Buyer revisits Rhodes Ranch

As an actress and model, Virginia Kaplan has played a variety of roles, but the one she loves best is her role on the social committee at Rhodes Ranch, a community in the southwestern valley.

"I like being active, and I like planning holiday events," Kaplan said. "The great thing about Rhodes Ranch is that there are a lot of community-minded people who want to work to bring neighbors together. That's what makes Rhodes Ranch special."

Kaplan should know. Last year, when her husband became terminally ill, the Kaplans sold their home and moved out of the community.

"Our home sold the very first day we had it on the market," she said. "Almost immediately, I was homesick for the community and couldn't wait for the opportunity to return. I spoke to my son, and we agreed to move back to Rhodes Ranch, because that is home."

Kaplan bought a 2,120-square-foot home at The Collection, Rhodes' newest neighborhood within the community. She lives in the home with her son and his family.

"The house has a wonderful floor plan and a terrific great room," Kaplan said. "My son, his wife, and my grandson needed extra living area, and the rooms in this house are designed so that there is plenty of space for everyone."

Kaplan has appeared in numerous commercials, and recently acted as a mature Jessica Simpson in a commercial for Simpson's show, "The Newlyweds" on MTV. Her son, Brian, is also a model and actor, appearing in "High Roller" and "Ocean's Eleven."

"Even my grandson has caught the bug, and has started his own modeling career," Kaplan said.

When not modeling or acting, Kaplan works on activities and events through the Rhodes Ranch Homeowners Association. The association is planning a Halloween carnival with a haunted house.

Kaplan anticipates the completion of a recreation center, which will feature a 35,000-square-foot building, as well as swimming pools, tennis courts, and other outdoor amenities for residents.

"When the new center is built, we will be able to produce a lot of new activities such as potluck dinners, social events, arts and crafts clubs, and opportunities for people to get together," she said. "I know there are people who want to start other clubs, such as a travel club. This center will give us the opportunity to do that."

Homes in The Collection measure 1,467 to 4,138 square feet and have three to five bedrooms. Some homes include features such as libraries or master retreats. Many line the fairways of the Rhodes Ranch Golf Club.

Prices start in the mid-$440,000s.

To visit, take the Interstate 215 to Durango Drive and go south.

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