| |
Welcome to the Mountain Empire, one of the American
Southwest’s very special places. The towns of Sonoita, Elgin
and Patagonia comprise a diverse
 community nestled in
high-elevation grasslands ideal for horses and cattle. The
first thing visitors notice here is the vegetation: unlike
most people’s image of the cactus-dotted Southwestern desert,
this high, wide valley is grassy prairie sprinkled in some
areas with yuccas, mesquites or oaks. The Mountain Empire’s
history includes cattle ranching and mining for precious ore,
colonization by the Spanish padres, battles with Apaches and
peaceful habitation by other native peoples. Many movies have
been filmed here – the setting is often used for its
resemblance to Wyoming and its much milder climate!
In today’s world, the Mountain Empire is still rural, but
offering the basic conveniences and a few award-winning
restaurants and wineries. Its higher elevation (roughly 5000
feet) offers a cool haven within easy reach of hotter Tucson’s
more metropolitan attractions. The climate is nearly ideal. In
the summer, which is the green and rainy season, you’ll often
find Sonoita 15 degrees cooler than Tucson. Spring and autumn
are dry and sometimes windy, and bring fields of colorful
wildflowers and occasional touches of fall color. Winter days
are generally mild, with the obligatory week of cold snap
sometime in November or December and an occasional light
snowstorm whose traces quickly vanish in the sunshine.
As you explore this site, you’ll find links to the rich local
community, lots of pictures, and, of course, real estate
information. I am delighted that you’re visiting, and hope you
enjoy your stay. Please be sure to contact me with questions
and I’ll be happy to help!
|
|
|
