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Spring Chill
Second-home destinations for those who prefer cool places in warm seasons
When spring’s green shoots first pierce the failing white tarpaulin of winter’s final camp, many hail the advancing armies of blue skies and golden suns with joy and revelation. But a select few would remain in cold embrace and instead sound quick retreat, falling back to elevated luxury fortresses with the chill, waiting through a seeming eternity of dank nights and sweltering days until darkness closes in and winter’s frosted winds blow again.
For those who prefer their evening’s nip by firelight, for whom tropical climes bring naught but thoughts of tropical insects and sweat-soaked clothes, the following abodes require coats and jackets well past April’s showers and May’s flowers. Here, temperatures dip low when the sun falls, clouds of breath hang in the air after words are spoken and looking too long at the bright sharp stars in the sky will cause eyes to tear and cheeks to redden. Best to get back inside and pour some cocoa. Bundle up, and happy warm season.
Carmel
Avg low in May: 49˚F
With 20,000 acres of stunning land on the old Rancho San Carlos—assembled by land grants and held intact by the owner families from 1857 to 1990—this property is simply stunning. Relatively unknown compared to its neighbor in Pebble Beach, this community offers an exclusive bit of living for people who appreciate nature. Ninety percent of The Preserve’s native landscape is permanently protected, meaning just 300 residents and guests can access the Tom Fazio course, extensive aquatic center, equestrian facilities and elegant lodging and dining.
santaluciapreserve.com
Carmel
Avg low in May: 49˚F
One of the most private residential golf communities in the world (as it says), this Clint Eastwood-founded enclave is only allowing 90 families on its 2,000 acres. Incredible views, a Jim Morrish golf course, hilltop Clubhouse and extensive Social Fitness Center are all minutes from the organic produce farms, galleries and amazing lifestyle opportunities around Carmel. Eastwood insisted the community blend into the natural landscape, so don’t look for dissonance here. Just pure, crisp, California, and that includes cool evenings and star-filled skies.
tehama-carmel.com
Lahontan Golf Club
Truckee
Avg low in May: 32˚F
Located just 11 miles from Lake Tahoe, this private gated golf club community (the only one in the area) offers both a Tom Weiskopf designed 18-hole and nine-hole par-3 course on its 910-acre site. With plenty of activities for families, golfers, hikers and those who like a little nightlife, Lahontan is a perfect place to enjoy the Tahoe area.
lahontan.com
Roaring Fork Club
Carbondale
Avg low in May: 38˚F
In the lush valley of the Roaring Fork River sits this beautiful club, which provides a top Colorado lifestyle to all residents, members and guests. Mountain biking, fly fishing, culinary arts and golf are all here at Roaring Fork. The intimate and rustic main Members Lodge is reminiscent of an old fishing lodge, with wide, inviting porches and a cozy two-storey Great Room with a native moss rock fireplace and veranda overlooking the golf course’s 18th fairway. A fitness room keeps everything in shape no matter the weather outside, while a vintner room, billiards room and library provide a great way to spend a chilly spring evening.
roaringforkclub.com
Residences at The Little Nell
Aspen
Avg low in May: 34˚F
Limited and magnificent may be the best way to describe The Residences at The Little Nell. There are only 26 of the incredible ski-in, ski-out residences on the edge of Aspen Mountain directly adjacent to the Silver Queen Gondola. When the snow melts and the sun comes out, residents enjoy the services and management of Aspen’s only Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond hotel, including amazing amenities and service.
rlnaspen.com
Broadmoor West Residences
Colorado Springs
Avg low in May: 43˚F
Anyone who’s visited Colorado Springs’ Broadmoor hotel can imagine how amazing it would be to live there and to enjoy the superb amenities year-round. Incredibly, the hotel includes 32 single-level luxury homes ranging from 2,500 square feet to over 6,000 square feet. Private lobbies and elevators servicing a maximum of two homes per floor are the basics; Broadmoor’s incredible grounds, pool and golf club are the reason you stay.
broadmoorresidences.com
Bellerive
Coeur D’Alene
Avg low in May: 42˚F
The area’s most desirable new waterfront community, Bellerive is a collection of condominiums, lofts and single-family homes located on the Spokane River at the lake’s entry. The nearby Riverstone Development means there’s plenty of shopping, dining and movies at hand, while the lake and the beautiful country (complete with plenty of nearby golf) means you’ll never think twice about Idaho living. Curling up by the fire lakeside never looked so good.
belleriveidaho.com
White Clouds Residences at Sun Valley
Sun Valley
Avg low in May: 35˚F
This exclusive residential neighborhood offers 27 holes of golf, nine of which are surrounded by nothing but nature. Those are adjacent to a biking and hiking trail, within walking distance of the incredible new Sun Valley Club and offer mind-blowing views of Bald Mountain, Dollar Mountain, the Pioneer Mountains and Sun Valley Village. The emphasis here is on the land and enjoying your life. Fantastic.
whitecloudsresidences.com
The Kootenai
Big Fork
Avg low in May: 39˚F
Montana’s Flathead Valley is a breathtaking stretch of old-school North America: big sky, cold water, snow-capped mountains, clean air and stunning views. The community is rugged luxury, featuring multimillion dollar log homes that are rugged on the outside and plush inside. With a tremendous members lodge that is a true “time machine,” as the Web site has it, you’ll be transported to an America of the early 1900s. The Lodge has entertained John D. Rockerfeller, Will Rogers, Charles Lindbergh and even royalty. Make it home and live the real American backcountry high life.
thekootenai.com
Lodges at Eagles Nest
Banner Elk
Avg low in May: 53˚F
If you’re looking for cool-country ideal family living in North Carolina, this could be it. Hiking trails through a lovely forest, campfire sites, big front porches and lovely cabin-style homes await at this community, which also features an incredible clubhouse, art studios, a relaxing spa, equestrian facilities and an amphitheater for live performances. Fly fishing, a heated lagoon, beach volleyball, a library, wildlife sanctuary and even, should you require, a helipad all grace this beautiful bit of the outdoors down South.
eaglesnestbe.com
Ranch at the Canyons
Terrebonne
Avg low in May: 36˚F
Oregon’s natural beauty is on full display at this private ranch estate, which offers four hidden canyons, lush meadows, vineyards, orchards and incredible views along with quality living. Trout-filled lakes sit under the breathtaking Smith Rock and the snow-capped Cascade Mountains while wine flows at the Old Winery Clubhouse & Spa. With 18 holes of exquisite golf on site, this may be as close to perfect as a place can get.
ranchatthecanyons.com
St. Regis Resort & Residences
Park City
Avg low in May: 48˚F
St. Regis has it that this is the best ski address in the United States, and they may be right. Two buildings linked by funicular tram let guests and residents take advantage of the slopes or the shops and amenities of Deer Valley, as they like. St. Regis hotels are known for service, and that carries on with the residences, 27 private homes and 67 hotel condominiums. The St. Regis Butler is there 24/7 to warm ski boots, prepare après ski beverages, pick up shopping or arrange a picnic. In warmer months, the area is stunningly beautiful, and with the resort’s swimming pools and other luxuries, why would you want to leave?
dcdeervalley.com
Quechee Lakes
Quechee
Avg low in May: 43˚F
Playtime abounds at this Vermont community, which opens all the state’s natural playgrounds have to offer to residents and guests. Two private 18-hole golf courses join a swimming pool, fitness center, biking and hiking trails, beachfront activities at Lake Pinneo and more. Surrounding the community, the beautiful Ottauquechee River Valley, full of inviting lakes and rivers to explore. With plenty of shopping and dining opportunities nearby, this is a perfect home or second home site.
quecheelakes.com
Spruce Peak At Stowe
Stowe
Avg low in May: 40˚F
Bridging the gap between village, city and mountain, Stowe is a charming destination for skiers and snowboarders in winter, and for outdoor lovers in spring and summer. A New England village at heart, this community offers top-drawer amenities to residents and guests alike. A ski-in, ski-out community when snow’s on the ground, golf, hiking and other pursuits open up as the white stuff melts. The on-site spa and clubhouse are available year-round, and when construction is completed on all structures this should be one of Vermont’s best.
sprucepeak.com
Suncadia
Cle Elum
Avg low in May: 37˚F
The Suncadia Resort is one of Washington’s best, offering tremendous outdoor recreational opportunities in the state’s Cascades alongside the sparkling waters of the Cle Elum River. Residents get to enjoy all of the resort’s offerings, including fly fishing, hiking, spa treatments, shopping and dining, and also get use of the private Suncadia Club, priority access to the two golf courses and use of a swim and fitness center. America’s Northwest never lived better.
suncadiaresort.com
Powder Horn Ranch & Golf
Sheridan
Avg low in May: 39˚F
With 900 unspoiled acres on Little Goose Creek in Wyoming, this property is simply amazing. A spectacular 30,000 sq. ft. clubhouse looks out over 27 holes of top-notch golf, a pool house, trout-stocked ponds and plenty of nature trails. The community is a designated National Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, ensuring a peaceful environment. Regularly voted among the top 100 golf communities in the country by such magazines as Travel + Leisure and Links Magazine, The Powder Horn is a winner. And with no state income tax, no state inheritance tax and a very favorable business tax climate, Wyoming could just be your kind of place.
thepowderhorn.com
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