The Palmina Collection's Nurturing Design Inspired by its Namesake: Palmina "Pauline" Bonadelle

The design of the Palmina Collection honors the importance of family, friends, food and festivities. The homes revolve around great rooms that serve as a magnet for gatherings large and small. Kitchens are large and well-equipped for gracious entertaining and multiple cooks. Spacious covered patios are perfect for the San Joaquin Valley's long summer evenings and casual get-togethers.

"The Palmina Collection is lovingly named after my maternal grandmother, Palmina (Pauline) Bonadelle," says Lauren McCaffrey Knowlton, vice president of marketing for McCaffrey Homes. "We tried to design homes that would reflect my grandmother’s values - values that we think are worth preserving."

Mrs. Bonadelle was touched deeply by the tribute. "I couldn’t believe they did this," she says. "It brought a tear to my eye and joy to my heart. I can imagine all of the joyful times families will have in these homes, which are designed to nurture family and celebrate community."

"My mother has a lifelong appreciation for the agricultural bounty of the San Joaquin Valley," said Karen McCaffrey, vice president of the firm and daughter of Palmina. "She loves serving family dinners alfresco with platters of figs, watermelon, grapes, tomatoes and Italian peppers – whatever is in season here. We made sure that these homes encourage easy indoor-outdoor living that would please my mother and make casual entertaining effortless."

Palmina (Italian for Little Palm) is the daughter of first-generation Italian immigrants who ultimately settled in Fresno because its rich agricultural heritage reminded them of home. In 1952, she married local homebuilder John Bonadelle and together they raised three children, each of whom joined the homebuilding industry.

While Palmina was not involved in the day-to-day operation of the family business once her children were born, her influence was mighty. In the 1950s she initiated weekly family dinners where conversation often centered on business challenges and opportunities. That tradition continues today and the family bond is much stronger because of it.

The Palmina Collection is located in Clovis’ Loma Vista urban neighborhood, a family-friendly community with close-to-home parks and lots of trails.

Priced from the $280,000s, the Palmina Collection features five single-level and two-story floor plans that range up to 4,610 square feet and feature three to five bedrooms, and two to 5½ baths. The two-, three-, and four-car garages are configured for convenience, style and flexibility.

Now selling in the second phase, residences occupy extra large home sites in prime locations across from a neighborhood park and adjacent to a future paseo. Some home sites are located in low traffic cul-de-sacs and some have extra deep lots or corner locations.

"These are truly dream homes," says Knowlton. "Our amenities package is so complete that buyers don’t have to add any upgrades to create designer-perfect residences."

The spacious lots are the perfect backdrop for the Palmina Collection’s rich architectural ambiance and handsome Tuscan, French, and traditional designs. The impressive exteriors include stonework, brick and masonry accents, detailed window treatments, and covered porches.

Homes are complemented with the "McCaffrey Signature Amenities Package" that includes a valuable selection of upgraded features like granite kitchen islands and countertops with backsplash, GE Monogram stainless steel kitchen appliances with built-in gas cooktop, oven, and dishwasher; maple cabinetry for the entire home, and two-tone paint on all interior walls.

Each of the five beautifully decorated models showcases the craftsmanship and detailing that has made McCaffrey Homes synonymous with good value. Homebuyers are consistently impressed with the open-style architecture and great rooms, where 10-foot coffered ceilings, entertainment niches, and gas fireplaces set the scene for family get-togethers and lavish entertaining.

The self-contained urban village of Loma Vista is planned to include a village green, parks, a network of trails, and two mixed-use "town centers" with restaurants, shops, businesses and residences. "Loma Vista is a great family environment with good schools, well-kept parks, and lively commercial districts planned," Knowlton says.

Palmina homes are located in the highly acclaimed Clovis Unified School District, within walking distance of Red Bank Elementary. 

Interested home shoppers are invited to visit the Welcome Center and model complex at Barstow and DeWolf avenues in Clovis. The center is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or call (559) 322-7533.