Spanning 7 Decades, 5 Magnificent Homes Most Reflect the Luxury Ideal
Russ Lyon (top row, left), Dennis Lyon (middle row, 2nd from left) and Jim Lyon (front row, 2nd from left at 6 years old)
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty began 70 years ago when Russ Lyon, Sr., greeted with a handshake his first client at the Phoenix office of Russ Lyon Realty. Lyon offered an uncommon blend of professional, trustworthy real estate service with a personal touch. Many handshakes have since occurred as three generations of the Lyon family and a dedicated team of Realtors have perfected the art of fine real estate service.
In the 70-year history of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty there have been thousands of properties that embody the luxury of the brand, dating back to the Truman Administration.
Of those, five have been chosen as most representative – those selected are the highest level of luxury and happen to have been sold by famous clients. Each of these pieces of paradise sold for at least $1.1 million and the extraordinary residences combine elegance and sophistication.
For example, a Sedona stunner built in 1994 by one of the Wrigley heirs, sold to the Hills Brothers heirs. The spectacular ranch at 6625 W. State Route 89A ranks high in the history of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty luxury homes. At $15,200,000, El Rojo Grande Ranch offers 173+ acres in the shadow of the red rocks. Most of the property borders National Forest that cannot be developed. For those lucky enough to enter this rare 6,700-square-foot residence, they will be in awe of the luxurious and impeccable Southwestern-style. Guest casitas, a caretaker’s quarters, a lap pool and spa, gym facility, terraces, entertaining patios are just some of the offerings.
Horse lovers will appreciate the box stall barn; corral barn; working barn; 3 arenas; hay barn; 2 corrals, a park, 2 grass areas, picnic tables, bandstand and stone fireplace. The park area accommodates up to 600 for special events.
The property is home to approximately 80 species of birds and its ecosystem includes juniper, pinon, mesquite, acacia, cottonwood, cacti and a variety of grasses. El Rojo Grande Ranch is located within five to ten minutes of Sedona’s finest retail, dining, business and entertainment destinations. It is being listed by Paul Sexson, Dave Pattison, Ed Pennington and Jeanette Sauer.
It takes a lot for a property to stand out in a 70-year timespan. The property at 27341 N. 102nd St. in Scottsdale was custom built for former Magellan Fund head Peter Lynch. At $14,000,000, this masterpiece is rooted in the principles of Southwestern adobe-style architecture and is one of the finest properties in the Southwest.
Located in the world-renowned golf community of Estancia, the multi-structure compound emulates the natural terrain and creates a resort atmosphere while maintaining privacy. The residence is forged in a canyon at the north end of Pinnacle Peak with dramatic elevation changes of over 300 feet from one side of the property to the other which creates unobstructed mountain, city light and sunset views.
Luxury reigns throughout a master retreat, 2 offices and 3 guest ensuites, butler quarters, a detached guest cottage with a full kitchen and separate guest pool house with 2 bedrooms, family room and a full kitchen. The three structures on the site frame the pool that is carved at the base of a 3-story waterfall.
It is being listed by Debbie Negrin, Jay Pennypacker and Will Foote.
The third notable luxury property in the past 70 years is the former residence of the Smith family of Smith Grocery stores. The crown jewel of the Biltmore Estates in Phoenix, the $6,700,000 gem boasts eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and 10,293 square feet on one acre.
Located at 37 Biltmore Estates Dr., this estate features stunning mountain and golf course views and authentic materials and elegant finishes curated from world travels. A Moroccan-inspired game room and bar captures the essence of “Casablanca.” The estate also features a two-bedroom guest house, private office suites and a home elevator.
It is being listed by Frank Aazami and Mary Ann Kelley.
Next up is the former residence of Barry Goldwater at 1614 Palmcroft Dr. SW in Phoenix. This 4,188-square-foot, 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom Spanish Colonial Revival home sold for $1.1 million. It features a large formal living room with a beautiful beamed ceiling, an arched stained glass window and original tile work. The dramatic curved staircase anchors the center of the home and is accented with original wrought iron railings. It also features built-in bookcases and a separate exit with a staircase to the pool.
It is being listed by Chad Christian and Joe Bushong.
Last, in certainly in no way least, is, as Bloomberg News called it, a “Desert Mansion” that “Comes With Built-In Art.” The owner is the scion of a 19th century European Industrialist who became a grand philanthropist. Following in his great-great-great grandfather’s philanthropic footsteps, the owner pursued a passion for philanthropy and art in all forms, including this house.
The location of this desert gem is 39029 Alister Mckenzie Dr, in Scottsdale. At $4,995,000, a lucky owner will get 4 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms and 11,560 square feet of space presiding upon a one-of-a-kind 15-acre estate that towers over the Valley.
The magnificent home drapes across a natural island-in-the-sky platform that offers privacy and security. The architectural design embodies humanity’s march from early man living in southwest pueblos forward through time to a futuristic world. The design is part organic pueblo, part southwest contemporary and part futuristic modern.
It is being listed by Dan Wolski, Troy Gillenwater and Jack O’Keefe.
“With their design excellence, charm and luxurious feel, these homes most represent the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty brand,” said Jim Lyon, Chairman of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. “Each home is optimized for relaxation and entertaining and possess architectural features not found in many other homes. These homes occupy rare air.”
