California race car driver refuels at second home in Mountain Falls

Once a week, Doug Ramirez leaves his home and exotic car dealership in Anaheim Hills, Calif. for the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump.

"I'm addicted to racing, but got so tired of staying in hotels near the speedway," said Ramirez, whose dealership specializes in Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari, Lamborghini and other luxury and exotic automobiles.

Along with wife, Donna, Ramirez said he began to explore real estate around the race track, including William Lyon Homes' Bella Sera at Mountain Falls.

"I loved the clean, consistent look of the neighborhood at Bella Sera at Mountain Falls," he said. "Once we saw all of the amenities we'd have access to as residents, the decision was easy. Coming from Los Angeles, we knew it would be a great place to unwind and be close to the track."

The couple selected Plan Two in the all single-story neighborhood located within the master-planned golf course community in Pahrump, 45 miles west of the Strip.

Measuring 2,635 square feet, the floor plan offers four bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths and three-car garage. A den or fifth bedroom can be selected in lieu of the formal dining room. Other variations include casita and fourth bath in lieu of a garage bay. The home design features an entry courtyard, great room and walk-in closet at the master bedroom. The kitchen includes pantry and island workstation with extended countertop seating.

"It's great for entertaining," said Ramirez, who hosts clients and friends at his Bella Sera home. "We're just over a mile from the speedway and this sure beats staying in hotels."

When he is racing, he said his family makes use of the community resident facility. The Mediterranean-themed club, located along the golf course, includes an adult pool, family pool, spa and interactive water-play area. Indoor highlights include complete fitness center, resident lounge with pool table, locker rooms and multi-purpose room.

"It's all about the amenities for us. We take advantage of the gym and the kids will definitely enjoy the water area," said Ramirez of his 5-year-old daughter and two school-age sons. "I love coming here to race and enjoy this home as much as I can. There's no traffic and it's a peaceful small town -- such a nice change from LA."

Priced from the low $300,000s, Bella Sera offers three-, four- and five-bedroom floor plans from 2,495 to 2,897 square feet. Three-car garages and entry courtyards are standard. Casita, library, den and master retreat options are offered in some home designs.

The builder offers the single-story home neighborhoods of Cascata Ancora and Tramonto at Mountain Falls.

Cascata Ancora offers four floor plans from 1,429 to 1,774 square feet. The three-bedroom, two-bath homes are priced from the low $200,000s.

Tramonto offers four designs from 1,970 to 2,445 square feet with as many as four bedrooms and three baths. Three-car garages are standard. Prices start in the mid-$200,000s.

Neighborhood mini-parks and a 4-mile walking trail are planned for Mountain Falls. The Mountain Falls Grill Room, located in the clubhouse adjacent to the community resident facility, is open to residents, golfers and the public.

Model homes are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Monday when they open at noon.

To visit, travel about 45 miles west on Highway 160, Blue Diamond Road, past Interstate 15. Before reaching Pahrump, turn left on Manse Road. Proceed to Hafen Ranch and turn right, then left on Lakeview Drive to the model homes.

For more information, call 775-537-1778 or visit lyonhomes.com.