Features

Living in Havasu
Another Day in Paradise

by Bobbi A. J. Holmes

        Until 1993 our “Havasu home” was located on the California side of Lake Havasu. It is next to impossible for us to ever replicate the lake view from our early Havasu days. Actually it is impossible, considering we were on the water, overlooking Whipple Bay, and could actually hear the water rippling in the morning, as we lay in bed with the sliding door open.  This is probably why a lake view was not a priority for us when looking for our current home.
       It’s been a year since we moved into our “new” Havasu home.  New for us, as it was built in 1992. It is very different than our first Lake Havasu City house.
       The first house we had in Lake Havasu City was one we had built in the residential estates area.  Its design was a very popular one for the era – split, open floor plan, pot shelves, and sea-foam-green carpet.  Shortly after we moved in a gunite pool and spa was added. It was the only house we’d ever had professionally landscaped, complete with a dry river rock creek, colored rock, palms, and a variety of colorful desert friendly plants, which gave the yard a definite manicured, resort feel.
       I suppose our priorities have changed in the last twelve years.  This time we went the cottage among the castle route, far removed from residential estates, yet in an area with underground utilities.  Our house is not large, yet our back yard is, and it is there, that we’ve discovered our own piece of paradise.
       Although the yard was not professionally landscaped, the original owner (who passed away months before we purchased the home), lovingly mapped out the landscaping. There is a large mesquite tree in the center of the yard, providing shade to us and home to countless birds.  I’ve hung a rope swing from its branches, and look up into the eerie tangle of thorned limbs, making me wonder how the birds manage to fly to and fro with such ease.
       A rustic rock wall and steps divide the yard and lead to a second level, which is home to four lush fruit trees. A few lemon and grapefruit remain, yet we’ve already consumed this year’s crop of tangelo and oranges.
       The previous owner dotted the yard’s perimeter with aloe vera, a choice I initially disliked.  Yet, a year has elapsed, and the succulents have each sprouted a flowering stalk that the hummingbirds frequent.
       A dear friend gave me a old wooden rocker (something I had been wanting for our back patio), and I’ve been putting it to regular use. Don and I have been truly enjoying the simple pleasures of our Havasu yard.  Birds are busy in the tree tops, plump quail waddle across the yard, and bunnies and the occasional chipmunk scamper about.   I often whisper thanks to the home’s previous owner, for her thoughtful planning of our new found paradise.
       When Don and I are out previewing houses, or showing property to clients, I’m reminded that Havasu can be whatever you make it.  Our yards can be transformed into anything, from dry barren desert to manicured resort settings or rustic retreats. We hope all of you are able to find a bit of paradise, at that place you call home.                                                    May 2005