Mirada -- High Above It All

High above it all is Mirada – an unparalleled mountain sanctuary that is the last hillside development in the city of Rancho Mirage, California. Private and pristine, the second phase of this distinctive project is the Mirada Highlands.

Unique in its concept, Mirada protects and is protected. Secluded over 800 feet up in the Santa Rosa Mountains, Mirada vistas will never be disturbed; yet the enclave is not visible from the desert floor.

With a passionate respect for the land, "we have pledged 1500 acres and will preserve nature and the mountainous open space in order to develop 150 acres," said Chuck Strother, project director. That averages about ten acres for every developed acre. The Mirada Highlands will consist of 63 homesites ranging in price from $550,000 to $2.1 million. The lots average ¾ of an acre with buildablity at approximately ½ acre.

Homeowners at Mirada have the unique distinction of being part of the Santa Rosa and and Jacinto Mountains National Monument. With the cooperation of Congresswoman Mary Bono (R-Palm Springs), President Clinton signed legislation on October 2000, establishing the Monument to protect and preserve natural habitat and wildlife.

"The National Monument not only protects the mountains and its wildlife from future development, it also creates a unique situation for Mirada and its residents," Strother said. Further, Mirada residents and its developer established the Mirada Habitat Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to protecting the Peninsula Bighorn Sheep and its habitat. The National monument protects over 314 square miles (272,000 acres) and is located within the California the California Desert Conservation area.

The Foundation will contribute a total of $1.5 million to the Bighorn Institute, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game and other agencies and organizations.

To date, Mirada has installed over 4 ½ miles of protective fence to prevent the endangered sheep from wandering onto local roads, and keeping them out of private yards and pools. Part of the commitment to help preserve the Bighorn sheep includes removal of non-native plants.

Ownership at Mirada provides unprecedented additional amenities and services. By special arrangement with the Lodge at Rancho Mirage (formerly the Ritz Carlton), Mirada residents are eligible to use the concierge and room service, as well as the spa facilities. More amenities abound, including: laundry and dry cleaning service, baby-sitting and auto rental. If tennis is your game, eight courts are available. There is also swimming in the outdoor pool and a fitness center.

While Mirada remains above it all with no golf course on site, there are over one hundred golf courses in the Coachella Valley to choose from. Gourmet dining, art galleries and world class shopping, are a few of the activities enjoyed in this desert paradise.

At the beginning and the end of each day, for those fortunate enough to have moved up the mountain, there is the incomparable sanctuary – Mirada.

(As seen in Desert Golf Magazine)