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Alexandra Baum

Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Kyle Jones

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, Kyle Jones, to the Humphreys 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. 

As owner of a luxury short-term vacation rental management business in Flagstaff, you’ll find Kyle exceptionally well versed in 2nd home investment properties. Kyle has been fortunate to live and work from coast to coast having lived in Charleston, South Carolina and San Diego, California. Molding his early career in 5-star resorts, as well as his last 10 years in Los Angeles as a professional actor, luxury and interpersonal relationships have become his passion and skill set.

We are delighted to welcome Kyle to our family of real estate professionals. Since the first time we met him, we knew he would thrive in this industry. His enthusiasm, expertise, and integrity will be tremendous assets for his clients and his nationwide referral connections will serve as a great resource to anyone who works with him. If you want an amazing real estate professional, or decide you are ready to play a game of soccer among some of the best, Kyle is your guy.

Bret Lamberson, Sales Manager
November 24, 2021 by
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Cecilia Prest

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, Cecilia Prest, to the Southeast Valley. 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. 

Cecilia Prest was born in the sunny, dry, and high-altitude city of Arequipa, Peru. Cecilia studied systems engineering and worked for a mine that is now owned by Freeport-McMoRan, headquartered in Arizona. Her dedication and knowledge of management software led her to be one of the key systems architects and allowed her to work on international teams developing and integrating business systems in Peru, Chile, and the United States. 

When Cecilia was transferred to Chile she led teams and managed projects implementing advanced business processes. This is where she met her husband, who is a native-born Arizonan. They relocated to beautiful Scottsdale, where their four daughters were born. They have since moved to the East Valley to be closer to family. Cecelia had fallen in love with Arizona and believes itt is the perfect place to raise a family, start and grow a business, or retire. 

Cecilia is an incredible human with an amazing spirit. Being born and raised in Peru and working as a systems engineer in the mining business in both Chile and the United States truly gives her the understanding of what it takes to relocate. Cecilia’s passion for life and her love of service combined with her ability to manage teams and large projects are truly a winning combination to have for a real estate professional. Her attention to detail and her ability to manage a process will allow her to excel when assisting clients with the buying and selling of real estate.

Cathy Green. Managing Broker
November 16, 2021 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Real Estate

Iconic Estates: Decadent Dining Room

This season, we are all preparing to gather ‘round the table, host family and friends, or join our loved ones at the dining table for the holidays. No matter the season, we tend to have important meals in this space, and Arizona’s luxury estates have decadent dining rooms perfect for any celebration. The dining room is where we host and entertain, where we break bread and form lasting memories.
Since the dining room is often the setting for momentous occasions, filling these spaces with decadent decor is a popular way to set the scene. Dazzling chandeliers, intricate ceiling details, and beautiful table settings are just a few examples of what makes for a decadent dining room experience. Finding the perfect home with a luxurious dining room is easy with the guidance of a Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty lifestyle expert.


Be the hostess with the mostest this season with a decadent dining room from this month’s edition of ICONIC Estates!

Christopher Peacock has an impressive portfolio of work designing and manufacturing luxury fitted kitchens and other cabinetry for high-profile clients around the world, including presidents, celebrities, and other notable designers.


“We built our business on repeat business and recommendations, and still to this day working with clients that we have known for 20 years, and I think that’s because what we bring to the table is collaborative,” says Peacock.

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ICONIC LIFE Publisher Renee Dee recently toured an architectural masterpiece, a contemporary desert home designed by Brent Kendle. This incredible Paradise Valley home is hallmarked by an ICONIC dramatically cantilevered roofline, custom walnut millwork, and floor-to-ceiling glass paneling that opens up completely for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The home was built by Desert Star Construction, with interiors by David Michael Miller, landscape design by GBTwo, along with other notable suppliers like Linear Fine.

TOUR DANCING LIGHT

Arizona’s historical resort golf courses underwent modern transformations that make them among the best in the west, and we know because we played them all recently. Tourism, particularly golf tourism, has come a long way since. But the Valley of the Sun is still ripe with its share of classic, older Arizona golf resorts that wear the years well and shine with the patina of history. And there are ones to enjoy in the cooler climes, including those plus Mountain Shadows Resort’s executive course and Camelback Inn’s two recently renovated courses.

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November 12, 2021 by
Business, Community, Entertainment, Philanthropy, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR and Russ Lyon Foundation Support UMOM

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and the Russ Lyon Foundation sponsored the 12th annual Buckles and Bangles event for UMOM. Buckles and Bangles event is their annual fundraising event that helps fund the programs and services that get people on the road to stability with employment and an affordable place to call home.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Real Estate Advisor Theresa Krakauer is on the Board of Directors for UMOM. She attended the event with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty President and Designated Broker, Deems Dickinson, and Russ Lyon Foundation President, Betsy Dickinson.

The Russ Lyon Foundation also matched a $1,100 UMOM donation resulting in a $2,200 contribution towards the organization.

November 3, 2021 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Luxury Headlines | October

The Van Patten Luxury Group Represent the Buyer of Castle on the Hill for $21.5M Phoenix Business Journal, 6PARK News, Arizona’s Family, AZ Big Media, Darik News / USA, FOX 10 Phoenix, LORD WEB, luxuryrealestate.com, NewsBreak, KTAR, Mansion Global, Newstral, AZ Foothills, ABC 15, Arizona Republic

Corporate Philanthropy 2021 Volunteerism midsize company finalist: Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty IQ Stock Market, Phoenix Business Journal

Johnathon De Young Represents Seller of 4 luxury condominiums in Scottsdale that will accept bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies as payment Dreaming Home, NBC 12, WFMZ 69 News, Gila Herald, Scottsdale Progress, ABC 15, iHeart, Phoenix Business Journal, reddit

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Joshua Cherry to its Sedona Office luxuryrealestate.com

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Richard Horchler to its Camelback Tower Office luxuryrealestate.com

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Lisa Katz to its Pinnacle Peak Office luxuryrealestate.com

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Sam Elliott to its Camelback Tower Office luxuryrealestate.com

Scottsdale’s Desert Mountain home with backyard and library with bar sells for $3. 25 million foodmaker.how

November 1, 2021 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Iconic Estates | Marvelous Media Rooms

As we head into entertaining season, it is a great time to think about the unique rooms and spaces where we can host guests and spend time together. One spot that is perfect for gathering with family and friends is a marvelous media room to watch a movie, TV show or the big game.

Home theaters, gaming spaces and other media rooms are a huge trend in homes throughout Arizona. As we all have spent so much time in our homes over the past couple of years, we realize the importance of having luxury amenities under our roof.

Top luxury properties across the state feature media rooms of all kinds, and the amazing lifestyle experts at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty can help find the perfect space for any family to relax, enjoy and make memories together.

Binge your favorite show in the marvelous media rooms featured in this month’s edition of ICONIC Estates!

Veteran architect C.P. Drewett, founder of Scottsdale-based Drewett Works, which specializes in luxury homes, hospitality and boutique commercial projects, knows a thing or two about good design, as he has been honing his craft for the past 28 years. And what he’s accomplished is significant, garnering one industry award after another. “I am always trying to push the edge and break the mold of what I’ve already done,” he remarks. “I am always battling against myself to do better.”

In June of 2021, Drewett Works was honored with eight Gold Nugget Awards at a virtual awards ceremony presented by the Pacific Coast Builders Conference. Considered one of the most prestigious design events in the nation, it celebrates innovation in design, planning and building.

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Many international culinary greats and Michelin-decorated chefs started in the same place: French cooking schools. One of the very first dishes young, aspiring chefs learn to make is a classic—the traditional French omelet. Recently, ICONIC LIFE Publisher Renee Dee was joined by Maggie Norris of Whisked Away Cooking School to learn how to make this ICONIC dish.

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Paws Up luxury resort debuts an elegant, epicurean escape with modern, Montana ranch architecture and lots of adventure. Since 2005, The Resort at Paws Up has welcomed travelers looking to escape the rat race relaxing and adventuring on its 37,000-acre pristine playground. This year, the luxury ranch debuted green o, an intimate, adults-only boutique sanctuary on a private section of the Montana ranch property featuring modern architecture and sustainability practices.

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October 17, 2021 by
Architecture, Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

September Significant Sales

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s premier luxury real estate brokerage, is pleased to present its top four sales in the Valley for the month of September. The list highlights Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s prominent sales for some of the most luxurious real estate properties the Valley has to offer.

42764 N 98th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262 | $8,675,000

Topping the list with the highest sale of September, Luxury Real Estate Agent Cheryl D’Anna of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty represented the seller of the breathtaking Scottsdale estate. The 11,800-square-foot estate sits on 5.64 acres and is nestled hillside on 5 saguaro studded acres in Desert Mountain, a premier golf and recreational community in North Scottsdale. The interior boasts 12 masonry fireplaces and awarding winning kitchen with built-in coffee bar, 7 to11 car garages and a 16-seat theater. Villa Paradiso offers an extraordinary lifestyle in the foothills of the Continental Mountains.

39202 N Alister Mckenzie Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 | $5,319,000

Luxury Real Estate Agents Cheryl D’Anna and Don Breidenbach of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty represented the buyer of the classic estate. This timeless Santa Fe soft contemporary home is perfectly situated on 9 acres at the optimal elevation to afford privacy and the ultimate views of the Valley of Sun. This outstanding property consists of the primary residence, separate 2-bed, 2-bath guest home and detached studio and office with full bath. Exceptional outdoor entertaining areas include a spectacular entrance patio with mountainside waterfall, south-facing patios creating an environment of serenity and comfortable sophistication.

10338 E Mountain Spring Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 $4,300,000

Luxury Real Estate Agents Debbie Negrin, Michael Holder, Jay Pennypacker and Will Foote of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty represented the buyer of the 6,589-square-foot home in Scottsdale’s Silverleaf community. Perfectly oriented on an over-sized lot, the home maintains privacy while captivating views of the 10th fairway and fairways beyond plus offering dramatic up close mountain views. Exuding warmth, the 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath residence embraces its natural desert surround while paying authentic homage to a Tuscan facade with natural stacked stone, imported tile roof, and multiple outdoor veranda style living spaces. 

4423 N Camino Allenada, Phoenix, AZ 85018  | $4,285,000

Luxury Real Estate Agent Jan Kabbani of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty represented the seller of the exclusive property located in a private Arcadia neighborhood. The stunning estate offers 5,682 square feet of living space including lush mature landscaping, 4 beds, den, library and office, 4 on-suite baths, and luxurious powder room. Soaring 16-foot ceilings with intricate beams and ceiling details seamlessly integrate to sliding doors of glass which invites indoor to outdoor entertaining and a resort lifestyle.

October 15, 2021 by
Architecture, Business, Cryptocurrency, Entertainment, Real Estate

Luxury Headlines | SEptember 2021

Johnathon De Young Represents Seller of Luxury Condominiums Accepting Cryptocurrency as Payment Phoenix Business Journal, AZ Big Media, KTAR, luxuryrealestate.com, Coin Invester News, Coin Trustee, Crypto News Insider, Mann Report Residential, OLT News, PR News Wire

Cionne McCarthy Recognized for 2021 Women of Achievement inBusiness Greater Phoenix

Natalie Jacobsen Represents the Seller for a Phoenix Home in Arcadia for $5.5M Arizona Republic, AZ Central, Press Reader

Tim Grotheer Lists 36-acre ranch in Tubac mountains on market for $2.47 million Arizona’s Family

6 Spanish Revival Homes The Week

Breathtaking contemporary home in Arizona delights with million dollar views for Sale at $3,900,000 Luxury Houses

Bryan Durkin Lists Catalina Foothills home with amazing views on market for $1.99 million Arizona’s Family

Luxury Property Group represent the seller of a Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Scottsdale Home for $4.6M Arizona’s Family, AZ Central

Russ Lyon SIR Sponsors Flagstaff Oktoberfest KYMA

Frank Aazami, Erika Dickey and Nancy Read represent the seller and buyer of La Cienaga Ranch ASU News

Luxury Property Group represents Scottsdale mansion with hand-carved Cantera stone fountain for $4.4M The Arizona Republic

Vanessa Neumann-Andrews Presents A Magnificent Estate In Scottsdale Haute Residence

October 15, 2021 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Entertainment, Inspiration, Real Estate

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is Proud to Announce the $21.5 Million Sale of “The Castle on The Hill” in Silverleaf Making It the Second Highest Residential Sale in the State

Arizona’s leading luxury brokerage now holds the records for the first, second and third highest residential sales in Arizona per the MLS

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to announce the $21.5 million dollar sale of a French inspired Italian estate in the Upper Canyon of Silverleaf in Scottsdale, Arizona.  This is now the 2nd highest residential sale in the state of Arizona per the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty currently holds the records for first, second and third highest residential sales in Arizona according to MLS. 

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Associate Broker Barry Van Patten, alongside agents Ginger Van Patten and Barry Van Patten II represented the buyer. 

The buyers, a retired couple from the San Francisco Bay Area, said they chose to relocate to the Grand Canyon state in search of a better way of life. With a new found love of Arizona’s culture, wildlife and beauty, the couple selected the home because of the quality and detail in the home combined with the views, location in Silverleaf and the reputation of the builder drew them to the property. 

Located at 11200 East Canyon Cross Way, “The Castle On The Hill” as it is referred to, offers more than 12,000-square-feet and was designed by Fratantoni Design, built by Fratantoni Luxury Estates and interior design by Fratantoni Interior Design. Built in 2020 and featuring an Italian exterior style with a modern French interior design inside, the grand estate sits on more than 3-acres and also includes a separate guest house.  

Outside, sophistically detailed stone carvings surround the exterior of the home with varying window shapes and designs to give the estate a grand look. The immaculate and beautiful French inspired details continue inside with soaring ceilings, custom arches and chandeliers, intricate marble, stone and brickwork throughout and beautifully designed rooms for entertaining with the finest amenities. Inside the main house of the estate, the home features 5 luxurious designed bedrooms and 6 ½ bathrooms. The separate detached guest home also offers another 2 custom designed bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with its own kitchen, offering guests first-class accommodations.

Ginger and I along with our son Barry Van Patten II were honored to represent the buyers on this one-of-a-kind, masterpiece of a home. It is very satisfying to us that both buyers and sellers are extremely happy with the outcome.

Barry Van Patten

Within 3 days after listing the buyers’ first Silverleaf home, Van Patten shares the home went under contract. 

This sale was an incredible achievement in Scottsdale, Arizona selling at over $1,700+/sqft. From designing/building this property to representing our clients in this transaction to the new owners, we couldn’t be more pleased with all of the parties involved in this smooth transition.

Angelo Fratantoni
All images provided by Angelo Fratantoni
October 11, 2021 by
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Richard Horchler

The team of experienced agents continues to grow with Valley’s leader in luxury real estate.

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, Richard Horchler, 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. 

Richard Horchler has been a local resident of Paradise Valley and Scottsdale since 1977. Richard is an Arizona State University and Chaparral High School Alumni. He specializes in the Paradise Valley, the Biltmore, and Arcadia areas.  Richard Horchler is focused; That ‘focus’ shows up as hard work, fortitude and persistence are focused on what is ultimately best for his clients.  Richard is passionate. Passionate’ while maintaining the highest integrity. He is also knowledgeable and pay attention to the details.

Richard came to Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty with for all of the right reasons. He wanted to brand his already well-known name with ours. A combination that will serve both for a very long time to come!

Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker
October 3, 2021 by