Our History 

Those of us living in Highland Estates consider it one of the most attractive developments in the Sedona area, situated in what has long been known as Little Park (as opposed to Big Park, which includes the Village of Oak Creek). After Verde Valley School Road leaves Big Park behind and curves down through two washes, Little Park presents its views: the steep side of House Mountain to the west, the red rock cliffs named Seven Warriors to the east, and - to the north - magnificent Cathedral Rock, which overlooks the whole valley. Highland Estates is tucked in below Seven Warriors, and seeing their deep orange-red glow just before sunset is one of the joys of living here.

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Back in 1953, Colonel Robert L. Mundy, a veteran of both world wars, purchased 160 acres of land in Little Park from the original homesteader, a man remembered by Col. Mundy's son James as "the Old Timer." Col. Mundy built, and for many years lived in, a small house which remains today, scarcely visible, across the road and to the south of our entrance gate. Comanche Territory, one of the many Westerns made in the Sedona area, was filmed in part on Col. Mundy's property. Scenes show Seven Warriors, Cathedral Rock, and off in the distance, Capital Butte in West Sedona, letting us see the area as it was more than fifty years ago. In the late 60s or early 70s, he sold the part of his land that is now Highland Estates to Fred Simmons, one of the early residents, who gave Simmons Lane its name.

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Subsequently, the land became the property of a Phoenix development corporation, and in 1976 a Declaration of Restrictions was drawn up by the corporation for the subdivision called Highland Estates, Little Park. Adam Sonnenklar, a member of the corporation and a resident of Phoenix, acted as president of the Highland Estates Improvement Association until his resignation in 1986, when 58 of our 65 lots had been sold and 8 homes were built.

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At that time Ray Bluff, one of the first residents, became president and guided the association through six years of growing pains, confronting a number of problems including road conditions, water supply, and weed control. As the number of homes and residents increased, the board was expanded to up to nine, and provisions were made for a rotating membership. Many past and present residents have been members of the board, spending countless hours on the affairs of Highland Estates. All residents who are interested are encouraged to volunteer to serve one or more terms on the board.

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Although newcomers can expect to find as much privacy as they desire, Highland Estates has a very friendly atmosphere. Walkers often stop to talk with residents or other walkers as they make their rounds, and neighbors help neighbors. Each year in the fall we look forward to a time of good fellowship at the annual Highland Estates potluck, sponsored by the association and hosted by one of our generous homeowners.

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Welcome to our neighborhood.