Uncategorized

GLORIOUS GOLF HOMES

Just in time for the Valley’s most anticipated golf tournament, The Phoenix Open, Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, presents lavish homes on enchanting golf courses for the golf enthusiast.   

First stop on the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Golf Tour is a 4 bed and 4.5 bath home in Scottsdale. Listed by agent Susan King, for $3,250,000 and located at 10040 E Happy Valley Rd Unit 597, this extravagant estate is situated on a premium lot in Desert Highlands, overlooking the 10th and 11th fairways, city lights & sunsets. The extraordinary outdoor living comes complete with a heated pool and spa, outdoor living room, expansive covered patio, built-in barbecue, private garden & infinite views.

A tree in front of a brick building Description automatically generated


Next stop for the golf aficionado is a privately gated property, located in Phoenix on the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club at 37 Biltmore Estates Dr.Listed at $5,000,000 by agent Frank Aazami, the 8 bed and 11 bath grand European Estate on the famed Biltmore Circle enjoys stunning mountain and golf course views. The impressive grounds and beautiful patio spaces are ideal for grand-entertaining or intimate celebration. It is perfect for a year-round golf loving season!

A large lawn in front of a house Description automatically generated

Then head over to Paradise Valley for an awe-inspiring setting. The 4 bed and 5.5 bath is listed by agent Bill Bulaga for $3,000,000. Located at 6231 E Vista Dr, near the Phoenician Golf Course. The essence of indoor/outdoor Paradise Valley living is found at the base of Camelback Mountain at this magnificent, low maintenance view home within the gated community of Los Palacios. From the moment you step through the front door, your eyes are immediately drawn to the large pocketing wall which flows seamlessly to your outdoor living space featuring multiple patios where you have expansive views of Camelback Mountain and all of the valley including the sparkling city lights.

A view of a house Description automatically generated

Next up is the immaculate home that is overlooking hole #5 and the lake of the canyon course at Forest Highlands. The 4 bed and 3.5 bath property, listed by agent Mary Mendoza at $900,000, has been meticulously maintained in Flagstaff at 2373 Edward Ayer. Bright and light with stunning views, this home boasts clean lines and an open concept. The unparalleled craftsmanship is the definition of luxury and comfort here in the high country.

A tree in front of a house Description automatically generated



For the final stop – located in Tubac at 17 Villaescusa,  golf lovers can indulge in a luxury custom 3 bed and 3 bath home on 1.63 acres overlooking the 5th fairway of the Otero course in the prestigious 4-star Tubac Golf Resort that has everything you need or want in your home. Listed by agent Mindy Maddock at $989,000, the views of the mountains and golf course from the expansive windows enhance the architectural features of this beautiful home. There is a comfortable flow that extends from the spacious living room, through the dining room to the gourmet eat-in kitchen. The walled yard, which includes fruit trees and desert plantings provides privacy but does not obstruct the mountain and golf course views. Come live in Tubac surrounded by peace, beauty and golf!

A house with a mountain in the background Description automatically generated
January 29, 2020 by
Architecture, Business, Land and Lots, Real Estate

russ lyon sir appoints bret lamberson as flagstaff sales manager

We are pleased to announce Bret Lamberson has been named Office Sales Manager for the Flagstaff Office.

Lamberson has more than 14 years of experience in real estate in the state of Arizona. He began his time with the company in 2005 as a Real Estate Sales Associate. He continued work with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty through 2016 while he obtained a Juris Doctor degree at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, CA. With his legal presence in San Francisco, he handled important tasks defending against wrongful convictions, real estate disputes, and litigated deportation defense cases before the Department of Justice Immigration Court. Lamberson is also fluent in Spanish, which helps him with both his legal practices and his involvement in real estate investments in Central America.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Flagstaff office is home to more than 35 agents and serves one of the highest performing housing markets in Northern Arizona. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty proudly serves Northern Arizona communities such as Sedona, Flagstaff, and Prescott.

Although my passion for real estate took me to San Francisco, I have loved Flagstaff and the four corners region since out family came here almost 40 years ago. It has been a pleasure to return to a world class company like Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. My goal as an Office Sales Manager is to create the greatest impact possible in a community that has already been so great to me. I am optimistic to see what the future holds.

bret lamberson
January 15, 2020 by
Architecture, Automobile, Business, Real Estate

EVERY CAR NEEDS A HOME

Just in time for the Valley’s high-end car collector auctions Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, presents lavish homes with show-stopping garages for the automotive enthusiast.   

First stop on the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Garage Tour is a 6 bed and 9 bath home in the heart of Paradise Valley. Listed by agent Bob Hassett for $12,950,000 and located at 5021 E Arabian Way, this lavish estate boasts an opulent auto courtyard, with a lounge, that can hold up to 30 automobiles, an RV, golf cart, and has temperature control technology.  The state-of-the-art lighting and showrooms are perfect for the ultimate collection of luxury vehicles.

Next stop for the automotive aficionado is a privately gated property, located in Fountain Hills at 15647 N Cerro Alto Drive. Situated on 3.3 acres and listed at $3,000,000 by agent Frank Aazami, the 5 bed and 5.5 bath Tuscan estate also includes a 12-seat movie theater, 750 bottle wine cellar, and multiple pools with a grotto waterfall. However, do not miss the 8-car airconditioned garage with travertine flooring throughout. It is perfect for a year-round car-loving season!

Then head over to an artfully minded retreat on the top of Scottsdale Mountain. The Diamond House is listed by agent Laura Briggs for $3,200,000 and features 5 bed and 5.5 bath. Located at 12493 N 138th Place, this masterpiece designed by world-famous AIA architect, Gordon Rogers includes a 5-car top of the line garage to show off your one-of-a-kind car collection alongside a one-of-a-kind estate. Enjoy sweeping city views and city lights for miles while you relax, entertain, and enjoy the finest of Scottsdale living with your finest automobiles.

Next up is an entertainer’s dream home in Phoenix. The 6 bed and 8 bath property, listed by agent Wendy Mackenzie at $2,795,000, is in the prestigious Royal Palm Estates at 5134 E Palomino Road. Not only does the residence have impeccable views of Camelback Mountain and over an acre of land, it comes with a 4-car garage and 2-car detached garage, plus a workshop. The unparallel craftsmanship is the definition of luxury and comfort here in the Valley.

Continuing the garage tour head north to Cave Creek at 42401 N Spur Cross Road for a custom 5 bed 3.5 bath property listed at $1,250,000 by agent Stacy Paluscio. This oasis is a perfect retreat for any car enthusiast with a paved circular drive, built-in light system, 2 RV hookups, and a 6 car airconditioned garage. The double-walled construction and full solar panels aid to an energy-efficient home with utility bills falling under $50 a month. This is a rare and special find here in the Valley of the Sun.

For the final stop – car lovers can indulge in a 10 car garage beauty at 1111 N Quail Ridge Drive in Dewey Humboldt, AZ 86327. Listed for $1,490,000 by Nancy Read of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, this exquisite 8,634-square-foot Mediterranean Mansion features stunning hilltop views and luxury finishes throughout. With an open concept, the estate offers soaring ceilings, professional-grade kitchen with two dining areas, media room, wet bar, wine cellar, office. Extending from each of the 8 bedrooms are private courtyards offering balconies and more views.  There’s also a guest house and indoor gymnasium with basketball court set up, as well as a pool house with custom saltwater pool and spa, tennis, and 10+ car garage with RV space. An additional 12 acres plus adjacent commercial lot are also available.

January 11, 2020 by
Architecture, Business, Real Estate

Jorge De La Rosa sells arcadia home

Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate —  represented both the buyer and seller in the sale of Major League Baseball pitcher Jorge de la Rosa’s Scottsdale home.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents Bob Hassett and Lisa Westcott brokered the $1.85 million sale of De la Rosa’s 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home in the Arcadia area.

The sale was a very smooth cash transaction and Jorge and his wife were two of the nicest sellers I’ve had the pleasure of representing in my 33 years in the High-end luxury markets of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley

bob hassett

De la Rosa has pitched for the Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Chicago Cubs. The Scottsdale home totals 6,612 square feet and includes a rooftop patio, resort-style entertainment spaces and has French doors throughout.

My very discerning clients from California purchased this property because they wanted a luxury home near Old Town Scottsdale and the arts area

lisa westcott
January 9, 2020 by
Architecture, Business, Commercial Real Estate, Land and Lots, Multi Purpose, Real Estate

russ lyon sir lists sedona cultural park

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to offer one of the last and largest undeveloped pieces of land in Sedona.  The Sedona Cultural Park in Sedona, Arizona is truly the Gateway to West Sedona. This undeveloped property is approximately 40.9 acres and listed at $19,900,000.

Cultural Park has a premier location with unparalleled red rocks vistas, panoramic views, and sits against US Forest Service land on the west and north property boundaries. The property can be accessed from Highway 89A and Cultural Park Place and Arts Village Drive.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty real estate advisors Ed Pennington, Jeanette Sauer, and Tod Christensen are listing this one-of-a-kind property in America’s Most Beautiful City.

The Cultural Park is one of the largest undeveloped properties left in and around Sedona. Potential uses include housing, lodging, wellness village, a center of innovation, conference center, food service, retail, and other commercial uses.

Examples of approved uses for the property are outlined in the Sedona Community Plan update for the Western Gateway Community Focus Area City of Sedona. The City of Sedona would need to approve rezoning and land use. A copy can be provided to all interested parties.

“There’s nothing else left that comes close to this size. This is the last largest piece of land available in Sedona and it offers tremendous potential including unmatched views of the Sedona Red Rocks,” said Listing Agent Ed Pennington of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

15 Cultural Park Place is being sold separately at $1,750,000. This two-story commercial office building, Zoning C-1 offers 5,797-square-feet with three office suites. Suites 1 and 2 are on the top level and are of 2,016-square-feet and 2,479-square-feet, respectively, and Suite 3 is on the main floor and is 401 SF. There are restrooms and a 4,448-square-foot covered parking structure with 18 parking spots.

January 9, 2020 by
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon sir appoints sherri monteith as manging broker of camelback tower offie

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce Sherri Monteith has been named Branch Manager for its Scottsdale Camelback Tower office.

Located in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Camelback Tower office in Scottsdale has approximately 250 agents and serves the urban high-rises, gated golf course communities and intimate upscale family neighborhoods of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley that include communities like Biltmore and Arcadia.

Sherri Monteith’s 15-year tenure with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, her understanding the company’s history, traditions, integrity, combined with her leadership of the Scottsdale, Southeast Valley, Sedona, and Flagstaff offices were just some of the attributes that made her the best fit to lead the company’s high producing office.  

Since September, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has been seeking a new Branch Manager at the Camelback Tower office. Monteith stepped in during the transitionary period to fill this role after working with the Vice President of Operations Kevin Gonzalez. She assisted Gonzalez in the development and supervision of luxury agents while enhancing the client experience in the Pinnacle Peak and DC Ranch Market Street offices.  

“We’ve come a long way in the 15 plus years that I’ve been part of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family.  From starting as a front desk administrator to now leading this incredibly talented team of agents, I’m thrilled to be celebrating this incredible milestone and committed to continuing the tradition of values, high level of service and integrity that has made Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty the Valley leader in luxury real estate since 1947

Sherri monteith

“We couldn’t be more proud and grateful to Sherri for all her years of service to our company and the great clients we serve.  Over the years she has lead several of our key producing offices around the state, always raising the bar while keeping our integrity and values at the forefront.  Just in her short time leading the Camelback team Sherri has already brought tremendous value to our team of high producing agents and we are excited about the future ahead with Sherri taking the reins ,” said Todd Gillenwater, CEO of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.  

January 8, 2020 by
Inspiration

Arizona’s Natural Wonders and Hidden Gems

Troy Gillenwater knows a lot about hiking and the great outdoors.

Gillenwater is an experienced hiker and traveler. He knows the best hiking trails and experiences across Arizona as well as in the Valley and Scottsdale where Desert Mountain has some cool trails and leverages technology through an interactive trails guide that helps hikers find which trek is best for them.

Gillenwater says Arizona should be on every hikers’ bucket list especially the Grand Canyon.

Without a doubt, Grand Canyon hikes border on mystical experiences. The canyon’s overwhelming grandeur and volume of distance and space eons in the making, distill quite quickly what is and is not important in one’s life. Hiking in the canyon is humbling and invigorating at the same time. So many of us tend to take it for granted given that we live nearby, however, the Grand Canyon remains one of the seven natural wonders of the planet.

troy gillenwater
Troy at Ancient petroglyph panel near Arizona’s Painted Desert.

Like any good traveler or hiker, Gillenwater has his own bucket list of trails to explore and experience.

“To me, southwest Arizona is largely a great unknown. Vast, wide-open valleys and isolated mountain ranges that rise above the shimmer of mirage beckon to me. Mountain ranges with names like Eagletail, Harquahala, Castle Dome and Bucksin are difficult to resist,” Gillenwater said.

Gillenwater said he would also like to explore Nevada’s isolated and desolate mountain ranges. “Anymore I hunt for remote areas where the beauty is subtle, and the views are long I seek open space and solitude with the company of friends and brothers,” he said.

Closer to home, Gillenwater is a part of the Desperados. Those are members of the picturesque Desert Mountain community in north Scottsdale next to the 3 million-acre Tonto National Forest. The Desperados raised funds and resources to outfit Desert Mountain’s 18 miles of private hiking trails with an Interactive Trail Guide. That allows hikers to find the best experience for their skill and endurance levels via a 55-inch touch screen monitor at Desert Mountain’s trailhead. Hikers pick the best distance and experience and then can download a map and interactive guide.

Troy high atop Utah’s Kaiparowits Plateau.

“Desert Mountain’s Interactive Trail Guide allows the first-time visitor to select the best possible route for them. He or she, with a simple touch of the screen, can scan more than 30 routes based on distance, time, elevation gain and views to determine which hike is best for them,” Gillenwater said.

Gillenwater said Desert Mountain offers some of the least crowded and most visual hiking experiences in the Phoenix area that the trails are uncrowded, pristine and artfully routed wave through canyons, traverse saguaro-dotted slopes and crest lofty peaks to provide stunning panoramic views.

November 18, 2019 by
Architecture, Business, Real Estate

Power of the Brand – networking + referrals

Bekkah Herman knows how important networking and referrals can be in a competitive marketplace. Herman has also learned there is even more power when coupling her networking efforts with the power of a prestigious, luxury brand such as Sotheby’s International Realty.

Herman is an agent with the Southeast Valley office of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

She visited Los Angeles earlier this year with the sole intention of connecting with other Sotheby’s International Realty agents and tap into the referral market.

I used to live in Los Angeles and the cross over between Southern California to Arizona has rapidly increased over the years. Sotheby’s International Realty has such a strong luxury footprint in both markets, and our brand power gives us so much referral potential.

bekkah herman


While in Los Angeles, Bekkah Herman met with Satch Herrmann, an agent with Sotheby’s International Realty Westlake Village office.

The meeting and Bekkah Herman’s networking and referral efforts proved fruitful. She ended up representing a buyer referred to her by Satch Herrmann. The buyer recently closed in a $1.2 million sale in the Biltmore area of Phoenix.

“The Sotheby’s International Realty relocation department was great to work with. They were prompt and helpful throughout the entire process and keeping everyone in the loop of the deal’s status was as simple as filling out a short questionnaire,” Herman said.

Renee Merritt of the Merritt Group at the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Camelback Tower office who specializes in luxury properties, was the listing agent for the four-bedroom home in the gated Biltmore Greens subdivision. The high-end home has a resort-style backyard with two outdoor fireplaces, a pool and spa area and views of Piestewa Peak.

“From the networking and referral, to closing the deal, this luxury sale was all through Sotheby’s International Realty showing the power of our luxury brand,” Herman said.

“The power of the Sotheby’s International Realty network reveals itself in stories like this, real stories, that real agents, buyers and sellers make a reality all over the globe, every day. Very powerful,” said Todd Gillenwater, CEO of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

November 12, 2019 by
Architecture, Business, Real Estate

french country estate sold in prescott

An elegant luxury Prescott estate listed by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty closed for $2,050,000 making it the most significant luxury home sale to date in the area since 2017.

Agents Nancy Read and Frank Aazami of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty represented the sellers of this record sale in Prescott. The French Country estate offers 6,795 square feet of livable space and sits on approximately seven acres. With four bedrooms, including two grand bedroom suites, this masterpiece is truly extraordinary.

There is nothing in Prescott quite like The Grand Lady of Thumb Butte. Grand in scale while offering an inviting, cozy feel with an almost fairytale-like experience as you walk through the home.  I am proud to represent Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and the sellers in Prescott’s highest sale since 2017.

nancy read, russ lyon sotheby’s international realty sedona

Just minutes from downtown Prescott, this estate is located at 2031 W Thumb Butte Road in Prescott. This architectural masterpiece exudes privacy, comfort and class and stages unobstructed views of the adjoining seven acres.  This captivating single-level living estate with a grand foyer entrance, includes a 12-car garage, conservatory, living room, and library.

The home also offers a luxury chef’s kitchen, wine cellar, and breakfast nook. Each room is spacious enough to accommodate guests for corporate or family gatherings. The chef’s kitchen includes a double island center.

Other unique features of the gracious home include a custom made movie theater, game room, and entertainer’s loft. There is also room for horse privileges and a variety of mature trees.

October 15, 2019 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Real Estate

The diamond estate

The Estate of Legendary Arizona Philanthropist, Developer Donald Diamond and his wife, Joan Diamond.

Diamond, born in New York, moved to Arizona in 1965 and attended the University of Arizona. He served in the community and was involved in civic issues throughout the state.  His estate is located within the exclusive high-end guard-gated community of The Canyons, a community Diamond himself developed in Tucson.

Completed in 1982, the Spanish Colonial estate is made from burnt adobe imported from Mexico. The estate displays Diamond’s love for traditional Mexico with murals including a Mexican market and Mexican landscapes throughout, painted by renowned artist, Andrew Rush.

“It’s unlike any other house I’ve seen in Tucson. The timeless Adobe style is ideal for entertaining and even though it’s a large house, it’s warm and inviting,” said Helaine Levy, Diamond’s daughter.

The estate, which offers impressive views and exclusive privacy, is listed for $4.5 million. Prospective buyers also have an option to purchase five adjacent parcels along with the estate. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents Bryan Durkin and Anne Ferro are listing this one-of-a-kind luxury home and property in Tucson’s most elite and coveted neighborhood.

The estate features several properties on-site including the main house with 7,632 square feet showcasing two large bedroom suites and six bathrooms. The main residence also features a private office suite, spacious walk-in pantry, a lavish living room for large scale entertaining a sunken bar and a lower level with a recreation room, plus a full bar and a temperature-controlled walk-in wine cellar.

In addition, there is also a 2,589 square foot guest house with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. High above the Tucson city lights, the front porch comfortably seats 20 people.  Other highlights include a sparkling pool with an adjacent pool house, two changing rooms, bathroom, sauna, and a lower level exercise room/workshop.

“This extraordinary property offers the best city, mountain and private canyon views I have ever seen in my 20-year career. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an estate of this magnitude and to be located in a neighborhood with the prestige of The Canyons is truly unheard of. We are truly honored to have been selected to list this magnificent property and we are excited to bring it to market for the first time ever,” said Durkin.

View the Diamond Estate Property Video Below

October 10, 2019 by