Disney launches first-ever luxurious residential neighborhood in California desert

Disney is popping the dream of dwelling in a magical world into actuality.

The leisure large is unveiling its first-ever residential neighborhood, Cotino, a sprawling desert enclave in Rancho Mirage, California, close to Palm Springs.

Cotino is a part of Disney’s new Storyliving initiative, which is able to function almost 2,000 houses starting from upscale condos to luxurious villa estates.

Costs are set to start out at $1 million and can soar previous $2 million for essentially the most lavish properties.

The houses will cater to a wide range of patrons, together with these 55 and older. Disney has already introduced a second Storyliving improvement close to Raleigh, North Carolina, with extra places being scouted.

Located on 618 acres, Cotino will supply extra than simply houses. The neighborhood will boast a 24-acre lagoon with water sports activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, a beachfront resort and a bustling district stuffed with eating, procuring and leisure choices.

The whole undertaking is a nod to Disney’s signature aptitude for element and immersive experiences, which the corporate says might be on the core of life in Cotino.

“These deliberate neighborhoods are meant to encourage residents to foster new friendships, pursue their pursuits, and write the subsequent thrilling chapter of their lives — all whereas having fun with the eye to element, distinctive facilities, and particular touches which can be Disney hallmarks,” the corporate stated in a press release when Storyliving was first announced in 2022.

And Disney isn’t stopping at simply constructing the houses.

The corporate’s well-known forged members, who’re recognized for his or her customer support at its theme parks, may even be operating Cotino’s neighborhood affiliation, making certain that residents expertise Disney-level hospitality each day.

Nevertheless, like all issues Disney, the most effective perks will come at a value.

Residents can choose into the Artisan Membership, which grants entry to a personal clubhouse providing health lessons, pickleball courts, a members-only seashore and unique Disney-themed occasions, similar to wellness seminars and stay performances.

Three mannequin houses, which had been just lately accomplished, will open to the general public for excursions in November. These houses, constructed by Shea Properties, mirror Disney’s meticulous design sensibilities.

The “Melodia” mannequin is a 2,935-square-foot, one-story house that provides three bedrooms, 3½ baths and a big kitchen with a walk-in pantry.

The design, influenced by Disney’s “101 Dalmatians,” options impartial tones with sharp black accents. There’s additionally a versatile house that would function a house workplace or passion room.

“Moderne,” one other mannequin within the 55-plus neighborhood of Longtable Park, is a two-story, 2,821-square-foot property. It contains two bedrooms, two full baths and two half-baths, with an open flooring plan that connects dwelling, eating, and cooking areas.

The inside design takes its cues from Disneyland’s Adventureland, incorporating earthy tones and textures that evoke nature.

“Atelier II” is the third mannequin, additionally designed for senior dwelling. It affords 2,275 sq. ft of house in a contemporary glass-and-metal construction. Shiny, daring colours all through the house pay homage to Disneyland’s Sixties-era poster artwork. A wraparound outside dwelling house extends from the first bed room and nice room, very best for outside leisure.

With Cotino, Disney is hoping to lure lifelong followers with the promise of dwelling out their golden years in a Disney-themed neighborhood, full with all the corporate’s signature facilities.

And whereas the closest theme park could also be two hours away in Anaheim, the corporate is banking on its iconic model to draw Mouse Home devotees to its latest enterprise within the California desert.

Disney beforehand dabbled in making a city from scratch with Celebration, Florida, based in 1996 and situated about 20 miles exterior of Orlando. It features a retirement neighborhood called Windsor.

Residents say that whereas it began as slow-paced locale, it has since become a tourist trap.

“There’s not as a lot neighborhood sort of involvement or cohesiveness anymore,” longtime native Jim Siegal advised the Orlando Sentinel in January 2022. “If I can put it bluntly, the city is overrun by vacationers … and by folks within the surrounding space searching for one thing to do.”