Disney launches first luxury residential community in California desert

Disney is making the dream of living in a magical world a reality.

The entertainment giant is unveiling its first residential community, Cotino, a sprawling desert enclave in Rancho Mirage, California, near Palm Springs.

Cotino is part of Disney’s new Storyliving initiative, which will feature nearly 2,000 homes ranging from luxury apartments to luxury villa properties.

Prices are set to start at $1 million and will exceed $2 million for the most luxurious properties.

The homes will cater to a variety of buyers, including those 55 and older. Disney has already announced a second Storyliving development near Raleigh, North Carolina, with more locations being scouted.

Set on 618 acres, Cotino will offer more than just homes. The community will boast a 24-acre lagoon with water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, a beachfront hotel and a bustling neighborhood filled with dining, shopping and entertainment options.

The entire project is a nod to Disney’s sensitivity to detail and immersive experiences, which the company says will be the core of life at Cotino.

“These master-planned neighborhoods are meant to inspire residents to foster new friendships, pursue their interests, and write the next exciting chapter in their lives—all while enjoying attention to detail, unique amenities, and special touches. that are hallmarks of Disney,” the company. said in a statement when Storyliving was first announced in 2022.

And Disney isn’t just stopping at building homes.

The company’s celebrity cast members, who are known for their customer service at its theme parks, will also lead Cotino’s community association, ensuring residents experience Disney-level hospitality every day. .

However, like all things Disney, the best perks will come at a cost.

Residents can opt for the Artisan Club, which grants access to a private clubhouse that offers fitness classes, pickleball courts, a members-only beach and exclusive Disney-themed events such as wellness workshops and live shows.

Three model homes, which were recently completed, will be open to the public for tours in November. These homes, built by Shea Homes, reflect Disney’s meticulous design sensibility.

The Melodia model is a 2,935-square-foot single-story home that offers three bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, and a large kitchen with a walk-in pantry.

The design, influenced by Disney’s “101 Dalmatians,” features neutral tones with sharp black accents. There is also a flexible space that can serve as a home office or hobby room.

The Modern, another model in Longtable Park’s 55-plus community, is a two-story, 2,821-square-foot property. It includes two bedrooms, two full bathrooms and two half-bathrooms, with an open floor plan that connects the living, dining and cooking areas.

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

“Atelier II” is the third model, also designed for the elderly. It offers 2,275 square meters of space in a modern glass and metal structure. Bright, bold colors throughout the home pay homage to 1960s Disneyland poster art. A fenced outdoor living space extends from the master bedroom and great room, ideal for outdoor relaxation.

With Cotino, Disney hopes to lure lifelong fans with the promise of living out their golden years in a Disney-themed community, complete with all of the company’s signature amenities.

And while the nearest theme park may be two hours away in Anaheim, the company is backing its iconic brand to draw Mouse House fans to its newest venture in the California desert.

Disney previously attempted to create a city from scratch with Celebration, Florida, founded in 1996 and located about 20 miles outside of Orlando. It includes a retirement community called Windsor.

Residents say that while it started as a slow-paced place, it has since turned into a tourist trap.

“There’s not as much inclusion or cohesiveness in the neighborhood anymore,” longtime local Jim Siegal told the Orlando Sentinel in January 2022. “To put it bluntly, the city has been taken over by tourists … and by people in the surrounding area. looking for something to do.”