January Home of the Month: Welcome the New Year at Home
The January Home of the Month features Jeffrey and Joan Stemler’s warm and welcoming SDCE home, where family, community, and country living come together to create the perfect place for making memories.
As we welcome the fresh beginnings of the New Year, we are proud to feature a truly exceptional property as our January Home of the Month. Nestled amidst rolling hills and majestic trees, this stunning residence perfectly captures the charm and serenity that make our community so special. With thoughtful design, modern comforts, and breathtaking views that stretch over the countryside, this home offers both a peaceful retreat and an entertainer’s dream.
Jeffrey and Joan Stemler moved into the home in August 2018. They moved from Poway and wanted to be closer to their kids and grandchildren. The home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and is 1,640 square feet.
The home has an open structure surrounding the family room, dining room, and kitchen. The central living room is where the family congregates and they remolded both bathrooms. The couple’s decorating style can be described as contemporary mixed with beautiful antiques.
“We all live within a mile apart,” says Joan. Family drew them to the community. Their kids bought homes in the SDCE, and the couple wanted to downsize. Poway was close, but it was still a bit of a drive to see the kids. Their daughter has three children, and their son has two children.
“I am VP of Operations for a marketing organization,” says Joan. Her husband Jeff is retired and her sister Kathy, who lives with them, is also retired. Joan has a hybrid position where she can partially work at home.
Joan’s first impression of the home before they purchased it was meticulous. Everything was upgraded and there was a pool at the top terrace. It has nice views.
“It’s all I ever wanted if I had to downsize,” says Joan. “I always wanted a pool.” She likes to swim and now she can without leaving her residence. They don’t heat their home pool in the winter, so she enjoys the nearby pool during this time. She likes to use the Clubhouse pool, and her grandkids are on the swim team. In addition, the family enjoys ordering from the Par Lounge. Joan also likes to take her grandkids to Ramona Oaks Park.
Joan’s sister Kathy enjoys the outdoors and has her own garden on the side of the house with succulents.
There is a little story behind the purchase of the home. They instantly loved the home and put in an offer in and unfortunately the seller denied it. So, they found another home without a pool and put in an offer. The real estate agent called them and said their offer was accepted and they are thought it was the second house, and the agent said it’s the first house. They were overjoyed. “It was kind of meant to be,” says Joan.
They love the community and have great neighbors. Their kids and grandkids come over often to enjoy a meal and swim together. They have family gatherings and parties at this home. “It’s all at grandma and grandpa’s house,” says Joan.
Completing the household is Rocky, their Stafford bull terrier mix, who enjoys the country living lifestyle just as much as his family.
Photo by Tiffany Pressler.
