Stroll past the Milfeld residence, and you’ll only capture half of the beauty that our first Home of the Month has to offer. When Nickolas and Peggy Milfeld began construction of their home in 1987, they had a vision of how this house would become their unique home. Nick has a detailed catalog of photos from the foundation being laid to what so many have now come to enjoy today. The Milfeld home has been a featured stop for a multitude of tours for garden lovers. Their home has been on two Riverside Community Flower and Garden Tours, a three-time stop for the Koi Club, featured on the Pond Tour, a moonlight garden tour, and even a charity garden tour where proceeds when to a local children’s hospital.

The Milfelds didn’t build their garden for the accolades. It was built as a personal sanctuary for their family and friends to enjoy. Every inch of the yard was well thought out. Much of the initial inspiration came from Nick’s love for being amongst great trees. In his words, “I wanted a forest. I love the mountains; I love the forests. It’s just so relaxing to walk through a forest and look at what God can do.” To make their vision a reality, they initially brought in 4 different architects. The first three weren’t connecting with what they were looking for. They mostly sat in silence with just a slight shaking of their head occasionally. The fourth sat with them and studiously sketched as the couple described their vision. They knew they had found their guy and immediately got to work. The backyard was initially just flat gravel and dirt, with a 2 to 1 slope leading up to the back fence. Nick knew he desired his forest environment and boy did he go for it. They initially brought in a total of 70 trees. 70! He comically admits that he may have overdone it a bit. The pool and hot tub were essential additions and were accompanied by 4 waterfalls and a beautiful Koi pond. It’s easy to sit the day away on the little wooden bridge and watch the over 30 large Koi gracefully swimming around.  As a fun addition, out front, you'll also see a neighborhood book box, made by one of their sons, which is a small model of the home it adorns.

As the upcoming 2024 Riverside Community Flower and Garden Tour approaches this Spring, Nick has prepared by planting over 600 bulbs throughout the yard with only help from his son. I’m sure it will once again, be a highlight for all who attend. Out front, you'll also see a neighborhood book box, made by one of their sons, which is a small model of the home it adorns.

As I wrap up this first Home of the Month article for our Stroll Alessandro Heights community, I take myself back to the serenity of the Milfeld home. The sound of the waterfalls, the relaxing aroma of the thoughtfully selected greenery, the redwoods towering above, and the hummingbirds zipping here and there below, all come together in a peaceful calm. A sanctuary of their own.