Montevalle Amenities
While most people are struck by the expansive, natural grounds and lush landscaping around Montevalle, Montevalle’s amenities are very popular with its residents.
- two lakes with ducks, turtles, fish
- two heated outdoor swimming pools
- two spas (hot tubs)
- two saunas (men’s and women’s)
- fitness center with state-of-the-art exercise equipment
- locker room with shower facilities
- putting green
- shuffleboard court
- horseshoe pit
- library
- billiard table
- ping pong table
- large “clubhouse” (community hall) with kitchen facilities for social gatherings and meetings
- laundry facilities
- a Lodge with two bedrooms available for rent by overnight guests
- restrooms
- planned activities (community dinners, holiday-themed events, meetings, etc.)
- many clubs and committees
- pet-friendly
View photographs of Montevalle’s amenities and grounds.
View the list of Montevalle properties currently available for sale.
Montevalle History
Montevalle started as a shared vision in the 1960s by its three founders, Howard Hick, Rey Retzlaff and Van Whitman. They hoped to develop a 55/45+ age living environment where the individuality of each home was appreciated, owners could invest in their individual property (rather than paying rent with no equity build-up) and with conveniences and recreational facilities included. At that time, the Real Estate Commission said Montevalle would be the first park of its kind in California where the ownership of the common area is shared by all the property owners.[1]
In the late 1960s, Montevalle was developed from a 17-acre ranch (called “Montevalle”) and 27-acre parcel on Bean Creek Road. The developers chose to preserve as much of the wildlife and terrain as possible.
“The Old Mill” (a functioning overshot water wheel with a 14-foot diameter, and the 90 by 40 foot rustic building of fieldstone and wood) was developed in 1967 from the plans of the Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Montevalle’s Mill housed a large community room for social events, a kitchen, a mail room with residents’ individual mailboxes, and other areas used for recreational activities.
The lots for the individual homes were placed to take advantage of the surrounding views. The first homes were delivered around 1968. Homes were transported by house transporters, and some were lifted overhead and then on to their lots by huge cranes. Most homes sport a splendid deck to relax on and a pretty garden. Today, many properties include enclosed garages.
Other historical facts include:
- When Montevalle was founded, the original monthly homeowner’s association dues were $10 per month.
- On March 20th, 1968, the City of Scotts Valley granted its approval for the development of Montevalle.
- On September 18th, 1968, the State of California granted its approval for the development of Montevalle.
- In April 1970, the Santa Cruz Organization for Progress and Euthenics (SCOPE) awarded Montevalle the “Annual Community Improvement Award for Excellence” in site development. It was the first award of this type given to a mobile home community.
- Montevalle’s first community newsletter, the “Montevalle Mirror,” was published in February 1970.
- “The Lodge,” as it is called by Montevalle residents, is a historic house built between 1935 and 1938, located on the 27-acre parcel purchased to become Montevalle. Today it’s two bedrooms may be rented for a nominal fee by overnight guests.
- By 1975, all the 220 lots were sold and most of the homes were installed in Montevalle, culminating Montevalle’s three founders’ eight-year community development project.
- Montevalle was awarded the “2022 Best of Scotts Valley – MOBILE HOME PARK.” This award recognizes businesses with exceptional marketing success and service to our customers and local community.
[1] Montevalle, the story of a Dream Come True, by Marian Waby, 1975, Big Trees Press, Felton, California.