The Hideaway, La Quinta

Two eighteen-hole golf courses provide variety, yet membership is by invitation only and bestows equity. Serving a community of fewer than five hundred homes is a massive clubhouse with a full-service spa and dining. Golf: 36 holes (Clive Clark, Pete Dye). Recent Home Listings: $1.7 million to $4.5 million. Contact: 760-777-7400, hideawaygolfclub.com.

Lahontan, Truckee

Tahoe in all its Gothic woodland beauty, with two pools, clay-court tennis, a fitness center and a restaurant said to serve the finest cuisine on the entire North Shore. Golf: 27 holes (Tom Weiskopf). Recent Home Listings: $1.5 million to $5 million. Contact: 800-582-9919, lahontanrealty.com.

Mayacama, Santa Rosa

See Top 25. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $5.2 million to $6.4 million. Contact: 866-393-1818, mayacama.com.

Old Greenwood, Truckee

Constructed according to the strict standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. Villa owners take advantage of low-maintenance luxury as well as membership in Tahoe Mountain Club. Golf: 18 holes (Jack Nicklaus). Recent Home Listings: $1.2 million to $3.3 million. Contact: 800-754-3070, oldgreenwood.com.

The Quarry, La Quinta

Intimate and exclusive, with inspiring views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. No tee times needed, and you can put your guests up in superior lodge rooms, with golf and the spa just steps away. Golf: 28 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $1.4 million to $4.8 million. Contact: 760-777-1100, quarryinfo.com.

Santa Lucia Preserve, Carmel

See Top 25. Golf: 18 holes (Tom Fazio). Recent Home Listings: $3.7 million to $5.5 million. Contact: 877-626-8200, santaluciapreserve.com.

Santaluz, San Diego

Remote homesites offer privacy. A sports and activity center named the Hacienda, sited opposite a village green, anchors this coastal community. Golf: 18 holes (Rees Jones). Recent Home Listings: $1.2 million to $9 million. Contact: 858-759-3109, santaluz.com.