Versailles

Versailles occupies a rectangular parcel of fee land in South Palm Springs. Sonora Road borders it to the north, Andee Drive to the west, Cerritos Drive to the east, and Palm Canyon Drive to the south. Versailles is easily recognized by the distinctive indented/offsetting color on its white stucco buildings.

The development comprises 107 total condominium units, of which 38 are the larger, single story "Villas," each with a 2-car attached garage. There are 69 standard condo units, most of which are in 2-story buildings and all of which are served by carports. The Villas come in two models at 1600 and 1850 square feet. The condos also come in two models at 1350 and 1470 square feet.

The real estate community is impressed by the size and layout of the units, all of which have suite-sized bedrooms with large closets. Many have vaulted ceilings and some have up to three patios. Prices range from $151,000 to $180,000 for the condos and from $240,000 to $290,000 for the Villas. As of this writing, the market is appreciating rapidly.

Jack Franks of JBL Financial built Versailles in 1982. The market at that time was second homes and vacation rentals. Rentals at Versailles are tightly controlled with the minimum rental period set at 30 days. The current market tends to attract full time residents, with approximately 55% of all owners being full timers.

Versailles is a mature community in an established neighborhood. Facilities include two tennis courts, four pools and spas, and three community laundries. Residents enjoy the convenience of nearby shopping. The Smoketree Shopping Center, restaurants and banks are all within easy walking distance.

The very active five-member Board of Directors of Versailles is keenly aware of its responsibility to ensure that the assets of the Association are preserved and protected. It is constantly engaged, as are all HOA boards, in the balancing act of being cost-conscious on one hand while refusing to sacrifice quality of upkeep on the other. Replacement and upgrade issues are particularly challenging in a complex that is twenty years old.

Projects currently under way or under consideration are the resurfacing of the pool decks, re-roofing the carports, upgrading the irrigation system, overhauling the landings of the upper level condos, and replacing the mailboxes. The entire exterior of the project was painted in 2000. As always, the issue is how to make necessary improvements and repairs within budget constraints.

Association dues range from a competitive $236 to $258, depending on the whether the unit is a standard condo or a Villa. Ever cost conscious with its operating budget, the board maintains the swimming pools at a conservative 82 degrees and turns off the heat as soon as weather permits.

The Board of Directors is actively involved to see to it that the landscaping is upgraded and well maintained. Overgrown plants are periodically replaced. Overgrown trees are kept well trimmed and are removed if necessary to comply with the codes and ordinances of the City of Palm Springs. The Landscape Committee conducts a monthly walkthrough and notes any overgrown patios and other violations of the Architectural Guidelines. These are reported to Management for corrective action and to maintain a harmonious and pleasant community.

The principal vendors for Versailles are McIntyre Pool Service for the swimming pools and spas, Greenview Landscape for landscaping, and Abracadabra for lighting maintenance. Desert Resort Management provides association management services. Association Manager is Nena Rutherford, who notices a strong sense of community at Versailles and a membership that is active in the affairs of its association. Nena enjoys working with Versailles. Says Nena, "I love my Board!"