Couple find ‘postcard’ living at Mountain Falls

Artie and Laura Stagg credit their new life at Mountain Falls to a Discovery Channel special they caught while living in Raleigh, N.C.

"The program was about Las Vegas and they asked a Vegas resident what he thought about the city's traffic increase. The fella said he didn't care because he was moving to Pahrump," Artie Stagg said.

Intrigued by the notion of living in a quiet community located 45 miles west of the Strip and within driving distance of their daughter's family in Bakersfield, Calif., the couple turned to the Internet. What they found spurred a cross-country move, the result of which they call "living in a postcard."

"We visited Mountain Falls and decided it was where we wanted to be," Artie Stagg said of the master-planned golf community by William Lyon Homes. "We sold our home in two weeks and rushed out here to purchase."

The Staggs said they liked the three single-story offerings at Bella Sera, where floor plans measure 2,495 to 2,897 square feet and come with entry courtyards and three-car garages. The couple said they were especially drawn to the 2,635-square-foot Plan Two and a home site with a view of Mt. Charleston.

"We have a panoramic view of the mountains from our master bedroom and yard," Laura Stagg said. "Every time I walk past the windows or go outside I'm just amazed at the view."

The Staggs said they're enjoying life outside of their new home, too. They regularly take advantage of getaway specials at Las Vegas-area resorts and have more opportunities than ever to visit -- and host -- their California-based daughter and grandchildren, even though they miss their other daughter in Raleigh.

"There's more than enough to keep us busy at Mountain Falls and in the community, but we can be in Vegas in no time and across the desert to see our family in Bakersfield whenever we want," Artie Stagg said.

According to Laura Stagg, "We love the friendly feel of this little town. As for Mountain Falls and the whole community, no words can describe it. It has been wonderful from day one."

Home buyers can tour model homes at seven communities.

William Lyon Homes offers four single-story neighborhoods -- Entrata, Cascata Ancora, Tramonto and Bella Sera. Home buyers can choose from 14 floor plans with 1,157 to 2,897 square feet and up to five bedrooms and four baths. Homes are priced from the upper $100,000s.

Six home designs are available between Villa Serena and Villagio, single-story neighborhoods by Celebrate Homes. Residences measure 1,609 to 2,513 square feet with up to four bedrooms and three baths. Prices start in the low $200,000s.

Desert Wind Homes' Tivoli is a single-story neighborhood featuring three floor plans ranging from 1,938 to 2,097 square feet. Priced from the $200,000s, homes have as many as four bedrooms and 31/2 baths.

Classic Homes will add new home choices soon, according to the builder.

Mountain Falls Golf Club, an 18-hole parkland course, anchors the master-planned community. A clubhouse featuring The Grill Room and a community resident facility overlooks the grounds. Amenities include an equipped fitness center, resident lounge with pool table, multi-purpose room and outdoor aquatic center with family and adult pools, plus an interactive splash pad. Residents can also enjoy neighborhood parks and walking trails spread throughout the master plan.

Homeowner association fees are less than $45 monthly.

To visit, travel about 45 miles west on State Route 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. The Information Center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, call 866-468-3255 or visit mountainfalls.com.