Trying to choose between Toscana in Indian Wells and Bighorn in Palm Desert? Both are world-class private club communities in the Coachella Valley, and each delivers a distinct experience. You want the club that fits your lifestyle, not just the one with the prettiest brochure. In this guide, you’ll get a clear, side-by-side comparison of vibe, amenities, architecture, privacy, and ownership details so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Quick take: Toscana vs Bighorn
Toscana at a glance
- Resort-style ambience with a Mediterranean and Tuscan feel.
- Active social calendar with fitness, racquets, and dining events.
- Mix of villas and single-family homes, often lower maintenance.
- Appeals if you want a curated, social lifestyle with strong amenities.
Bighorn at a glance
- Ultra-private, estate-centric environment with high service standards.
- Emphasis on championship-level golf and prestige.
- Large custom homes with expansive outdoor living.
- Appeals if you prioritize privacy, security, and trophy-level estates.
Vibe and lifestyle
Toscana leans into a resort-style rhythm. You will find an active social calendar, a Mediterranean village feel, and a community that balances activity with relaxation. It often attracts owners who enjoy group classes, club events, and a polished yet approachable scene.
Bighorn is known for discretion and prestige. The pace is calm and private, with a focus on best-in-class service and championship-caliber experiences. You will see more large custom estates and an environment that caters to owners who value security, quiet, and seamless hospitality.
If you want a social, resort-like home base, Toscana may speak to you. If you want maximum privacy in a trophy estate setting, Bighorn is likely the better fit.
Amenities that shape daily life
Both communities deliver gated living, golf, racquets, fitness, spa or wellness services, dining, member events, and concierge-style support. The differences are in scale and emphasis.
Golf
- Toscana highlights a resort-style golf experience with member-focused access.
- Bighorn markets championship-level play with a reputation for top conditions.
- What to verify: number of courses, tee time priority by membership tier, tournament programs, and instruction options.
Racquets
- Both offer tennis and often pickleball with pro instruction.
- What to verify: court counts, lesson availability, and event schedules.
Wellness
- Expect well-equipped fitness centers and spa or wellness services.
- What to verify: full-service spa availability, class schedules, and specialty training.
Dining and social
- Multiple venues and member events in each club.
- What to verify: dress codes, private dining options, and seasonal calendars.
Family and guests
- Both serve seasonal owners and their guests.
- What to verify: guest access rules, junior programming, and holiday schedules.
Architecture and home types
Toscana’s aesthetic leans Mediterranean and Tuscan. You will see stucco, tile roofs, courtyards, and designer finishes across villas and single-family homes. Lots tend to be smaller than estate-scale properties, which can mean a more turnkey experience and lower maintenance.
Bighorn features large custom estates, often with contemporary desert or high-end Mediterranean influences. Expect expansive indoor-outdoor living, soaring ceilings, and generous lots designed as statement properties.
When you look at listings, confirm year built, remodel history, outdoor kitchens and terraces, HOA maintenance responsibilities, and typical square footage and lot sizes for that section of the community.
Privacy and security
Both clubs are gated with controlled access. Bighorn has a reputation for elevated discretion and a high-profile membership, which often translates to strict media and guest policies, robust on-site staffing, and close control over service-provider access. Toscana also provides secure, gated living with professional staffing, suitable for seasonal and part-time residents.
For either club, ask for a written outline of security staffing, patrol schedules, guest vetting, and any policies around photography or media. If privacy is critical, request details on camera coverage, after-hours procedures, and how the community supports high-profile owners.
Membership and ownership: what to confirm
Membership structures vary and can change. Before you commit, request the current membership packet and fee schedule in writing.
Membership structure
- Equity vs non-equity, voting rights, and transfer rules.
- Initiation fees and dues, with a 3-year dues history and any known increases.
- Whether a club membership is required to purchase a home in that section.
- Resignation policy, refundability, and waitlists.
Access and privileges
- Spouse and guest access, guest limits, and booking windows.
- Tee time and court reservation priority by membership tier.
- Reciprocal club access domestically or internationally.
Real estate and HOA
- CC&Rs, rental rules, exterior modification guidelines, and parking.
- Insurance needs for Coachella Valley properties.
- Property tax details, special assessments, and potential capital projects.
- Availability and costs for property management if you are a part-time owner.
Decision checklist: which club fits you?
Use this as a quick filter before touring.
Privacy vs social energy
- Choose Bighorn if you want maximum privacy and large, custom estates.
- Choose Toscana if you want a social, resort-style community with strong programming.
How you will use the home
- For long seasonal stays and family visits, compare event calendars and junior programs.
- For shorter, frequent getaways, prioritize concierge services and guest access ease.
Golf priorities
- Serious golfers should confirm course conditioning, tournament schedules, and pro instruction.
- Casual golfers should focus on tee time access and clubhouse dining.
Home strategy
- If you want a trophy property with substantial outdoor living, Bighorn fits.
- If you prefer a lower-maintenance, turnkey villa experience, Toscana fits.
Cash flow and rentals
- If renting matters, get written HOA and club rules for short-term and long-term stays.
Plan a curated tour day
A private, one-day tour can clarify fit in a single visit. Here is a sample structure.
Morning
- Meet in Indian Wells for a valley overview and club comparison.
- Private tour at Toscana: a representative villa, clubhouse, pool, and wellness areas.
- If permitted, meet a membership representative to review membership tiers and access rules.
Lunch
- Arrange a private lunch at a member venue to experience service and cuisine.
Afternoon
- Transfer to Bighorn in Palm Desert for estate tours and a walkthrough of the clubhouse and practice facilities.
- If possible, connect briefly with the membership director or golf pro for culture and access insights.
Late afternoon
- Debrief at a neutral location to weigh pros and cons across privacy, golf access, estate size, and services.
Optional
- Include introductions to a property manager and a closing attorney who understand second-home ownership.
Always coordinate access with club membership offices in advance, especially if you require discretion or wish to bring a photographer. Clubs may restrict non-member access to certain facilities.
What to ask before you join
Bring these questions to your tours and membership calls.
- Can I see the full membership packet, fee schedule, and the last 3 years of dues history?
- What are the booking windows and priority rules for tee times and court reservations?
- Are memberships tied to a property, or can they be purchased and resold independently?
- What are the guest rules, including limits and off-season access?
- Are there current or planned capital projects that could impact dues or assessments?
- What are the HOA’s rental rules for short-term and long-term stays?
- What is included in exterior maintenance, landscaping, and common-area services?
Next steps
If you are deciding between Toscana and Bighorn, a curated, side-by-side tour is the fastest way to get clarity. You will see the homes, experience the service, and speak with membership teams so you can align lifestyle, privacy, and ownership goals.
Schedule a private consult to map your tour and shortlist the right homes. Connect with Craig Chorpenning to request a private consultation or schedule a property tour.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Toscana and Bighorn?
- Toscana offers a social, resort-style environment with Mediterranean design, while Bighorn focuses on ultra-private, estate-level living and championship-caliber amenities.
Are memberships required to buy in these communities?
- Some sections may require membership while others do not, so confirm membership requirements for the specific property with the listing agent and the club.
How do rental rules differ at private clubs in the valley?
- Many clubs and HOAs restrict short-term rentals, so get the HOA and club rules in writing before assuming you can rent.
What ongoing costs should I plan for beyond the purchase price?
- Expect club dues, HOA fees, and normal property expenses; ask for the current dues schedule, assessments, and a recent dues history from the club.
Do these clubs accommodate seasonal or part-time owners?
- Yes, both markets are built around seasonal living, but confirm off-season event schedules, maintenance availability, and property management options.
