Pictures, videos, souvenirs and goods of every kind serve as reminders of the voyage. For some, the Turkish rug in the living room or the painting purchased in Monaco is enough to supply them with a sense of the wonderful lands abroad. Others however, want to bring back a stronger representation of these countries. Harmon Homes in El Paso has spent the last 30 years catering to this desire, and with over 300 luxury homes (and counting) to prove it, it seems clear El Pasoans love what this style of architecture brings into their everyday lives.

Mike Harmon is a native Georgian who received his Bachelor’s of Science in textiles in his home state before joining the U.S. Army. After retiring in 1974 as an officer at Fort Bliss, he started selling real estate and attending night classes. During this time, he became familiar with the industry and came to understand the nuances of how to retain and work with reliable subcontractors. Once he’d received his master’s in business administration from UTEP, he decided to make another career move from real estate broker to builder.

With much research and trips to places like California to get inspiration, Mike realized the need for a regional builder who specializes in Mediterranean-style homes. Although he’ll occasionally build homes in other styles, over the years he’s become well-known and sought after for his ability to bring very distinct elements to his projects. “We put a lot of architectural detail into our homes,” he says. “Our homes are not just square boxes with windows in front.” While each home is custom, there are signature components to the style, like striking round rotundas and dramatic staircases with intricately crafted wrought iron balustrades.

Though it was his military career that brought him here back in the 1970s, the southwest has become his home. “El Paso’s a great place,” says Mike. “For such a large city, it still has that small town feel.” In fact, the city does seem to be growing in every direction. With this in mind, we asked Mike the number one question a home buyer should ask a builder. “Know their track record,” he said. “What kind of experience do they have? Get referrals.”

Because your home is something you experience daily, it’s important not only to know what you want, but also to work with someone who has proven capable of achieving the client’s vision.

So, if you long to be reminded of past trips to Greece or Turkey – or perhaps you’ve not been, but have only admired the regional beauty from afar - consider capturing some of this style in the design of your home. In doing so, you will realize the the lure that entices people to travel thousands of miles away...and you’ll have the luxury of enjoying it every day.