Tuscan Cliffs’ elevators connect homes’ varied floors

A luxury item once available only in commercial or multifamily applications, elevators are now a trendy way to make a new home convenient and accessible for residents and their guests, according to a Pacific Southwest Development sales agent Michael Goeth.

At Tuscan Cliffs, a semi-custom home development in Southern Highlands, elevators are now available in three of four model homes, he said.

"Elevators have been a very popular option among our home buyers," Goeth said. "Residents want them in place for possible future needs, but also because they help open up the home to any guests who may have trouble with stairs."

According to Goeth, elevators have become more popular in luxury homes over the past five years as the technology has improved and pricing has become more reasonable for single-home applications. At Tuscan Cliffs, an elevator is shown in the Villa de Rafael model home. Elevators are also available with the Villa de Gabriella and Villa de Franchesca floor plans.

"They add an interesting element, as most people who have seen elevators in homes have only seen them in elaborate mansions," Goeth said. "They are actually functional at Tuscan Cliffs, allowing residents and guests to move items like laundry, small furniture or heavy luggage with ease."

Many who choose to install elevators in their Tuscan Cliffs residences are baby boomers making considerations for elderly parents and guests.

"It is a great convenience and allows them access to areas in the home they would normally not be able to use, like the second-story casita and upstairs guest rooms," Goeth said.

One- and two-story casita options are available with each of the four base floor plans at Tuscan Cliffs.

"Casitas are among the most versatile upgrades we offer at Tuscan Cliffs," he said. "First-floor casitas are generally more than 500 square feet, creating a fantastic guest house that overlooks an interior courtyard in most plans. It has a full bath and space for a bedroom and separate sitting area."

Second-floor casitas are generally accessed through the home and feature an oversized room as well as a full bath, he said.

"Our New Millennium Custom Home philosophy is that each home should be personalized to those that live in it," Goeth said. "We have streamlined the semi-custom building process to allow each home buyer virtually limitless opportunities to transform the space to suit their lifestyle."

Ranging from 4,328 to 6,001 square feet, homes at Tuscan Cliffs provide an opportunity to design a custom home without the inconveniences and time delays usually associated with custom-home building, Goeth said.

More than 50 configurations are available among the four base models. Each offers a master suite with separate retreat, rear patio, central courtyard and common areas.

All of Tuscan Cliffs' home sites measure at least one-quarter acre. Premium lots, including some with views of the valley and others that are oversized, are available, he said.

Standard amenities include paverstone driveways, sand-finished stucco exteriors, stainless-steel appliances, exterior stone veneer, 42-inch maple cabinets, granite countertops, 6-foot garden tubs, wood-clad Andersen windows and Kohler plumbing fixtures.

Pacific Southwest also recently added stainless-steel Viking appliances, wrought-iron stair railings, and granite counters and vanities as standard features in each home.

All homes include outdoor kitchens and disappearing glass doors, which are constructed to slide into openings in a wall, allowing residents to link internal and external areas seamlessly.

In addition, each residence qualifies as an Energy Star home, saving owners on their heating and cooling expenses and helping to protect the environment by lowering consumption of electricity and natural gas, Goeth said.

Base prices at Tuscan Cliffs start at just over $1 million.

Residents will receive a one-year social membership to the Southern Highlands Golf Club, upon application approval, Goeth said. The club includes a social calendar, spa, swimming pool and other facilities.

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 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Monday when it opens at 1 p.m. Call 228-8559 for more information.

Pacific Southwest Development has been building homes in the Las Vegas Valley for nearly 20 years. For more information, visit pacificsouthwest.com.