Jeri and Michael Archuleta, who are Texas natives, have been THIRDHOME members for 6 years. The Archuleta family has been traveling non-stop ever since, averaging slightly over 1 booking a month. The Archuleta’s have a laissez-faire approach to travel; if they see a property they like, they book it! This carefree approach to travel has brought their family amazing experiences, new cultures and unique adventures. Get to know the Archuleta family below!

 

How did you get involved with THIRDHOME?

In 2011, THIRDHOME reached out to us to inquire about our VRBO property on Lake Travis in Austin. We were somewhat skeptical, but after meeting other THIRDHOME members and having our first stay in Bachelors Gulch, we were convinced THIRDHOME would be a fabulous opportunity!

 

Where are you based?

The beautiful Hill Country of Austin, Texas.

 

 

Who do you usually travel with?

We love to travel with our adult children when their busy schedules allow. It’s a treat to take extended family and friends also. We just took my niece to Paris. It was a dream come true for her. I love that the homes are big enough that we can have guests join us.

 

What do you do for a living?

Michael is an attorney. Jeri manages various investment properties.

 

 

What are your favorite travel hobbies?

We enjoy playing tennis, hiking, photography, walking and exploring. Our new found hobby is bicycling…with electric bikes!

 

In your past travels with THIRDHOME, what was your favorite destination and what did you love about it?

Our first white Christmas, in Aspen, was magical! Being with family and sharing that experience with each other will always be cherished. The kids still talk about it. Making magical memories. Thank you, THIRDHOME.

 

What’s the next destination you are eyeing to travel to with THIRDHOME?

So thrilled to take my 23-year-old son and his girlfriend to New York City this Thanksgiving. It will be such an experience for them and another memory maker. Thank you, Monica the owner in NYC, and THIRDHOME!

 

What do you love most about your property with THIRDHOME?

Allows us to enjoy the outdoors with cooler temperatures, beautiful scenery and a variety of outdoor activities.

 

Any personal/family achievements you’d like to share?

Michael has run and completed five marathons.

 

How has THIRDHOME changed the way you travel?

We let THIRDHOME decide where our next adventure will take us. That makes the planning stages easier. It’s a mystery where our next adventure will be, but one thing we know, it will be magical. Having the opportunity to travel with family and friends has been very gratifying and being open to new places has been most rewarding. For instance, traveling to Argentina was not on our radar, but given the opportunity, we decided to be adventurous and go for it. Michael’s mother and sister joined us at the Estancia La Fortuna, about an hour outside of Buenos Aires. Michael and I spent a few days in Buenos Aires afterward and loved our experiences there, especially the food. It has been a treat for us to travel to parts of the world unknown to us and trust the owners and THIRDHOME that our stay will be delightful.

 

What is the nicest amenity you have encountered while staying at a THIRDHOME property?

Staying healthy is a priority and having kitchens has allowed us to stay on track. We dine out less, saving money and saving calories!

 

How would you describe THIRDHOME to a friend?

A travel club that was expertly designed to provide opportunities for travel to fabulous places all over the world and stay at wonderful residences or hotels very economically.

 

What’s the most memorable restaurant you’ve eaten at during one of your trips?

So many! I will try to narrow it down: best breakfast, Le Bristol in Paris; best brunch, The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida; best lunch, Michael’s favorite is Mama’s Fish House, in Maui; best dinner, Daniel in NYC.

 

Any travel tips for fellow members?

Watch and check the THIRDHOME site daily. Upgrade your membership for all the added perks. Add to your “watch” properties regularly. Be adventurous and explore different places, that you never thought about. Use Trip Advisor, Yelp and our great THIRDHOME concierge, Liz, for travel tips.

 

Anything else you’d like to add?

We loved using the gift you sent for our phone/camera to take hands-free photos using the NanoHold.  Here is a photo we took using it, in St. Moritz. It shows the phone on the window and the result, our photo.  We had a blast using it and got some wonderful photos of the two of us that we would not have had otherwise.  Thank you so much for the very thoughtful gift!

 

THIRDHOME members since 2015, Scott and Carlene Leier learned about the club through a close friend. Their gorgeous property in San Jose del Cabo has garnered rave reviews from guests seeking an oceanside paradise. But as much as the Leier’s love their second home in Mexico, they’ve decided to use the club to seek out colder weather. Park City, Utah, and Vail, Colorado have been their destinations of choice. Learn more about the Leier family and their ski adventures below!

 

 

How did you get involved with THIRDHOME?

We were referred by a dear friend.

 

 

Where are you based?

Scottsdale, Canada, and San Jose del Cabo

 

 

Who do you usually travel with?

Our family.

 

 

What do you do for a living?

Scott is a hotelier and I’m a busy mom of four.

 

 

What are your favorite travel hobbies?

Skiing, golf, dining, and beach time!

 

 

In your past travels with THIRDHOME, what was your favorite destination and what did you love about it?

Deer Valley Lodge, [because] the prime location of the accommodations. Having small kids it was a dream to have ski-in and ski-out service daily. There were amazing restaurants in the area and lots to see and do.

 

 

What’s the next destination you are eyeing to travel to with THIRDHOME?

We currently don’t have anything booked but we’re hoping to hit the slopes again this year!

 

 

What do you love most about your property with THIRDHOME?

[We love the] location and view! We are in a gated community with an amazing view of the city and ocean. The best beaches are just minutes away. We also take great pride in our amazing staff that will take care of all our guests’ needs when they visit!

 

 

How has THIRDHOME changed the way you travel?

Due to the fact that we have four kids, traveling to well-known destinations could be pricey! We would require multiple hotel rooms, and would not be able to all stay in the same room. THIRDHOME has allowed our large family to take vacations and our family can be comfortable together in first-class accommodations.

 

 

What is the nicest amenity you have encountered while staying at a THIRDHOME property?

[The] ski-in and ski-out [access] and the staff at The Deer Valley Club.

 

 

How would you describe THIRDHOME to a friend?

An opportunity to travel in a way that is safe and unique. You never have to worry about having a bad guest as everyone is more or less used to traveling at the same level and has their own home in the pot!

 

 

What’s the most memorable restaurant you’ve eaten at during one of your trips?

The Jean George’s restaurant in the St Regis Hotel [Deer Valley, Utah].

 

 

Any travel tips for fellow members?

Be certain to ask all the questions as to what is included with your home!

 

Linda & John Ridgeon are avid THIRDHOME travelers and have been members since 2011. The Ridgeons have managed to visit 17 properties within 6 years, by way of their two properties in Southern Spain. Formerly in the music education business, the Ridgeons are now retired and spend their time sailing, practicing photography and exploring the world. Read below to find out what makes Linda & John Ridgeon such exemplary THIRDHOME members.

How did you get involved with THIRDHOME?

We joined THIRDHOME in 2011 after researching companies which would allow us to do home exchanges with our second home in Spain. We loved the flexible arrangement of the Keys which THIRDHOME offers (rather than relying on direct exchanges) as well as the exceptional quality of homes in the portfolio. We have visited 17 properties in 6 years and have genuinely loved every one. We have another 4 trips already booked! We have greatly appreciated the changes that THIRDHOME has introduced over the years, particularly the seasonal Key values and the huge increase of properties in Europe.

Where are you based?

We live in the UK in (the original) Rochester which is in Kent, 25 miles east of London. However, we spend around 4 months of the year (in month blocks) in our beloved second home in Andalusia, Southern Spain.

Who do you usually travel with?

We normally travel as a couple. Our adult children are in their 20’s (no grandchildren as yet!) and have limited time for holidays at the moment. One or more of them have joined us for a few trips and we sometimes travel with another couple who are close friends and also live in Rochester.

What do you do for a living?

We retired in 2011 having sold our music training business, Access to Music, the day after John’s 65th birthday. We had 10 centres around England (plus partnerships with 10 colleges) and provided government-funded training in contemporary music for young people and adults. Many of our students have gone on to achieve success in the music industry, the most notable being Ed Sheeran, who is now a Patron of the Company.

What are your favorite travel hobbies?

There is very little that we don’t enjoy doing and we welcome the variety that we have experienced through our THIRDHOME vacations. We love being on or near the water (we were previous boat owners), walking or driving through the mountains and visiting historic cities, spending time in museums and galleries and going to concerts.

In your past travels with THIRDHOME, what was your favorite destination and what did you love about it? 

It is almost impossible to single out one favourite destination but our week in Guadeloupe on the TradeWinds flagship catamaran, New Beginnings, is right up there. We loved it so much we became TradeWinds members and have just completed our fourth voyage with them in Greece. We have really appreciated the continued increase in European properties as living in the UK these are more accessible to us and we have been pleasantly surprised at how many opportunities there have been to visit European cities through THIRDHOME. So far we have visited Paris, Madrid, Rome, Vienna, Lisbon (from Estoril) and in December we are going to Prague. We have even visited London on three separate occasions! Even though we live less than an hour away, the opportunity to spend a week living right in the heart of the capital within walking distance of all that the city has to offer cannot be beat. Plus, our children all live in or close to London so we have had opportunities to come together as a family in the most amazing homes.

What’s the next destination you are eyeing to travel to with THIRDHOME?

We already have trips planned to Brighton, England (later this month), Prague (December) and Antigua (February) – to tie in with another TradeWinds cruise. We are hoping to find somewhere in Florida or the Bahamas for November/December 2018 to tie in with a TradeWinds cruise in the Abacos.

What do you love most about your property with THIRDHOME?

We actually have two properties with THIRDHOME. Our 5-bedroom villa in Andalusia is 30 minutes from Malaga airport and a great base for a beach holiday with family or an opportunity to visit some of the wonderful historic Spanish cities such as Malaga, Granada, Ronda and even Seville. The house is relatively new (2010) but has been designed and furnished in a traditional Andalucian style with lots of Moroccan features and an internal patio with a wonderful marble fountain to cool the house in summer. It is well equipped for large families with plenty to do: a large salt-water heated pool, cinema room, gym, sauna, table tennis, pool table and community tennis courts. We are very proud of our many 5-star ratings. Our second property is a house which forms part of the highly rated La Villa Marbella boutique hotel in the heart of the old town in Marbella. We have two, two-bedroom suites both sleeping 4 with availability from November-March (excluding Christmas and Easter weeks).

How has THIRDHOME changed the way you travel?

We tend to avoid staying in hotels now whenever possible and we often plan where want to go according to what is available on THIRDHOME! We are very flexible now that we are retired and prefer to travel out of high-season when possible. Because we rent our properties out, they are professionally managed and equipped for visitors and we have found that the same applies to the properties we have visited. This is so much safer than a traditional home swap where there is no way of knowing how well-organized and equipped the property you are visiting might be.

What is the nicest amenity you have encountered while staying at a THIRDHOME property?

We once stayed at a beautiful, architect-designed, riverfront property in Fowey, Cornwall (the village where my grandparents lived and where I spent many childhood holidays). The house was right on the river and had its own mooring and boat which we were permitted to use.

How would you describe THIRDHOME to a friend?

THIRDHOME is a unique and affordable concept which allows you to deposit down time in your own second home in exchange for keys which you can use flexibly to stay in other high-quality properties around the world at a time to suit you.

What’s the most memorable restaurant you’ve eaten at during one of your trips?

Not a restaurant (there have been so many), but our most memorable meal was when we stayed at Brunello Villa in Italy (our first THIRDHOME trip). The owner, Lucia, gave us a cookery lesson using produce from the estate and we ate the meal we prepared in her beautiful garden with her and her sommelier daughter, Alina, who selected a wonderful local wine to accompany it.

Any travel tips for fellow members?

Be flexible and have an open mind about where THIRDHOME can take you.

 

Check out some of the Ridgeon’s beautiful photography below.

 

Dr. Charles Stoopack, a clinical instructor at UC San Diego and a former practicing OBGYN, has a second home in Vail, Colorado. He combines his love for skiing and adventure with THIRDHOME ski properties across the globe. He also loves discovering new cultures and attending musical events in Vail. He highly recommends catching a George Balanchine ballet (either Swan Lake or Serenade) if you ever get the chance. Meet THIRDHOME member Dr. Charles Stoopack!

 

 

How did you get involved with THIRDHOME?

I saw an article in a travel section of the Sunday paper. This was back in the fall of 2014. It just sounded like such a unique concept. The article showed all these places you could go, and it looked amazing. What happened at that point, I either called or emailed THIRDHOME in October, and we had a couple of conversations and I ended up joining around Christmas.

 

 

Where are you based?

I’m based out of Carlsbad, California, which is North of San Diego. I grew up in New York and moved here when I was 25 for my residency at UC San Diego, and I just fell in love with the place.

 

 

What do you do for a living?

I originally practiced as an OBGYN. At this point in time, I’m a professor at UC San Diego. I used to be in clinical practice for 23 years, but I had to have some orthopedic surgeries and stopped practicing and transferred to education. It’s wonderful teaching. I’m doing a lot of good. You try to mold young physicians into caring doctors, try to teach them what we call the “Art of Medicine,” how to appropriately care for patients to make them feel valued. The gain as a physician is that your practice will be more fun and be rewarding if you have that sort of relationship with your patients.

 

 

Who do you usually travel with?

My wife and my daughters. Now they’re both engaged, so we’ve got two weddings coming up this year. We travel with other couples as well. The idea behind joining THIRDHOME was that the properties were large and we could bring groups of friends or family.

 

 

What are your favorite travel hobbies?

I like skiing. I also like beach holidays with a beautiful beach that has nice sand and warm water. I like traveling where it involves culture, fine dining and fine wining as well. Not like whining, but wining!

 

 

In your past travels with THIRDHOME, what was your favorite destination and what did you love about it? 

I wrote down the whole list so I could think about it. I would say Barbados. We stayed in a 9 bedroom and 9 bathroom villa that was fully staffed. The whole experience was very spoiling. The staff felt like your family after a day or two. They prepared all the meals. We paid for food and staff, of course. We had access to a private beach club at Sandy Lane which is one of the premier beach clubs in the world. It’s where Tiger Woods got married. The whole thing, the island, the people the staff, the access to the beach, it was just wonderful. We brought 13 people with us, and there was plenty of room for everyone. The food was incredible. We’d come home from wherever we were and there would be pitchers of margaritas and hor d’oeuvres waiting for us. We’d be sitting at a long dining table and it felt like we were in an old fashion movie. It was just spectacular.

 

 

What’s the next destination you are eyeing to travel to with THIRDHOME?

I’m going to Kenya next, to two different THIRDHOME properties. We’re going to Hippo Point and then to Cottars Mara Private Homestead. They look incredible. There was only one week available at Cottars, and it’s our 30th wedding anniversary and after several weeks of talking with the owner, with the help of Liz Bates, THIRDHOME‘s Director of Travel and Concierge Services, the owner agreed to give us that week. We’re very excited! The other property [Hippo Point] was featured on the cover of Architectural Digest as well. It has a gorgeous tower. I recall reading that Brad and Angelina had stayed there once, too.

 

 

What do you love most about your property with THIRDHOME?

The skiing in Vail. It’s the best skiing mountain in North America because it’s not terribly cold (Whistler members would argue with that). You get sunny days, which is much different than Whistler, where it was very dark. Vail’s got the back bowls, which if you don’t ski are these large open areas, they call them the legendary back bowls. The condo is extremely well located. It’s about 5 minutes from the gondola, if you don’t want to walk to the bus stops out front too. Our building went under a $10 million remodel so everything is updated and upgraded. The location is wonderful, 3 nice bedrooms, and 1800 sq ft. It’s very spacious. You can go there with other couples or two families and not feel on top of each other. I used to bring our daughters along with their friends for ski trips. We still go every summer for the annual dance festival. Something that’s unique to Vail is the summers. There is a BRAVO music fest that goes through July for 6 weeks or more, then a dance fest, then a jazz fest around Labor Day. There are a lot of cultural experiences that are just delightful. During the day you can hike or golf, then at night you go to the performances. These are world-class performances. The saying is that people go to Vail for the winter and then move there for the summers.

 

Any personal/family achievements you’d like to share?

Both of my daughters are engaged now so we have a busy year ahead of us. Their fiancés are great guys. We also have our 30th wedding anniversary coming up.

 

How has THIRDHOME changed the way you travel?

It allowed me to visit places that we probably would not have gone to and has allowed me to have accommodations for many people.

 

Anything else you think members should know?

I think the staff [of THIRDHOME] is wonderful. The concierge and member services are very helpful: Liz, Kristine, Amy Jo, Kelly. I hope I didn’t leave out anyone. I got a friend to join, and he booked a trip to San Juan Island. Actually, I’ve had two people that joined and two others thinking about it. And the Chairman’s Club, I’d thought about it for a while and when I finally did it, I loved it. It’s definitely worth it.

 

“Woman to build house out of 747,” read a BBC headline in April of 2006. It’s been 11 years, and the saga of Francie Rehwald’s famous Malibu Wing House continues. Francie joined THIRDHOME in 2013 after a friend told her about the club. Since joining she’s hosted 14 guests through the program. Each stay is accompanied by a glowing review of both Francie and her unique property.

“Anyone seeking a restorative aesthetic experience with luxurious amenities will not be disappointed.”-Andrew 5 stars

“This is one very special home … a site to behold, an engineering masterpiece, something only a few may get to be a part of … but what a special week.”-Frank 5 stars

“I have nothing but the very best things to say about the incredible wing house and the welcome we received from Francie”-Chris 5 stars

THIRDHOME had the opportunity to speak with Francie after she offered a week to be used for a special Curated Journey featuring the Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival.  Read below to hear what Francie Rehwald loves about The Malibu Wing House and why you’ll love it too.

 

What was the inspiration for the Wing House?

Using a 747 was David Hertz’s idea (the architect). I’ve always considered myself experimental, Avante-Garde and into contemporary architecture. And I really loved the idea of recycling to help build my home.

 

What do you love most about the Wing House?

I’m just so grateful to be here. I have such an appreciation for the natural environment found in the hills and the architecture. The wings [of the 747] became the roof structure and ceiling. Every night when I’m in the pool or Jacuzzi and I look up and see that 135-foot swoop, it’s phenomenal and so beautiful. Every day I’m in awe….I feel gobsmacked! That’s how I feel! The mountain range is spectacular it’s like something you’d see in South America.

 

Do you have any neighbors?

The property is on 55 acres and it’s about a 5-minute drive to the closest neighbor. You can see houses from here, but they’re far off in the distance. It’s very peaceful and private up here.

 

For members that might be considering attending the LA Wine and Art Festival, and staying at The Wing House, what are some of the must-visit locations in the area?

One of my favorite restaurants is south from here at the beach. It’s called Sunset. You need to go on Tuesday when it’s not so crowded. Lots of locals go there. Malibu Farm Restaurant on Malibu Pier is delicious and has a great view. Each Saturday morning, I go to Thorne Family Farms to get fresh fruits and vegetables. From here you’re only 45 minutes from Ojai which is a cute little town, and you’re also an hour from Santa Barbara.

 

Any memorable comments from guests?

I get people all the time that say, “I had plans to go to the museum and do this and do that,  but I just couldn’t leave!” others do make it out to all the attractions and say they couldn’t wait to be back home [to the Wing House].

Once I had a film executive who told me, “Every day I’m going to be gone for meetings.” When I followed up, he told me that he’d held all of his meetings at The Wing House instead because he just didn’t want to leave!

 

What are some of your favorite amenities?

The house has a regulation size bocce ball court, a 60 ft pool and chickens!

 

The Curated Journey to The Wing House- featuring the LA Food and Wine Festival will also feature a friend of yours, Edward Goldman. Can you tell us about him?

Oh yes, Edward is a very well-known art critic in the area. He’s hosted the show, Art Talk on KCRW for as long as I can remember (Goldman started in 1988). He used to work for the famous Hermitage Art Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. A mutual friend said we should meet, and so we met at a Pasta and Poetry party. He wanted to see the architecture of the house so I invited him out.

 

Any local wine recommendations for first timers to the area? 

I just had a tasty Rosé from Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards.

 

Anything else you’d like members to know about?

Yes, The Wing House is having a fundraiser on the 14^th of October for Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing. They partner with the local park service to help pumas and mountain lions. Natural habitats have been blocked off by freeways and their genetic profile is being shrunk. It’s a wonderful cause that ties into what I love about The Wing House- its natural beauty and preserving it.