Sonora & Twain Harte Real Estate Blog

Just down the highway from Sonora CA homes for sale (and area real estate in Twain Harte, Jamestown, Columbia, and Wi-Muk Village) lay the wonders of Yosemite National Park.  Full-time and seasonal residents of Tuolumne County homes get just as excited about visiting Yosemite as tourists from the USA and abroad.

For the past couple of weeks, local and visiting nature photographers have been flocking to Yosemite National Park to witness a “molten” waterfall.  As the sun sets in mid-February, its fiery presence illuminates the falling waters of Horsetail Fall as they tumble down the sheer side of the El Capitan.  Reflecting the sunset, the waterfalls appear a bright gold or ruby/orange color.  The celestial configuration occurs when the Sun and Earth align to create the illusion of a fire falling over El Capitan.

Located on the north side of Yosemite Valley in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, El Capitan is on the western end of Yosemite National Park.  It is a vertical rock formation situated at 7,569-foot elevations. The tallest face of the granite monolith extends about 3,000 feet from its base to the summit.

The color will appear at sunset in varying degrees for approximately two weeks a year.  In 2012, the last day to capture a little of the phenomenon is probably February 24, 2012.  The spectacle at Horsetail Fall has been recorded historically in black and white by renowned photographer Ansel Adams.  In 1973, outdoors photographer Galen Rowell well captured the fleeting moment in color.

During the rest of the year, the lesser-known Horsetail Fall is a narrow ribbon of water and word/or ice tumbling straight down the cliff side.  Yet it is uniquely situated to deliver a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience for photographers.  They perch on high open cliffs, in out close or canyons, but must be in a low angle of light to capture the iridescent colors of the sunset as they reflect off the granite rock wall that is behind the waterfall.

According to the Associated Press article by Tracie Cone on February 20, 2012, a photo instructor with the Ansell Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park explains that a great photograph takes luck, timing, and nature’s cooperation.  The southwestern horizon must be free of clouds.Combining astronomy, physics, and geometry, keen photographers measure the degrees and minutes of the Earth’s orbit relative to the sun.  Then they choose apropos angles and lenses for the job.

It is a little easier to view the occurrence without worrying about bringing it home on film.  The annual pilgrimage to El Capitan is another reason why buyers who appreciate the magic of nature search for real estate in Sonora and its surrounds.

Real Estate and Property Management Services

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about buying primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.  Our qualified agents also provide resources and marketing skills to assist sellers to find the right buyers.  Ask about Century 21 Wildwood home rentals and full property management services.

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Century 21 Wildwood now offers professional property management services.  We assist California real estate investors and second-homeowners to maintain and rent their Sonora CA homes, Twain Harte real estate, and other property in the Tuolumne County area.  Also, our staff helps owners to head off unnecessary problems and expenses related to owning multiple properties.

The property managers at Century 21 Wildwood assist owners of Tuolumne County real estate in many ways.  We market to maximize profits, balance expenditures with income, screen applicants, and/or maintain homes.  Our full-service management provides owners with out-of-sight, out-of-mind investments.  In other words, we will pay the mortgage, insurance, taxes and all other expenses, returning the profits to you.

There are many reasons for Tuolumne County homeowners to engage a reputable property management company instead of managing their homes alone.  Knowledgeable staff at Century 21 Wildwood can recommend and implement strategies that have proven to be successful.

For example, look at marketing.  Our team is experienced in marketing and advertising properties in Tuolumne County.  We keep abreast of the going rates for similar rentals and seasonal rates.  In fact, we may suggest a few accents or amenities, possibly a Murphy bed or rollaway bed, new curtains or a BBQ – things that we feel would increase the desirability of your home or real estate.  Curb appeal and positive presentation can make all of the difference as to whether one vacation home or seasonal home is chosen over another.

To accomplish maintenance work, we network with a collection of excellent service providers, including housekeepers, plumbers, carpenters, painters, decorators, and so forth.We know that you would like to avoid being involved with negligent renters and other unpleasant experiences, so we take the lead.

As a Sierra Nevada real estate company and property management firm in the Twain Harte and Sonora area, our multifaceted services build strong associations and keep us in tune with important streams of information.  Adding a touch of creativity and flexibility, we are best able to achieve customer satisfaction.

Are you trying to cover HOA fees for your family, produce an entire secondary income, or something in between?Let the property managers at Century 21 Wildwood know exactly what you desire to achieve as an investment property owner and we will tailor our services to fit your goals.

Contact Us for Property Management

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.comfor helpful information about our Property Management Services as well as for buying and selling primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.

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Sonora California homes for sale in Tuolumne County nestle into the garment of the Queen of the Southern Mines.  Originally settled in 1848 during the California Gold Rush, real estate in the charming City of Sonora lies on the Mother Lode at the western edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Other historic communities located in the foothills on the outskirts of Sonora include the authentic Town of Columbia to the north, Twain Harte real estate to the northwest, and the Tuolumne County areas of Groveland, Tuolumne City, and Jamestown CA homes to the south.

Developed during the 1800s, historic Downtown Sonora real estate and its unique shops, savory diners, wineries and breweries, and excellent museums recapture the atmosphere of yesteryear.  “Queen” Sonora is the hub for the Central Sierra Arts Council and home to many well-placed artists and artisans.  The beloved city is also the nucleus for vibrant theater and entertainment venues.  All year round, these historic cities and towns host a colorful variety of events and festivals.

Tuolumne County homebuyers also search for real estate in the Sonora area that lends itself to recreational activities.  Buyers seek Twain Harte horse properties, Tuolumne County ranches and riverside cabins, and large Tuolumne County home sites near lakes, hiking trails, horseback riding, and skiing.  From places close, such as the Dragoon Gulch Trail, to the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada unfolds in magical ways season after season.

The deep heritage of Sonora is infused with the respect of the Native Americans who treasure the Sierra Nevada and the joy of gold miners and their families who made the trek here from Sonora Mexico.  Infused with the European and American pioneering spirit, residents and vacation homeowners in Tuolumne County enjoy a high-quality lifestyle.

The friendly communities make it easy for newcomers to weave their own stories into the scenic tapestry of the Sierra Nevada.  Real estate investors, second-home buyers, and families looking to relocate will find helpful resources at the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau and the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce.

Buying and Selling Properties

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about buying primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.  Our qualified agents also provide resources and marketing skills to assist sellers to find the right buyers.

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Historic Groveland California homes are about 25 miles southeast of Sonora CA real estate along Highway 120.  Both iconic communities date back to the era of the California Gold Rush, yet they are full-service communities today.  The Groveland locality is home to approximately 7000 residents.  Area geography features rolling hills and heritage oaks, against the back drop of the majestic Sierra Nevada.

A part of Tuolumne County, Groveland real estate features excellent vacation homes, retirement homes, Tuolumne County horse properties, and California ranches.  Developed by Boise Cascade, Groveland California real estate in Pine Mountain Lake offers excellent amenities for full time and part-time residents.  It boasts a clubhouse, golf course and stables, as well as an airport.  Pine Mountain Lake is comprised of over 4000 residential lots; most are quarter- or third-acre parcels.

The Sierra Nevada Mountain community is a cherished landmark and destination for thousands of tourists traveling from the San Francisco, Sacramento, Stockton, and Modesto and other metropolitan areas.  Downtown Groveland real estate features shops and restaurants, including the Iron Door Saloon, which is reputed to be the oldest continuously operated saloon in California.  The luxurious Groveland Hotel is also a well-known historic landmark.

Heavenly outdoor activities keep residents and visitors fit.  Located about 26 miles from the entrance to Yosemite National Park, recreational activities include wilderness hikes, crystal-clear streams for fishing, rafting in the rapids of the Tuolumne River, and exploring the small historic towns along the Mother Lode.  Tuolumne County homes in Groveland are near water sports at the popular Pine Mountain Lake and Lake Don Pedro.

The community offers up many a tale.  James D.  Savage discovered gold in Big Oak Flat in what was then called Garrotte in 1848.  It became a boom town but after the rush turned into a quiet cattle ranching area – still visited by tourists taking the Big Oak Flat Road to Yosemite.  In 1875 the name was changed to Groveland, just before a second gold rush began.  A third gold rush began in 1914.

After World War II, the area was home to a couple dozen lumber mills for a while and then it served as the headquarters of the Hetch Hetchy Water Project along the Tuolumne River, which benefits the city of San Francisco.

Along with historic attractions, the town is home to the Groveland Ranger District office of the adjacent Stanislaus National Forest.  The Yosemite Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual 49er Festival during September in commemoration of Groveland’s colorful past.  Other community events make great use of the local Community Park and its picnic areas, skate park, bandstand, the Groveland Museum and Library.

The Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified School District serves the students in the area.

Buying and Selling Properties

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about buying primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.  Our qualified agents also provide resources and marketing skills to assist sellers to find the right buyers.

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Twain Harte California is a small Sierra Nevada mountain community in Tuolumne County real estate.  Located along California State Highway 108, Twain Harte homes are popular full-time and seasonal residences.  Set in elevations of 3640 feet, the friendly community features an iconic golf course, pretty lakes, fabulous trails, and a quaint in-town area.

Most Twain Harte mountain homes and Twain Harte home sites feature large lots with nearby recreational amenities such as wooded trails, fishing holes, horseback facilities, swimming beaches, etc.

Outside the city limits nestled in the surrounding mountainside are several more Twain Harte neighborhoods: Black Oak Estates, Brentwood Park, Cedar Springs, Cedar Pine Vista, Confidence Ridge, Forest Vista, Heavenly Hills, Hunts Camp, Knox Road, Lakewood Park, Lakewood Highland, Linwood Estates, North Tuolumne Road, Sherwood Forest, South Fork, Twain Heart Valley, and Twin Lakes.

Real estate in Tuolumne County runs the gamut from historic old cabins to Twain Harte horse properties to estate homes in the mountains and lakefront homes – to modern subdivisions of new homes, some with golf-course or club amenities.  Average home prices fluctuate in the mid-$200,000 range.

Located closest to downtown Sonora real estate and businesses, there are beautiful neighborhoods Brentwood Park and Twin Lakes.  Just south of Twain Harte are lovely homes in Cedar Springs, Confidence Ridge, Knox Road, North Tuolumne Road, and Sherwood Forest are also popular.  Drive through the center of Twain Harte and find Forest Vista, Lakewood Highlands and Lakewood Park, Linwood Estates, and Twain Harte Valley, home of the historic golf course.

Perched between the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, the community serves as an excellent home base for memorable family vacations season after season.  Rejuvenating activities begin with unlimited hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails; rock climbing; rafting, boating, fishing and other water sports; and cross-country and alpine skiing, snowshoeing; bird and wildlife watching; and scenic drives.  In addition, the community features an avid cultural element.  Citizens place importance on arts and crafts, theater, music, and education.

Families are served by Twain Harte School District.  The community is 10 to 20 min. from larger shopping districts in Sonora and the general aviation Columbia Airport.

Buying and Selling Properties

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.comfor helpful information about buying primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.  Our qualified agents also provide resources and marketing skills to assist sellers to find the right buyers.

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Tuolumne County California real estate includes a large variety of cabins in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  Cabins in the woods not too far from Sonora CA homes range from the quaint one-room miner’s shelter turned into a fishing cabin to elaborate contemporary log Twain Harte homes.

Usually set on choice Twain Harte real estate, some of the small historic cabins are compelling choices for vacation homebuyers.  Even full-time residents look twice at these options.  The question often is:  Do I want to take on a remodeling project to fit the cabin to my family’s needs?  Tuolumne County homebuyers who take the plunge discover astounding ways to turn old properties into fantastic second homes.

For those buyers desiring a rustic theme, Sonora area real estate in Twain Harte, Long Barn, and other mountain communities is enchanting.  Because of the picture-perfect setting of some small, old log cabins in Tuolumne County, many buyers pick them up to incorporate the historic ambiance into a larger home.  Architects interface old cabins with an entirely new wing of a large mountain estate.  The historic cabin may end up as the entryway or family room.

The first step to any remodel of an older property is to assess needed repairs.  The roof, attic, crawlspace, and foundation as well as plumbing systems must be sound.

Some folks have as little as $100,000 to pour into a remodel project.  They may pick up an old cabin for$75,000 and then transform it.  Those with carpentry skills, of course, have compelling reasons to go ahead with such a remodel.  Sunset Magazine highlighted a similar cabin project in Alaska.  “Amazing Cabin Makeover” describes an abandoned, dilapidated waterfront cabin only accessible by trail or watercraft.  Against family counsel, a young couple turned the remote cabin into a full-time dream residence.

For anyone interested in taking on a similar project, the article is well worth the read.  A major do-it-yourself remodel, say the cabin owners, can be accomplished in steps.  They started with the kitchen.  They recommend buyers ignore the cosmetic imperfections and imagine the property all fixed up.  For example, they discovered the original or floors underneath the red shag carpet and enough structural integrity to remove a wall, which completely opened up the space.

The family also recommends learning new skills such as laying tile and enlisting the help of friends and neighbors who have skills or could trade skills to accomplish the remodel.  They also collected salvage wood.  Lumber used for their 1000 square-foot deck overlooking the river cost only $300 at lumberyard clearance sale.

Other motifs for mountain cabins call for contemporary design, energy efficiency, or traditional plans.  To expand the footprint of the small cabin, designers and buyers add large windows, wraparound porches, skylights and other lighting, light-colored floors, well-organized kitchen spaces, and creative sleeping areas.

Remodeling any cabin in the woods is certain to bring a creative satisfaction while building fond memories.

Buying and Selling Properties

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about buying primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.  Our qualified agents also provide resources and marketing skills to assist sellers to find the right buyers.

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Homes in Angels Camp California are approximately 15 miles northwest of Sonora CA real estate along Golden Chain Highway 49.  Almost 4000 residents of the historic City of Angels Camp enjoy the pretty foothill setting on the edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  Angels Camp celebrates its centennial in 2012 and will highlight its founding contribution to the California Gold Rush.

During a search of Tuolumne County properties close to real estate in Sonora, buyers often ask about the charming communityof Angels Camp, which lies just across the New Melones Lake reservoir in Calaveras County.  Angels Camp is located at approximately 1378 feet above sea level.  Angels Creek flows through the middle of town.

Angels Camp is the only incorporated city in Calaveras County.  As a historic village – formerly named Angel’s Camp, Angels, Angels City, Carson’s Creek, and Clearlake – Angels Camp CA real estate is comprised of an eclectic mix of homes ranging from those built in the beginning of the 1900sto mid-century properties, to brand new gated-community golf homes at Greenhorn Creek at Angels Camp.  Families are served by the Bret Harte Union School District.

Marking the 100th anniversary of incorporation as “Angels” in 1912, the community today is a California Historical Landmark.  It began after two soldiers serving during the Mexican-American War began prospecting.  Although Henry Angel and George Angel were not disposed to hard labor, they decided to set up a trading post to serve other prospectors and their families.

The post became a camp.  Angel Camp residents and businesses supported decades of gold production.  Townsfolk process over $20 million worth of gold produced by area miners. Moaning Caverns is a local attraction that showcases underground geology in the year.

On another historic note, Angels Camp is referred to as “Frogtown.”  Mark Twain based his short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” on a story he said he heard at the Angels Hotel in 1865.  Consequently, the community commemorates this distinction at the Jumping Frog Jubilee each May at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds.

On January 3, 2012, The Union Democrat Newspaper ran a story by Sean Janssen about the 100th anniversary.  The article talks about a variety of commemorative events that will be held throughout the year.  “The Angels Camp Centennial,” a 1912-era newspaper will circulate special editions throughout the year.  There will be a symposium on the city’s history, lectures, and antique car rally, a Fourth of July event, the Jumping Frog Jubilee, and the grand event scheduled for the end of September held in the downtown district.

Buying and Selling Properties

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.comfor helpful information about buying primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.  Our qualified agents also provide resources and marketing skills to assist sellers to find the right buyers.

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California State Route 108 is arguably one of the most spectacular rides in the central Sierra Nevada Range. Beginning in Modesto, the California 108 Highway goes northeast to Oakdale and through historic Jamestown CA real estate, before taking a business bypass around Sonora California homes and continuing on into the mountains past Twain Harte CA real estate.

The scenic 120-mile route explores diverse California terrain as it passage through Gold Country and into the High Sierra Nevada Mountains.  It connects communities of Twain Harte homes, properties in Mi-Wuk Village,Long Barn, Cold Brings, Strawberry-Pinecrest Lake, and Dodge Ridge.  CA 108 continues into the remote areas of Dardanelle and Kennedy Meadow before reaching the Sonora Pass at 9,624-foot elevations.

The roadway then descends dramatically into the Walker River Valley, passing the Mountain Warfare Training Center at Pickel Meadows before ending at the Sonora Junction of US 395 just before the Nevada state line.

California 108 combines with California 120 (the Northern Yosemite Highway) for 26 miles before the latter heads southeast toward Yosemite National Park.

During winter, California 108 transports skiers to Dodge Ridge Snow Sports Area.  Therefore, the beginning of the route is usually passable, but Sonora Pass is closed at times.  Winter road conditions depend on snowfall.  During the summertime, the route offers popular access to camping, fishing, and horseback riding,hiking, or simply enjoying the scenery.

California State Route 108 is a favorite for motorcyclists, who refer to it as “an incredible day trip from the Valley” with “stunning highway wonderfully maintained.”  If it is warm outside, they hop on the route at Sonora or northwest of Bridgeport for a cool 80-mile jaunt through the mountains of Tuolumne and Mono counties.  One caution: the high road is full of twists!

Maintained by Caltrans, the CA 108 is easily accessible from various cities.  Major junctions on the western end include State Routes 99 and 132 in Modesto, State Route 120 in Oakdale, and State Route 49 in Sonora.  US 395 meets the mountain roadway at the eastern end of CA 108.

Buying and Selling Properties

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about buying primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.  Our qualified agents also provide resources and marketing skills to assist sellers to find the right buyers.

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Now Is the time to saddle up to purchase Twain Harte California real estate near Twain Harte Lake.  Peruse the options for Tuolumne County horse properties, existing cabins in the woods, and empty Twain Harte land lots close to Twain Harte Lake.  Twain Harte CA homes and properties appeared over the years in Twain Harte Village – incorporating both full-time and seasonal residences and vacation getaways and community vivre.

Have you made a New Year’s resolution to buy a family vacation property in the Sierra Nevada?  Twain Harte homes are natural base-camps for myriad family activities.  Set on the edge of the Sierra National Forest, Twain Harte Lake’s resorts, inns, bed and breakfast, and cabins are highly sought by visitors from around the world.  Your 2012 investment in Twain Harte real estate may also be rental income property.

Sparkling Twain Harte Lake is located in the heart of the historic Mother Lode in California Gold Country.  The Mi-Wuk Native Americans camped around the lake.  European settlers used its waters for cattle and fruit orchards.  Freight wagons stopped at Twain Harte Lake for water.In 1924, a developer bought over 500 acres and began selling building lots in the Twain Harte Lodge development.

Close to the seven-acre Twain Harte Lake, Twain Harte Village is a vibrant community especially during summer vacations.  It features a public pool, roller skating, ice skating, a nine-hole golf course, a Park with concerts and movies, and a miniature golf course as well as boutique shopping and specialty shops galleries and craft stores.  The village is only a short walk from the lake.

Twain Harte Lake features a 56-acre fenced buffer zone, requiring membership for admittance.  Intimate lakeside activities include swimming area with lifeguard, sunbathing beach, fishing for children to age 15, small boats, rafting with inflatable rafts, and concessions.  Several large lakes including Pinecrest Lake, New Melones Lake, Lake Tulloch, and Lake Don Pedroare located within a few miles for more adventurous water sports.

Other activities nearby include horseback riding, winter skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling activities.  In Yosemite National Park, vacationers participate in white-water rafting excursions, rock climbing, and strenuous back country recreation.

Buying and Selling Properties

Call Century 21 Wildwood Properties, Inc. at 209-586-3258 or visit us at www.Century21Wildwood.com for helpful information about buying primary homes, second homes, land, horse properties and investment properties in Tuolumne County.  Our qualified agents also provide resources and marketing skills to assist sellers to find the right buyers.

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