The Ranch at Santa Monica, a luxury community, was recognized in June as among the "Best in the West" at the 2003 Gold Nugget Awards at the Pacific Coast Builder's Conference. The enclave of 72 estate-sized homes was honored with a special Award of Merit for "Detached Residential Project of the Year," in addition to three Awards of Merit for Residences One, Three and Four for "Best Single Family Detached Home," in the size categories for which they qualified.

In its 40th year, the Gold Nugget Awards program is the premiere event of the annual PCBC. The oldest and largest program of its kind, the competition honors creative achievements in architectural design and land use planning for residential, commercial and industrial projects.

Entries come from 14 Western states and all countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. Gold Nugget winners share one common denominator: excellence and innovation in addressing complex design/build issues. The Gold Nuggets are sponsored by PCBC and Builder magazine. Co-sponsors include major building product manufacturers, financial institutions and builders, architects and associates in the real estate field.

Nominated in the "4,001 to 4,500 square feet" size category, Residence One at The Ranch offers four to six bedrooms, a den, a library, a home management center, 3.5 to four baths and garage space for three cars. The home spans approximately 4,039 square feet to 4,605 square feet.

Refined design details make this home fitting for quieter times, with a library that opens up to a courtyard, a private master retreat option or an optional studio with its own covered deck upstairs. Adjacent to the family room, the large kitchen with an oversized center island makes the simultaneous tasks of preparing food and entertaining guests an easy feat.

With approximately 4,363 square feet to 5,083 square feet, Residence Two was designed with entertainment in mind. Five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a library, a study and garage space for three cars offer plenty of space for residents, while one of the rooms -- a desirable downstairs bedroom with a private bath -- can be used for overnight guests or visiting in-laws.

From the dramatic entry and gracious living areas with a wine room, the most intimate gatherings of friends or more formal dinner parties can be enjoyed and savored in style. No detail was left unattended in this home; each area is spoken for -- right down to the home management center. The optional upstairs home theatre room will also make movie nights an experience for the entire family to enjoy.

Residence Three, nominated in the "4,501 square feet to 5,000 square feet" size category, provides five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a home management center and garage space for three cars. With approximately 4,473 square feet to 5,000 square feet, this home provides intimate spaces like a cozy morning room that opens up to a courtyard for dining al fresco, and spacious living areas for entertaining family or friends.

At the 2003 Golden Nugget Awards in June, residences Three and Four at The Ranch at Santa Monica each received Awards of Merit for "Best Single Family Detached Home," in the size categories for which they qualified.

The kitchen includes a dual center island to help make meal preparation as easy as ever. This home also includes a downstairs suite for overnight guests, and a second set of stairs, located towards the back of the house for added convenience.

The largest home at The Ranch, Residence Four, was nominated in the "over 5,000 square feet" size category. Spanning approximately 5,481 square feet, this home offers five to six bedrooms, 4.5 to 5.5 baths, a library and a garage with space for three cars.

The downstairs bedroom with its own bath will be the ideal haven for overnight guests or teenagers who wish for more privacy. Ideal for growing families, one of the rooms is equipped with a fireplace, a wet bar and home theatre with surround sound.

Residence Four also features a convenient second set of stairs, and a romantic master bath with granite-slab countertops, his-and-her separate shower stalls and his-and-her separate water closets.

Most homesites at The Ranch offer a casita option for in-laws or guests who visit on a regular basis or a lanai option for those who want to bring the outdoors inside.

A gated, palm-lined oasis, The Ranch at Santa Monica offers residents onsite amenities such as a community recreation center with a swimming pool, spa, a park, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.

The Ranch at Santa Monica was built by D.R. Horton Homes, Western Pacific Housing, San Diego Division, part of the D.R. Horton family of homebuilders.

Related Link

D.R. Horton Homes Western Pacific Housing: www.westernpacifichousing.co