Monterey living cures commute

As a physician who makes "house calls" to hotel rooms on the Strip, Dr. Doug Bushell said his goal was to purchase a second home to eliminate middle-of-the night commutes when on call.

The doctor, whose primary residence is located in Summerlin, decided to purchase a furnished condominium at Monterey at the Las Vegas Country Club.

"Purchasing on the Strip was just too expensive. Monterey is as close to the Strip as you can get. It's in a country club setting and the price is remarkably low," Bushell said. "The designer furnishings were an added draw, a complete turnkey operation."

Bushell selected a condominium featured in Monterey's furniture package incentive program. It includes furniture pieces, coordinating artwork and decorative accents chosen by the credentialed designers of San Diego-based Parker Rose Design.

"Purchasing real estate involves money out of pocket. By buying a furnished home I have even more cash because everything is done for me," Bushell said. "I don't have the stress that comes with decorating or watching money go out the door for furnishings."

Monterey's fully furnished condominiums come in an array of design themes, including a color palette of earth tones and greens to complement the historic golf course development's tree-covered setting. "The designers did a very nice job. Purchasing a furnished unit opens you up to design elements that you might not expect for yourself," Bushell said.

In addition to furnishings, Bushell's condominium includes the development's standard interior features of slab granite countertops, upgraded cabinetry throughout, oversized baseboards, high-grade flooring and deep-well stainless steel sinks. Ceiling fans, window treatments, two-tone neutral paint and an upgraded appliance package with a full-size washer and dryer are also standard.

One-bedroom layouts measure as much as 900 square feet, with select models including a private patio or balcony, formal entry, floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closet, multiple secondary storage spaces or built-in bookshelves. Prices start in the $190,000s.

Residents have use of a Hydro massage spa and five swimming pools, some with views of the golf course and nearby Strip properties. The development's fitness center is centrally located and equipped with cardio and weight-training machines.

Shady barbecue areas are scattered throughout the grounds. Private streets encircling the golf course are accessible for jogging and dog walking. Monterey has 24-hour gated access with a uniformed patrol.

The sales center and model homes are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To visit, take Interstate 15 and exit Sahara Avenue east, turn right on Paradise Road and left on Karen. Enter the development through the Las Vegas Country Club gate on Karen Avenue, located between Paradise and Maryland Parkway. For more information, visit montereylvcc.com or call 796-9700.