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        <title>The Official Blog of Covenant Hills</title>
        <link>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/</link>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/new-custom-homes-breaking-ground-in-covenant-hills.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/new-custom-homes-breaking-ground-in-covenant-hills.html</link>
            <author>covhills@surterreproperties.com (Covenant Hills)</author>
            <title>New Custom Homes Breaking Ground in Covenant Hills</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Groundbreaking plans are currently underway for many of the Covenant Hills custom homesites that closed escrow in the final months of 2011. One of these homeowners, who is moving their family to Ladera Ranch from out of state, shares their perspective about the ease of developing their Spanish Revival style home in this exclusive guard-gated community.


After many trips visiting friends and family living in Ladera Ranch and Orange County, Cyrus and Behnaz Samari decided they could no longer resist the allure of Covenant Hills’ impressive natural setting. “The area has such beautiful landscaping and is immaculately maintained,” notes Cyrus Samari. The Samaris selected a Covenant Hills homesite that they consider the ideal location. “There are no houses in front of our home, you can see across the valley and all the way to the ocean on clear days. And of course there is that beautiful breeze!” Cyrus shares.In order to enjoy their new Southern California lifestyle to its fullest, the Samaris are incorporating many elements of indoor/outdoor living into their home’s design. “Coming from Minnesota, we are looking forward to living with doors and windows open almost all year,” says Cyrus. Their architect, Stan Schrofer of Stan Schrofer &amp; Associates, Inc., has finessed the Spanish Revival’s design to optimize the use of exterior space. On the main level of the five bedroom, eight bath floor plan, sliding doors open and disappear into walls creating expansive open areas flowing to outdoor living spaces. Another distinctive design element is the home’s casita and entry courtyard, which provide a private outside area to enjoy in the front of the house. This complements the home’s backyard, which features a poolside cabana, a large loggia with exterior fireplace, and a complete outdoor cooking area. “For us, having several outdoor living areas was critical,” Cyrus adds.  Having built two custom homes before, the Samari’s appreciate the challenges in building a home long distance. Yet, after learning more about the resources, guidelines, and the process of homebuilding through Covenant Hills’ Design Review, they now feel secure with the level of detail and safeguards in place. And while the Samari’s will be making periodic visits to Covenant Hills to view the work in progress, they have entrusted their long-time Ladera Ranch friend and professional homebuilder, Sam Golbabaie of Keystone Design Build, Inc. to supervise the construction in their absence. Mr. Samari notes, “From the start, we have been impressed with the professionalism of Covenant Hill’s entire operation.”  Recognized as one of the most unique and exclusive family-oriented communities in southern Orange County, homeowners are drawn to Covenant Hills for its open space and natural beauty. This extraordinary environment for relaxed family living is exemplified in the community’s numerous parks, private recreation facilities, and hiking trails. Surrounded by more than 1,600 acres of pristine, protected ridgelines, many are surprised by how easily accessible Covenant Hill’s Ladera Ranch location is to Orange County’s beaches and shopping destinations. This combination of unparalleled lifestyle in such a panoramic setting is a true distinction of living in Covenant Hills at Ladera Ranch. 


Covenant Hills’ custom homesites are available in limited release, priced from the $300,000s to over $1 million. For more information regarding the custom homesites and custom homes at Covenant Hills, call the Custom Sales Gallery at 888.220.2303 or visit www.covenanthills.com.


To reach Covenant Hills in Ladera Ranch from the I-5 Freeway in south Orange County, exit Crown Valley Parkway and proceed east approximately 2.5 miles to Antonio Parkway. Turn right onto Antonio. Turn right onto Covenant Hills Drive and proceed to the East Gatehouse. Signage will direct you to the Custom Sales Gallery which is located at 63 Bell Pasture Road, Ladera Ranch, CA  92694.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 16:30:13 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/covenant-hills-custom-family-home-designed-with-local-architectural-pedigree.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/covenant-hills-custom-family-home-designed-with-local-architectural-pedigree.html</link>
            <author>covhills@surterreproperties.com (Covenant Hills)</author>
            <title>Covenant Hills Custom Family Home Designed with Local Architectural Pedigree</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



A new Covenant Hills custom home design has developed into an architecturally significant project. After finding the ideal homesite to build their family home, these homeowners have selected a design style that both fits their desired functionality and also reflects the area’s heritage; the San Juan Capistrano Rustic style.   Coming from a coastal neighborhood that’s saturated with kids and has a great family environment, the homeowners sought a community with the same active, family atmosphere. They say, “Ladera Ranch and Covenant Hills has become the go-to place for families looking to capture that feeling.” The couple considered a number of other communities, and was surprised to find that some had no kids in sight on a Saturday afternoon. While attending an open house in Covenant Hills, their current homesite caught their attention. They both agreed, “That’s the lot we want!” They were thrilled when it soon came on the market and equally pleased to find that building a custom home was ultimately an attainable option for them. The home, which will be the first of this style built in Covenant Hills, is being designed by Architect David Ko of Angeleno Associates. The homeowners immediately connected with Ko’s understanding of how families utilize their living spaces, and were equally impressed with his expertise in historically documented architectural details. The homeowners’ priorities were clear; create a home for comfortable living filled with love and family. They wanted lots of grass and open space and a home that would withstand the wear and tear of kids. Ko was inspired by the home’s location; situated on the promontory of a prime Covenant Hills cul-de-sac, with expansive mountain views, and adjacent to a trailhead. He presented designs in the San Juan Capistrano Rustic design style, which so strongly relates to the natural environment of the home’s location. The homeowners say, “We were blown away with the first concept drawings!” Following the aesthetics of the classic California hacienda, “The concept is that we are building a home reminiscent of the original ranch house on the historic Rancho Mission Viejo.”While Ko admits that San Juan Capistrano Rustic is by far his favorite design genre, he notes how appropriate the style’s incorporation of indigenous elements from California adobe and ranch houses is for this area, and how well it relates to the casual lifestyle of his clients. Aesthetically driven by a timeless quality, the five bedroom, five bath open floor plan is primarily single story, featuring several wings, while the limited upstairs areas are designated for private spaces. He explains, “Our objective was to create a comfortable family home, with a pedigree.” Ko has skillfully positioned the home on the site, saving over 5,000 square feet for outdoor living and backyard use. On board early in the project is landscape designer, Alvin Johnson, of Boyd Johnson Designs, who will be customizing the exterior spaces to include a pool and natural elements tied to local history such as signature pepper, oak, and fig trees. The plans even include an edible garden to let the kids dig and get their hands dirty.After looking at all types of homes on the market, the list of what this family wanted in their home just continued to grow. “We found that building our own custom home would be the only way to get everything we wanted in one package,” the homeowners conclude. Now, they couldn’t be happier with their decision, sharing that, “We are designing a house that facilitates the way we want to live as a family.  This home will be the setting for our sons’ childhood memories and extended family gatherings, and a place where they can ride their bikes around the neighborhood and explore the open spaces beyond.” Recognized as one of the most unique and exclusive family-oriented communities in southern Orange County, homeowners are drawn to Covenant Hills for its open space and natural beauty. This extraordinary environment for relaxed family living is exemplified in the community’s numerous parks, private recreation facilities, and hiking trails. Surrounded by more than 1,600 acres of pristine, protected ridgelines, many are surprised by how easily accessible Covenant Hill’s Ladera Ranch location is to Orange County’s beaches and shopping destinations. This combination of unparalleled lifestyle in such a panoramic setting is a true distinction of living in Covenant Hills at Ladera Ranch. Covenant Hills’ custom homesites are available in limited release, priced from the high $300,000s to over $1 million. For more information regarding the custom homesites and custom homes at Covenant Hills, call the Custom Sales Gallery at 888.768.8702 or visit www.covenanthills.com. To reach Covenant Hills in Ladera Ranch from the I-5 Freeway in south Orange County, exit Crown Valley Parkway and proceed east approximately 2.5 miles to Antonio Parkway. Turn right onto Antonio. Turn right onto Covenant Hills Drive and proceed to the East Gatehouse. Signage will direct you to the Custom Sales Gallery, which is located at 63 Bell Pasture Road, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:52:50 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/home-for-the-holidays-in-covenant-hills.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/home-for-the-holidays-in-covenant-hills.html</link>
            <author>covhills@surterreproperties.com (Covenant Hills)</author>
            <title>Home for the Holidays in Covenant Hills</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



 


Reflecting the picturesque setting and family lifestyle of Covenant Hills,
 the warmth of this neighborhood reaches new heights during the 
holidays, with a lineup of community events that bring families and 
friends together to celebrate the season.  This Ladera Ranch 
community begins its local holiday celebrations the first weekend of 
December, with a holiday tree lighting ceremony on the Town Green 
followed by a visit from Santa. The event includes activities for elves 
of all ages including puppet shows, crafts, and holiday performances. To
 share the spirit of giving, the Ladera Ranch Community Services also 
hosts an Orange County Firefighters’ Sparks of Love Toy Drive 
benefitting needy children and families throughout Orange County. 
Residents can drop-off toys at local Fire Station 58 up until December 
24.Another annual Ladera Ranch holiday tradition is the Home 
Decorating Contest, which takes the existing beauty of the area’s 
architecturally designed and landscaped homes to another level. With 
judging on both individual homes and neighborhood entries, residents 
compete in categories such as Most Creative Use of Lights, Best Use of a
 Theme, Best in Spirit, Traditional, and Best Yard Display, in this 
spirited competition. Ladera Ranch Community Services awards the winners
 with the choice of gift cards from Home Depot or Costco that can be 
used for 2012’s Block Parties.Covenant Hill’s holiday events 
continue throughout December in the Town Green with a Live Nativity 
scene produced in partnership with the Christian Fellowship Club and a 
Menorah Lighting ceremony in partnership with the Jewish Community Club 
of Ladera Ranch. For more information on Covenant Hills holiday happenings visit www.LaderaLife.com.Recognized as one of the most unique and 
exclusive family-oriented communities in southern Orange County, 
homeowners are drawn to Covenant Hills for its open space and natural 
beauty. This extraordinary environment for relaxed family living is exemplified in the community’s numerous parks, private recreation facilities, and hiking trails. Surrounded
 by more than 1,600 acres of pristine, protected ridgelines, many are 
surprised by how easily accessible Covenant Hill’s Ladera Ranch location
 is to Orange County’s beaches and shopping destinations. This 
combination of unparalleled lifestyle in such a panoramic setting is a 
true distinction of living in Covenant Hills at Ladera Ranch. Covenant Hills’ custom homesites
 are available in limited release, priced from the high $200,000s to 
over $1 million. For more information regarding the custom homesites and
 custom homes at Covenant Hills, call the Custom Sales Gallery at 
888.220.2303 or visit www.covenanthills.com.To
 reach Covenant Hills in Ladera Ranch from the I-5 Freeway in south 
Orange County, exit Crown Valley Parkway and proceed east approximately 
2.5 miles to Antonio Parkway. Turn right onto Antonio. Turn right onto 
Covenant Hills Drive and proceed to the East Gatehouse. Signage will 
direct you to the Custom Sales Gallery, which is located at 63 Bell 
Pasture Road, Ladera Ranch, CA  92694.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:31:29 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/the-de-costers-feather-their-nest-in-covenant-hills.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/the-de-costers-feather-their-nest-in-covenant-hills.html</link>
            <author>covhills@surterreproperties.com (Covenant Hills)</author>
            <title>The De Costers Feather Their Nest In Covenant Hills</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Roger
 and Kaarina De Coster have recently completed building a beautiful 
custom home in Covenant Hills to serve as their almost-empty nest as 
their son begins his college career. However, since he’s attending UCI, 
his visits home with friends are sure to be frequent. With that reality 
in mind, the De Costers are currently fine-tuning their home to be 
perfectly suited for relaxing and casual entertaining for both 
generations.Moving from Coto de Caza, the De Costers found the peaceful feeling at Covenant Hills
 immensely attractive. The natural, open setting of this Ladera Ranch 
neighborhood is one that Kaarina found truly welcoming. She loves hiking
 the local trails, many which feature views to the ocean. This 
ideal location provided not only a shorter work commute for Roger, but 
also the perfect outlet for Kaarina’s love of projects. In this case, it
 was four bedrooms and five baths full of projects that commanded her 
attention. Kaarina was closely involved in the everyday progress of 
specifying all the finishes for their home and working with craftsmen to
 complete their stone-walled, Tuscan style residence. The De 
Costers now have an array of options in utilizing their home’s living 
areas that include a sun drenched breakfast room, and a pair of loggias,
 one featuring an outside fireplace. Kaarina’s plans to furnish the 
protected area with an oversized dining table and draperies to frame the
 outdoor enclave and give it the feel of an interior dining room. The 
billiards, gaming, and work out rooms perfectly fit this physically 
active family’s lifestyle. Kaarina’s office is a room whose function 
will not change, as she confesses it’s her favorite room in the house, 
with its light and airy ambiance and views in every direction.  Their
 landscaping plans include a hot tub, a current pool for workouts, a 
barbeque area and fire pit, and possibly a vegetable garden. The home’s 
indoor/outdoor ambiance is created by glass doors opening to outside 
areas in all the first floor rooms, and balconies featured in every 
upstairs room. The result is bringing the ocean views and sparkling city
 light views into prime focus. Preferring not to rush, the De 
Costers are allowing themselves time to think creatively as they 
consider the options that their home’s floor plan offers. As they 
evaluate ideas to suit their evolving needs, they are enjoying the 
selections they’ve already made in making their family home in Covenant 
Hills.Recognized as one of the most unique and 
exclusive family-oriented communities in southern Orange County, 
homeowners are drawn to Covenant Hills for its open space and natural 
beauty. This extraordinary environment for relaxed family living is exemplified in the community’s numerous parks, private recreation facilities, and hiking trails. Surrounded
 by more than 1,600 acres of pristine, protected ridgelines, many are 
surprised by how easily accessible Covenant Hill’s Ladera Ranch location
 is to Orange County’s beaches and shopping destinations. This 
combination of unparalleled lifestyle in such a panoramic setting is a 
true distinction of living in Covenant Hills at Ladera Ranch. Covenant Hills’ custom homesites
 are available in limited release, priced from the high $200,000s to 
over $1 million. For more information regarding the custom homesites and
 custom homes at Covenant Hills, call the Custom Sales Gallery at 
888.220.2303 or visit www.covenanthills.com.To
 reach Covenant Hills in Ladera Ranch from the I-5 Freeway in south 
Orange County, exit Crown Valley Parkway and proceed east approximately 
2.5 miles to Antonio Parkway. Turn right onto Antonio. Turn right onto 
Covenant Hills Drive and proceed to the East Gatehouse. Signage will 
direct you to the Custom Sales Gallery, which is located at 63 Bell 
Pasture Road, Ladera Ranch, CA  92694.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:30:57 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/party-with-your-pet-saturday-september-25.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/party-with-your-pet-saturday-september-25.html</link>
            <author>covhills@surterreproperties.com (Covenant Hills)</author>
            <title>Party With Your Pet Saturday, September 25</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



As a part of the fabulously family-friendly community of Ladera Ranch, the Ladera Ranch Animal Hospital is making the most important member of your brood feel the most special this Saturday, September 25 with their Open House Luau.From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. you and your pet can stop by the full-service Veterinary Hospital for an afternoon of games and goodies, plus a behind-the-scenes tour of the hospital and a reptile petting zoo. The first 20 attendees to arrive will receive a free microchip voucher.So take the time to treat your beloved buddy – because a little fun in exchange for unconditional love is pretty much a no-brainer. 


For more information, you can visit the Ladera Ranch Animal Hospital website.


1101 Corporate Drive A-7
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
949.347.6803
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:34:58 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/dont-miss-the-final-session-of-the-4th-annual-ladera-ranch-basketball-camps.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/dont-miss-the-final-session-of-the-4th-annual-ladera-ranch-basketball-camps.html</link>
            <author>covhills@surterreproperties.com (Covenant Hills)</author>
            <title>Don't Miss the Final Session of the 4th Annual Ladera Ranch Basketball Camps</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the fun
has to stop. The 4th Annual Ladera Ranch Summer Basketball Camps are
still going on and it’s not too late to sign up for their final session.


Come learn the game from those who know it best. Former Division 1 players, local high school coaches
and current college and high school players will be your mentors and coaches during the camp; there may
even be a surprise special guest!


Whether you’re a first time player just learning to dribble,
or a natural born Michael Jordan wanting to perfect your layup, this camp is
for you.


The camp welcomes boys and girls of any skill level from
grades K-8th. The final session costs $200, begins August 29th
and ends September 1st.  The
end of August isn’t far away so register quickly.


For more information or to register for the camp CLICK HERE.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:43:13 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/microsoft-makes-movie-making-and-business-branding-easy.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/microsoft-makes-movie-making-and-business-branding-easy.html</link>
            <author>covhills@surterreproperties.com (Covenant Hills)</author>
            <title>Microsoft Makes Movie Making and Business Branding Easy </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Don’t miss out on Microsoft’s last three free computer
classes for Ladera Ranch residents.


The Microsoft store in the Shops at Mission Viejo
has held classes all summer for Ladera Ranch residents for free to help improve
their computer skills. If you’re a resident, you’re not going to want to miss
out on the final classes they have lined up.


Fancy yourself a future Steven Spielberg but have no
idea how to morph a video into a movie? Well, tonight there will
be a class on “movie making in just a few clicks”.


On August 25th Microsoft will be offering
a class on how to “brand your business” using Facebook and Twitter; a very
valuable class for anyone looking to start or build their business.


September 1st Microsoft will wrap up the series
with a “branding your business” class based on LinkedIn. 


These classes are invaluable and even better,
they’re free - so don’t miss out.


Each workshop takes place from
6:30-8:00 pm, but space is limited, so reserve your spot by sending an email to mscmv@microsoft.com and indicate which of the workshops you will be attending. 


Click here for more information.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:49:31 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/last-weekend-for-fried-food-and-fun.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/last-weekend-for-fried-food-and-fun.html</link>
            <author>covhills@surterreproperties.com (Covenant Hills)</author>
            <title>Last Weekend for Fried Food and Fun</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Haven’t had a chance to enjoy some farm animals, fried food and topsy-turvy carnival rides at the OC fair yet? Well hurry up, you only have four days left.Head out to the fair for some delicious food, fun animals, games, rides, concerts and so much more. The fair is open Wednesday-Sunday. General admission is $11, senior admission (60+) is only $8, children 6-12 are $6, and kids 5 and under get in free.Don’t miss out on a fun time - the fair is only in town until August 14th.For more information visit and tickets visit ocfair.com.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:46:01 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
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            <guid>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/ladera-ranch-summer-concert-series-sizzles-this-friday.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/ladera-ranch-summer-concert-series-sizzles-this-friday.html</link>
            <author>covhills@surterreproperties.com (Covenant Hills)</author>
            <title>Ladera Ranch Summer Concert Series Sizzles This Friday</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



 


Summer may be winding down, but Ladera Ranch’s Summer Concert Series is still sizzlin’ with a fabulous flashback to the '80s this Friday courtesy of BETAMAXX. Slip on those legwarmers, break out your shoulder pads and crimp your coiffure as you bob your head to the best of Journey, Pat Benatar, Michael Jackson and just about every other unforgettable '80s hit you can imagine.The seven-piece San Diego cover band claims with conviction that the ‘80s never go out of style, and you’ll know when you start belting along to “Don’t Stop Believin’” that you never really did. Show starts at 6:30pm at the Town Green, so be there or be a square peg.For more details, visit LaderaLife.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:52:41 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/the-us-open-of-surf-paddles-out-july-31st.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.covenanthills.com/blog/the-us-open-of-surf-paddles-out-july-31st.html</link>
            <author>covhills@surterreproperties.com (Covenant Hills)</author>
            <title>The US Open of Surf Paddles Out July 31st</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Summer is winding down, but the surfers are just gearing up! It’s time again for Huntington Beach to put on one of the most anticipated events of the summer season: The US Open of Surfing. The fun begins this Sunday, July 31st and will continue until next Sunday, August 7th. Join professional surfers as well as thousands of fans while they enjoy some sunshine, skating, bmx biking, music, freebies and of course surfing. 5th and PCH is the place to be next week, but get there early because parking fills up fast! For more information, updates and contest results visit usopenofsurfing.com
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:34:02 -0500</pubDate>
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