get some movement between films. So we hiked the trail behind the Palm Springs Museum up to a view point. It felt great!
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Discover the Coachella Valley by joining some of BIGHORN Spa’s most popular group hikes including the Ladder & Painted Canyon Trails in Mecca, the Indian & Palm Canyon Trails in Palm Springs and the Bump-N-Grind Full Moon Hike in Palm Desert. “BIGHORN’s Spa & Wellness Center has done a great job with their hikes,” Heather says. “It’s a neat way to meet people, and on the Full Moon Hike they always have a special treat at the top, like champagne and strawberries.”
Heather and Fred Gallagher have explored the trails for years. Even beyond the social aspect of some of the Gallaghers’ hikes, they look forward to each hike’s gift of serenity, no matter how many times they’ve navigated the same trail. “It’s incredible how quickly you can leave civilization, you pop over a ridge and you’re in the wilderness,” Fred says. When you take your eyes off the gorgeous panoramas, you might spy quick-moving geckos, camouflaged sun-basking lizards or those majestic bighorn sheep. Not sure where to begin? Let the BIGHORN Spa & Wellness Center lead the way and join a guide for a hike. Designed to provide a breathtakingly scenic introduction to some of the prime hiking spots around the Valley, the hikes also create an opportunity to meet new potential hiking partners, capture some stunning landscape photos of the desert and take your workout to the marvelous great outdoors. “The trails near BIGHORN vary in difficulty and distance, so there is a trail for hikers of every interest and level,” says Katie Juretich, BIGHORN Fitness Coordinator. The Spa displays detailed trail maps to help make your experience enjoyable start to finish. “Some Members may not realize this, but numerous trail heads can be accessed from property. No matter where you live, you can take a short walk to the mountain base and set out on a leisurely walk, an aerobic hike or a trail run for only the length of time that works for you,” she says.
“Join us on the Ladder & Painted Canyon trails to fall in love with the magnificent rock color and formations,” Katie says. “Ladders are used to climb to the mountains ridge where you can overlook the entire Valley’s floor.” During the winter months, rushing waterfalls make a splash for hikers at the Indian & Palm Canyons in Palm Springs. These trails provide a cool escape from the desert heat as they run right along the mountain’s base. It only takes one hike to spark a fresh desire to explore the trails around BIGHORN. Whether you have a quick half-hour with your dog or your iPod or are looking to stretch your legs and your vantage point on a several-mile loop, BIGHORN serves as a remarkable gateway to an incredible host of favorite trails, of which the following are just a few.
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The Art Smith Trail: an ambitious hike that wanders all the way into Palm Springs – Blooming cacti and flowers in the springtime paint the Art Smith Trail in color and texture. If you follow the full, palm oasis-laden Trail, this is an 8-hour, moderate to advanced hike with gradual incline. Members seek it out for the views of BIGHORN homes and golf courses. “If you’re trying to get a perspective of the BIGHORN community, you’ll discover how nestled it is into the desert valley,” Heather says. Fred agrees that “it’s the perfect trail for your visiting guests, giving them the opportunity to see it in all its glory.” The Bump-N-Grind: the desert’s favorite workout trail – This high-intensity climber actually begins at the Mike Schuler Trail on Painter’s Path Road (just behind Desert Crossing Shopping Center). Only a five-minute drive from property, Katie says it is beloved by Members on the Full-Moon Hikes. “We drive to the trailhead and hike during dusk,” she says. “From the top of the trail, you’ll see the city lights and take in an unforgettable view among the company of your fellow hikers.” The best part? “The moonlight is so bright that you can hike the mountain without flashlights.” Randall Henderson Trail: scenic loops from the National Monument Visitor Center – A brochure in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center serves as your map for a self-guided tour of up to 2.9 miles. Choose an easy or moderate trail in this system named for an author, desert explorer and early visionary, Randall Henderson. Hopalong Cassidy Trail: challenging climbs, peaceful surroundings and BIGHORN views – Start on the Art Smith then veer north on the Hopalong Cassidy. The varied terrain offers expansive panoramas of both the Canyons and the Mountains at BIGHORN. This trail honors the fictional American movie and television cowboy icon portrayed by Palm Desert resident William Lawrence Boyd. Living Desert Trails: the nature preserve’s three hikes of Eisenhower Peak – Three loops that wind through the undisturbed Sonoran Desert range from a quarter mile to an adventurous 3.5-mile path traversing a rocky desert canyon. The longest leads up to Eisenhower Mountain with fabulous valley views and a shaded picnic area at the top. Once you’ve mastered Palm Desert hikes, you may want to explore other nearby hiking enclaves. Joshua Tree offers a barren, other-worldly environment for exploration about an hour from BIGHORN. The Gallaghers also rave about ascending the trails up in Idyllwild, which lead to the Pacific Crest Trail. “You find yourself in a pine forest with patches of snow at the top,” Fred says. “The tremendous views reach all the way to the Pacific Ocean.” 28
Westminster Winner
By Theresa Maggio Photography by Mark Davidson
Logan “Logie” Roozen was destined to place in the Best in Breed at the 2013 Westminster Kennel Show according to his regal lineage. His close Select Dog honor was only due to his half brother winning Best of Breed, but it was Cathy and Harold’s love at first sight that made him a winner in their eyes.
Logie was born on March 17, 2010. Cathy and Harold Roozen had lost their senior terrier and were looking for a puppy when they contacted Kay. Knowing that Logie had a show future she was hesitant to give him up, but the Roozen’s promised to enter him in a dog show and an agreement was struck.
Logie’s expert breeders, Kay L. Baird & Gwen Meyer, knew when he was born that he was a natural champion. Logie’s show name, “Reyem’s Saddle Up N Ride,” he is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and shares its ancestry with Irish Terriers. Originally their breed served as a farm dog, expert at leading herds of sheep. Baird was convinced that Logie’s soft, wavy and wheat-colored coat and dark almond-shaped eyes surrounded by natural eyeliner would distinguish him among the best. These distinct features certainly caught the judge’s eyes!
“I didn’t know how competitive I was until I owned a show dog,” grinned Cathy. “Logie loves the limelight and performs really well. At home he gets to relax and enjoys being a part of the family.” Professional dog shows are all-consuming, filled with long hours and involve upwards of 50,000 people looking at each canine surrounded by 3,200 dogs all in the same competition.
Select Dog Winner
Logie (shown here and above) was excited to meet his 8-week-old brother, Henry, who joined the Roozen family in August – a future show dog in the making. 30
What do judges at the Westminster Kennel Club look for? A Standard is presented by the American Kennel Club with the breed’s detailed appearance description, movement, temperament, and form to function, that is, if the dog was bred to perform. The judge applies their own interpretation of the Standard, giving their opinion of the Best of Breed and the Select Dog on that particular day. During the competition the breeder shows the dog’s attributes while walking in short straight lengths and turning quickly. Upon return to their space, the canine perches on their back legs for final marks. Logie’s playful personality has helped him make many friends at BIGHORN’s Dog Park which is conveniently located next to The Marketplace where Harold has discovered the juice bar,
his new favorite concoction being the Ginger Rush. In addition to daily visits to the Dog Park, the Roozen’s have experienced the Spa & Wellness Center, The Pour House, and Canyons Steak House and have attended some of the events including the entertaining Hawaiian Luau. “Everyone is so friendly here,” Cathy marvels. “Everywhere you go, people wave to you while you’re driving around in your golf cart, and genuinely want to get to know you. The Edmonton couple is looking forward to spending more time at BIGHORN with Logie in their new desert home. Its sophisticated design and stunning Canyons course 4th fairway and southern lakeside view make it hard for the couple to leave. “We are really enjoying all that BIGHORN has to offer!”
The Roozen’s stunning Canyons residence was designed for seamless indoor/outdoor living so every room experiences views of the lake, green and mountain range.
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www.thelotusgardencenter.com
Specializing in Fresh Flower Arrangements, Orchids, Bromeliads, Succulents, Annual Color, Unique Pottery, Garden Fountains, Landscape Design, Candles, Sun Hats and Gift Items.
45340 San Luis Rey | Palm Desert, California | 760.404.1949 Located with the Desert Art Collection on the corner of San Luis Rey and Larrea in Palm Desert. Just off El Paseo.
Gaining Fresh Perspective
By Lisa Marie Hart Photography by Mark Davidson
BIGHORN’s Spa & Wellness Center invites you to experience the latest in healthy lifestyle trends. Each visit to this ultimate, full-service facility can be tailored to help you develop and maintain your ideal, well-balanced self. In an environment that combines sophisticated architectural design with high-tech facilities, Members realize their personal goals while enjoying the best of all worlds: beauty, well-being and fitness. If you haven’t surrendered to the deep tranquility of a nourishing spa treatment or joined one of the many complimentary group fitness classes lately, you’ll be welcomed by a host of new possibilities. The world-class Spa & Wellness leadership team follows exciting industry trends and listens to Members’ suggestions and desires in order to incorporate fresh offerings that promote a modern, active lifestyle. Emerging technologies, innovative treatments and effective new product lines are always in store.
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Highly trained staff members take a thoughtful, client-based approach to a full menu of customizable spa treatment options and salon services. Each journey is personally crafted, from a relaxing Hot Stone Massage to a vigorous and healing session of Deep Tissue Massage therapy. For all-over radiance, a salt or sugar scrub ritual leaves skin richly moisturized and basking in a smooth, youthful glow. In step with the latest trends, the Spa’s Oxygen Infusion Facial pairs unparalleled hydration with visible, age-defying results, while indulgent body treatments soothe from head to toe. Full-body toning, firming, drawing impurities and stimulating circulation starts with our earth-born natural ingredients, such as renewing warm seaweed or comforting warm herbal clay. If you’re more comfortable right at home, let a massage therapist come to you. Whether you need a quick touch-up for a night out or seek professional vision for a transforming new makeover, the Salon menu features manicures, pedicures, waxing, hairstyling, color, cut and blow dry.
Girls’ weekends and private events shine with excellence at the Spa & Wellness Center. Its finesse for handling sky’s-the-limit special requests has made it a go-to destination for pampered get-togethers. BIGHORN brides choose the Salon and Spa for the privacy, personalization and luxurious atmosphere. Here, friends and family alike receive the royal treatment before they relax in the Jacuzzi or steam room or slip into their luxurious BIGHORN robes to unwind in the Ladies’ Relaxation Lounge. Professional make-up application and trendy top-of-the-line fashions including gel and shellac manicures will make everyone look like shinning stars. Take the party outdoors with a pre-Spa breakfast, a postSpa luncheon on the patio, or on a guided moonlit or day hike, complete with a champagne toast at the peak.
Last season the BIGHORN Fitness Center expanded by 40% allowing Members to train like a champion on state-of-the-art cardio, stretch and weight-training equipment. Numerous Precor high-performance treadmills line the room’s edge featuring personal television screens for individual privacy and usage. BIGHORN’s Fitness Center features some of the same workout resources the Olympic athletes use, hand-selected for their leading fitness development designs. Personal trainers and individual pilates instruction open the door to a new routine designed just for you. BIGHORN’s Spa & Wellness Center features a variety of relaxing and vigorous massage therapies, from Deep Tissue to Lymphatic Massage and Aromatherapy to Reflexology. Let us help you revitalize with a Hydrating Body Glow Wrap or an Oxygen Infusion Facial.
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BIGHORN offers some of today’s hottest fitness classes. “Our TRX class reflects one of the biggest trends in fitness, enjoyable for all ages and levels,” says Fitness Coordinator Katie Juretich. “TRX uses straps, which hang from the ceiling, and uses your body’s weight to give you your ultimate workout. It brings the maximum benefits to your entire body with heart-thumping cardio and strength exercises.” During season, energizing fitness classes in the spacious Aerobics Studio range from Zumba to a quick 30-minute abs class. In addition to staying in shape and looking spectacular, you’ll discover a private sanctuary that rejuvenates mind, body and soul at BIGHORN’s Spa & Wellness Center. Call (760) 610-8412 today for appointments or log onto www. bighorngolf.com/SpaWellness to download the latest brochure. Experience the transformative power of fitness with one of our professional trainers, in one of our complimentary classes or in the newly renovated gym!
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thegardensonelpaseo.com • 760-862-1990 • Conveniently located on El Paseo in Palm Desert Dog-friendly centers
Youth Sensations
By Theresa Maggio Photography by Mark Davidson and Pat Lassy
Kids might just be one of the magic ingredients that makes BIGHORN such a special place. Living within the BIGHORN community fills residents with so much spirit and vitality that one has to believe that being surrounded by 95 kids under the age of 18 adds to the youth within their soul. Often nicknamed “Camp BIGHORN,” and called a “Disneyland for adults,” BIGHORN’s relished persona of a campus filled with entertaining activities and amenities is propelled throughout the happy families that reside here. BIGHORN teens may have their own active schedules filled with school and activities, however, that doesn’t stop them from working out at the Clubhouse Pool, riding bikes around campus, playing basketball on the Sports Court or grabbing their clubs and practicing their swings on the Driving Range. Their presence on campus is a clear indication that they find BIGHORN a pretty cool place to grow up! Fifteen-year-old Max Horst is a freshman at Palm Desert High School and resides at BIGHORN with his family, including his brother, Kurt, age 11, (photo on page 38) who attends Washington Charter School. Both Max and Kurt are active in sports with Max in swimming and Kurt in basketball. Some of their favorite ways to spend time whenever they are not at school or practice include
hanging around the community with friends, taking lessons from the Jr. Golf Director or dining at The Pour House. Since youths excel with activities, throughout the season BIGHORN entertains all ages through a variety of events including Extreme Family Fun Days filled with entertaining sports, games, dance competitions, swim races, water balloon tosses and of course interactive rock climbing walls, bungee jumping and surfboards that challenge their balance. BIGHORN’s legendary Snow Day dresses the Canyons Driving Range in a blanket of white on December 27th. Kids of every age, parents too, are invited to grab a sled or inner tube and glide down 150 tons of snow. Not to worry, there are four sled runs to accommodate the 350 people who turn out for this awe-inspiring event. Along with sledding, families can get their photo taken with Santa who is on vacation from the North Pole. And the morning would not be complete without a really fun dance party including the Macarena, chicken dance and the limbo. BIGHORN Catering really delivers with the interactive omelets and waffle stations with all the fun toppings including M&M’s, gummy bears as well as more customary bacon, ham and cheese options!
Fifteen-year-old Max Horst swims for fun at BIGHORN, while his brother, Kurt, age 11, loves the Sports Court for playing basketball (see page 38).
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Hanging out in the natural light-filled Aerobics Studio 10-year-old Berkley Allison shows off her gymnastic skills.
After a morning spent on the slopes, everyone travels to the Fishing Derby, located behind Canyons 17th and 18th holes around a private lake. Days before, 600 pounds of trout were transported and families are ready for the good ol’ time around the fishing pond. BIGHORN staff and volunteers from the Coachella Valley Fishing Club assist the kids, teaching them how to angle, catch and weigh their fish in hopes of winning one of the Top 20 prizes. The results are huge smiles and happy memories that will last forever!
After a day of swimming and fun, families gather for an authentic Hawaiian Luau which features Polynesian dancers and delicious island cuisine, plus chicken strips and fruit kebobs catered for the little ones. Indulged with their favorite sweet treats from the ice cream vendor, the families gather on picnic blankets to watch this breathtaking show. The evening’s sizzling excitement is captured spectacularly when the fire dancers begin twirling their fiery batons, flying through the air.
Later in the season, Spring Break Weekend features a wide variety of family events, from the old-fashioned Campout with s’mores and stories around the campfire to the Rockin’ Swim Party featuring Five Guys burgers.
Kurt Horst, 11 years-old.
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Enzo Liotta, age four, is a master golfer in the making! BIGHORN makes a perfect training ground for champions of every size.
The next morning 150 kids line up for the Easter Eggstravaganza, conveniently located on the Clubhouse lawn and separated by age for safety. Peter Cottontail rides through on a unicycle welcoming all of the kids to the great hunt. As they begin collecting candyfilled eggs and prizes, the dance music rises and the kids come running to compete for one of the jaw-dropping Easter baskets. These are the anticipation-filled Easter mornings the kids will someday be telling their own kids and grandkids about!
With everyone wanting to be a kid, especially adults, BIGHORN’s restaurants offer fun, interactive desserts including make your own s’mores, cotton candy tower, plus everyone’s favorite classic: cookies and milk. What’s not to love?
One of the active competitors is 10-year-old Berkley Allison who grabs a hula hoop and starts twisting her hips in hopes of being one of the lucky finalists. With so many dance parties throughout the year, kids ages 8-12 often practice in between to win the coveted prizes. Berkley has hips made for the hula hoop due to her favorite activities including gymnastics, the trampoline and jumping for joy when she hits a great shot on the course. She’s no different than most adults in that case!
Even with so many things to do, juniors make sure they have time for the Junior Golf Program filled with putting contests and chances to earn BIGHORN Bucks. Enzo Liotta, age 4, practices every day. His mom drives him to the range and for an hour he will practice his drives, chipping and putting with a huge smile across his face. His natural ability and coaching from Junior Golf Director Bill Madonna is sure to land him a spot in the Golfer’s Hall of Fame. After practice he talks his mom into dinner at The Pour House for burgers, fries and a Shirley Temple. “I love it here,” Enzo proclaims over his meal. His beaming smile and contagiously joyful attitude add to the youthful spirit so profound at BIGHORN, from juniors all the way up.
“I love having dinner at The Pour House with my mom and dad,” Berkley grins. “You have to try the potato chips there and they even have different dips to try.”
It’s no wonder that BIGHORN remains the number one club and community in the valley. Check out the latest activities at www.bighorngolf.com/eventcalendar.
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B RILL I A N T D E S I G N
V I S I O N A RY TA L ENT
EVERY PROJE C T I S A C E L E B R ATI O N O F O R I GI NALI TY
B L A C K B I R D
I N T E R I O R S
760.931.6500 K ATHY BLACK B I R D B O B CALL PALM DES ERT S AN DI EGO W WW.BLACK B I R DI NTER I O R S .COM
ArtiThesWitincnerBriIs.. l iance
By Joanna Beresford Photography by David Blank and Mark Davidson
Kathy Blackbird and Bob Call on a European buying trip looking for unique art and furnishings.
The Icon Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Building Industry Association, is one of the most highly-anticipated and important events in the world of architecture and design, as it celebrates the depth and quality of work produced by innovators in the field. Every year the prestigious Icon Awards are presented to incredibly gifted architects, interior designers and other professionals within the building industry, and in 2012, BIGHORN was recognized with an impressive three finalists in the category of Best Interior Design – Custom Home. Kathy Blackbird and Bob Call, owners of Blackbird Interiors, are passionate about their design aesthetic. For 25 years they have been committed to creating progressive, residential design, and they specialize in conjuring up nurturing spaces where homeowners can relax and rejuvenate with ease. As a leader in their trade, Blackbird Interiors is guided by principles of vision and sophistication, and in 2012 they added to an already remarkable collection of honors and awards
distinguishing their efforts. With a record number of entries and out of 78 eligible projects, Kathy’s and Bob’s work represented three coveted spots in the Icon Custom Home category, ultimately winning with their spectacular design of 102 Lantana View in BIGHORN. And most recently in September 2013, Blackbird Interiors took home another Icon award for the Hubbard Residence (see page 100). But for Bob and Kathy, pursuing their passion is not about awards, it’s about people. “Every project is a celebration of originality, with a masterful orchestration of materials, color and attention to detail,” says Kathy. “We spend time with each client to have the final result reflect the comfortable lifestyle they will love. We focus on a clean, structured design to organically blend with its elements. A home that provides a distinctively warm and earthy experience that’s both soothing and energizing. Our biggest reward is to see our smiling clients relax and truly enjoy the beauty of their own surroundings.” 41
Nominee: 104 Lantana View The refined and gracious design of 104 Lantana is jaw-dropping upon entry. The meticulous orchestration of unique details immediately draws visitors into the open space of the home. For example, Kathy explains that “We custom-designed the great room’s sofa so our homeowners and their guests could enjoy the tremendous 2nd fairway of the Canyons course as well as the gorgeous slate stone fireplace wall, the inviting dining area, sprawling kitchen and interactive bar. We wanted to give them that WOW! moment with a stunning, modern chandelier in the dining room and then to complement the space with light, textural fabrics. The environment is meant to welcome the owners into their own zone of serenity.”
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“Featuring two master bedrooms in the Lantana residence was very exciting,” Bob elaborates. “Both masters offered gorgeous fairway views so we wanted to make sure the owners could enjoy them from every vantage point. We even added a simple mirror wall in one of the bedrooms to reflect the views to the South.”
Nominee: Andreas Canyon Residence “I really love the entire design of the Andreas Canyon residence – truly a Zen-inspired experience,” says Kathy, reflecting on the floorplan that features an expansive entertainment patio bordered by water on two sides and a pool that “looks like it flows naturally into the sparkling lake on the Canyon’s 4th hole.” To compliment such a dazzling focal point, the designers explored a rich and various use of the neutral palette throughout the entertainment patio, great room, oversized bar, designer kitchen and family room. “The free-flowing floorplan created the clean, sophisticated lines so our design could blend harmoniously throughout the home,” says Bob.
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And the Winner is…. 102 Lantana View Infused with Hawaiian-Asian influences, 102 Lantana exudes even more of the Zen-like tranquility that often distinguishes the Blackbird ambiance. Breathtaking vistas, captivating indoor/outdoor living areas, textural materials and furnishings and wondrous palettes are perfect examples of Blackbird’s collaborations. Panoramic views are shared between the great room and open kitchen. A grand double-sided fireplace melds the great room and formal dining room with refreshing colors, a custom buffet, rift oak cabinetry and lighted art niches. A retro-modernist pendant light illuminates a custom dining table for 10, with views of a glass-walled wine room housing the owners’ expansive collection. The home theatre provides an essential entertainment venue to this residence, enriched by Kathy Blackbird’s unerring instinct for serving both form and function. “The theatre walls are a padded cotton weave in a mocha color,” explains Kathy. “Separating the fabric are wood framed columns with honey onyx embedded and backlit with LED lighting to make them glow.” 102 Lantana View harmonizes all the elements of the Blackbird design synergy: creative use of organic materials, interplay of texture and color, commanding views of mountains and a sense of quiet seclusion.
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Best in Design Blackbird Interiors has earned an amazing number of accolades over the last quarter century. Their list of awards and editorial features includes being honored by The National Association of Home Builders five times for presenting the Best Interior Design in the Nation for the Western Region. The Building Industry Association of Southern California, the MAME, LAUREL and PRISM Awards have also recognized the team consistently, while the Sales & Merchandising Association (SAM Awards) has awarded the couple with 22 honors between 1993-2007 including the Grand Award for Best Project of the Year in 2000. BIGHORN Golf Club continues to delight in collaborations with Blackbird Interiors that result in the kind of magnificent achievements that our members so proudly call home. As Carl Cardinalli, Sales Director of BIGHORN Properties says, “Blackbird continues to elevate their creativity through BIGHORN’s unique properties, creating a one-of-a-kind look for each client.” “We are humbled by the incredible recognition Blackbird Interiors has received,” emphasize both Kathy and Bob. “But our most important honor is the satisfaction of our clients when they refer their friends and family. We are very grateful and consider ourselves blessed!”
THE NEW BRIGHT SPOT IN THE DESERT
Rancho Mirage 71-265 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 (760) 773-5000
www.DesertEuropean.com
Top Chefs
Photography by Mark Davidson
“Our food quality is paramount to our success. We order the finest seafoods, meats and freshest produce. We want every bite to make our Members want to come back for more.�
Greg Proper, Executive Chef (right) David Calvan, Chef de Cuisine (left) Canyons Steak House 46
Nothing is more satisfying than enjoying a great meal, filled with the finest meats, freshest fish, high quality fruits and vegetables and then finishing it off with a hand-crafted dessert. For BIGHORN Members, every meal has an opportunity for greatness. And luckily enough this experience can be enjoyed in one of their seven premier dining destinations! During the season, entertaining takes center stage, and for BIGHORN Members it begins with seven indoor/outdoor dining facilities – from the relaxed Pour House to the refined Canyons Steak House. Every day Members and their guests celebrate a lifestyle filled with renowned chefs, a world-class culinary and wine program, magnificent design and enchanting views of the mountains and the valley below.
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Chef Greg Proper Executive Chef
Ingredients 4 ounces fresh ahi tuna, grade one Ÿ to ½ avocado 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon sesame oil 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon chives 1 teaspoon pickled ginger, chopped
Fried wonton chips Toasted sesame seeds Hot house cucumber sliced lengthwise for garnish
Dice ahi tuna, toss all ingredients and serve with toasted sesame seeds and fried wonton chips.
Turn to page 50 to learn how to make Duck & Morel Tagliatelle. 48
Clubhouse Dining Room
The Pour House Canyons Steak House
The Marketplace
The Golf House Private Catering
Poolside Dining
Takeout & Delivery 49
Chef David Calvan Chef de Cuisine
Ingredients for Duck Confit: 2 duck legs 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1-1/5 cups olive oil 3 sprigs thyme 1 sprig rosemary 1 teaspoon peppercorns ¼ teaspoon whole allspice 1 clove garlic, sliced thin Ingredients for Morel Ragu: 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 teaspoon minced garlic 2 tablespoons minced onion 1 small slice bacon, diced 1 tablespoon chopped morels, rehydrated 2 cans of diced tomatoes (San Marzanos) 3 basil leaves, chopped Ingredients for Main Preparation: 6-8 ounces of tagliatelle pasta or wide fettuccini, cooked al dente and shocked Bowl of ice water 4 ounces shredded duck 1 teaspoon olive oil ½ teaspoon minced garlic ¼ cup dry red wine 3 red teardrop tomatoes, cut in half 3 yellow teardrop tomatoes, cut in half 2 squash blossoms, blanched and shocked 1 teaspoon aged balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper as needed 2 teaspoons unsalted butter 1 leaf chopped basil Micro basil for garnish
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Duck Confit Method: 1. Season the duck legs with kosher salt on both sides. Place them in a large resealable bag. Add olive oil, garlic, allspice berries, rosemary, thyme and peppercorns. Seal, and massage the duck legs through the bag until all of the ingredients are evenly dispersed. Refrigerate for 24 hours to marinate. 2. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C). 3. Remove the duck legs from the marinade. Rinse them off and pat dry. Place the rest of the contents of the bag into the bottom of an oven safe dish just large enough to hold the legs in a single layer, preferably enameled cast iron or glass. Arrange the duck legs skin side down in the dish. Pour the olive oil into a small saucepan and warm over low heat until liquid. Pour over the duck legs until they are completely covered. If the legs are not covered, you can top it off with a little more olive oil. As the legs cook, more fat will be rendered from the skin. Cover the dish with a lid. 4. Bake for 6 to 7 hours in the preheated oven, until the meat pulls easily from the bone. Remove the duck legs from the fat and place in a sealable container. You may leave the bones in or remove them. Make sure there is room at the top of the container. Strain all of the solids from the remaining fat and discard the solids. Pour the fat over the duck in the container, covering completely. Seal and allow to come to room temperature. 5. Once the duck is cool enough to handle, shred into chunks or bite-size pieces and set aside.
Morel Ragu Method: 1. In a heavy saucepan on medium heat add the olive oil and allow to heat up; add the garlic and brown slightly. Add bacon and render until light brown. Add minced onions and cook until onions are caramelized. 2. Add the cans of diced tomatoes juice and all, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook until it has a slightly thick consistency. Fold in the chopped morels and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Main Preparation: 1. Using a sautĂŠ pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and allow to heat, add the garlic and brown slightly. Add the duck and heat through, tossing often. Deglaze pan with red wine and allow to reduce a little less than half. 2. Add the 6 oz of ragu and heat through. Add the chopped basil and lower the temperature. 3. Reheat pasta, drain well and add to ragu. Gently toss, adjust seasonings and finish with butter. 4. Place on a plate or in a bowl, garnish with squash blossom that is tossed with a little olive oil, salt and pepper, micro basil and finally lace the plate or bowl with the aged balsamic. Bon AppĂŠtit!
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HIP 112 KOVENISH COURT
613 INDIAN COVE
EXOTIC
1 0 1 WA N I S H P L AC E
ROMANTIC
A P R I VAT E R E S I D E N T I A L G O L F C O U R S E C O M M U N I T Y 800.551.5578
W W W. B I G H O R N G O L F. C O M
P A L M D E S E R T, C A L I F O R N I A
Vibrant Vitality Photography by Mark Davidson
BIGHORN Chairman R.D. Hubbard and the developers discovered the world’s best secret, creating an ideal campus and making it one of the most prestigious golf communities in the world.
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Extraordinary
livin g from every angle How does a community like BIGHORN deepen its reputation and traditions over time, while pursuing its fundamental principles of breathtaking innovation and progressive design? At BIGHORN the answer lies in a visionary commitment to progress and excellence. Among the Club’s unique residents and Members, are Chairman R.D. Hubbard, and the Club’s 20 Member investors who acquired BIGHORN in 1996 and who continue to maintain a personal and passionate commitment to continually enhance the Club’s facilities, programs and lifestyle. “We are extremely proud of BIGHORN and its stellar reputation for excellence,” shares R.D. Hubbard. “Our goal 18 years ago was to be the best Golf Club and residential community anywhere, and that continues to be our focus today.” From the beginning, Hubbard and the investors were committed to developing a community and culture that was responsive to its Members’ and Homeowners’ desires, and doing so in a way that delivered more than expected. Consistent with that commitment, this leadership was not willing
to compromise the quality of environment or extremely high level of personal service. “What R.D. Hubbard does for BIGHORN far exceeds a traditional leadership role,” shares Carl Cardinalli, Vice President of Development and Director of Sales. “His drive and vision is always attuned to the wants and needs of current and prospective Members and, as with any business, its vitality depends on the relevancy to its customers. On any given day you’ll find “R.D.” or “Dee” golfing on one of BIGHORN’s courses, stopping by The Marketplace, dining in the Men’s Locker Room, checking in on a myriad of amenities, or meeting potential homeowners at BIGHORN Properties, The Pour House or Canyons Steak House. Along the way he is constantly engaging Members in conversation and enjoys comments regarding the facilities and services. You can also find him using the amenities. In fact, his Member Account confirms that he is always within the top five Club users and – setting a wonderful example – his Member Account is always current and paid in full!”
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Of critical concern to Hubbard since first leading the investment group in the purchase of the original BIGHORN and the subsequent acquisition and development of the Canyons side of BIGHORN, has been financial stability and accountability. As a result, BIGHORN Golf Club has never had a special assessment while under his 17-year chairmanship. Budgets are tightly monitored and controlled, and by reinvestment in growing and improving the amenities, overall Member usage and participation has been exceptional. This has resulted in annual and long-term financial stability. With early success into 2000, BIGHORN could have rested on its laurels, but didn’t. R.D. Hubbard wouldn’t allow it. He pushed for the construction of new facilities and the continual renewal of existing ones. He understood that to be successful, BIGHORN had to remain current with today’s market and Member. So without any requirement to do so, and even more amazingly without any special assessments to the Membership, he directed the construction of a campus of facilities including the Spa & Wellness Center, Marketplace, The Pour House, Golf House, Golf Teaching Center, Canyons Steak House, pool event area, bocce ball courts, and two
Dog Parks (one for each side of BIGHORN). And now he’s working on The Vault – a car collector’s garaging facility which will likely be the next facility on campus. There have also been numerous renovations to the Clubhouse and the golf courses, again, without any special assessments to the Membership – ever! Today the future of BIGHORN is secure. Residency and Membership continues to grow, and the Club has sustained its high level of real estate sales through the country’s most difficult economic times, all the while surpassing $2.2 billion in total sales. BIGHORN is a community of success stories of people who are seeking a rarified lifestyle in an unsurpassed environment with a watchful steward. It is also a proverbial “melting pot” reflected in Club Members, hailing from 37 states, 8 different countries and 5 provinces of Canada. Captains of industry, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their fields gather at BIGHORN to relax among peers and establish friendships and business relationships that last a lifetime.
Above: R.D. Hubbard is integral to BIGHORN’s development, consistently improving the current amenities and brainstorming with Carl Cardinalli for the future. Taking advantage of BIGHORN’s exciting golf tournaments, he and his partner Brian Urlacher, star linebacker for the Chicago Bears, won the Men’s BIGDEAL in April with the assistance of his long time caddy, Jimmy Brande. Below: Hubbard jokes with longtime friend and Member, Bat Masterson. R.D. and his wife, Joan Dale, with Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, John Boehner.
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“Working at BIGHORN for over 20 years,” shares Membership Director Mike Grenier, “I can honestly say it is a joy to be involved with a Membership that is so friendly, caring, and passionate about their Club.” It is no wonder that 90% of new Members find their way to BIGHORN being referred by a Member who is already here. Obviously there is a collective desire by Members to be proactive in growing their Club, which only increases the value of everyone’s personal investment in BIGHORN. Hubbard believes in hiring exceptional people with the talent and desire to implement his vision. This philosophy has resulted in 24 employees working at BIGHORN for over 20 years and an average tenure for all Club employees of 8.5 years. That’s far and above the average tenure of any other organization in the desert. Typically starting during the interview process, the vision of BIGHORN is discussed or explained to applicants, and after hiring, every employee receives a focused orientation on BIGHORN’s objectives including a tour of the 1,200-acre community and its various departments and amenities. From Directors to hourly employees, every team member has the opportunity to make a positive difference in the outcome of a Member experience. While very high customer service standards is an employee commitment, it is also imperative to have fun, and the long tenure of employees is a testament to the employee experience at BIGHORN.
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BIGHORN’s global stature and recognition provide a sense of pride for its Members and residents as well as among communities and organizations in the Coachella Valley. BIGHORN is a prime example of responsible, successful development which brings caring people of means to a community. The charitable contributions of BIGHORN Members to BIGHORN Golf Club Charities and BIGHORN Behind A Miracle have provided funding for state universities, Eisenhower Medical Center, McCallum Theatre, the Palm Springs Art Museum at Palm Desert, Shelter From the Storm, College of the Desert, scholarships for local students, needed assistance for cancer victims, and a myriad of other needy causes. The desire to “give back,” to help those in need, to build facilities and provide for medical care, education and the arts, etc. is a common value and initiative of BIGHORN Members. To realize BIGHORN is a strong, vibrant, innovative community all it takes is a round of golf, a Starbucks latte from The Marketplace, massage at the Spa & Wellness Center or dinner at The Pour House or Canyons Steak House. A simple drive through the community with its beauty of architecture and natural environment in an incomparable setting gives Member and guest alike that “Ahhhh” moment. Home never felt so good. For information, visit www.bighorngolf.com or call (800) 551-5578.
PURVEYORS, BUYERS & CONSIGNMENT SPECIALISTS OF ESTATE JEWELRY TRUSTED EXPERIENCE - BEST VALUE GIA GRADUATE GEMOLOGIST IMMEDIATE PAYMENT
73470 El Paseo Suite 4 Palm Desert California 92260 760.779.1856 | info@ejcpalm.com www. estatejewelrycollection.com Located across from the apple store
Start the Day Off Right: Swing on by The Marketplace to enjoy a Starbucks coffee, refreshing smoothie or freshly squeezed juice to accompany your breakfast pastry and colorful fruit salad.
Yappy Hour: Visit one of our two Dog Parks to throw the ball around with your favorite four-legged friends.
Spaaaah: Unwind and rejuvenate at our Spa & Wellness Center hosting a wide variety of body treatments, massages and facials that will send you into a dreamlike state.
Love the life you live at Hillside Hiking: Join us for a guided hike through the beautiful Mountain trails or a long hike throughout the 1,200 acre community.
Tee It Up: Gather your friends and hit one of our two tournament-ready courses or let BIGHORN’s Golf Shop set up a foursome for you.
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Lunch with the Girls: Freshly prepared salads, sandwiches and refreshing drinks are at the ready in The Pour House, Golf House, Poolside, from our Locker Room Grille or let us plan the perfect event for your girlfriends.
Shop to your Heart’s Content: An incredible variety of sportswear, hard goods and accessories are available in our Pro Shop or peruse a myriad of workout clothing, lotions and specialty products in the Spa & Wellness Center.
Tennis Anyone? Grab your racquet and join us for one of five complimentary tennis clinics held every week from October-May.
Winners Buy the Drinks! After a spirited round of golf, cool off at The Pour House or Men’s Locker Room, where everyone knows your name – and your favorite libation!
Bocce Ball Blast! Play with your friends or join in the weekly Bocce Ball Happy Hour every Wednesday. The fun is contagious!
Riding High! Take one of our six complimentary bikes for a ride around campus. Stop by the Spa & Wellness Center to reserve yours today!
Sweet Dreams: Dunk housemade doughnuts and brownie bites into chocolate sauce or enjoy a delicious piece of cheesecake at the Canyons Steak House.
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It’s Blue Skies Ahead
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By Theresa Maggio Photography by Mark Davidson, Pat Lassy and Steve Richarson
Jim and Claire Gagan were the 12th Members at BIGHORN in its earliest beginnings. Drawn to BIGHORN’s natural desert environment in the timeless foothills of the San Jacintos with spectacular views of mountains and valley, they intended to enjoy it for a long time. However, by 1996 BIGHORN with 55 Members was on the block to be sold. At a Member informational meeting, Jim Gagan stood up and suggested that the Members should buy the Club themselves and within 24 hours he received a call from R.D. Hubbard, BIGHORN’s current Chairman, asking him to be an investor. Gagan agreed, as long as he was the first investor.
as Direct Buy, and it continues offering hundred of brands and millions of products to its members. The company was sold in 2007. At that time, Direct Buy had grown to be a $1,000,000,000 company serving more than a million members through 173 Direct Buy franchises.
This statement speaks volumes to the character of a man who began his career after finishing the 8th grade. Born a natural salesman, Gagan states, “I only sell what I believe in and that includes blue sky.” He attributes his success in life to his beautiful wife Claire, to whom he’s been married for 55 years. Her patience and trust, along with their beautiful family, have kept Gagan motivated through numerous business ventures.
“I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if consumers could buy the items they wanted at true wholesale prices because they had purchasing power?’” shares Gagan. “Suppose you had several uncles who owned dozens of businesses so you could purchase anything at cost – my business would be everyone’s favorite uncle.” So his plan went into action and he: a. provided members with thousands of merchandise options, which only members of United Consumers Club could buy at wholesale prices b. built a national sales organization, and c. sold UCC franchises making millionaires out of franchisees.
Gagan created Direct Buy in 1971, originally known as United Consumers Club, where members could buy absolutely anything at cost as long as they purchased a membership. Seventeen years before companies like Price Club, Costco and Sam’s Club started, United Consumers Club offered its members a variety of furniture, appliances, and flooring from which to choose and buy at cost. Today, United Consumers Club is known the world over
Gagan with his idea and his second franchiser traveled to the Chicago Furniture Mart where his natural salesman personality talked his way into a retailer’s badge. Once in front of a brandname furniture showroom, he tried to purchase merchandise, but was sent on his way. This happened time and time again. However, better informed by the experience and even more determined he began day two at the first showroom and this
Jim and Claire Gagan love attending parties at BIGHORN
Mike Fedderly designed the spectacular Gagan home featuring 360-degree views of the mountain range above and the Coachella valley below. Jim and Claire (above right) are very close to their children. Below: Mark is pictured on the left, Jamie in the middle and Sarah on the right.
time when questioned about his club’s name and its members, Gagan asked the manufacturer’s rep, “Are you a member at a club? I’m sure you take pride in your exclusivity.” After a prompt, “Yes,” Gagan replied, “Well, you keep your membership private and so do I.” The gentlemen nodded and an order was started.
Today, there are 173 Direct Buys in 32 states. The company has put 12,000 people to work, all of whom enjoy medical care and a stable income. They all live and breathe the Jim Gagan philosophy stated in his book, America’s Best Kept Secret, which he gave to every member of Direct Buy when it was published in 1991.
Jim asked for 12 catalogs and when the wholesaler stated they cost $60 each, Gagan said he would pay for them. The man said he could “memo bill them,” which Gagan found out later meant that as product was ordered and purchased a part of the purchase price would cover the cost of the catalogs. He also learned the term “pool car” meant that multiple retailers shared a railroad car or truck for shipping. These became his favorite terms.
The BIGHORN Dream As a BIGHORN investor in 1996, Jim was part of a unique group that sought to develop a utopian club reflective of a high-quality lifestyle which would surpass the expectations of its Members. Adding the Canyons course in 1999 and building a campus of amenities, which continues to grow, the group has seen its real estate investment soar. Gagan has nothing but praise and appreciation for the leadership of R.D. Hubbard, BIGHORN’s Chairman, and in turn Hubbard recognizes the support, ideas and energy provided by Gagan in the collaboration to make BIGHORN the respected and desired community it is today.
The first United Consumers Club started in an 1,800 sf house in Indiana filled with rented furniture on the main floor and an office in a basement. Photographs from catalogs were cut out and pasted on walls to show the variety of brands that could be purchased through the club. The first memberships cost $400 and were good for 10 years, and in the first month, 26 members joined. By the end of the year, 11 franchises sold! As the years progressed, so did the franchiser’s ideas, moving membership sales in the home to lifestyle tours on site. Infomercials were developed and the name “Direct Buy” took on a life of its own and eventually became the name of United Consumers Club. “Ideas are a dime a dozen, but the men and women who implement them are priceless,” states Gagan. With this philosophy in mind, Gagan would hold annual franchise meetings where he prompted and encouraged everyone to collaborate on selling techniques and ideas.
This success is shared philanthropically with contributions to worthwhile causes making a difference in the lives of others in the community. To date, the Gagan Family has given over $30 million in donations to hospitals, schools, family programs, etc. as well as supporting BIGHORN BAM and BIGHORN Golf Club Charities.
Over the years, many people offered him suggestions including pyramid schemes and marking up merchandise in addition to membership fees, but Gagan refused those questionable practices, saying he would never be able to sleep at night. Others tried to mimic his idea, but they could never get it off the ground because they were invested in greed and were not invested in the dream of giving value to the consumer.
The Gagans are big supporters of educational scholarships and wellness programs, committing to BIGHORN Golf Club Charities, Eisenhower Medical Center and BIGHORN BAM, a breast cancer focused non-profit. Right: Jim and his dog Jesse looking out over the majesty of BIGHORN.
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Recently, Hubbard came up with another idea, The Vault at BIGHORN, in which Gagan was immediately interested. The Vault at BIGHORN is a one-of-a-kind experience for premium car enthusiasts – a club within a club – which offers an upscale garaging facility on campus with 50 premium parking spaces, personal storage lockers and a designer sports lounge. Jim and Claire already have their vintage cars ready for the 2014 unveiling of The Vault. One is a 1932 Ford Roadster designed by Chip Foose/Boyd Coddington, #12 of a limited run. This 454 cubic inch, fully polished, aluminum, ZL1 block has been named “America’s Most Beautiful Roadster” and was featured on the cover of Street Rodder magazine. The other is a 1934 Dodge Cabriolet Convertible with custom interior and all the bells and whistles befitting of such a vintage vehicle. The Gagans also house a vintage Corvette and a few beautiful Bentleys in their six-car garage. Family Time During the years, the Gagans have purchased several properties, most recently homes for two of their children who, with their spouses, are also Members at BIGHORN. The Gagans spend a lot of time at BIGHORN with their family, including their oldest son Jack and their granddaughter Taylor, participating in everything from playing bocce ball to attending concerts, fundraisers and dining at all of BIGHORN’s restaurants and dining venues. In 2009, the Gagans completed their 12,000 sf home on Suuwat Way. Designed and built by Fedderly & Associates, the home reflects the casual lifestyle the Gagans enjoy: open indoor/ outdoor living, spacious dining room, high-performance kitchen with comfortable banquette, great room with pocket sliders opening to barbecue bar, infinity-edge pool, firepit lounge, putting green and limitless down-valley and mountain views. Jim and his dog, Jesse, often sit out at the firepit lounge enjoying the views of sky, mountains and valley as a group of golfers play the Mountains 12th hole. Inside an elongated bar fills the conservatory where the family plays card games or retreats to the in-home theatre. In addition to the separate his/her offices, the master bed and bath is spa-inspired with colorful textural artwork adorning the walls. A stairway and elevator allow access to the guest rooms above and garages below. But it’s the courtyard entertainment patio with water feature and fireplace where the couple spends their evenings relaxing, sharing stories and, of course, enjoying Jim Gagan’s jokes. “BIGHORN is an incredible place filled with incredible people,” shares Gagan. “It’s an honor to be a part of something so magical. If you aren’t here, you’re missing out!”
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Staying Ahead of the Curve Those who have discovered BIGHORN know that it is truly an extraordinary place. It invites a serene escape from the world beyond, with its breathtaking landscape and award-winning homes where Members retreat to revitalize and to experience the pleasures of an exceptional and vibrant lifestyle. Initially visitors are drawn to BIGHORN by its remarkable reputation. The Club’s two championship 18s, manicured daily to tournament-quality perfection, have played host to the greats of the game and to 12 international tournaments. In addition to the Arthur Hills-designed Mountains course and the Tom Faziodesigned Canyons course, Members develop their game through the knowledge and expertise of six professional Instructors, including a Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor, in BIGHORN’s High-Performance Learning Center. With an emphasis on family enjoyment, BIGHORN youngsters also pursue the pleasures of the game through Top 50-ranked golf instruction, games and interclub competitions. In addition to golf, the BIGHORN tennis program offers private lessons, an annual tennis championship, and more than 150 complimentary clinics throughout the season. And for
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By Lisa Marie Hart Photography by Mark Davidson
the latest high-end equipment, attire and service, Members visit the Golf Shop, selected by Golf World as one of the country’s Top 100 Golf Shops and Top 25 Private Club Shops for a consecutive twelve years. Golf and tennis aren’t the only passions Members share. BIGHORN’s world-class Spa and Wellness Center, with a newly renovated Fitness Center, provides nearly limitless opportunities to look, feel and live well. The Center combines striking architecture with state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained staff, all dedicated to the health and beauty of the BIGHORN community. The Spa features nourishing body treatments and facials, energizing fitness classes that range from zumba to pilates stretch to yoga, and a full-service salon. A Medical Aesthetics program was recently added to the Spa & Wellness Center, earning a tremendously positive response from Members. BIGHORN Members celebrate life with relaxed ease off the golf course and out of the Fitness Center. The Club offers a variety of dining options and event locations throughout the property.
The 40,000 sf Clubhouse features five different venues, including the Ladies’ and Men’s Locker Rooms, the Clubhouse Dining Room, The Pour House, and poolside dining for up to 500 guests. For evening entertaining Members enjoy the Canyons Steak House with its classic cuisine and panoramic, down-valley views. The Marketplace, conveniently located adjacent to the Kiddin’ Around play park and one of two dog parks, provides its own multitude of options, from a Starbucks and Internet Café, a frozen yogurt and ice cream stand, Juicing and Smoothie bar, pizza pick-up, artisan groceries and even a dry cleaning service. Members’ private, club-catered events exceeded 200 parties in 2013, in addition to 100 Club-sponsored Member events. Through the Club’s interactive Member-Only Website, Custom Phone App and Weekly Email Blasts, Members are alerted to upcoming events and activities with the simple touch of a button or keypad. “I love touring guests on the property,” says Membership Director Mike Grenier. “They begin with all kinds of expectations and within 15 minutes they’re astonished by the vigorous and friendly lifestyle, and they start imagining themselves here. When they consider that since 2009 all of the facilities are now owned by
the Club, plus we’ve never had an assessment, and we operate entirely in the black with additional funds in reserve, they realize that BIGHORN is not just a lifestyle – it’s a solid investment on which to buy and build.” Other amenities include first-class ground and air transport, business and concierge services, and MedJet Assist membership – and the list is always growing! “BIGHORN’s vision involves consistent maintenance and renovation, giving us the appeal of a brand new, state-of-the-art residential community, even though we are a well-established Club,” says BIGHORN Vice President of Development, Carl Cardinalli. Located just minutes from the desert’s sparkling array of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, BIGHORN is about more than reputation. The real power of the Club flows from a relaxed and enduring state of living in a private, protected, vital community among a myriad of spectacular amenities. To experience the unique magic of BIGHORN, please contact Mike Grenier, Membership Director at (760) 341-4653 or visit www.bighorngolf.com/membership.
Membership Director Mike Grenier with Membership Relations Director Alan Skuba.
Private Transportation Coordinator Carol Tufaro.
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Artistic Balance By Theresa Maggio
Photography by Mark Davidson and Pat Lassy
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Debi and Jeff Aarthun married 34 years ago after working together at a division of Xerox, and their dynamic partnership has inspired tremendous personal and professional success ever since. Twenty-four years ago they created Aarthun Performance Group, a breakthrough organization that builds teams, improves profits, and maximizes value for leading Fortune 500 companies. The company is founded upon the Aarthuns’ keen understanding of business and their passionate commitment to individuals and corporations who create businesses around the world. “We saw companies struggling to take their sales performance to a new level,” explains CEO Jeff Aarthun. “But that new level is predicated on salespeople being better business people, and we know through experience that when you improve the financial intelligence of your sales team, everything changes. They begin to grasp clearly how they can improve the profitability of their own company and their customers’ company. Everybody wins! But to do this, they need to understand the language of finance.”
Aarthun Performance Group teaches financial literacy through a variety of methodologies, including The Profit Specialist® System, a globally recognized, customized business simulation tool designed to help salespeople understand their company’s and customer’s financial drivers. From the beginning, the Aarthuns realized that knowledgeable employees who feel invested in their efforts produce high-level, measurable results. The APG approach has proven time and again that a truly customized training program develops an intelligent and engaged staff. This leads to virtually limitless possibility for growth within an organization, benefitting everyone. “When your staff believes in the big picture,” advises CEO Jeff Aarthun, “it’s like seeing your entire company joining in on a big ‘wave,’ cheering each division on for the entire success of the team.” Aarthun Performance Group has been successfully working with Fortune 500 companies for 33 years, and in 2003 when Debi and Jeff were ready to relax and enjoy their accomplishments,
Above: Debi and Jeff are joined by Grace, Annie and their cat, Tiger, in their spectacular family room. Below: The couple’s active lifestyle keeps them involved in fitness and philanthropy while enjoying BIGHORN’s entertaining events.
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they discovered BIGHORN. “My dad lives in Rancho Mirage,” noted Debi, “so every time we came to visit we would look around.” In May of 2003, Debi saw an article in Estates West about a beautiful BIGHORN home before they met Lorna Ball, Broker Associate with BIGHORN Properties. Together the group explored a variety of homes, finally arriving at a Gold Nugget Award winner on Mesquite Hills, where Debi fell in love with the fabulous gourmet kitchen and they immediately purchased the home. The guests began to flow in!
and lunch there every day! It’s super casual, convenient and the 280-degree views overlooking the driving range, Santa Rosas and down valley are not to be believed!”
“We love everything about BIGHORN,” Jeff affirms. “Our favorite place to eat is the Canyons’ Golf House. I could eat breakfast
The Aarthuns host two annual events that family and friends happily fly in for: the Christmas/New Year holiday week, and their
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“Our dogs love the Golf House’s To Go window,” Debi laughs. “When we are walking on property they follow the scent of bacon to the Golf House and beg for their reward.” The friendly staff knows Annie and Gracie, the Aarthuns’ golden retrievers well, and look forward to their visits.
sensational Kentucky Derby Party. “When we have visitors, our first stop is the Golf House,” Jeff shares. “Followed by some golf, tennis, Spa visits, working out in the Fitness Center and of course an evening at the Canyons Steak House. The food is excellent at the Canyons and our friends ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at the dramatic views. Plus the staff makes us feel like rock stars.” “Jeff never fills up a gas tank while he’s in the desert,” teases Debi. “He flies in, grabs his golf cart complete with clubs and racquet and he’s off!” Six years ago, Debi was walking with a friend one afternoon before a custom home party, and the two ducked into the home on Lantana View. She was instantly overwhelmed with its warm, rustic accents and relaxed designer furnishings. The more they looked around, the more she realized that the bedrooms were just the right size for their needs, and the office provided the perfect setting for directing business from home. “And the views,” she extolled. “Holy cow!” The home’s elevated views allowed them to see the Canyons course 2nd hole, a palm tree grove and meandering stream, as well as the Santa Rosa and Chocolate mountain ranges and the twinkling lights of the valley below. She and Jeff attended the party that night and within a few days they were in escrow. The home reminded them of their Park City summer house. Debi loves flowers and fills the rooms with her favorite fresh-cut and succulent varieties, which lend a vibrant dimension to the couple’s display of artful treasures and photos of their dogs and 18-year-old cat, Tiger. It’s the Steinway grand piano that excites Jeff! Transforming the formal dining room into his conservatory, Jeff takes to the piano
daily, relieving stress by playing everything from “The Phantom” to classic Journey, jazz standards and ballads by Adele. Debi presented him with the Steinway as a gift after Jeff started playing on a standard piano and she realized how much he loved it. So how does the couple mix business with pleasure? “Easily,” smiles Debi. “APG maintains a long-standing senior staff who manages our day-to-day efforts. We get up early, work with clients on the East coast through webinars and Skype, check in with staff, and Jeff travels in and out of the desert very easily to meet with clients on both coasts. Living and working at BIGHORN allows us to work how we love to work and live how we love to live!” While Jeff is off playing golf and tennis, Debi’s passion for business complements her service for BIGHORN’s Behind A Miracle, a non-profit entity supporting breast cancer patients. Debi lost her mother to breast cancer in 1991, when mammograms were not widely promoted. Her two sisters are also survivors and support BAM’s efforts. “My mom didn’t live long enough to see our successes or meet her grandbabies,” shares Debi. “BAM gives me the opportunity to honor her memory and fundraise for the 25,000 patients Eisenhower Medical Center serves annually, and for families who are financially strapped from treatment costs and can’t buy groceries or pay their bills.” The couple has also built two Habitat for Humanity homes in Houston and one in Park City, as well as constructing a Sunday School in Houston, and mentoring teens as youth directors. As Debi emphasizes, “Living at BIGHORN brings a gracious balance to our lives allowing us to work and play passionately, enjoying every moment!”
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Strokes of Genius
Photography by Pat Lassy
On a daily basis, teens take to the links for golf clinics with Junior Golf Director, Bill Madonna. Golf is a sport that teaches the individual such honorable traits as integrity, sportsmanship and respect. With this in mind, BIGHORN’s Junior Golf Program was specifically designed to challenge and engage young children in a sport that enhances their best qualities while helping to weave another layer into the close-knit community of families that continues to grow at BIGHORN. Thirty Members’ kids are full-time participants of the program each season, while over 100 kids and grandkids engage in organized junior events throughout the year. Madonna includes unlimited, complimentary instruction for Junior Program Members and organizes multiple team and individual competitions and challenges each season. “BIGHORN’s Junior Golf Program has helped me grow my passion for golf,” shares Taylor Boylan. “Bill has always found a way to
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Juniors golfers take on limitless possiblities
make golf fun, which has inspired me to improve my game. For years, patience has been key, and the mixture of games and drills has kept me entertained and excited about golf. I’ve developed a golf game that allows me to go to amazing places and meet interesting people that I wouldn’t have met if I didn’t play golf. As I continue to improve, I know I will be challenged and motivated by the Junior Golf Program.” Based on the enthusiastic response to this program, Bill Madonna has since been named by US KIDS Golf as one of the Top 50 Kids’ Teachers in America. BIGHORN’s Junior Program is now a model of success for other private golf communities and it shines as a central jewel in the treasure chest of luxuries that make up the BIGHORN lifestyle. For more information regarding BIGHORN’s Junior Golf Program, visit www.bighorngolf.com/Junior-Golf.
Grand Slam
By Lisa Marie Hart Photography by Mark Davidson and Pat Lassy
The talented tennis set at BIGHORN is changing the face of our tennis program as they continue to bring their A-game! We just celebrated our most competitive season yet! Record numbers in the weekly clinics, increased play, and a shift from instruction to skill-sharpening drills all culminated in the most competitive club championship tournaments that we have had to date. Phenomenal in-house Tennis Pros Dan Aubuchon, Director of Tennis, and Tom Moore take an active approach and continue to tailor the tennis offerings at BIGHORN to Members’ specific needs. Beginners, pros, seniors and budding young juniors alike are learning new techniques, finding their style and rhythm and enjoying the spirited social setting of being matched with enthusiastic players of similar ability. A number of new Members – many who are avid and excellent tennis players – have recently brought an increased energy and 74
improved skill level to the program. Now more than 100 active members enjoy five complimentary clinics a week, lessons with two of the best Tennis Pros and plenty of court time to meet compatible Members who help hone important skills match by match. No wonder we’ve heard through the grapevine that the tennis facilities, instructional team and complimentary social opportunities through the BIGHORN tennis program were among the compelling reasons some Members make their homes here.
Dan’s Tennis Tip From Dan Aubuchon, Director of Tennis
Your cardio tennis workout starts on BIGHORN’s three standard courts and one ClayTech court, which is easier on muscles and joints and keeps the ball in play longer. This season you’ll notice the tennis clinics have evolved into a drill-and-play program. “This change toward more play and less instruction came about because of the increased size of the group, the wide range of ability levels, and the Members’ desire to play more matches,” Dan says. “We’ll begin with drills that will warm up and challenge players of any ability level. I am a big believer in drills that teach us the habits and skills that are necessary to become a more accomplished player.” Take your game to the next level on the combination sports/tennis courts, workout with the ball machine, rally with a friend or take a personalized lesson. The action is heating up and the 2014 tournaments are set to sizzle with excitement! For more information, call (760) 610-8412 or visit www.bighorngolf.com/Tennis.
The area for the greatest impact is right at the beginning of every game with the serve and the return of serve. Anything can happen after these two shots. If you’re interested in winning more games, sets and matches, focus on serving and develop a great return. We see pros hitting amazingly fast serves and think that if we bomb away with all our strength the serve will work for us. The old saying in tennis is very true: you are only as good as your second serve! To improve your ability to win service games, get more first serves in and improve the speed and accuracy of your second serve. Serves should be about rhythm, relaxation, and accuracy. The return of serve is not just a regular groundstroke; it’s a chance to take away the offensive advantage of the server. Learn to hit the return with a more compact swing, with very little backswing and almost no follow through. Good servers hate to play against opponents who get every return back in play. Make the server earn all the points with shots other than the serve. You will see many more break opportunities, and you will win a lot more games on your opponent’s serve.
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107 Kawish Court
BIGHORN Is All Your We Do!Dream Team! Photography by Mark Davidson
Do you dream in color? Imagine 360-degree views of emerald green fairways, blue skies and rugged mountains from your ultimate dream home. Your architectural style, your way of living, everything that is important to you.
Elevated 1,100 feet above the sparkling lights of the Coachella Valley, BIGHORN stands majestic. Hosting a rare diversity of views and space to accommodate your home, BIGHORN offers distinctive properties on the world-renowned Canyons course plus our one-of-a-kind, signature Mountain Estates overlooking the world. Seize this limited opportunity to build a legacy – and become part of a community of homeowners who live comfortably in award-winning architectural masterpieces, in a magnificent environment of service excellence and who enjoy an unparalleled way of life.
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When looking for the perfect homesite, custom residence or comfortable villa, your solution is simple... BIGHORN Properties!
An unmatched resource since its inception in 1990, BIGHORN Properties is open seven days a week, all year, to service listing clients and accommodate prospective buyers at a moment’s notice. Only BIGHORN Properties can explain BIGHORN’s rich history and paint the picture of the reality of being a Member of the BIGHORN community. And only BIGHORN Properties can provide prospective owners and Members with immediate access to all private amenities, showing firsthand BIGHORN’s unique lifestyle. Four professional sales associates with long time, established relationships with BIGHORN’s owners and who average over 17 years experience at BIGHORN are led by Carl Cardinalli, Director
107 Tekis Place
of Sales, with 23 years at BIGHORN. This “up front” group is supported by an escrow coordinator, office manager, notary, stagers, assistants and a receptionist as well as a dedicated, on-site marketing department. An additional 315 BIGHORN associates work collaboratively to ensure every Member and guest enjoy every moment.
908 Andreas Canyon
This fully equipped office has participated in 96% of all property sales since BIGHORN’s inception. This is not by accident, but by effort and focus. The team has a full understanding inside the vision of BIGHORN, detailed knowledge of every facet of its properties, and, equally important, of every facet of BIGHORN’s community and Club. It is no wonder that BIGHORN Properties has successfully negotiated and closed over $2.2 billion in real estate sales. BIGHORN Properties is dedicated to One Lifestyle, One Community, One Club... Yours! For more information on BIGHORN’s collection of spectacular custom homesites, please call BIGHORN Properties at (800) 551-5578 or visit www.bighorngolf.com/BighornProperties. 208 Palm Ridge
Palm Springs Life magazine featured the Top 6 Homes Sold in 2012 in their May 2013 issue. BIGHORN had the #1 and #2 properties to top the list! BIGHORN Properties lends their incredible expertise when spec homes are constructed. This successful collaboration has led to over $2.2 billion in sales.
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Now That’s Amore!
Written by Theresa Maggio Photography by Mark Davidson, Mark Karlstrom & Pat Lassy
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Pam and Peter Mcllroy are blissfully happy in their gorgeous Mediterranean home, located on one of the elevated Mountains Estate lots in BIGHORN. But then, how could anyone not be swept away by this 12,300 sf villa that offers 360-degree views, embraced by the Santa Rosa Mountains, and overlooking the twinkling lights of the valley below. Especially when considering the fact that this stunning property is located within one of the most prestigious and entertaining residential clubs in the world. Pam and Peter have been married for 47 years. They also own homes in Florida and in Pittsburgh where their family business, Robroy Industries, is located. This dynamic couple, who met and fell in love in high school, enjoys antiquing and gallery shopping to add to their collections. In fact, almost four years ago, while browsing along El Paseo and struggling to find a new piece for their former desert home, Pam and Peter realized that what they really wanted to do was look at real estate. “We had heard about BIGHORN’s wonderful reputation and were just three miles away, so we hopped in our car and ran up the road,” jokes Peter. “Jacquie Burns with BIGHORN Properties showed us a wide variety of homes within the community and we simply fell in love with everything about BIGHORN. We knew we had to be here!”
What the couple discovered was more than exquisite real estate. “BIGHORN has a spirited, casual culture that reminds you of being at summer camp,” grins Peter. “You can be as active as you want while enjoying the company of a wide variety of Members. During season the club features continuous events as well as an easy-going lifestyle.” The Mcllroys first purchased a 1.5 acre estate on the Mountains course. Their home was elevated above rambling grounds and the couple had fun adding their own special touches to the home, especially to the landscaping where they built a dramatic waterfall feature and putting green. Since the Mcllroys love to spend time outside enjoying their morning coffee, then meeting up again before venturing out or welcoming friends for dinner, this home provided the ideal environment: a tranquil setting and a blank canvas for them to decorate with their incredible art collection. But it was the prime location of their first BIGHORN home that developed their daily routine, since it was only 100 yards from The Marketplace and in close proximity to the Clubhouse, Spa & Wellness Center, and especially the tennis courts!
Pam and Peter transformed their first BIGHORN home, 101 Wanish Place, by integrating one of the most innovative landscaping designs within the community.
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Then, in December 2012, Pam and Peter endeavored to create a new desert home. Their agent Jacquie described a new residence just as the listing agreement was finalized; the couple toured the property and fell in love all over again. Just up the street from their first property, the “Bougainvillea Home” truly captured Pam’s and Peter’s spirit. “The dense, beautiful landscaping is elegantly wrapped around this Mediterranean estate and the views are absolutely stunning! We immediately began transporting our treasures to our new home, having so much fun decorating every nook,” confesses Pam. Within months, the Mcllroys and their friends at Maison Felice had the estate perfected with charm and style, setting the happy couple at ease once again, sipping coffee in their favorite swing, and overlooking the Coachella Valley below.
The list of favorite things to do at BIGHORN begins with both tennis and golf for this happy, active couple. “We have made so many friends by joining the tennis program at BIGHORN,” Peter shares. “The Members who live here are very interesting and come from many walks of life; we really enjoy spending time with them.” A typical day at BIGHORN for the Mcllroys begins with donning tennis shoes and walking their friendly dog, Bentley, to The Marketplace for oatmeal, fresh fruit and a Starbucks or two. Upon returning home they share an oversized swing and discuss the activities of the day, which typically include tennis or golf with friends, a complimentary fitness class or working out at the Spa & Wellness Center, visiting friends at the Dog Park, and shopping on El Paseo. For dinner, they either join friends at the Canyons Steak House or The Pour House, or they invite two to three couples to their home for dinner. Enjoying their billiards room after dinner, friends gather around the karaoke machine, play pool, or watch concerts in their state-of-the-art theatre. In Peter’s words, “Listening to concerts in the theatre is actually better than being there in person!” Semi-retired from the family business, Robroy Industries, Peter is in the process of transitioning the management of the company to his sons, the fourth generation. He is especially proud that their 108-year-old company still manufactures all of their products within the U.S. A close-knit family in both business and personal life, the Mcllroys – Pam and Peter, their two sons and daughters-in-law plus six grandchildren – love to gather with extended family to vacation and celebrate the summer.
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Celebrate In Style
By lisa Marie hart Photography by Mark Davidson, Pat lassy & Scott A. nelson 84
Everyone has their next big event in mind, forming detail by detail, yet waiting patiently for the perfect timing. It’s hiding out there with your ideas for writing a book, redesigning the master suite and great inventions you wish someone would create. But the special event you can’t wait to plan doesn’t need to rest another minute to begin its stylish journey to perfection. BIGHORN’s visionary Catering team is ready right now, today, to bring your event into the daylight and give it wings to fly. Your guests are going to love you for it! Whether you’ve sketched out a full-blown décor scheme for a lush fairway wedding ceremony and five-course reception, or have only a vague notion that you’d like to surprise a few friends for an entertaining dinner party, BIGHORN Catering can take over from phone call to fruition. BIGHORN Catering orchestrates a vast array of sensational celebrations each year and had their best season last year, masterfully staging more than 300 unique events. With Catering Director Joe DeNovi leading the charge, your anticipated event is guaranteed to be smoothly executed, seamless in flow and special enough to leave you speechless. “Our focus is to allow the host and hostess the opportunity to enjoy their own
party,” shares DeNovi, party expert of over 20 years. “If you’re short on time or wondering if we can put together the right event with a quick turnaround, we specialize in ‘YES!’” Explore just a few of the possibilities, each a way to let BIGHORN Catering exceed your grandest expectations, from sensational decor and spectacular entertainment to fabulous fare and impeccable service. BIGHORN’s relationships with premium vendors, furniture and décor rentals and specialists add layers of memorable details that the Catering team skillfully manages on your behalf. Once your inspiration hits, one phone call with our talented staff will set the ball in motion. Whether you want to be an integral part of each personalized element or are delighted to hand the reigns over, BIGHORN will take the stress out of artful entertaining, giving you more time to savor with family and friends. BIGHORN Catering’s supreme balance of unparalleled service and creativity elevates any function to phenomenal! Relax – your event will be in the best of hands. It’s time to let the party begin!
Puttin g on the finishin g touches
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An Effortless Family Thanksgiving: Give yourselves a year off from shopping, prepping, transforming the dining room and checking on that golden bird. BIGHORN loves to head up your feast, from centerpieces to fully stocked bars, complete with your choice of homestyle sides or eclectic autumn dishes made from local ingredients.
All season long, BIGHORN loves to party! “We’ll take your idea and run with it!” says Catering Director Joe DeNovi. “We’re here to do the heavy lifting and ensure you never worry about a single detail.” BIGHORN Catering specializes in a wide array of events including: Wedding Celebrations: Elegant florals float in the pool while custom lighting and glittering chandeliers shimmer under a moonlit sky. A team of photographers capture the moments while BIGHORN Catering rolls out fresh California cuisine that precedes a big band for dancing and a club-style DJ for the after party. The stellar team will even coordinate the limo, valet parking, invitations (and addressing them), place cards, party favors and custom-embroidered gifts for the bridal party!
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Wine Flight Night: With a world-class wine selection and professional servers, BIGHORN will design a one-evening event or a series of savvy get-togethers themed by grape or regions.
Kids Birthday Hike and a Scavenger Hunt Adventure: Reward their hard work with gourmet cupcakes and strawberry lemonade. Round out the afternoon with a poolside picnic, balloon art, a bounce house and a kid-approved dance party.
Fly in the VIPs: Business meets pleasure when you host a private party for your company executives. Whether you’re pairing it with a summary meeting or just want to relax after a record-breaking quarter, BIGHORN knows how to cater to distinguished clientele, right down to the welcome gifts that bear the company logo. Follow a friendly golf outing with a private dinner at Canyons Steakhouse, then relax back home with cigars, signature cocktails and a talented bartender. Ladies’ Post-Tennis Luncheons or Girls’ Night In: Kick off the season by rounding up the BIGHORN women you’ve missed most. New memories, old stories and good laughs are yours to enjoy while BIGHORN chefs work behind-the-scenes. A tailored menu of your special requests paired with skinny cocktails, chic floral décor and a clever personalized favor or spa-themed goodie bag.
Your Parents’ Big Anniversary or a Celebratory Birthday: Linens, flowers, cake and candlelight... BIGHORN Catering and their gracious staff help you pull out all the stops to celebrate Mom and Dad’s lifelong love among family and friends. Choose a plated affair or a sumptuous buffet, accompanied by a live trio or classical guitar. The most important and toughest part of any event is usually the clean-up. BIGHORN Catering handles your special event down to the very last detail, thrilling homeowners with a house that looks even better than before the guests arrived!
Every Dog Has His Day at the Dog Park: Whether your best furry friend has a birthday coming up or simply loves to see all his pals at the Dog Park, BIGHORN Catering says: “You dream it, we execute!” Add baked goods, fresh fruit and Starbucks coffees for the adults while the pups romp and play. How about a professional photographer to capture candid shots and outdoor pet-and-owner portraits?
Western Barbecues or Mexican Fiestas: Jet your theme to the top in the exotic hideaway that is BIGHORN’s natural Oasis. Legends Frank Sinatra and Gene Autry brought their sweethearts here on horseback way back when.
For more information, contact Catering Director Joe DeNovi at (760) 610-8292.
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Envisioning the Possibilities Discovering a remarkable footprint is crucial to pursuing a remarkable remodel, one that inspires the creation of an ultimate dream home. It’s the footprint, or architectural foundation, and the location of their residence that led Barbara and Woody Stuart to recreate their ideal home. “We fell in love with the spectacular mountain and down-valley views as well as the opportunity to add a theatre, a gym and a wine room within such an innovative floorplan, and in a location that allows us to access everything without traveling too far,” explains Woody.
By Joanna Beresford Photography by Mark Davidson
and poured solid Terrazzo floors in a harmonious pattern throughout the interiors and exteriors. They restained all the wood paneling in the office opting for a richer texture to complement their artwork. A temperature-controlled wine room was added by converting an expansive and under-utilized laundry space. Then they transformed two guest rooms into a gym and the home theatre that Woody has always imagined.
The couple hired highly acclaimed Beverly Hills designer Mark Enos to incorporate changes they envisioned and to reflect their personalities throughout the new design. Enos, whose work is often featured in Architectural Digest and Dwell magazines, has remodeled several family homes for the Stuarts and brought a keen designer’s instinct to their particular tastes and lifestyle. Focusing on a sophisticated, elegant palette reminiscent of the graceful homes found in San Francisco, the Stuarts went to work selecting wall treatments, approving drawings and integrating their extensive art collection. They removed all existing flooring 88
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The master suite features panoramic windows leading out to breathtaking views. Below: The spectacular office underwent a warmer stain treatment and rich furnishings making this a more creative environment for the homeowners.
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The grandest renovations took place in the living room, the focal point of the residence, where exotic Koa wood measuring 11’ wide now enhances the fireplace wall and custom art niches in order to showcase the couple’s incredible assortment of treasures. They even lowered the ceilings to deepen the sense of warmth and quiet drama in the home. Enveloping the gorgeous living room are curved gallery walls specially created with an exposed suede treatment and custom lighting used to display an exquisite collection of Edgar Payne and Paul Grimm plein air paintings.
In addition the kitchen was completely redone. And a revamped great room bar provides for effortless entertaining, leading to an outdoor living room that was added along the eastern border with extended lawn and landscaping. The singular lines of the dining room remain, however the ceiling was refashioned to reprise the theme of the living room, even incorporating one of the same classic chandeliers. Beyond French doors, a soaring water feature was created to provide the Stuarts and their guests with the tranquil sounds of water streaming down. After
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“We are so happy with our new home,” says Woody, with a grin of pure satisfaction. “Now we can really enjoy all the things we love to do – play golf, dine with friends, entertain, and of course, spend time with our rescue dog, Katie.”
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Modernizing a traditional Tuscan home is easy when you have the right team on board, and for 131 Netas Drive, that included Jennifer Wilhelmson and Kristi Hanson of KWH Designs as well as some established developers who understand the property. While the original architectural lines remain the same, this creative team focused on lightening the overall space, incorporating rich textures, adding sophisticated lighting and completely revamping the backyard and pool. The results are outstanding!
“The footprint of this home was solid allowing our imaginations to run wild,” says designer Jennifer Wilhelmson. “We immediately began painting, added a wet bar to the great room and purchased soothing creams and blues for the furniture to invite the spectacular views indoors.” The earthy colors are a refreshing blend of spring neutrals and the room is filled with lush green succulents from Lotus Garden Center. The addition of live plants adds to the radiant, nurturing nature of the space. The team maintained the structural bones of the kitchen but introduced breathtaking new details, by incorporating a mosaic tile backsplash, professional glass refrigerator, custom island, silver drum chandelier and bright green apple by artist Christian Guenther.
Sophisticated lighting throughout the home modernized its traditionally Tuscan roots.
The dining room footprint also remained, preserving the arched, university-style windows that open to romantic courtyard views and a water feature. A handsome oversized wood table was added and a sparkling chandelier. But the smartest change was taking a simple closet that lay across from the dining room and transforming it into a glass, temperature-controlled wine room that completes the new interactive space. 91
The master suite received a full makeover that included replacing carpet, adding a luxurious custom wall treatment, creating a pin-tucked headboard with custom linens, beautiful lighting, and light designer furnishings. The master bath also received a spa treatment that involved changing out the shower tiles, bathtub and adding glittery pendant lighting. Before
Throughout the home many design touches were added to each of the guest bedrooms and baths, making the entire residence feel like a brand new home. The home’s exterior makeover was the grand finale. The outdoor living room enjoyed some refreshing, but the largest change involved the complete removal of the former pool and the addition of a sleek and sophisticated lap pool. “The simple style of the new pool modernized the home and allowed us to extend the patio making it a real entertaining area,” explains co-developer Dave McFarland. “We even added a firepit lounge, the perfect location for the owners to watch the sun set every evening.” The 131 Netas residence now embodies more than ever the extraordinary comfort and beauty of the desert lifestyle and, in particular, the BIGORN Golf Club experience.
For more information on luxury real estate, please call BIGHORN Properties at (800) 551-5578 or visit www.bighorngolf.com/BighornProperties.
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A small kidney-shaped pool was replaced with a sleek, modern lap pool, along with an increased entertainment patio.
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Full Service | Design Firm Architecture | Interiors | Planning | Leed-Ap 72-185 Painters Path - Suite A - Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.776.4068 office • www.kristihanson.com
Written by Lisa Marie Hart Photography by Mark Davidson, Pat Lassy and Shannon Wilsey
philanthro py touches lives and brightens futures
BIGHORN BAM Breast Cancer donors raised $770,000 last season. Below: BIGHORN Golf Club Charities’ Holiday Toy Drive brings smiles to 200 children.
We do so much in one day at BIGHORN. Yet the sweetest part might be what our Members do for others – and these deeds are often the least seen or talked about. As customarily humble as they may be, BIGHORN Members have a strong history of banding together to support a wide variety of Coachella Valley non-profits that focus on improving the lives of those around us. Year after year, careers have been born and blossomed thanks to educational scholarships, families have been encouraged by the support of wellness services, and less fortunate children have received the holiday toys of their dreams. Each season brings new excitement to BIGHORN with a host of charitable landmark events that remind us all of what the cooperative power of our philanthropic efforts can do. 95
BIGHORN BAM Transportation Saves Lives, Ensures Treatment for Everyone BIGHORN Behind A Miracle (BAM) is dedicated to providing the critical funding needed to help in the diagnosis, treatment, research, services and education for those affected by breast cancer. Last season, inspired to save the lives of Coachella Valley cancer patients, BIGHORN BAM staged a five-month fundraising campaign that raised over $770,000 for patient support services, breast cancer diagnostic technologies and funds for patients experiencing a financial burden. Over the past six years, they’ve tallied an astounding $3.3 million! BAM’s high-profile events combine spirited fun with serious fundraising – from A Miracle on El Paseo to the Launch Party with silent auction – have made it one of the most successful charities in the area.
Those who have gone through a breast cancer diagnosis with a family member are especially heartened to hear about a program at Eisenhower Medical Center that was made possible through the generosity of BIGHORN BAM. Eisenhower’s program provides genetic counseling with the only Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) in the Coachella Valley. Using NCCN Guidelines, the Genetic Counselor educates physicians and provides genetic testing and counseling to the community. After a physician’s referral, the CGC pre-screens patients, determines potential need for genetic testing and obtains a family history. At-risk patients receive genetic testing so they can review their choices with their family members, physician and the counselor.
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“BIGHORN BAM has transformed breast care and diagnostic capabilities at Eisenhower,” says Betty Wolf, Vice President, Eisenhower Foundation. “Every one of the 25,000 breast care patients who arrives at an Eisenhower Schnitzer/Novack Breast Center comes in contact with a state-of-the-art technology provided by BAM.” Eisenhower doctors often refer to the “BIGHORN angels,” those who have supported their cancer patients through the gifts of specialized equipment, services, and, not least of all, the kindness of strangers.
The BAM-supported transportation service is one of the organization’s most compassionate and far-reaching accomplishments to date. Eight years ago, when BIGHORN BAM Founder Selby Dunham was undergoing radiation treatment, she befriended a woman named “Alice” who was also undergoing treatment. The next day when she didn’t see Alice, the radiation therapist told Selby that she had missed her bus. Selby immediately decided to help patients like Alice keep their appointments for treatment. Beginning with BIGHORN BAM’s Cash for Caddies Auction, where caddies are auctioned off for the next day’s golf tournament, Selby began her fundraising. The crucial cancerpatient transportation service that resulted not only helps patients to recover faster and alleviates the need to rely on the bus, a cab or family members for a ride, it even saves lives by enabling a consistent treatment schedule. As of April 2013, more than 7,500 round-trips have been given to chemotherapy and radiation patients, patients like Alice who are sure they’ll receive the care and comfort that they need to heal. “Our transportation company becomes part of the patient’s support system, becoming part of their family,” shares Selby. “Knowing that we help so many people is exhilarating!”
BIGHORN BAM’s A Miracle on El Paseo is hosted by Fred Fern and The Shops on El Paseo
BGCC Veterans Center Educates 400 Families BIGHORN Golf Club Charities (BGCC) has the gift of education at its heart. Over the last eight years, this highly active non-profit has awarded 300 scholarships to worthy, hardworking students attending community college, technical schools, four-year universities and graduate programs. It has also partnered with College of the Desert to offer English as a Second Language classes to BIGHORN employees who are eager to learn. The sight of 300 presents under BGCC’s Giving Tree represents the true and selfless magic of the holidays each year during the Winter Holiday Toy Drive. Coachella Valley’s neediest families and local foster children, along with select BIGHORN employees facing financial struggles, receive remarkable donations of bikes and scooters, gift cards, teddy bears, sports balls, games, art supplies and other new toys. Fresh in the minds of many is a recent BGCC moment of triumph. A Palm Desert ribboncutting in October 2012 marked the opening of BIGHORN Golf Club Charities Veterans Resource Center at College of the Desert. BIGHORN Golf Club Charities donated $150,000 to help fund design, construction, furniture, fixtures and technology for the 1,000 sf, full-service facility for veterans. Now, 400 military veterans and their families have access to career and psychological counseling along with computer technology to launch them forward into their new lives.
BIGHORN Educational Opportunities Success Stories Meet Mayra Orozco Now Nearly every BIGHORN Member can recall a smile or two from Mayra Orozco. More than seven years ago she was attending College of the Desert when she started as a friendly Ladies’ Locker Room Attendant. After her first year, she applied for a BIGHORN Golf Club Charities scholarship and has been a recipient each semester for the past six years. Working hard both in her next position as a server at The Pour House and in school, Mayra graduated from COD and just received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Cal State San Bernardino. Now you’ll find her smiles behind-the-scenes in a promotion to Payroll in the Human Resources Department, a perfect fit for her newfound skill set. “I couldn’t have done this without BIGHORN,” she says. “The faith everyone has put in me makes me stronger; the Members and the staff have been so supportive.” “One of the primary issues facing combat veterans is the social isolation they feel when they return,” said Jim Hummer, Assistant to the President/Executive Director of COD Foundation. “Many veterans have difficulty adjusting to civilian life, much less adjusting to the academic rigor and social atmosphere of an active college campus.” The resource center provides a safe and welcoming environment where they learn about VA benefits, explore academic opportunities, and find peer to peer camaraderie.
BGCC ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE: Total COD, Community College & Trade School Scholarships ............................... 153 4-Year University & Graduate Scholarships................. 153 English as a Second Language Scholarships.................. 35 Holiday Tree Donation Program .............................. 1,200 (gifts to children over the past 6 years)
Just a few of the 300 BIGHORN Golf Club Charities Scholarship Recipients: Viktor Kustic in Privacy, Mayra Orozco in Human Resources, Patti Babrowski H.R. Director, Veronica Noriega Maintenance Electrician and Adrian Pos in Privacy.
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BIGHORN Educational Opportunities Success Stories
Meet Amber Wiskow Now Homeowner’s Association Coordinator Sue Babington has worked for BIGHORN since her daughter, Amber, was 18 months old. That’s quite a career, considering that little baby girl is all grown up and has recently become a registered nurse. It was BIGHORN’s Human Resource Director who suggested to Sue that Amber apply for a scholarship. A grateful Amber attended the nursing program at COD before transferring to Cal State San Bernardino to finish her bachelor’s degree. “Without the help of BIGHORN Golf Club Charities, I would not have had the funds to accomplish getting my degree,” she says. “Thank you so much for making my dreams come true!”
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Valley-Wide Support of Wellness, the Arts and More BIGHORN BAM is one of the largest single private fundraisers benefiting Eisenhower Medical Center, but Members donate generously outside of BAM as well. In 2006, the BIGHORN Radiation Oncology Center opened after Members donated $11 million to support Eisenhower Medical Center, one of the Top 100 Hospitals in America. To date, Members have donated over $33 million, believing that it is important to take care of the valley’s world-class facilities and its patients. Located just six short miles away from BIGHORN, Eisenhower Medical Center offers some of the finest physicians, equipment and laboratories in the country. “We are completely overwhelmed!” Vice President of Eisenhower Foundation Betty Wolf exclaims, “The magnitude and passion of this support is a testament to the generosity found throughout the BIGHORN community.” BIGHORN Members have raised money for a variety of other causes as well, from the Palm Springs Art Museum to prostate cancer.
Jack Nicklaus teamed with the Wounded Warriors in 2009 raising $1.5 million in two days! The legendary nature of big hearts at BIGHORN has traceable roots. It all began with Hurricane Katrina when Chairman R.D. Hubbard wanted to match the donations from Members and raised $1.6 million to support the efforts of the American Red Cross and the David Toms Foundation, providing dire assistance during one of the most devastating events in the United States’ history. In the years since, Mr. Hubbard has rallied Members, attended countless events, shared his time and resources and warmly hosted Members and guests at his personal BIGHORN home with wife Joan Dale to thank major donors and encourage others to consider supporting organizations like The Hawn Foundation, Palm Springs Art Museum, Scripps Medical Center and countless other non-profits. He reflects the zest that BIGHORN Members have for sharing their resources, giving to the community and becoming part of a BIGHORN movement that is much larger than themselves. Mountains have been moved together.
Inspired Treasure
By Theresa Maggio Photography by Mark Davidson
The Hubbard R esidence
Stunning architecture and design fill
this treasured BIGHORN home offering 360째 views high above the valley floor.
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High above the desert floor, perched on one of the most dynamic Mountains Estates lots at BIGHORN, lies the Hubbards’ residence. The 10,000 sf home, filled with the Hubbards’ renowned art collection, surrounded by the stunning architecture of Kristi Hanson and interior design by Blackbird Interiors, represents the apex of desert contemporary style. The artisans who contributed to this masterpiece home were charged with creating a timeless treasure balanced by modern-day textures, wall treatments, and furnishings, while focusing on the homeowners’ passion for entertaining and the property’s spectacular views. “Joan Dale and R.D. entertain like no one else,” Kathy Blackbird laughs. “Their home must accommodate hundreds of people for philanthropic events, yet still maintain a tempered masculinity and warmth, blending the couple’s style and art. Kristi created a really dynamic and functional floorplan, requiring substantial
furnishing with simple clean lines to accommodate both large parties and intimate gatherings, including the family’s annual opening of the Christmas gifts.” Surrounded by the Santa Rosa Mountains and overlooking the entire Coachella Valley, it’s no wonder the Hubbards selected this prime location for their second home at BIGHORN. “Building our new home required some key components,” explains Joan Dale. “Every bronze sculpture deserved a proper home where it could really be showcased. We wanted extensive indoor/outdoor living so we could expand with the number of people visiting, with furnishings and textures that really complemented our style. And we wanted the dining room to exist as the heart of the home, where my heirloom table and chairs accommodating sixteen of our family members would be placed and where memories can continue to be made.”
Congratulations to Blackbird Interiors for their 2013 Icon Award for Best Custom Designed Residence! 101
Architect Kristi Hanson describes the design process as both visionary and strategic. “The home’s great room opens effortlessly to the outdoor living room, where the stacked ledger stone walls are accented by custom-made rock and bronze fireplaces with a thoughtful artistic design,” shares Kristi. “We created a unique television showcase within one of the fireplace accents, which is truly a show stopper!”
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Every wall is finished with a rich textural treatment of Marmorino plaster, and the distressed wood flooring happily accommodates the Hubbards’ beloved dogs. Soaring above the space, Kristi designed sculpted ceiling treatments, evoking an exhilarating sense of height and elevation, while at the same time adding the sense of depth and warmth required for the space to remain intimate.
“A heavy chenille sofa expands through the great room, topped with rust and dark turquoise pillows,” adds Kathy Blackbird. “We found an old Spanish door with iron accents, then enveloped it with a complementary wood, then placed a thick glass on top for convenience. It took eight men to deliver the finished table, but it was well worth it.”
To accent Joan Dale’s gorgeous dining table, an entry buffet was designed by Blackbird Interiors utilizing steel, walnut and a burlwood natural edge, while infusing the wooded knots with turquoise to reflect the color from the great room and the sophisticated statue that stands adjacent to the space. A Mimi London mirror, incorporating rich woods and glass and weighing 1,000 pounds, hangs magnificently above on the stacked, ledger-stone wall. In the distance an oil painting of Joan Dale adds a refined drama to the space. 103
Lighting an art collection like the Hubbards’ is an art form in and of itself, requiring a specialist who can showcase sculptures and paintings as a world-class museum would. Blackbird collaborated closely with Joan Dale, meticulously placing every bronze sculpture, framed composition, and a treasury of family photos – then expertly illuminated every piece.
The massage room provides another treat for all the senses, one that R.D. likes to show off to visitors and guests. Here, the organic nutshell agate plaster finish is an elaborate, seven-step treatment to the walls, weaving in a series of large crystals known for producing good energy then backlighting them to create a serene, glowing ambiance.
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“Our designers really understood the important elements of our home,” Joan Dale explains. “Tremendous time was spent ensuring every treasure had a special place.” The result is a home in which not just every object, but every resident and guest experiences the unique beauty and magic of BIGHORN.
Savor the Season
By Lisa Marie Hart Photography by Mark Davidson and Pat Lassy
Ladies’ events take center stage The ladies of BIGHORN are never shy in letting their interests shine and their passions come through in their many pursuits. Variety is queen in date books that are often filled with a diversity of anticipated events and activities. At BIGHORN alone, they support and attend everything from philanthropic fundraisers and glamorous luncheons featuring high-end designers like Dolce & Gabbana or Oscar de la Renta, to bi-weekly Bridge & Mah Jongg games, golf tournaments and themed Member-Guest Days that often offer a fun excuse to dress up in a creative costume or
coordinate a fun get-up of matching attire. One thing is for sure, it’s the ladies’ choice when it comes to being as active as they want to be. “Entering into my fifth season at BIGHORN, I can honestly say that I have loved every minute of it!” Deb Zuccarini smiles. “I am looking forward to this season so I can join my girlfriends at one of our wonderful fashion shows. The Club arranges for Saks Fifth
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Saks Fifth Avenue treated 130 ladies to a dynamic Dolce & Gabbana Fashion Show at one of our entertaining-ready homes featuring stunning design – both in fashions and décor. A little on-site shopping and the chance to see the latest styles on professional models made it a BIGHORN afternoon to remember.
Avenue to bring in top designers, professional models and the ability to shop right there. BIGHORN’s staff welcomes you with tasty champagne and a fabulous lunch, plus the event is held at a spectacular home where you can wander and check out potential design ideas.” Deb Zuccarini is also one of the generous women who dedicate their time to BIGHORN Behind A Miracle or BIGHORN BAM, a non-profit dedicated to providing critical funding needed to help in the diagnosis, treatment, research, services and education for those affected by cancer in the Coachella Valley. “Breast cancer has touched our family and is a cause near and dear to our hearts. I appreciate that our donations stay local and are used to purchase equipment and services for cancer patients. It’s incredible that such a worthwhile cause can also be so much fun to participate in, from the Miracle on El Paseo to the Launch Party with all its amazing silent and live auction items to the spirited BAM Golf Tournament and Caddy Auction. BIGHORN Members are so generous, and the people I have met while volunteering are friends for life.”
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Deb also loves the themed Ladies’ Member-Guest Golf Tournaments. Who doesn’t? Last season BIGHORN hosted a “Simply Irresistible” one-day event borrowing from the infamous Robert Palmer 1980’s song. The women dressed in their version of the simply irresistible models, 1980’s fashion or in a costume that reflected their personal interpretation of the theme. BIGHORN partnered with Cos Bar to give Bobbie Brown lipsticks as tee prizes. BB One from The Gardens on El Paseo created an interactive fashion show using some of our non-golfing Members as models. What fun! And we’re still sharing the photos to prove it. The lady golfers of BIGHORN love their themed tournaments, and always have fresh ideas for making them the highlights of each new season. Whether they’re golfing in “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” 50’s style or St. Patrick’s Day when leprechauns stole the ball and dropped it on the green, or in a spirited Mardi Gras event with a classic jazz band leading a parade – they take their swings as seriously as they take their post-game celebrations together.
Member Susan Burger is a fan of the holiday games commenting, “Its fun to dress up, follow fun guidelines and dance to all the great music. Often my girlfriends join in an after party in The Pour House for cocktails and to celebrate the winners. We have a darn good time here!”
variety of women’s issues facing us nationally and internationally. Often after an avid discussion the ladies will head to The Pour House for dinner to figure out how they can assist with changing the world. It’s quite empowering!”
On any given week, Bridge, Mah Jongg and Canasta games are in full swing in the spacious Ladies’ Locker Room and Clubhouse Patio Lounge. “I love to hear the laughter coming from these groups as they play Mah Jongg or Canasta,” laughs Event Coordinator Danielle Ortega. “The bridge group has even set up a weekly Duplicate Game inviting the men to play, making it even more fun and competitive.”
Our Members have said their perspective always improves with words from the wise. BIGHORN guest speakers from iconic photographer Michael Childers speaking about art to gossip writer Kitty Kelley have wowed the crowds. Wellness specialists like Dr. Gundry and financial guru Leon Cooperman have taken the stage at our Speaker’s Evenings, along with our insightful Members including celebrities, entrepreneurs, VP’s of sporting and entertainment companies and more. These thought-provoking events are open to the ladies and their gentlemen.
Many Members find a thrill in sharing their favorite forms of recreation with like-minded women at the Club. Iolanda Goodfellow and fellow Members started a monthly Ladies’ Book Club six years ago. “The group is comprised of a diverse group of women,” lolanda praises. “Our discussions are quite lively, focusing on a multitude of topics from our veterans experiencing PTSD to the
Ultimately, BIGHORN strives to bring the best quality events to their Members, making sure every detail is perfected. If “girls just wanna have fun,” the positive, welcoming and enthusiastic Ladies of BIGHORN will certainly show them how!
From themed tournaments to our off-the-green events, BIGHORN ladies are dressed for the occasion and ready to immerse themselves in the fun. A strong sense of community and a spirited joie de vivre bring a genuine excitement to each anticipated tournament, luncheon, fundraiser and fashion show.
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531 Mesquite Hil s
By Joanna Beresford Photography by Mark Davidson
So phisticated design enhances har moniou s surroundin gs
Designed with entertaining in mind, 531 Mesquite Hills hosts stunning architecture and design throughout the 7,221 sf desert contemporary residence. Breathtaking mountain vistas, expansive waterfall features, captivating indoor/outdoor living areas, exclusive materials and furnishings and wondrous palettes define their collaborations. The Bali-inspired residence demonstrates these elements in all of their sun-dappled glory.
Upon approaching this desert contemporary home, a customcrafted iron and glass gate announces your arrival while the sound of water beckons you to enter this tranquil, yet stunning setting. On the left a stone accented covered bridge transports you past a rock water feature and an alcove. On the right a spectacular waterfall wall, tropical landscaping with expansive lawn, and a mountain range peeks above the picturesque setting. Your breath will literally be taken away by the incredible design exhibited by the talented master artists who created this utopia. Double glass doors invite you into the sweeping floorplan that extends as far as the eye can see. And it’s the wine lovers who will be instantly captivated as their eyes gaze upon the vast glass wine refrigerator hosting 800 bottles of wine for all to experience – your collection is an instant showpiece.
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The intimate dining room features a gorgeous table for eight, a handcrafted buffet, fabulous lighting feature, waterfall alcove window and colorful artistic accents. Its convenient location makes it easily accessible to the gourmet kitchen, while the glass wine refrigerator allows a sense of privacy from the rest of the home.
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High-performance describes this impeccable kitchen boasting gorgeous custom cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances and island. Relish the simpler moments in the inviting morning room offering cozy banquet seating with television and message center. Endless entertaining extends to the great room with automated pocket glass sliders disappearing and extending the home’s casual indoor/ outdoor living to take advantage of mountain and waterfall views. Inside, a mosaic tile-accented fireplace wall complements the vaulted, wood-beamed ceiling and sophisticated furnishings. An impressive granite wet bar hosts an artistic backlit fossilized geode-designed accent between two sculpted wood elements with glass shelving for colorful art. A flat screen television even drops down for total entertainment! Just steps away is the outdoor living room and entertainment patio offering 2,185sf of covered area that includes the Wolf barbecue center, dining area, luxurious soft seating and patio
furnishings with stone accented fireplace wall and built-in media center. A glass firepit gently embraces the tranquil stream traveling under the bridge while an impressive lawn stretches before you surrounded by lush landscaping. But the piece-de-resistance is the multi-level waterfall feature hosting three diving rocks and a 9-foot-deep Pebble Tec pool. An additional waterfall flows from the spa. Swimmers will love the sunbather’s shelf, underwater sound system and multi-color SAM lights for entertaining. For an added bonus, the outdoor living room also provides for private entry from the master suite so the homeowners can unwind and relax in the spa or take a midnight swim. Refreshing waterfall views from the private patio give this suite a Zen-type quality. Designer bedding and plush furnishings add to this spacious retreat. The sculpted accent wall warms the space for the artistic fireplace with granite base.
Embracing the lush tropical palm trees and spectacular waterfall feature across the expansive lawn, this luxurious outdoor living room provides a warm, relaxing atmosphere.
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Ready to be inspired and write the great American novel? Check out the incredible office. Located off the master suite, the custom-designed study showcases handsome book-shelved walls, unique woven cabinetry doors, artistically vaulted wood ceilings and flat screen television, while also offering inspiring waterfall views and a private patio for daydreaming.
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Once you turn the corner you will discover a spa-like master bath that is fully appointed and functional offering an oversized glass shower separating his and her vanity areas. Her side offers an additional make-up vanity so she can take her time in getting ready. An elongated spa tub hosts artistic niches and private landscape views providing real relaxation. And the closet space is ideal, offering spacious separate closets for two. Or perhaps movie nights are your thing? The developer was smart to combine an additional living space with a fully functional media room offering you and your guests an optimal theatre experience. Relax in the comfortable sectional sofa with a 96� flat television screen and surround sound and enjoy your favorite romantic comedy or action adventure on the expansive screen. In addition to the two fully appointed interior guest suites sharing the media room, the suites also open to a private patio with firepit lounge. 112
Guests can retreat to this private upstairs location where two sophisticated guest suites offer media centers and full baths. Both are separated by a spacious family room with mini-kitchen including a sink, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and dining area. An outdoor living room with stacked stone fireplace, media center and comfortable seating opens up to mountain range views. An additional upstairs area can be used as an optional play room or storage area located across from an elevator offering convenient passage to the kitchen and garage. The talented design/development team had a specific goal in designing this home. 531 Mesquite Hills was created to harmonize with the natural landscape and provide a private environment with distinctive qualities for the owners to enjoy the incomparable desert lifestyle. To take a private tour of this home or others please call BIGHORN Properties 800-551-5578 or log onto www.bighorngolf.com.
Cutting-Edge Technology By Tom F. Stickney II, Director of Golf Instruction Photography by Mark Davidson
In golf clubs and golf ranges all over the world there have been many golf training aids that have been invented in order to help players overcome their problematic swing flaws. Consequently on the professional side there have been many advances in technology that have been created so that students can learn more efficiently and easier than ever before. By now most golfers have experienced video-based golf instruction, but few have seen the most recent advances such as 3D Motion Technology and Ball Flight Launch Monitors. BIGHORN Golf Club’s Director of Golf Instruction, Tom Stickney, is a Golf Magazine “Top 100 Instructor,” an accolade that doesn’t come lightly to Tom. In fact, he states that his number-one responsibility is “to create the very best instructional experience for the Members and Guests of BIGHORN!” As a result, Tom continues to push the envelope in order to come up with new technological advances that make learning golf easier than ever before. With our investment of over $25,000, BIGHORN would like to introduce you to the most advanced way to improve your golf swing to date...
BIGHORN’s INSTRUCTION TEAM Tom F. Stickney, II Director of Golf Instruction Golf Magazine “Top 100 Instructor” Golf Digest “Best Young Teachers” Golf Tips “Top 25 Teachers” For Video Golf Tips by Tom, please go to: www.youtube.com/tomstickneygolf Bill Madonna – Junior Golf Director US Kids “Top 50 Kids Teacher in America” Amy Malinaric – Golf Instructor Former Futures Tour Player Tony Ogrodnick – Director of Golf Travis Nelson – Head Golf Professional
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The Trackman IIIe Ball Flight Launch Monitor: The Trackman IIIe is the industry’s most accurate ball flight launch monitor in use today. Its owners include the PGA and European Tours, the USGA, and all major Golf Manufacturing Companies – not to mention the over 400 Tour Professionals who have personally purchased one for at-home use. Trackman measures the aspects of the golf swing such as plane, path, face angle, etc., as well as, the entire flight of the ball from impact to landing while displaying its 3D trajectory in real time. It’s the first of its kind to measure the complete path of any shot, ranging from short pitches to 400-yard drives. Basically, the Trackman IIIe, gives us an MRI of the interactions between your club and the flight of the ball itself. With this tool there is NO guessing – it gives the teacher and the student all the facts they will ever need in order to improve.
can see just how the club and clubface interacted in order to produce a slight left to right shot with a 7-iron that carried 137 yards. Incredibly, this is only a small sampling of what this machine can actually do. “One of the most amazing parts of this technology is how it allows golfers of any level to ‘feel’ what they are doing mechanically,” describes Tom. “If a student wants to get their club to swing more down the line, then the instructor will give the student a range of numbers that the club must swing between in order to do so. One number is too much across, while the other is not enough. thus, the student learns by experimenting what individual feels produce the swing motion that they would like to have more consistently.” From a fitting point of view the Trackman IIIe can be used off the grass so that the player can determine his or her distances and dispersions so that the lofts and the lies of the club can be altered so that there are no distance “gaps” within their irons and hybrid set make-up.
The white line shows your target-line, while the blue line shows you the path that the club took through the impact zone. Finally the red arrow indicates where the face was pointing at impact, with the purple line giving us the flight of the ball. Now that you
The Trackman Combine: One of the most revolutionary advances of the Trackman is the “Combine,” a standardized test comprised of 60 shots from 60 yards up through the driver. It shows your overall proficiency at controlling your distances, your ball-flight dispersion, and your ability to repeat your swing. Your overall score and data for each shot are uploaded to a world-wide database in order for the player to see where they stand against players within their current handicap range or even Tour Professionals. You can also see what parts of your game truly need work and what parts are working well.
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By Lisa Marie Hart Photography by Shannon Wilsey and Marissa Bergmann
There’s no doubt that BIGHORN Members love their homes. The stunning yet inviting places where they relax, make memories, express themselves and enjoy family time mean the world to them. Whether reading by an evening fire, flowing through morning yoga poses poolside or entertaining friends for dinner, they know there’s nothing like being at home at BIGHORN. Now, combine that passion for the good life at home with an appreciation of BIGHORN’s endless amenities and we find many Members who go through spells where they simply can’t bear to leave!
Of course, just outside the BIGHORN gates, a world of possibility calls to even the most comfortable homebody. Brought together across industries and endeavors, BIGHORN Members share an intensely dedicated joie de vivre to squeeze the most from any 24-hour period. Naturally, their diverse interests in shopping, dining, active outdoor pastimes, the arts and cultural events are perfectly reflected in Palm Desert’s casually elegant lifestyle. BIGHORN truly lies at the heart of it all, making an ideal launch pad for your own personal exploration of the area’s finest assets, both a golf ball’s throw and farther afield. Set in a tranquil expanse of spectacular mountain terrain, our homes are just five minutes from nearly every last one of the attractive qualities that have made Palm Desert the world’s premier resort destination and a most revered address to call home. Walk, run, bike or drive just three miles in any direction and you’ll find more than you bargained for. When the mood strikes to venture out, the Coachella Valley’s near-perfect climate offers up each glorious desert day as an opportunity to follow your heart’s desire, whatever that may be.
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Fashion & Shopping BIGHORN lies just minutes from El Paseo, known as the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert.” This prestigious mecca features 250 high-end shops and restaurants, The Shops on El Paseo district, The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village. Custom retailers like Leeds & Son and The Estate Jewelry Collection offer timeless, wearable works of art while world-renowned designers have chosen this same Palm Desert boulevard on which to showcase the season’s latest styles in their illustrious boutiques. Arts & Entertainment More than 20 quality galleries along El Paseo complement the retail temptations. Venues like Imago Galleries, Christian Hohmann Fine Art and CODA Gallery represent a long history of artistic expression and appreciation in the desert. Emerging artists and just completed works are often showcased during El Paseo Art Walk on the first Thursday evening of each month, October through May. The recently opened Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert has also heightened the senses of the arts community just moments from BIGHORN. Performing arts buffs can drive three miles from BIGHORN to take a prime, plush seat in the renowned McCallum Theatre. Season after season, acclaimed performers grace the stage with music, dance and theater.
Social & Charity Events Anyone who has spent even one season at BIGHORN can regale the anticipated calendar of events tailored exclusively for Members. Yet across the desert, another layer of annual happenings ranges from tennis opens and golf championships to vibrant charity galas and dynamic festivals that celebrate live music, film, art, food and wine. The City of Palm Desert’s First Weekends is a new desert highlight. SoCal Living & Supreme Convenience Two hours from BIGHORN, find yourself on one of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches. Nearby Big Bear Mountain provides a cool, verdant getaway in summer and a popular ski resort in winter. Or breeze up to Northern California, the Pacific Northwest or Western Canada on a short, easy flight. BIGHORN Members enjoy the opportunity to travel by their own private planes or to be chauffeured to Palm Springs International Airport, where a wide variety of domestic and international flights depart daily. Location is global, and travel is simple, safe and efficient from the moment guests and Members arrive at BIGHORN – so you can focus on living each moment to its fullest potential!
Outdoor Adventure The pursuit of beauty defines the desert lifestyle, and the wonders of the natural landscape are a worthy pursuit indeed. A stroll through Lotus Garden Center offers homeowners and their guests an inspiring glimpse of the desert environment nurtured and refined. Some of BIGHORN’s streets lead right to a remarkable system of hiking trails for every taste. Take in the most incredible panoramas of the Canyons and Mountains from just a few minutes’ hike up these paths. A brief car ride leads to other Palm Desert trailheads or to The Living Desert, a sanctuary of fascinating desert wildlife and a botanical garden all in one. Hot air balloon rides and horseback riding offer a glimpse of our outstanding native setting from a fresh perspective.
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Picture yourself here
144 Tepin Way Sophisticated Mountains Estate residence offers views of the entire valley. Stunning architecture and artistic touches are found throughout the open floorplan. This 6,675 sf, 4 bedroom plus studio home is complete with spacious indoor/outdoor living, gourmet kitchen, dining room, entertainment patio with billiards lounge, barbecue center, rock waterfalls, pool and spa. For more information, please visit www.bighorngolf.com/144TepinWay or call 800-551-5578.
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A relationship with BIGHORN Golf Club from the very beginning. Security you count on, people you trust. Asset Protection “Over the years, the experienced AMS staff has provided the BIGHORN Golf Club community with the highest level of excellence in customer service and satisfaction,
Camera Systems Cellular Backup Systems Flood Detection
unmatched in our industry.” Gas/CO Detection - Clay Hubbard, Director of Privacy BIGHORN Golf Club
Home Automation and Integration Medical Alert Security and Fire Alarm Systems
760.341.3593
74-794 42nd Ave. Suite 1 Palm Desert
AMSprotectme.com
Lic# 944895 ACO 6917
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