Palomar Mountain News

Hello Friends,

Some of you might have heard there are some changes in the works for the Phelps Family.

Don, the cowboy I’m married to, and I bought our mountain home in 1975, sold it a few years later and bought the same house back in 1998. In 2006 we purchased the land above us with a 12 sided ’round house’ and added a stable to a workshop. It became the Hay Barn and our horses over the years had the amazing seven island view. We lived up there part time, shared it with Christian Conference Center guest speakers, pastor retreats, lots of friends and family and even had eight bride and grooms plus occasionally made it available as a vacation rental.

Our sons Nathan and Brandon have been with us on the mountain for the past few years. Nathan purchased what is now known as Cabin Fever, a charming Vacation Rental. Then Brandon and Heidi, along with our four Treasures (the grandkids) bought the Ranch and moved next door! A few years ago they acquired the property beyond them and have it as two Vacation Rentals: Star Havens and Star Loft.

This was a dream I’d never even dared to dream. Nathan moved to our guest apartment ‘Mountain Orchard Inn’ to be with family during the lockdown. We were so blessed as all our family was here for frequent dinners and so much fun. We’ve had such a ‘Wonderful Life’.

Well, the winds have changed and we’re all looking forward to even more exciting adventures.

A few days ago, Nate whipped up mountain raised steak with local fresh eggs for the brother’s breakfast that might be the last our sons will do together on Palomar. The next day Brandon and Heidi moved to Missouri! Nate was pulling out with a big moving van towing our little farm truck. Heidi took the girls and little dogs, pulling a loaded trailer with all sorts of critters. Don’s horse trailer was packed full plus kennels for the two big dogs. Brandon’s car had the musical instruments and the boys took turns riding with their Grandaddy or Unks (that would be Nathan).

What does all this have to do with Real Estate?

Glad you asked. As most of you know, Nathan has been my Broker the past few years. Brandon has had an amazing career, working from home as a computer engineer with his global company. However, with this pending move, he announced that he would like to team up with us working the exploding real estate market in Missouri. We don’t quite know how this will unfold but already have our first two clients!

What about Palomar Real Estate??? Well, it is rolling like never before!!! As of tonight I just spoke with clients on what will be my 15th new listing!!! True story!!! Crestline and Birch Hill homes and cabins, vacant land with ocean views, and a beautiful ranch will be on the market soon. Plus, Star Havens and Star Loft are coming up. Nate is keeping Cabin Fever and plans some remodeling there to live in ‘Shady Oaks’, the second cabin on that property. I’ll be back and forth but do eventually plan to sell our mountain home. It is very hard to think of leaving all our friends here but so hard to resist when those four Treasures (along with their Popi and Mommie) have asked, “GramBonnie, you are going to move with us to Missouri, too, aren’t you?” What was I to say but “Of course my darling”. Eventually we’ll be 15 minutes from those kids with lots of exciting times between now and then.

Thinking of listing your property on Palomar or in the cities? Like to own a piece of this beautiful mountain? Questions about why the family choose Missouri and what is available there for you?

We’ve got the answers, or will get them for you, and glad to be of service.

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor

In the Cities, Above the Clouds and soon showing in the Show Me State of Missouri

Wouldn’t Nate Harrison get a kick out of the fact that the story of his life is so intriguing, he even has a webpage with his own name? Lots of great times and laughter came from his little cabin on what is now known as Nate Harrison Grade. (It was named differently when we lived here in the 1970’s but I’ll leave that for you to check out).

Click to see and learn all about this colorful character, loved by all on Palomar Mountain: Nate Harrison

Thank you John Conkle for sharing the link with us.

Bonnie

The last music night with Smith Mountain Boys at Lazy H was so fun! We got to sit across from one of our newest neighbors, Anthony and Monica. They recently purchased a cabin next door to her mom. So much family fun ahead for Jim and Teresa McCarthy having them next door. But first they are all rolling up their sleeves remodeling with all their wonderful skills and decorating touches.

So, it happened to be Monica’s Birthday!!! Doesn’t she and Teresa look like sisters?

So fun to be a part of this mountain.

Bonnie Phelps

Take a look at this very beautiful Palomar Mountain Eagle taken off State Park Road!

The Freedom Bird! Thanks for sharing Rob!

From: Robert Dowell
Subject:More Bald Eagles

I thought you would like this picture of a Bald Eagle I took January 22nd.  This was the closest they have been to me yet, within about 50 feet.  It is about the 10th time I have seen Bald Eagles on my land this winter so far.

Take care,

Rob

It is always so nice to meet the new folks who choose to join us on Palomar.

Please join me in welcoming Alex and Lana. They grew up in Europe, met in college and came to America for grad school. Both are busy scientists and longed for beautiful trees like their homeland, “It’s exciting to be on the mountain, above the whole world, breathing fresh air!”

They could not resist the views at the Homestead and look forward to taking their daughter Alice together with their dog Mona on many wonderful hikes and meeting their nice neighbors.

It is always such a nice time to slip away, have dinner at Lazy H and listen to the Smith Mountain Boys. This coming Thursday night they are back! Strumming and singing, sharing their gifts of great harmony and guitar picking. You can smile and visit, sing along, some of us even get up and dance a bit.

Can you make it Thursday night? Hope so.

So, here is what you do. Email Jack, the owner at The H to make your reservation. The music starts at 5:00 and the guys sing right through until eight o’clock.

Be sure to make reservations info@lazyh.com. It fills up fast, so you might mention that you’re glad to share tables with that Palomar crowd.

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor and admirer of great times and old fashioned fun

Don’t you wish you could fly? I feel like have have been the past few weeks. So busy!!!

My last Real Estate post included three homes for sale on the mountain. Within a few days, we had multiple offers, over asking, and have three new families so excited to be in escrow.

Sellers were busy moving, it was snowing, lots of staging was done, house cleaners arrived, disclosure packages were out for signatures, we celebrated Christmas, inspections completed, repairs in the works, I’ve taken appraisers ’round to measure all and shoot their comps, it snowed again, the bird flew by, we celebrated New Years (Happy 2022!!!), survey work is being done, easements are all plotted, and the first escrow is to close in a week. Here is what is in Pending. But alas, what about the other folks with offers??? So sad! They still want a place of their own on our magical mountain!

Yes, I always seem to have homes, cabins, ranches or land coming up. But, we could sure use MORE! Thinking about letting your mountain property go? I do believe I’ve met some folks recently who would be over the moon to be the next owner, plus all the patient subscribers on PMNews. They are all so anxious to create their happy mountain memories on Palomar.

It was sooooooo beautiful at Mountain Rose after the snow, I had to take a few pix. I didn’t notice the bird until I was looking through the photos later. Thanks to Jim and Teresa McCarthy, who confirmed it is a chickadee.

Thinking of selling? The timing hasn’t been better. Buyers will fly right up to see the newest listings!

Let’s get your questions answered!

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor

In the Cities and Above the Clouds

DRE#01293655

What a craftsman! One of our newer neighbors, Alfred, sure has been leaving a beautiful signature ’round Palomar. He just finished the tile in this bathroom and did such a great job.

We noticed some of our bricks on the patio were settling. Alfred to the rescue! Those ground squirrels had moved in and created quite a condo complex under the brick. He knew just what to do by digging an 18 inch deep trench all around the patio exterior that he filled with cement to keep them out forever. Alfred then compacted the area, leveled the brick, and we’re ready for our next party.

Here is his website with photos of other type of work he has done and his contact info.

Bonnie Phelps, anxious to have Alfredo back for more projects!

It was so fun to have Israel Guevara stop by with his wife and family. First time meeting his family. He has worked on our land and for many of my clients for many years. He was up recently with his crew on several properties getting some huge standing-dead trees on the ground, dropping hangers and bucking, splitting, stacking and chipping to make the land more firesafe.

When I saw his young son in jeans and cowboy boots, I had to smile. Our youngest grandson, Atticus had just been here trying on last year’s snow gear with no success. Perfect timing as it all fit Israel’s son in time to use the sled run. Hooray for sledding!

Call Israel for all your wood clean-up needs. 760-420-2519