Welcome to our Web site!

We live in Murrieta, California, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. It's an ideal base from which to explore all of Southern California! You may never have heard of Murrieta, but you might know Temecula, our neighbor city, as they have about fourteen wineries, some of which (Callaway and Culbertson) are becoming widely known.

We had a great exchange in Ireland in summer 2001.  We are looking for an exchange for spring or early summer 2006, from February to early June, for about three weeks, although that's flexible.  We want to go to Dublin or a very close suburb, or somewhere within communting distance of London. Or possible Paris or ??? We have one child (age 13), and would appreciate a neighborhood with kids to play with.

Our Home: A large, luxurious home, built 1990, 3100 ft� (288  m�), sleeps up to seven. Large back yard with safety-covered swimming pool, hot tub, lawn, barbecue, patio, children's playset and huge sand area. Air conditioning, of course, and all other modern conveniences including computers and broadband Internet access. Attractive furnishings and landscaping, but the emphasis is more on utility and child-friendliness than on elegant decor. Toyota Camry and 7-passenger Dodge minivan, both air-conditioned and automatic, available. Bicycles, scooters, and toys all over the place. Click on Our Home for pictures.

Two of Linda's sisters live nearby and will be happy to help you find your way around. We also have plenty of friendly neighbors with kids in all age ranges.

The Neighborhood: In a quiet, upscale residential area, and near a main access road.  Two miles to the freeway. Less than a mile to a shopping center with food store, drug store, video rentals, cleaners, restaurants, etc. California Oaks Sports Park is across from the shopping center, featuring tennis courts, playing fields, kids' playground, and huge public swimming pool.

The Community: Murrieta is one of three cities and several unincorporated areas making up the Temecula Valley, and is situated about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, but about 40 km inland. On a map, you'll see it when the I-15 and I-215 merge about 100 km north of San Diego. Driving time to almost anywhere in Southern California is 90 minutes or less. Click here for a map.

Our valley has lots of sports facilities (including golf) and parks, as well as Old (western) Town ( in the US, "old" means 1860, of course), plenty of antique shops, an Indian casino, and all the trappings of modern California life. Most of the fourteen wineries offer tours and tasting.

The Climate: We live on the edge of a desert. The weather most of the year is terrific. In the summer, particularly between July 1 and September 15, there can be some pretty hot days (40�C or more), but even then nights cool off to 20. On the other hand, normal highs at that time are around 35; some years it doesn't get much above that. (Winters are fabulous: highs around 23�C and lows around 10. Skiing is within 90 minutes' drive.)

Our Family: We are the Donnellys: David (computer engineer) and Linda (drama professor and psychotherapist), plus Brian, age 13. Nonsmokers, and prefer same. Also Daisy, the cocker-doxie dog who will probably visit relatives during your stay.

Contacting Us: Click here   to e-mail us. Or phone +1-951-677-2940. Previous Homelink ID: US16773

Other Links:                                  

Murrieta (Yahoo!)  Temecula (Yahoo!)

Murrieta Chamber of Commerce          Temecula Valley Chanber of Commerce

City of Murrieta