New Horizons Polynesian Garden Homes - Torrance, California

The New Horizons South Bay complex opened it's doors on Ocotber 24, 1963. The 80 acre project, built by noted Los Angeles developer Ray Watt of Southland Builders, has 600 garden homes, a 10,000 sqft clubhouse and recreation building, a nine hole par 3 golf course and a putting green surrounded by a lake.



Opening day advertisement in the Torrance Herald showcasing the Polynesian Clubhouse


When this neighborhood opened in 1963, it was called New Horizons from the start, it never had a more exotic name (too bad). What made this adult only development unique is that the builder offered 17 Oriental and Polynesian Modern stylings for the residents to choose from in the design of their garden home.






Individual Garden Homes




Well landscaped greenbelts and walkways separate garden residences. The garden-like malls and plantings perpetuate the community's park-like atmosphere





Sketch for the clubhouse entrance




The Clubhouse and Recreation building, designed on a Polynesian architectural theme by Selected Interiors of Los Angeles, has a two-story entry, assemby hall with kitchen and serving bar, billard room, women's bridge rooms, men's card room, locker and shower for golfers, golf shop, lounge with 10 foot high driftwood fireplace, photo laboratory and hobby rooms for ceramics, painting and sculpture. The recreation area includes swimming pool, shuffleboard and tennis courts.





The Polynesian clubhouse




The nine hole par 3 golf course was located out the back door of the clubhouse, including the Polynesian themed Island Putting Green.




April 1965 House & Home Magazine














The Island Putting Green (April, 1965)









New Horizons South Bay continues to operate as an adult community (55 yrs and up) and the grounds are well maintained to this day.




The clubhouse today





The clubhouse and the detikified putting green





The Island Putting Green today


Next time you find yourself in the SouthBay area of Los Angeles, you can stop by and check out the New Horizons at 22727 Maple Avenue, Torrance, California.