Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, Karine Icher to the Pinnacle Peak Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate.
I’m excited to start my career in real estate with RLSIR. Coming from the golf world as an LPGA player for 15y, I’m looking to use all the skills and dedication I learned in sport to help my clients. And if I can add 1 or 2 tips on the golf course, let’s mix in the fun
Karine Icher
Born and raised in France, as a kid, Karine Icherrapidly fell in love with Golf and was fortunate to turn pro at the age of 21 and make a living. She spent her time studying and playing Golf at the highest amateur level as a teenager.
After winning the world team championship in Germany, Karine was ready to explore the world and join the Ladies European Tour. She played in Europe for four years, won 6 titles, and dreamed about the LPGA. She then got her full card in 2005 and played on the LPGA for 15 years. Karine was selected on the European Solheim Cup team 4 times, played in the Olympics in Rio in 2016, and was the French leader for many years. After competing in 354 tournaments on the LPGA, it was time for Karine to close that book and open a new one.
Karine now looks to use all the skills she learned in sport in real estate. Helping people achieve their dreams and goals is what drove her throughout the years
We are excited to welcome Karine Icher to our Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty sales team at the Pinnacle Peak Office. I know she will be a great asset to our office and will do a great job representing her clients.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, Teresa Petasek, to the Prescott Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate.
I’m so proud to be a part of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty where the very name is synonymous with excellence. I’m excited and grateful for the future of my clients as I bring them the benchmark standard of service that this wonderful company is known for.
Teresa Petasek
Teresa believes that amazing customer service and attention to detail are what sets a business apart from the rest. At Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, white-glove service is a standard of excellence along with unrivaled marketing and cutting-edge technology. Teresa is dedicated to bringing this excellence in service to you as your REALTOR®.
Teresa moved to Northern Arizona from Wisconsin with her husband Mark of 36 years, in 2014. They are proud parents to Matthew (and Becky) and April, and grandparents to two beautiful granddaughters. When not working, you’ll find them enjoying their Prescott Valley home and their amazing quad-cities community with their two rescue dogs, Beanie and Chance.
Teresa brings a very studious approach to her business while still being very warm and friendly. We are thrilled to have her represent this great company and brand.
We are proud to announce that the Private Client Group, Luxury Property Group, and The Power of 4 have all been recognized for their extraordinary performance in 2021! These agents and teams are the definition of luxury and provide unparalleled service to all of their clients.
We are proud to announce our Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty sales professionals that were recognized on Real Trend’s America’s Best List for 2021.
Sotheby’s International Realty is once again the #1 real estate brand represented in the 2022 REAL Trends rankings individual sales volume category. These rankings represent the brand’s extraordinary network of luxury agents and comprise nearly 20% of the top agents across the United States.
We are also proud to announce that Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is recognized as #45 in the nation out of the top 500 brokerages in the 2022 REAL Trends 500 rankings. We owe that rank to each and every one of our incredible agents that provide the unmatched service that our brand is known for!
Congratulations on all of your success and for being recognized with such a prestigious award.
The beautiful scenic views and year-round outdoor living weather make Arizona a prime destination for enjoying the great outdoors. This month, we take you through some of Arizona’s most luxuriously-appointed estates with opulent outdoor living spaces. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s lifestyle advisors expertly navigate our beautiful state’s landscape to find unique outdoor living solutions for each client.
With Arizona’s desirable climate being one of the top priorities for out-of-state buyers, outdoor living spaces are in high demand. The concept of continuous, seamless indoor and outdoor living is one of the most popular estate attributes, as we realize the importance of biophilic design in the home. Continuity through flooring materials, walls, and ceilings connect the interiors and exteriors of the home for a seamless transition into outdoor living.
Luxe outdoor spaces are fully designed with comfortable outdoor living rooms, elegant dining spaces, and lounging areas that complement indoor spaces. Outdoor kitchens are in high demand as well and can be found in many of Arizona’s top estates.
With summer upon us, we start anticipating the hotter days, kids are out of school and the pools can only bring so much pleasure—leaving you feeling stagnant, exhausted, and overstretched.
Now through and the end of the year, Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley is offering a haven of experiences you cannot miss. You can take your meditation to the next level, encountering a self-healing, peaceful, gratitude therapy you’ve been craving, or rest easy with an ultra-relaxing sleep package. The resort is also offering a new vegan menu, packed full of a beautiful array of vegetables, so you feel good from the inside out.
In Nashville, the kitchen in a newly built home features midnight blue cabinetry, oak accents, and soapstone countertops, creating a look that is at once rustic and sophisticated. Behind the good looks are practical kitchen organization methods, like a plumbed sink near the floor in lieu of a water bowl for the owners’ two dogs, toe-kick drawers that hide food for the three cats, drawers for knives and dividers for cutting boards, not to mention a proper place for paper towels, artfully tucked beneath the counter next to the sink.
The kitchen storage ideas and its cabinetry are the work of Sarah Robertson, founder of Studio Dearborn.
While a simple “I love you” or “Thank you” may suffice to make your dad smile on Father’s Day, go that extra mile and treat him to luxury gifts that are as special as he is.
Not sure what to get Dad for Father’s Day? We have you covered with the top luxury gifts in this gift guide.
Throughout the state of Arizona, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has been proud to represent and participate in the following sales for the month of May.
We refer to these as ‘Significant Sales’, and while all of our transactions are truly significant, we hope you enjoy discovering these amazing homes based not only on price, but their architectural, cultural, and geographical significance, as well as those involved in the journey.
Enjoy!
SignificantSeller Representations:
9782 W JJ Ranch Road | Peoria Sold for $2,100,000 Seller Representation: Theresa Schoffstall
351 N Cloverfield Circle | Litchfield Park Sold for $1,425,000 Seller Representation: Theresa Schoffstall
10368 E Filaree Lane | Scottsdale Sold for $3,600,000 Seller Representation: Joy Dorvinen
7630 N Invergordon Road | Paradise Valley Sold for $4,400,000 Seller Representation: Joannie Barriero
10144 E Sundance Trail | Scottsdale Sold for $3,195,000 Buyer Representation: Steven Hanssen Seller Representation: Bee Francis, Kathleen Benoit, & Karen Baldwin
39871 N 98th Way | Scottsdale Sold for $4,300,000 Seller Representation: Dan Wolski, Jack O’Keefe, Troy Gillenwater, Elizabeth Gillenwater, & Mitchell Hundman
39225 N 104th Way | Scottsdale Sold for $3,850,000 Dual Representation: Patrick Rice & David Stockton Jr
27572 N 103rd St | Scottsdale Sold for $7,460,000 Seller Representation: Will Foote, Debbie Negrin, & Jay Pennypacker
10040 E Happy Valley Rd | Scottsdale Sold for $4,130,000 Seller Representation: Barry Van Patten
7017 E Palo Verde Lane | Paradise Valley Sold for $3,750,000 Dual Representation: Anthony Nicholas
6727 N 63rd PL | Paradise Valley Sold for $9,962,292 Seller Representation: Joe Bushong, Chad Christian, & Grant Almquist
13742 E Yucca Street | Scottsdale Sold for $3,950,000 Dual Representation: Michelle Glenn & Sue Shapiro
14555 N Blazing Canyon Drive | Oro Valley Sold for $3,995,000 Seller Representation: Nancy Mancuso, Jenna Loving, & Carrissa Martinez
9800 E Martin Drive | Tucson Sold for $1,795,000 Seller Representation: Judy Smedes & Kate Herk
5241 N Circulo Sobrio | Tucson Sold for $1,700,000 Dual Representation: Bryan Durkin & Susan Neitzel
963 W Route 66 | Flagstaff Sold for $3,550,000 Dual Representation: Blake Cain
7 Camino Cocinero | Tubac Sold for $1,350,000 Seller Representation: Gary Brasher
96 Veranera Court | Tubac Sold for $1,295,000 Dual Representation: Barbara Mecum
9 Avenida Gutierrez | Tubac Sold for $955,000 Dual Representation: Barbara Mecum & Marty Durkin
932 W. Rosser Street | Prescott Sold for $750,000 Seller Representation: Jennifer McMahon, & Lee Borst
190 Deerfield Road | Sedona Sold for $5,300,000 Dual Representation: Ed Pennington & Jeanette Sauer
30 Navajo Trail | Sedona Sold for $2,700,000 Seller Representation: Jeanette Sauer & Ed Pennington
185 Caballo Drive | Sedona Sold for $2,600,000 Seller Representation: Steve Doyle & Alejandro Gutierrez
SignificantBuyer Representations:
16049 W Vernon Avenue | Goodyear
Sold for $825,000
Buyer Representation: Theresa Schoffstall & Renee Ryan
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Lists For Sale the Most Expensive Spec Home to Ever Be Built in Arizona – – – Introducing the $32 Million Desert Prairie Inspired Home in the Silverleaf
For more than 75-years Arizona’s luxury leader Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has represented buyers and sellers in transacting some of the state’s most notable and distinguished properties.
Following in a tradition of high-end representation, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is incredibly proud to announce another noteworthy listing this time in Scottsdale’s prestigious Silverleaf community. The grand estate, which has not yet been built, is located at 20568 N. 112 th St. #1707 in Scottsdale. With an asking price of $32 million, the property is to date the most expensive spec home to ever be built in the Grand Canyon state.
As one of the last buildable lots in the Silverleaf community, the 2.07-acre property offers gorgeous views of the Valley down below. The 17,267-square-foot, the estate takes luxury to another level with three stories including 7 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. Its gorgeous interior perfectly complements the desert-inspired, moody exterior, making this home a unique edition to the Upper Canyon in Silverleaf.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Luxury Agent Allan MacDonald is listing the home properly named “Ellington Heights.” MacDonald, who is consistently in the top 1% of all agents in the state, has sold more than $500 million in total sales volume during his career.
“I could not be more excited to be listing a true ‘game-changer’ in Silverleaf. This architectural masterpiece and design elements in this beautiful estate represent the past and the future in epic proportion. The home offers unique amenities that bring the luxury experience to life,” said MacDonald.
Property owner Jerry Smith, created one of the best teams the Valley has to offer, and together they have created a home that brings a new side of luxury to Arizona. “We are super excited to be part of this project. When we purchased Lot 1707, we knew we had something special. In our opinion, it’s one of the best-remaining lots in the Upper Canyon,” said Smith. “Add the fact that we have created a “best in class” team across the board, which makes us excited to introduce the community to this fantastic project.”
The home is being built by GS Fries Construction, a builder with a long history of luxury home construction throughout the Valley, including the Silverleaf community. Gary Fries works closely with luxury architect CP Drewett and designer Claire Ownby, to bring this project to life and deliver the vision that creates one of the most exclusive estates in Arizona.
“We are very excited to collaborate with Drewett Works and Ownby Design on this masterpiece of a property. Ellington Heights will indeed raise the bar in this esteemed community,” said Fries. CP Drewett, the lead architect for this project has a great amount of experience building luxury homes. His firm, Drewett Works, has quickly become one of the most awarded architecture firms in the Scottsdale area. His design of this home brings modern luxury to the desert and its style of “Modern Desert Prairie,” is a variation of the current Prairie style with the classic nature of Silverleaf.
“Setting a new standard for Silverleaf, Ellington Heights will indeed infuse Silverleaf with a refreshed modern design aesthetic. Steeped in the roaring 20s, this game-changing Prairie Style estate takes luxury desert living to the next level,” said Drewett.
Claire Ownby, a highly sought-after interior designer and the founder of Ownby Design, LLC., will transform this estate into a simple, yet detailed home with an influence from the Roaring 20s and the Art Deco Period. Ownby has been awarded many times over for her work in the Valley of the Sun. Her work within this home will not go unnoticed, as the unique design brings the past into the present.
This grand estate will be made to offer the best of everything. With entertaining in mind, the home is welcoming and functional. It will include several bars, a game room, plenty of indoor and outdoor space, and an upper-level 90-foot-long pool visible through the glass. Within the home will be a gated showroom meant to hold 16 cars and there are four additional garage spaces. The details of this estate have not been overlooked. It will have everything someone might want without having to see it. For example, appliances throughout the home will be hidden yet easy to access for everyday use.
Amenities for maximizing your leisure time will be a given at Ellington Heights, with an exercise room, heated pool and spa, a golf simulator, and a putting green, there is plenty to do and entertain inside and outside. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the desert landscape and Valley, there will be plenty of natural light in the home.
The modern estate fits perfectly within the desert landscape. The design is simple yet detailed and has a palette that includes a beautiful mix of ledgestone, limestone, hemlock, and clay. There is expected to be a monochromatic look within and without the home featuring a mix of bronze and beige colors. The nods to the roaring 20s bring an elegant feel and a Great Gatsby-inspired home is expected to create lasting memories.
The location of Silverleaf offers great scenery. The 2,000-acre community is located in the heart of North Scottsdale, its location offers privacy while giving easy access to the Valley. Beyond the gates of this estate are some of the best dining and shopping opportunities. Its site gives access to many of the great Arizona cities. Silverleaf’s private club features an 18-hole golf course and a 50,000 square- foot clubhouse with world-class spa facilities, report-style pools, and fully equipped men’s and women’s locker rooms. Silverleaf is a high-class community that offers the best of the best and strives to represent The Pure Enjoyment of Life.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’sInternational Realty Brings the Buyer and Closes the Most Expensive Home in Arizona History at $28.1 Million.
The property, known as “Altitude,” represents the most impressive landmark in the firm’s storied history in the Grand Canyon state.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has long been synonymous with gorgeous, bespoke homes, with an extended and storied history of life-changing transactions to show for it. None are as big as this one. However, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is incredibly proud to announce that it has closed on the most expensive home in Arizona history. The property, located at 21264 N. 113th Pl., Scottsdale’s Silverleaf community, closed Thursday for a record-breaking $28.1 million.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Luxury Agent Laura Briggs represented the buyer in this extraordinary transaction, which went under contract in less than a month after being listed, an awe-inspiring feat given the sales price.
Briggs said her clients have always expressed interest in owning the best view properties. After representing them in multiple transactions, she said this legacy estate, perched high above the Silverleaf community, simply offered the best views.
“Silverleaf is continuing to attract the most discerning buyers in the world. Scottsdale has gained a reputation for being a mecca of international buyers looking for a place to invest in legacy properties. This particular sale involved an international buyer of mine who has transacted multiple transactions with me over the past several years. It’s an honor to be a part of the largest residential transaction in Arizona history and one of the smoothest transactions of my career.”
Laura Briggs
Having sold many high-end properties in Silverleaf over the years, Briggs attributes the Silverleaf Country Club, of which she is a member and its discreet lifestyle as one attraction for buyers in the community. The private club features a Tom Weiskopf designed, 18-hole champion golf course, along with other award-winning amenities.
“While this may be a record-breaking sale for Arizona, it once again puts Scottsdale on the map as an international destination for our weather, golf courses, quality of life, and a safe harbor for taxes,” she said. “As my peers and I are actively engaging with buyers and sellers in this spectrum from across the world, we realize it’s only a matter of time before we see even more record-breaking sales like this one in Silverleaf.”
For that kind of price tag, one would reasonably expect unimaginable luxury. However, even then, the details of this intersection of desert beauty and modern opulence still manage to surprise and delight. At 21,150-square-feet, 8 bedrooms, and 15 bathrooms, the possibilities are endless. Constructed by Mast Luxury Homes and designed by Dale Gardon in 2021, it is located on the most prominent peak in the prestigious Summit at Silverleaf community, with some of the best mountain and McDowell Sonoran Preserve views in all of Scottsdale to match.
Suffice it to say, this property is tailor-made for grand gatherings, with an open floor plan designed for mingling, a spacious entryway wine bar to greet guests in the most welcoming of manners, and easy elevator access, allowing you and your guests to make the rounds as efficiently as possible. As with any gathering, the ability to create wonderful meals is paramount, and Altitude fully delivers, with Subzero/Wolf appliances, including a Wolf Convection Steam Oven and 60″ Wolf Range with two ovens and double islands topped with the finest Quarzo Iceberg Natural Quartzite imported from Italy and equipped with warm under-lighting to enhance the inviting environment. This is in addition to the three outdoor fire pits and two built-in grills, allowing the culinary journey to roam seamlessly from the indoor luxury to the outdoor vistas.
Amenities for maximizing your leisure time are a given at Altitude, with an exercise room containing its own steam shower, as well as a yoga/art room with panoramic views. The cards and game room allows guests the ability to let loose, especially when paired with two Subzero wine columns waiting to fuel your game night. A 4K projector and professional sound system make it an ideal place to screen a new movie or to watch the big game with your entire circle.
It wouldn’t be a luxury home if we didn’t speak to the living quarters though, and Altitude lives up to its price tag in that regard. Its primary suite perfectly encapsulates that with his and hers walk-in closets and an ensuite bathroom befitting the finest hotels in Europe. Italian-imported Calcutta gold marble adorns the primary bath, including double-sinks, a bidet, and his and hers water closets. For those that work from home (and who wouldn’t want to leave this palace?), the office is the perfect quiet space to engage the mind, with spectacular inlaid walnut ceilings and a powder room for easy access throughout the day.
Want to host family and friends for an extended period? This estate is also outfitted with multiple spacious and luxurious guest quarters. The guest casita ensures true privacy, with its own full kitchen and two ensuite bedrooms. There are also separate “in-law” quarters with a full kitchen and ensuite bedroom, so the entire extended family can gather on their own vacation. Need space to fit some extra vehicles, be them yours or loved ones? The temperature-controlled 12-car garage and its separate complete bathroom offer a welcoming spot for your favorite gearhead.
And we would be remiss if we didn’t talk about Silverleaf’s location in Scottsdale. Beyond the private gates of this estate are some of the best opportunities for dining, shopping, and taking in scenic views within only a few miles. It is situated approximately 20 minutes from the exclusive Scottsdale Airpark and just a quick drive down the 101 freeway to the art galleries and designer shops in Old Town Scottsdale, making it an ideal location.
In the words of agent Laura Briggs, “I feel very blessed to have been involved in making history with the most significant sales price in residential real estate in Arizona. Our luxury market continues to thrive with national and international buyers moving into the area every day, which is really good for the entire real estate market.”
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, Tina Hannaford, to the Camelback Tower Office.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate.
Tina Hannaford came to Phoenix, AZ with a vision and her creative streak. With a background in Executive Recruitment, Marketing Maven, and Photographer, she has an uncanny ability to help her clients see the potential in a property and create a vision for their home and lifestyle.
Tina is a member of several professional organizations including Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS® and Institute For Luxury Home Marketing. Tina takes ownership and pride in her craft.
Making a connection with Tina was extremely easy, her warm and outgoing personality just draws people in. She gains the trust of her real estate clients immediately and keeps it throughout the entire process, she’s a true professional.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, John Stavros, to the Camelback Tower Office.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate.
John Stavros is a first-generation Greek-American, fluent in Greek and English. As the son of Greek immigrants, he learned early on in his life that hard work and sacrifice is the key to accomplishment. As a result, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in real estate, finance, and law – an achievement that would jumpstart his drive to be successful in his future endeavors.
John started and grew a thriving office coffee and vending business, which a multibillion-dollar company acquired in 2018. He also successfully managed numerous real estate property acquisitions, where he oversaw full-scale renovations and sales. His experience with renovations and investment properties sparked a deep interest in helping people buy homes. He joined Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty as a REALTOR® to pursue that aspiration and use his extensive experience serving customers to help clients find the perfect home or next investment.
For John, the thought of being able to assist a homeowner with a purchase that may only happen a few times in their lifetime is an honor and privilege. He shows his clients that first and foremost, he will protect their interests as his own.
Boating, hiking, and exploring all the valley’s amazing places are just a few of John’s interests. In addition, he loves spending time with his family, who recently adopted a husky puppy that is training to be a service dog for his son. They also are becoming active in the equestrian community for his daughter, who loves riding horses.
John’s business sense is evident from the first conversation. His business savviness will carry from one business venture to the next, we are proud to have him associated with our brand.
