Subscribe to our US Editor's Choice newsletter to receive the most important exclusive reports A fresh neighborhood constructed by Disne...
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A fresh neighborhood constructed by Disneyis presenting a different method to the Mickey Mouse enchantment.
Cotino is the company's initial residential development, featuring a highly exclusive members' club that launched last month and requires a joining fee of over $30,000, along with residencesstarting above $1.3 million
The oasis near Palm Springs inRancho Mirage, California, offers some acknowledgments to the theme park's characters and instead highlights advanced architecture along with luxurious facilities at extremely high costs.
Other areas are designed for individuals 55 years and older, all developed by the Walt Disney Company as part of its Storyliving initiative.
Kevin Du Toit, a real estate expert based in Southern California, shared with the Daily Mail: 'They maintained an authentic atmosphere - not overly modern or too cartoonish - making it feel timeless. Even the lagoon and dining areas incorporate script lines and quotes rather than relying on character branding. It offers a more sophisticated Disney experience.'
As you stroll through the model homes, every one features a unique narrative component. They have incorporated feelings and personality into the design. It's as if you're entering a life that Walt Disney envisioned.
Sensory elements are integrated throughout. That's why it's referred to as 'Storyliving'—it evokes the nostalgic 'story time' experience from childhood and merges it with the home, garden, and surroundings. It transforms into a complete way of life.
People began relocating this year.The initial stage includes 300 homes, with a total of 1,900 expected to be developed.
The Patina home design is the most budget-friendly property available on Cotino's website, listed at an impressive price of $1,344,990.
A 1,666-square-foot apartment includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two garage spots, and a half-bathroom.
The top-priced property is the Westwind II, listed at $3,203,000. These properties span 4,485 square feet and include three to six bedrooms, three to six bathrooms, two to three garage spaces, and two half-bathrooms.
"I occasionally joke that it's not 'the happiest place on earth,' but rather 'the happiest place for those with high incomes,'" Du Toit said.
He characterized the population of Cotino residents as "high-net-worth" and mentioned that many who are relocating to the area have positions like CEO, executive roles, or investor status.
"Teachers and emergency personnel in California receive decent wages, which means you'll find families living there, not just affluent older adults," he added.
Du Toit stated that the high prices bring long-term benefits, as he asserted that the California real estate market consistently delivers a favorable return on investment.
Walt Disney, the founder of the entertainment empire, is reported to have cherished the region near Cotino.
He frequently visited his property, the Smoke Tree Ranch located in the Coachella Valley, to relieve the pressures of his job and find inspiration, Becky Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives, stated.SF Gate.
The tranquility that Walt sought many years ago is reflected in the design, featuring houses with soothing colors and its standout feature, Cotino Bay—a 24-acre artificial lagoon.
The lagoon, set to provide swimming zones, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, will be bordered by eateries and retail stores and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026.
The acquisition of property in Cotino does not include an optional membership to the prestigious Artisan Club.
To access the club's benefits, residents need to pay a one-time charge of $20,000, followed by an annual payment of $11,000 along with a yearly minimum expenditure of $1,000 on food and drinks to utilize a coastal clubhouse that includes a gym, pool, dining area, beachside bar, and event lawn.
It also provides them with entry to the Parr House, which is referred to as a 'super' enjoyable, versatile location and distinctive gathering spot.
The structure's design aims to mirror the residence of the superheroes featured in Disney-Pixar’s Incredibles 2, which was initially influenced by midcentury architecture found in Palm Springs.
Senior architect at Walt Disney Imagineering, Caleb Wild, stated that theDisney Parks BlogParr House represents a parody of mid-20th century modern design.
Our objective was to amplify that style in a manner that conveyed a clearly Disney narrative while remaining consistent with the community's artistic approach.
It features several hidden surprises throughout the structure, such as a Parr Family notice board in the kitchen, alongside Fiber O’s and Sugar Bombs breakfast cereals reminiscent of those consumed by the Parr family in the film.
Du Toit said:You experience the feeling of being in a resort around the clock. Many communities cut costs because of labor and material expenses, but Cotino didn't. They invested fully.
And even without any indication of Mickey Mouse or roller coasters, Du Toit said: 'Residing in a fantasy-like setting is impactful.'
That's the genuine Disney enchantment – not the characters or attractions, but being part of a tale every single day.
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