Mountain Falls' tranquility charms family from California

Familiarity with Pahrump Valley proves key factor in decision to move

After years of visiting the Pahrump Valley, Russell and Julie Butland were already acquainted with the area when they moved from Orange County, Calif., to Mountain Falls, a 1,050-acre golf course community by William Lyon Homes.

"We've been visiting family in Pahrump for 18 years," Julie Butland said. "We knew about William Lyon Homes in California. William Lyon himself lived not far from our home in Orange County. When we saw Mountain Falls, we really liked it and took action to purchase.

"There was so much traffic in Orange County really hectic. We love the Nevada desert and our new low-key lifestyle. Mountain Falls is ideal for us."

The couple purchased Plan Two, a 2,635-square-foot home at Bella Sera, one of three all-single-story neighborhoods.

"I called about purchasing in Bella Sera right after we saw the floor plans, before the models had even opened," Butland said. "They added us to the waiting list, and we were really hoping to get a golf course lot. When the sales agent called my husband to say Plan Two was available on the golf course, I screamed, 'Take it, take it.' We're thrilled with this plan."

The residence is at the ninth hole of the Mountain Falls Golf Club, an 18-hole parkland-style course that anchors the community. The four-bedroom home includes a formal dining room, a great room, courtyard entry, three-car garage, sit-down vanities in the master bath and a kitchen island workstation with extended counter top seating. Features in the Butland's home include granite counter tops, cherry cabinetry, French doors, laundry room cabinets and a patio cover.

"Our courtyard adds such a unique look out front. It's set up as a patio, and we plan to add pavers and make it an extension of our living space," Butland said. "We're also looking forward to using our swimming pool this summer. It's so calming to spend time in the backyard just looking out over the golf course, the endless green grass and the surrounding mountains."

A clubhouse is expected to open next month. The 22,000-square-foot facility will include a fitness center, two swimming pools, a water play area, and a restaurant and lounge with banquet and meeting rooms.

Parks and walking trails are planned.

Homes are available in the builder's single-story communities of Cascata, Tramonto and Bella Sera at Mountain Falls. Prices start in the low $200,000s.

To visit, take Interstate 15 to Blue Diamond Road and go west about 50 miles. Before reaching Pahrump, turn left on Manse Road, then proceed to Hafen Ranch Road and turn right, then left on Lakeview Drive and follow the signs to the sales office.

The sales center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.