All Posts By

Alexandra Baum

Entertainment, Real Estate

Iconic Estates: Awesome Amenities

Our homes should represent not only who we are, but also the things we love. The activities we enjoy and are passionate about often find our way into our abodes, allowing us to showcase and partake in our favorite hobbies.

Beautiful amenities gracing the luxury homes of today can include any number of features; athletes can enjoy full in-home gyms or professional-size sports courts, musicians can have sound-proofed music rooms or even recording studios, entertainers and gamers can have media rooms complete with billiards tables, shuffleboards, or arcade games. Perhaps you are an aficionado who collects automobiles, vintage wines, or sports memorabilia.

Finding a special amenity in your dream home is easy with the right real estate expert with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. No matter what pursuit you fancy, your future home will feel like a custom reflection of you, your family, and everything you love.

Explore the possibilities of amenities in your home with this edition of ICONIC Estates!


You may recognize renowned Chef Angelo Sosa from his appearances on several television shows—including three seasons of Bravo’s Top Chef and HBO Max’s Selena + Chef—and now you can enjoy his culinary expertise at his new signature restaurant in Scottsdale, Tía Carmen.

We asked acclaimed Chef Angelo Sosa to answer the proverbial question, “what’s for dinner and drinks?” recipes and all!


Each year the NAHB’s Best in American Living Award winners are the pinnacle of luxe design trends from around the country. The awards shine a spotlight on the top building industry professionals who are hitting the mark with outstanding residential designs.

Here we highlight the most ICONIC homes from the 2021 NAHB Best in American Living Award winners. Check out these stunning and unique custom home builds that won the 2021 NAHB Best in American Living home awards.


The famed professional golfer, Arnold Palmer says, “Success in this game depends less on strength of body than strength of mind and character.” He may be correct, but to really elevate your game it also takes a practiced and poised swing. Even impeccable golf equipment can’t always make you a better golfer, it’s all about perfecting your swing which is the most important weapon in any golfer’s armory.⁠ ⁠

As with most things, there are small intricacies that will help you fine-tune and improve your golf swing. ICONIC has put together five useful tips based on some of our own experience and with guidance from our friends at Birdies Crazy Golf, on the golf swing basics that will help you iron out the details and leave your competitors in the dust.⁠ ⁠


Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Rackensack Mine

Off-Grid Famous Gold Mine Property For Sale Just North of Scottsdale: Rackensack Mine

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is well known for connecting buyers to sellers for many of Arizona’s most gorgeous, custom properties with all of the trappings of comfort. But every once in a while a property comes around that has those trappings yet manages to be so incredibly unique at the same time.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Announces an Off-Grid Famous Gold Mine Property For Sale Just North of Scottsdale.

For starters, at 400 feet from the Scottsdale city limits, it has one of the closest helipads to Scottsdale. No need to fight rush hour traffic with this property.  You can simply helicopter back and forth without opening your car door. Watch this video and see for yourself.

That’s just the start, living near this gold mine property.  The Rackensack Mine property is, true to its name, situated on land that has a gold mine that thousands of people have paid money to tour. Take the speed tour of the mine yourself here.

 Those are just the more idiosyncratic features of this amazing property, however; in essence, it is the ultimate safe haven secluded refuge. Constructed on a cliff, the property is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, 360-degree panoramic views, and 14 potential sites for additional buildings. At 62 acres, to call it expansive would be an understatement. The property currently includes two structures; a two-room guest house and a fitness studio with a patio and bubbling hot spa, and plenty of room to still build your dream house. 

 Finally, if you’ve ever found yourself lamenting the heat during the summer, this is the property for you. Situated at 4,500 feet, you will almost certainly find it to be wonderfully temperate in the summer and might even find some snow in the winter.

Listing Agent Preston Westmoreland has represented numerous Arizona gold mines throughout his 30-year-real-estate-career but this one, he says makes you feel like you are on top of the world. 

I love to explore the desert and have been in over 100 mines over the years and this is one of the most fun mine trips I’ve ever taken, especially with the level tunnels, very exciting. It’s amazing to me, looking from the top of the mountain, how much you can do in a remote off-grid location and talk about a safe haven, even though you’re looking right at the northern boundary of Scottsdale, you’re surrounded by the national forest with gated access.

Preston Westmoreland, listing agent for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.



Between a corporate retreat, a wilderness B&B, a center for eco-tourism, or just your own dream home, the options for this land are endless. You can check out the full listing of this truly unique property here

It is yet another example of how Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty manages to continually showcase incredible bespoke properties.

Business, Entertainment, Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Significant Sales: March 2022

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 March.


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!

Significant Seller Representations:

5711 N Yucca Road 10 | Paradise Valley
Sold for: $9,400,000
Seller Representation: Frank Aazami, Zoja Pedenko

20 Western Saddle Court | Tubac
Sold for: $1,550,000
Dual Representation: Gary Brasher & Melinda Maddock

5 De Ayer Court | Tubac
Sold for: $1,105,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Mindy Maddock
Buyer Representation: Marty Durkin

2157 Balboa Court | Tubac
Sold for: $803,555
Seller Representation: Marty Durkin

130 Cinnabar Drive | Sedona
Sold for: $3,872,390 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Ed Pennington & Jeanette Sauer
Buyer Representation: Katrin Themlitz

150 Rimstone Circle | Sedona
Sold for: $2,195,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Ed Pennington & Jeanette Sauer
Buyer Representation: Jim French & Anne French

5185 W. Three Forks Road | Prescott
Sold for: $1,845,000
Seller Representation: Linda Wood & Chris Wood

13871 N Grey Bears Trail | Prescott
Sold for: $1,401,000
Seller Representation: Terri Kiffer

14465 N Soza Mesa Lane | Prescott
Sold for: $1,550,000
Seller Representation: Linda Wood & Chris Wood

26450 N 106th Way | Scottsdale
Sold for: $5,500,000
Seller Representation: Michael Johnson

7450 E Continental Mountain Estates Drive 3 | Cave Creek
Sold for: $3,875,000
Seller Representation: Debbie Omundson & Susan Folts

7878 E Sunflower Court | Scottsdale
Sold for: $2,700,000
Seller Representation: Stacy Paluscio, Courtney Woods Olson, & Darcy Whalen

42882 N Chiricahua Pass | Scottsdale
Sold for: $6,025,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Will Foote, Mike Holder, Debbie Negrin & Jay Pennypacker
Buyer Representation: Bee Francis, Karen Baldwin & Kathleen Benoit

376 N Cloverfield Circle | Litchfield Park
Sold for: $1,450,000
Seller Representation: Cindy Smith

245 N Parkview Court | Litchfield Park
Sold for: $855,000
Seller Representation: Theresa Schoffstall

8246 W Rock Springs Drive | Peoria
Sold for: $805,000
Seller Representation: Lori Reiland

3370 N Mahogany Run | Flagstaff
Sold for: $4,408,000
Seller Representation: Valerie Core/Freddi Paulsrud

13448 and 13358 East Old Route 66 | Parks
Sold for: $1,800,000
Seller Representation: Andy Grannan & Jenny Addington-Bradshaw

10280 N Cliff Dweller Place | Oro Valley
Sold for: $1,800,000
Seller Representation: Jenna Loving

5000 E Via Estancia Miraval 8 | Tucson
Sold for: $1,950,000
Seller Representation: Judy Smedes & Kate Herk

3320 East San Miguel Place | Paradise Valley
Sold for $3,200,000 | Dual Representation
Seller Representation: Anthony Guerriero
Buyer Representation: Lisa Roberts

2218 E Orleans Drive | Gilbert
Sold for $2,268,671
Seller Representation: Jeffery Hall

9993 N Ginger Way | Casa Grande
Sold for $1,200,000
Seller Representation: Adam Prather

23005 N Via Ventosa | Scottsdale
Sold for $5,800,000
Seller Representation: Lisa Lucky, Matt Lucky, & Laura Lucky

8900 E Sands Dr | Scottsdale
Sold for $4,550,000
Seller Representation: Will Foote, Jay Pennypacker, Debbie Negrin, & Mike Holder

19465 N 98th Pl | Scottsdale
Sold for $4,450,000
Seller Representation: Allan MacDonald


Significant Buyer Representations:

  • 21174 N 110th Way | Scottsdale
    • Sold for $8,400,000
    • Buyer Representation: Brad Kimmelman
  • 6220 E Bret Hills Drive | Paradise Valley
    • Sold for $7,150,000
    • Buyer Representation: Nicole Hedges
  • 20 Ruby Drive | Sedona
    • Sold for $2,500,000
    • Buyer Representation: Jacque Weems
  • 10675 E Winter Sun Drive | Scottsdale
    • Sold for $5,100,000
    • Buyer Representation: Cheryl D’Anna
  • 11128 E Mesquite Drive | Scottsdale
    • Sold for $4,250,000
    • Buyer Representation: Kirk Marshall & Keith Marshall
  • 516 W Wulfenite Road | Flagstaff
    • Sold for $1,100,000
    • Buyer Representation: Eric Jensen
  • 20 E Calle De Felicidad | Tucson
    • Sold for $1,792,000
    • Buyer Representation: Marta Harvey
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Matthew Oparowski

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, Matthew Oparowski to the Carefree 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. 

Matthew, a  Midwest/Chicago transplant, has lived in North Scottsdale for over a decade. With a background in new construction with a passion for luxury and from that experience, his desire is to be your resource person for the various luxury communities – what differentiates them.

Matthew can speak to the statistics, as well as the lifestyle trade-offs. Affiliating with the leader in luxury has its perks, including the most powerful marketing on earth. He prides himself on good communication skills and paying attention to detail. 

Learning what clients are looking for and understanding why is a key component to the experience. It’s fun to educate buyers on our market so we can get  them the right property and they can live their dream resort lifestyle.

Matthew Oparowski
Business, Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, Russ Lyon

In The News: March 2022

ABC 15 – Arizona

Arizona Foothills Magazine

AZ Central

Beaumont Enterprise

City Sun-Times

Darik News

Flagstaff Business News

Kold

KTAR

Mansion Global

Patch

Phoenix Business Journal

Quick Telecast

Realtor.com

Robb Report

The Sacramento Bee

Street Scout

Business, Entertainment, Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Wendi Ingram 

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, Wendi Ingram 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. 

“Straight Talk, Solid Service” is what you will receive from Wendi when she guides you through the real estate process in Arizona. Wendi has been a real estate agent for the last 18 years in the Midwest. Wendi comes from Iowa where she was a REALTOR® with the largest private real estate brokerage in the state, Ruhl & Ruhl REALTORS®. Her strong values and ethics helped her receive numerous awards including the Top Agent for Excellence in Service in 2019 and in 2020 was named Chamber Ambassador of the Year for GMICC. 

Wendi is aware of how stressful moving can be. Her goal is to make the process simple and hassle-free. In the aggressive market conditions that Arizona is currently in it is important to have an experienced agent that will be your trusted advisor. As a buyer’s agent, she will consult with you on making the best offer possible for your situation, lead you through the inspection process and assist you in your financing alternatives. As a seller’s agent, she will help navigate you through the multiple offer pros and cons and the steps that you need to take before putting your home on the market to receive the highest offer on your home. 

Wendi feels strongly about continuing to further her education in the ever-changing world of real estate and sharpens her skills, by receiving designations such as her: Certified Residential Specialist (CRS®), Senior Residential Specialist (SRES®), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), e-Pro, Luxury Homes Certification (LHC). 

Wendi and her husband Lane have two adult children, Zach, an IT Analyst at Nationwide Insurance, and Maddie who is a teacher at Fellows Elementary. In her spare time, she likes walking, hiking, being involved in her church, and spending time with family and friends.   

We are excited to welcome Wendi Ingram 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.

Kevin Gonzales, MANAGING BROKER
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Melissa Kalinowski 

 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, Melissa Kalinowski, to the Southeast Valley 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. 

Melissa has lived in Arizona since 1995. Prior to relocating to AZ, Melissa grew up in Cincinnati and spent several years in Southern California. Melissa began her career in real estate as a paralegal and has spent years developing her deep understanding of real estate transactions serving as a title officer, escrow officer, and real estate agent.

“I am beyond excited to be joining Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty! The brand name is synonymous with high-end real estate across the globe,” said Melissa Kalinowski. “Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty felt like a perfect fit for me, from the culture of the company, the management team, to the professionalism of its agents! Thrilled to begin this new journey”

Melissa’s zest for life and her incredible vast knowledge create an experience for her clients that is second to none.  Melissa’s ability to communicate, pay attention to detail, and understand the client’s needs in helping them reach their goals has truly been her recipe for success.  By following a process, Melissa prepares her clients to win in any market.  Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is so proud to add her to our award-winning team.

Cathay Green, MANAGING BROKER
Business, Land and Lots, Real Estate

Recording Breaking Lot Sale in Paradise Valley

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to announce the highest closing price ever – $9.4M for the highest unsplittable single-family homesite in Paradise Valley history.

Frank Aazami and Zoja Pedenko Represented the seller on this record-breaking sale.

The extraordinary run of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and its long-standing luxury real estate domination in Arizona has yet another landmark to tout. The brokerage has now sold and represented the most expensive, unsplit single-family land lot in Paradise Valley’s history. The parcel located at 5711 N. Yucca Road, 10 closed Friday, March 25th, 2022 for a record-breaking $9.4 million.

Agents Zoja Pedenko and Frank Aazami represented the seller and spearheaded the transaction of
the sprawling parcel of land which covers almost 5 acres.

Aazami says the buyer, who has not been named, plans to spend in the vicinity of $30 million to
develop the land and turn it into their own dream property. “This lot is one of the last, larger undeveloped pieces of land in the Town of Paradise Valley and we knew it was going to command a record-breaking price. This is one of those rare opportunities and we are more than pleased to have found the buyer who will now take the property to a whole new level,” said Aazami.

Recently Featured in the Phoenix Business Journal

Entertainment, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Sports

Carving the Future

 We have a thriving Arizona youth sport during this Winter Olympic year that might be a surprise – Alpine Ski and Snowboard racing. 

Alpine skiing has been one of the Winter Olympics’ signature competitions since 1936. This timeless sport consists of five events – downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and combined events. 

The Flagstaff Alpine Ski & Snowboard Team was founded in 1967 and trains over 180 athletes from ages eight to eighteen at the Arizona Snowbowl. The team competes in the Rocky Mountain Division of US Ski and Snowboard. The Rocky Mountain Division consists of the following states: Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. 

Families commute from all over the state and from cities as far as Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson to have their juniors on this team. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s CEO and co-owner, Todd Gillenwater and, his wife, Nancy Gillenwater, have twin 17-year-old daughters that have been on the team since the age of eight and are finishing their high school racing careers this winter. 

This season they’ve raced downhill, super g, giant slalom, and slalom – all Olympic events. The races have been held in Loveland, Aspen, Purgatory, Colorado, and Flagstaff, Arizona. Their final season wraps up this March with Championship races in Taos, New Mexico. 

When asked for takeaways from being an athlete on the Flagstaff Alpine Ski & Snowboard Team for almost all of their childhood, the Gillenwater twins said self-confidence, discipline, respect for the mountains, and how fortunate they feel to have been a part of the team and sport. These are the qualities that will define them forever. 

flagstaffskiclub.org

Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Alana Bateman

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, Alana Bateman, to the Humphrey 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. 

Alana Bateman was born and raised in Arizona, growing up in the desert landscape of  Tucson to living in the beautiful forest of Flagstaff. She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Alana has a dynamic  professional background in sales and customer service. As a REALTOR®, her priority is to make her clients happy, finding and selling homes that provide the best outcome in every transaction. Her goal is to ensure a stress-free buying and selling experience for her clients. 

Alana has proven to be an immediate dynamo in her real estate practice. Her super-positive energy and enthusiasm are one of the first things you learn about her. She is also an expert in the current state of the market and her marketing expertise is absolutely top-shelf. We are proud to welcome her to our family of real estate professionals

Bret Lamberson, Managing Broker