Couple enjoy golf-course living in Monterey condo

Lucho Singh looks relaxed and comfortable in his designer loafers while attired in a silk shirt. Edna Singh is conservatively dressed, confident, with a wit that misses nothing. After 44 years of marriage, their banter is easy, their energy undeniable and their tastes discriminating.

"My wife is very good at discerning quality," Lucho Singh said. "She is an expert. That's why, when I heard there were condominium homes behind the gates of the Las Vegas Country Club, I brought her here. Living in this beautiful community is my gift to her."

The Seattle couple found the golf-course condominiums at Monterey at the Las Vegas Country Club while looking for additional vacation property. After having sold a townhome residence on Waikiki in Hawaii, Lucho Singh's original intent had been to purchase another property on the island. But when he found the Web site for Monterey, he came over to the mainland to check it out.

"I was very impressed. This was obviously something very different here. And the price was just right," he said.

The Singhs call Seattle home but also own properties in their native Philippines. When buying a vacation home, the couple's leading criteria include attractive surroundings and security.

"I walk every morning," said an athletically trim," Edna Singh said. "I need to walk. That is what I do."

"Wherever we are, whether it is here, Seattle or Hawaii, I have to make sure we are somewhere where I do not have to worry," Lucho Singh said. "We are behind the guarded gates at Monterey. It's lovely and it's secure. If she wants to walk the shaded pathways at midnight, it's OK."

We also wanted a place where we can just lock and leave," Edna Singh said. "Security is key."

The Singhs chose the one-bedroom Saint Andrews II floor plan. Having toured the models decorated by Danielle Hawthorne of Parker Rose Design, the Singhs took advantage of the community's design package with a sight-unseen opportunity of a fully furnished residence.

"Nancy, our sales person, said we must leave it all up to the designer," said Lucho Singh. "When I opened up the door I was amazed. It was our home. I am Asian and the décor fit our heritage perfectly. From the flower arrangements to the furniture, to the side tables and the artwork on the walls, it was all us.

"If I were to go down to the Bellagio, the Wynn, or any one of the major hotels on the Strip, and say I want a $3,000 suite for my wife for the evening, this is the quality I would get," he said.

Monterey at the Las Vegas Country Club provides clear views of the Las Vegas Hilton and nearby Strip hotels. The community was awarded a 2007 Landscape Award by the Southern Nevada Water Authority in the Multi-family Design category based on aesthetics, irrigation system, plant selection and mulch materials.

Private patios and balconies, some situated poolside and along the green fairways, incorporate outdoor leisure with indoor living. Lush mature landscaping, picnic areas with gas barbecue stations, five pools and a hydro-massage spa are luxury exterior amenities. Contemporary features such as slab granite countertops in kitchens and baths, maple cabinetry, two-tone interior paint and upgraded flooring provide the foundation for a designer's touch.

Floor plans measure from 750 to 1,700 square feet. Architectural highlights include walk-in closets, formal entries, built-in bookshelves and floor-to-ceiling fireplaces. Prices start in the high $100,000s. A few units, are available for immediate move-ins.

To visit, enter through the Las Vegas Country Club Estates gate on Karen Avenue between Paradise Road and Maryland Parkway. The 24-hour gate attendant will direct you to the sales center.

For more information, call 796-9700 or visit Montereylvcc.com. The sales office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.