The Orchard: spacious, Tuscan-style homes in Indio

by Amelia Hadley

People familiar with Indio can recall when Avenue 49 ran through the middle of date groves and citrus orchards. Over the years, several gated communities have replaced the fruit-bearing trees.

Aptly named, The Orchard is off of Avenue 49 between Jefferson and Madison streets. The Tuscan- style architecture of the main gate is lovely, but it’s the 93 houses that are jaw-dropping.

They’re also more affordable than they were a few years ago. According to the Multiple Listing Service, homes in The Orchard are selling for $350,000 to $450,000. Just five years ago, they were selling for $800,000 to $1,000,000.

The architecture pays homage to Italy, but there is a certain whimsy to the design as well. Common areas are dotted with vine-covered arbors and mesquite trees provide ample shade. The larger homes have balconies with wrought iron railings.

The two-story homes are grouped in the center of the development, maintaining the integrity of the mountain views for the single-story homes that ring the community. The lots are substantial— each a 1/3 to 1/2 acre — allowing the homes to be spread apart. The houses are also large, ranging in size from 2,500 to 4,200 square feet.

The community is more reminiscent of neighborhoods found on Hollywood sound stages than in typical subdivisions.

“There are a ton of little kids,” said Kristen Westlake, 33. “It’s quiet when they’re all at school, but they’re all out playing in the evening because it’s safe.

“That’s part of why we bought here,” the mother of four said.

She and her husband purchased one of the former models in the development in June 2011.

The Orchard has strict rules designed to protect the tranquil and family-friendly vibe, said Westlake.

For example, using homes as vacation rentals— common in the area because of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach — is strictly prohibited, said Iyad Ahoury, president of Avail Property Management, the company that manages The Orchard.

“It’s a very close-knit community,” said Ahoury. “There is a Neighborhood Watch. They have an earthquake preparedness plan. There are police officers living there.

“It’s just a wonderful place to live,” Ahoury said.

The Orchard doesn’t have a community pool or clubhouse, but the development has sidewalks and common areas. There are unobstructed mountain views as well.

The community is home to year-round rather than seasonal residents, said Westlake.

The Orchard was built by Palm Desert-based Family Development. Homes in The Orchard initially sold in 2005.

The Orchard is near Indian Palms Golf Club, John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, the Indio Polo Grounds, elementary schools and several grocery stores. Highway 111 is less than 2 miles from The Orchard, and Interstate 10 is 6 miles away.

from mydesert.com