Desert Horizons

Quorum Article - January 1999

Desert Horizons is a private country club located in Indian Wells. More than a half section in size, it fronts Highway 111 between Cook Street and El Dorado Drive. Construction commenced in the early 1980's. Complete build-out of the development occurred some 10 years later.

There is a total of 510 duplex and free standing residences. Of these, 288 homes, divided among 23 different model types, range in size from 2,365 square feet to 3,640 square feet and are in the duplex configuration. 200 homes of these model types are freestanding single family residences. In addition, there are 22 custom homes.

Prices range from the $200,000's to $900,000's for the duplex units, to more than $1,000,000 for a custom home. However, HOA dues are less than $500 per month. Many of the Desert Horizons homes have their own private pools and spas. However, the common area amenities include 20 swimming pool/spa sets, each with restroom facilities.

The member-owned country club consists of a newly and extensively refurbished 43,000 sq ft clubhouse set amidst a Ted Robinson designed championship golf course. In addition there are 5 tennis courts, 2 of which are lit for night play. The golf course itself is 6,609 feet, par 72, featuring wide open fairways, eleven lakes (complete with decorative waterfalls and islands) and hundreds of historic date palms. The country club facilities are operated under the aegis of a Board of Directors (separate from the HOA) elected by the members.

Desert Horizons HOA is governed by a seven member Board of Directors serving staggered 2 year terms. Homeowner Association management is contracted to Resort Community Management. The on-site manager is Sharon Badham, assisted by Cheryl Wyatt. Management philosophy is to contract all maintenance work out. The pools and spas are maintained by Kenley Enterprises and landscaping is handled by Sunshine Landscaping.

The HOA Board and Management are assisted by active and talented committees including Architectural, Security, Landscape, Maintenance, Reconstruction and Governing Documents Review. This is a very busy group with many projects recently completed or in hand. All share a refreshing philosophy of not settling for the status quo, but always looking for ways to improve the community and serve its members.

For example, they have just completed a thorough revision of the Bylaws, which was overwhelmingly approved by the members, and are now preparing to update and re-write the CC&Rs. Last year the HOA settled a multi-million dollar construction defect law suit. the Reconstruction Committee is actively developing a plan for reconstruction. The bulk of this work will be improvements to the roofing systems, repairs to the more than one million square feet of streets, drainage and lighting. Other current projects include painting and landscape upgrades, street renovation and pool and spa refurbishment. In addition the Board has appointed a committee to study the re-modeling of the main entrance to Desert Horizons. This is an exciting project and homeowners are looking forward to an updated, "new look" to welcome them and their guests when they arrive at Desert Horizons.

All this activity is characteristic of a Board of Directors that is conscious of its duty to maintain and enhance property values and is determined to maintain the market position of Desert Horizons as one of the Desert's leading communities.