Temecula, Murrieta, French Valley, Winchester Real Estate

     . . . The French Valley in Winchester, California - of course!

Many French (and French-speaking Dutch) immigrants settled in the "French Valley" and made a life for themselves farming grain and raising sheep.

One of the few reminders left of these first residents is the windmill that still sits to the east of Winchester Road. We see it every time we turn onto Auld or Benton. The familiar shape of this windmill confirms we're nearly home once again. While not in use today, it was once the horsepower that drove massive pumps the farmers in French Valley relied on to irrigate their crops.

The Van Gaale family, hoping to create a Solvang, California style community, actually moved the windmill to the corner of Winchester and Benton. They were later forced to disassemble the windmill and move it to its current location after airport authorities said it would endanger the public to have a commercial enterprise (attracting large numbers of people) directly in the landing pattern of the French Valley airport. (I guess those officials had retired when plans for the current French Valley Village Center were submitted.)

The windmill is surrounded by 10 or so Dutch style buildings that were models for the community they were wanting to build. They are used primarily for storage today but when the economy turns around they hope to have a bakery, a restaurant and other businesses in them.

Recently, this "village" off of van Gaale Lane provided the perfect backdrop for the 9^th annual Dutch American Heritage Day celebration. It was held here for the first time just this last November. After being at the Temecula sports park for the past 8 years, attendee's quickly fell in love with this authentic Dutch setting. Tentative plans have been made to hold the event here again November 2010. (CLICK HERE to become a fan of the French Valley Fan Page on Facebook and receive a notice of the event dates when they're published.)

Next to the windmill and Dutch Village is a 40,000 Square Foot warehouse. It's the home of the Dutch Mill Trading Company; a store that's chock full of wonderful antiques and specialty merchandise. They even have a selection of new clogs to choose from.

There's plenty more to see and discover at Van Gaale's Dutch Mill Trading Company. So, if you haven't been there (or if it's been a while), I highly recommend a visit.

They're located at:
36687 Van Gaale Lane
Winchester, CA 92596

Hours are:
10 AM to 4 PM
Thursday - Monday
(closed Tues. & Wed.)

Phone:
(951) 926-9300

** Click on any of the images to see a larger version of it.

The first round of Facebook Fan Pages are done! We were able set up a dedicated page on the AimREG.com website for everyone to find us on Facebook. The first Fan Page was for Aim Real Estate Group and the second was for our first community fan page (a place for neighbors to get together online and plan soccer clubs or post a message about a lost dog). Take a look - and become a fan!

http://aimreg.com/meet-us-on-facebook.asp

Now to get the word out!

Here is an update on the Real Estate market in French Valley California.

* Closed within the last 90 days

Standard sales were on the market an average of 37 days and sold for $99.85/ft. The average size was 2,837 SF and sold for $283,261. The average list price was $286,507.

REOs were on the market an average of 33 days and sold for $95/ft. The average size was 2,522 SF and sold for $241,033. The average list price was $235K.

Short Sales were on the market an average of 108 days and sold for $92.58/ft. The average size was 2,494 SF and sold for $230,915. The average list price was $224,939.

A 70,000 SF shopping center is being considered for approval by the Murrieta City Council tonight at 6 PM.

The name of the proposed shopping center is French Valley Crossings and would be located at Winchester and Clinton Keith. The proposal includes a two story office building, a tire center and a couple of fast food restaurants.

City Council approval is needed because it the site sits on 4 acres of a 40-acre agricultural preserve.

Read the full story here: http://blogs.pe.com/news/digest/2010/03/murrieta-council-to-consider-n.html

So if you're looking to rent an apartment in French Valley (before calling me to purchase a home or condo) there's only 1 choice - but it's a great one!

Dakota Apartments - located on Pourroy right across from Brookfield Park - is a fantastic property with TONS of amenities. They have 1 and 2 bedroom apartments that range from 752 SF all the way up to 1200 SF.

With high ceilings and crown molding, track lighting, ceiling fans and washer/dryer in each unit . . . this is no ordinary apartment complex. There are 174 units in 8 buildings surrounding the Outdoor Plaza with pool, spa and cabanas. WiFi access in most common areas means you'll be able to surf my blog by the pool when it's time to buy your own home. No weight limit for the pets (though I hear there are some breed restrictions). The list goes on and on.

If I needed to rent, it'd be at Dakota. That place is awesome.

Call Patti at (951) 926-8200 and do it quick because they're nearly 80% full.

Here is a link to their website. http://www.LiveAtDakota.com

View Dakota Apartments in a larger map

Hello French Valley Residents!

Be sure to join the new group for you and all your neighbors.

Just click on this link to go to the page and then click on Join Group!

This is a group for residents (and Fans) of French Valley in Winchester, CA. It's a place to post a "Lost Dog" notice or let neighbors know you'll be having a garage sale this Saturday. Local restaurants can let us know about a new "Kids eat free" night and the trainers at Temecula Valley Fitness can encourage us to work off that extra piece of pizza we had.

If the lack of parking at any of our parks on a Saturday morning is any indication, this community values family and friends. Hopefully this can be a forum for us to stay connected in-between the sporting activities and our chance encounters at Stater Brothers.