Golf and Year-Round Sunshine: How to Create Your Ideal Winter Retreat in Scottsdale
As frigid temperatures crawl over much of the country this winter, many golf aficionados turn their gaze toward Scottsdale, Arizona. Not only will you find some of the best golf courses in Arizona–and the country–but you will also find warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine. If you are ready to build your ideal winter retreat, you’ll find everything you need in Scottsdale’s amazing golf communities.
As you start planning your perfect golf escape, here are a few tips to make it a space you’ll love coming back to every winter.
Find a Golf Community You Love
A golf community is more than just the course. With so many impressive country clubs in Scottsdale, find one that feels like home.
Finding the right golf course home starts with a course you enjoy playing. Do you prefer a walkable course that is as much about the scenery as the game? Or are you focused on challenging Championship-style courses that test your skill at every hole? While there are a number of courses you can choose from in Scottsdale, make sure you like playing the one right outside your door.
At the Whisper Rock Golf Club, a private, invitation-only club in Scottsdale, you have your choice between two courses. The Lower Course was designed by Phil Mickelson and Gary Stephenson and offers a different take on the standard desert layout. The Upper Course was designed by Tom Fazio to be challenging enough for members of the PGA Tour. Both offer stunning scenery as you make your way through their respective 18 holes.
Also, spend a little time in the community to find one that fits your personality and aligns with how you want to spend your vacations. Maybe you like a full social calendar and a list of activities to do on and off the course. Or if you want an active lifestyle, the ability to play a variety of sports and hike nearby trails may be more appealing to you.
Design for Indoor/Outdoor Living
With average highs during the winter months well into the 60s, it’s no surprise that avid golfers flock to Scottsdale when the rest of the country is bundling up. As you plan for your vacation home, include ways to enjoy indoor/outdoor living, both on the green and in your backyard.
Start with an open floor plan great room that offers plenty of space for windows. You’ll want to take advantage of the abundant natural light throughout the day. An open layout can also extend to your courtyard and patio, making it simple to bring in fresh air or meander outside. Include space for your other favorite outdoor hobbies, such as a bocce ball court, a pool, or a putting green to practice your short game.
The Village House, located in the Whisper Rock golf community, includes a number of outdoor amenities. It has a pool with a covered Baja shelf and a babbling brook perfect for quiet mornings. The firepit and three fireplaces encourage comfortable conversation under a clear night sky. “The home’s structure is unique in that it has many spaces for entertaining,” said builder Randy Arnett of R-Net Custom Homes.
Another benefit of golf course homes is the ability to hop in your golf cart for a round of golf or a trip to the clubhouse. Create stone pathways to connect your golf cart to the fastest way to the green.
Include Space for Entertaining
Between your golf buddies and friends back home who want to join you for a weekend, you will likely have no shortage of guests. Make sure you have space to invite friends and family to visit or to have your neighbors over for a barbeque.
With the amazing Scottsdale weather, a patio with an entertainment system is a must. Connect it with the rest of your home so everyone can enjoy the game on TV or the nice ambiance of background music. If you like cooking, include an outdoor kitchen with appliances to make your favorite meals, from a smoker to a built-in grill to a woodfire oven for pizzas.
A game room is a great place to gather friends for Poker night or a fun evening of board games. Make sure you have a variety of seating–from plush recliners to easy-to-move chairs–to fit the theme of the evening. Include end tables and coffee tables throughout the room so drinks and plates find safe and secure places to land.
Give your overnight guests a comfortable place to relax with a guest suite or attached casita. The space should include a private bathroom, a sitting area, and at least one bedroom. Keep it stocked with amenities such as extra towels and soap, so your guests don’t feel like they have to impose on you if they need something.
Incorporate State-of-the-Art Technology
The right technology in your vacation home can lower your home’s environmental footprint and improve your peace of mind. Automation can keep your home low maintenance so you can spend more time on the golf course and less time worrying about your favorite retreat.
Include electrical systems that can incorporate solar power. Not only is it easy to install, but solar panels lower your overall footprint and your reliance on the traditional power grid. Similarly, make sure your garage is equipped to charge electric vehicles. Electric golf carts are less maintenance and help you conserve energy.
Even though your golf course community will have its own safety precautions, you will want a state-of-the-art security system for when you are not there. App-controlled lighting serves as a theft deterrent, removing shadowy corners, and cameras allow you to check on your property at any time.
There’s Something for Everyone in Scottsdale
While there is a lot of great golf to be played in Scottsdale, you will also find a culturally vibrant city with amazing events and fine dining, especially in the winter months. Your inner art collector will be drawn to Scottsdale’s weekly ArtWalk and your culinary skills will get a boost from the bountiful farmer’s market. No matter what your favorite hobby is, you’ll find it in Scottsdale.
When you are ready to explore building your ideal winter golf retreat, turn to the experts who know Scottsdale’s golf communities best. Reach out to Urban Design Associates today and tell us about your project!