Tuscan Cliffs is designed for indoor/outdoor living

As the summer heat settles in, residents at Tuscan Cliffs are cooling off with homes that are uniquely designed for indoor-outdoor living. One of builder Pacific Southwest Development's trademarks at the luxury home community are disappearing glass doors offered in every home at Tuscan Cliffs.

"Disappearing glass doors have been one of the most popular features in these versatile residences," Rob Evon, sales manager for the community, said. "They create an opportunity to bring the outdoors in and the indoors outside during any time of the year. In Las Vegas, that adds incredible value for most homeowners."

Tuscan Cliffs pioneered the indoor/outdoor living philosophy in Las Vegas by offering floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panel doors in which the doors open as far as 16 feet wide and the doors themselves are 8 feet tall.

The doors "disappear" into the walls of the home. They are designed for use near the courtyards and patios in Tuscan Cliffs, allowing homeowners who are inside to enjoy the outdoor ambiance from the comfort of a living room or den.

"We believe that better living is achieved through a balance of indoors and outdoors at home," Evon said.

According to Evon, many residents at Tuscan Cliffs choose disappearing glass doors because they create energy and movement among guests when residents entertain. "It gives the appearance that part of the room is inside and part of it is outside," he said.

Tuscan Cliffs continues its indoor-outdoor living philosophy with front and interior courtyards, in addition to rear covered patios and natural elements like stone, fire and water to create a comfortable and peaceful environment.

Rear yards are one of the central gathering places of the home and often feature cabanas. All designs offer an outdoor kitchen.

Rear yards are large enough for a pool and spa. Standard outdoor kitchens at Tuscan Cliffs can be modified to the owner's personal tastes. Each kitchen interior includes a grill, refrigerator and granite counter tops. Outdoor kitchens can include such options as a sink, cabinets, condiment station and kegerator.

More than 50 distinct configurations are available among the development's four model homes. Each offers an extensive rear patio, central courtyard and common areas.

The homes range from 4,328 to 5,441 square feet and may measure as much as 6,000 square feet with options. Home sites measure at least one-quarter acre, with premium lots offering views of the valley and others that are oversized, are available.

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

The builder recently added stainless-steel Viking appliances, wrought iron stair railings and granite counter tops and vanities throughout as standard features.

Each Tuscan Cliffs residence qualifies as an Energy Star home, saving owners on their heating and cooling expenses while providing quieter, more environmentally friendly homes, Evon said.

Base prices start in the low $1 millions.

Residents receive a one-year social membership to the Southern Highlands Golf Club, upon application approval, according to Evon.

The club includes a social calendar, spa, resort-style 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 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Monday, when it opens at 1 p.m. For more information, call 228-8559 or visit pacificsouthwest.com. Pacific Southwest Development has been building homes in the Las Vegas Valley for nearly 20 years.