This weekend my wife and I took at look at “Olive Grove” in Perris, California. There are five models, all of which have interior treatments and design features provided by Martha Stewart Inc.
I have to say that if you don’t consider where they are located, the models are stunningly attractive. We went to get design ideas, and there were many good ones.
That said, there is a real strangeness about this development. It has a definite Disneyland vibe, meaning that it feels like a fantasy with meant to entertain on all kinds of levels. It is a place where the buyers will most likely be Hispanic and African-American, but the architectural vibe is historic east coast: New York, Maine, and Connecticut.
It was very strange to be in Perris — where the dusty air outside was ninety degrees plus — contemplating seafoam and aqua walls, looking at unframed seascapes and shards of coral.
About 1/3 of the lots were maked “sold” which isn’t bad for this market. Of course, the Stewart look must involve lots of upgrades, as the homes all had the very best in terms of fixtures, wainscoting, and flooring.
So, move to Perris California and you can feel like a Yankee whose family came on the Mayflower. At least, if you don’t step outside…
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