FIELD OF DREAMS
Sometimes it’s the first thing I see that intrigues me most about a house. Other times, it’s an almost-overlooked detail that I notice on the way out. Last week, I visited an open house on Vieja Drive near More Mesa. Set on an acre with a pool and zoned for horses, this five-bedroom home plus a separate two-bedroom guest suite hasn’t been on the market since 1978. It boasts beautiful grounds and is set on a corner right next to a trail lined with eucalyptus trees. Since Scout was accompanying me, I changed into my sneakers and went to check out the trail. (Pro tip: “Having” to walk the dog is always a good excuse to explore).
It wasn’t until I started down the trail that I noticed the burgeoning vegetable garden along the far side of the house. Tomatoes, beans, peppers — even a respectable stand of corn. That’s when I remembered my friend Darlene’s house from many years ago. Darlene and Ed lived off of Puente Drive — a stone’s throw from this place. Plants grew faster, bigger, and healthier in Darlene’s garden. Their backyard was always five degrees warmer than mine downtown, in their rural setting conducive to greener acres and sunshinier days. It could be a coincidence, but I’m deeming this the Hope Ranch Annex micro-climate until someone convinces me otherwise.