Tuscan Cliffs’ courtyard casitas fuse function with custom design

Many homeowners in Las Vegas find hosting guests is a necessity when living in one of the most frequently visited cities in the world. At Tuscan Cliffs, a luxury semi-custom home collection in Southern Highlands, casitas have become a new "must have" item due to their value and versatility for both residents and stargazing visitors from out of town.

"There is no denying that living in Las Vegas attracts friends and relatives you didn't even know you had," Michael Goeth, sales associate at Tuscan Cliffs, said. "Most homeowners at Tuscan Cliffs love to entertain and casitas offer many different options for doing so."

According to Goeth, the most popular use of Tuscan Cliffs' one- and two-story casitas is for house guests. "Our homes are designed to provide private front courtyards that offer an added level of privacy," he said.

Casitas at Tuscan Cliffs can be designed in dozens of ways. According to Goeth, many of the community's residents use their second story casita as an art or hobby room. "One resident took his love for fine art even further and created a gallery in his casita. It is absolutely beautiful."

Residents often choose to design their own private workout room in a casita, with weight lifting equipment as well as treadmills and stationary bicycles.

One of Tuscan Cliffs' most unique uses for a first floor casita is the wine grotto. Conceptualized by Pacific Southwest Development's design team, a wine grotto is shown in the Villa de Rafael model home. This unique setting gives wine enthusiasts an opportunity to both store and showcase their collections. "In the first floor casita, it also gives residents a place to have a beautiful wine tasting event both indoors and outside in the front courtyard," Goeth said.

Four verstile model homes showcase front courtyards and covered rear patios. According to Goeth, the courtyards at Tuscan Cliffs are designed to highlight fire and water features and to provide a comfortable sitting area for guests to relax and socialize.

Ranging from 4,328 to 6,001 square feet, more than 50 design configurations are available among the four base models. Each offers a master suite with separate retreat, rear patio, central courtyard and common areas. Home sites measure at least one-quarter acre. Premium lots, including some with views of the valley and others that are oversized, are available.

Standard amenities include stone paver driveways, sand-finished stucco exteriors, and stainless steel appliances.

Pacific Southwest also recently added stainless-steel Viking appliances, wrought iron stair railings, and granite counters and vanities as standard features throughout each home. Base prices start in the low $1 millions.

Residents will receive a one-year social membership to the Southern Highlands Golf Club upon application approval, according to Goeth. To visit, take Interstate 15 to the St. Rose Parkway exit and go west. Drive north on Southern Highlands Parkway and proceed to Stonewater Lane, then turn left and follow the signs.

Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Mondays, when it opens at 1 p.m. The sales office phone number is 228-8559, or visit pacificsouthwest.com.