From a contemporary Scottsdale home in Desert Mountain built by Phil Smith to a Paradise Valley home built by West Construction, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty represented Arizona’s best properties during the month of March.
View more March significant sales below
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty (Russ Lyon SIR) is proud to announce that Kathleen Lane, Joe Bushong, Chad Christian and Grant Almquist have represented the seller of a Silverleaf home in Scottsdale for $4,200,000.
Located in Silveleaf’s Upper Canyon, designed by Terry Kilbane and built by Manship Builders, the 9,000 SF home is a singular work of art with classic European influences and unobstructed mountain forms from every room. City lights sparkle from the rooftop lounge and total privacy is enjoyed from the posh pool patios. The 5-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom home features a carefully curated floor plan and classic architecture that offers luminous living spaces with hearth and home generosity. The backyard features a cerulean blue waterfall pool, duet spas, covered cabana, outdoor kitchen, a wood-fired pizza oven and firepit seating for 12.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, is proud to announce “The House of the Doors” is on the market for the first time after construction of the desert oasis estate spanned 12 years.
Listed by luxury agent Daniel Wolski of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, with more than 7,4000-square-feet, the estate features 3 bedrooms, 3 full and 3 half bathrooms. Listed for $10 million, the oasis is a piece of art that merges artistic creativity and functional living. The construction process utilized rammed earth, steel, glass, and stone to create the architectural masterpiece.
The concept very early on was a solid form that’s cracked open to let in light and air while remaining secluded and serene. It was about corralling a piece of the sky and creating privacy.
Wendell Burnette, Architect
10016 E Relic Rd 17, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 is livable art. The storefront glass door opens to a central courtyard that is a personal oasis paying homage to the Sonoran Desert, and is home to a stunning landscape filled with native desert vegetation and outlined with soaring glass walls; some operable with a bronze bolt lock. The opulent courtyard provides the ultimate combination of desert indoor and outdoor living, without compromising the security of the home.
Upon entering, the gourmet stainless-steel kitchen boasts a butler’s pantry, snail backlit powder and dining space. The luxurious kitchen is elevated with an overhead aluminum origami structure that hangs from the ceiling and effortlessly adds dimension and artistry to the room. From the kitchen, the great room is surrounded by four pivoting glass walls that lead outdoors and offer panoramic views of the Valley. Arizona sunsets fill the room with an unmatched warm glow.
The desert courtyard house is a once in a lifetime project where the owner, architect, and builder worked together to create a one of a kind of architecture. The owner challenged the design build team to be as inventive and innovative as possible. We pushed the limits of natural materials to build a unique rammed earth and concrete structure that melds seamlessly into the desert landscape. The faceted exterior houses an interior of meticulously detailed, luxurious materials including stone, metals, glass, and textiles.
Andy Byrne, President and Owner of ConstruCtion Zone
The main floor master suite is found by passing through the magnificent steel telescoping door. Rammed earth walls with onyx insets, origami metal ceiling structures take over the senses upon entering. The onyx created bath, shower, vanities, walls, and floors creates a sophisticated glow throughout the master bathroom. Indoor outdoor living finds a place in the master bathroom with a pivoting shower wall that opens to a private courtyard with a firepit and sunken bench. Shower in privacy with the desert around the corner.
An impressive 65ft glass floor bridge spans a dip in the earth and leads to two guest suites. Each guest suite boasts its own texture, and history. Down the suspended steel staircase “The House of Doors” boasts a media room, powder room, wine cellar, and audio-visual room. In addition, the estate also offers a fitness room, spa with built-in glass recliner, library, and breakfast/wet bar.
This home is an architectural masterpiece, and a piece of livable art inspired by the Sonoran Desert. Coined the ‘The Desert Courtyard House’ and ‘The House of Doors’, this estate, with all its artistic details, is designed for quiet Sonoran solitude for a few but will accommodate memorable desert extravaganzas with enchanting experiences for many.
Daniel Wolski, Global Real Estate Advisor
From an inclusive outdoor kitchen to an Arrow Rock fire pit, the estate is the perfect Sonoran oasis.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, is proud to announce the sale of award-winning interior designer David Michael Miller’s Paradise Valley estate. The hillside contemporary estate was originally designed by acclaimed architect Ned Sawyer.
This exclusive property is the former home of renowned interior designer David Michael Miller and was completely remodeled by him in 2016. Miller has established his accredited career in the Southwest and initially began design in Phoenix. Since 1989, he has led his own interior design firm called David Michael Miller Associates. Miller is known for his ability to make living spaces “quiet.” He emphasizes ridding spaces of unnecessary visual noise and allowing the architecture to speak for itself.
The Lein House, as it was named, was well designed by its original architect Ned Sawyer back in the middle 1980’s. Updating such a house was a worthy task and such a pleasure to do. The house is timeless in its siting and architectural style, and now that the glass systems, mechanical, millwork, flooring, and new pool and deck are in, the house will look great for the next forty years. In my work on the house with architect Susan Biegner, I tried to add finishes that brought more warmth, while still respecting its architectural origins. The house needed to be updated, and I felt like I was the one to do it. It was difficult to let go of that desert sanctuary on the hill.
David Michael Miller
Luxury agents Grant Almquist, Joe Bushong, and Chad Christian of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty represented David Michael Miller, while luxury agent Suzi Miller of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty represented the buyer. The home is located at 6200 E. Hummingbird Ln, Paradise Valley and is a total of 4,559 square feet. The estate sold for $4.4 million and is rested on the Northeast slope of Mummy Mountain in Paradise Valley.
The 4 bed 4.5 bath home features dramatic, panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains and Pinnacle Peak providing a picturesque view of the Valley. During the creation process of the home, Ned Sawyer aimed to seamlessly blend art, nature, and beauty into the hillside of Mummy Mountain. The home is surrounded by the lush Sonoran Desert and provides residents with an ultimate modern desert hideaway.
The interior of the property offers a new-age and sophisticated feel yet still preserves a natural consistency. European Oak Hardwood and Portuguese limestone flooring can be found throughout the home along with custom rift-cut Walnut and Oak millwork. The contemporary lighting designs of Allison Berger are gracefully decorated throughout the house.
Walk-out decks surround the property allowing amazing views overlooking the Valley. Private patios, custom steel railings and built-in awnings with new age sunscreens are included as well. The exclusive mountainside estate features an in-home gym, a game room, and a lavish guest house that sits separately from the main living quarters. A private infinity pool is located at the edge of the property giving guests the opportunity to lounge at the brink of Mummy Mountain. Special technological features of the house include motorized window shades, and Savant and Lutron house management systems allow the homeowners to customize the audio, video, lighting, security, and HVAC functions throughout the home.
This house was a pleasure to sell, the pure architecture and beautiful execution of the finished detail was amazing. There are not many houses with that level of quality….or those views.
Grant Almquist
Discover Arizona’s extraordinary properties, how we turned 2020 into a positive year with stories about our record-breaking sales, our commitment to the Arizona community and the state’s starry-eyed destinations. Read more
Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce that its affiliated brokers and independent sales professionals achieved a record US$150 billion in 2020 global sales volume, a nearly 32% increase in sales growth year over year, as the definition of home changed for consumers around the world. Due to a longstanding commitment to innovation, Sotheby’s International Realty® agents were able to seamlessly help clients navigate the changing market dynamics brought on by the global pandemic with existing technology offerings which propelled business momentum. Read more
Founded over a century ago, Architectural Digest magazine is a perennial source of inspiration for home design and décor. To be featured in any manner by the publication signifies achievement. One of the highest accolades? Being named to the prestigious AD100 list, the magazine’s annual selection of the top 100 international designers and architects working today.
This year’s list features numerous creatives who have lent their talents to Sotheby’s International Realty homes that are currently on the market. Here are five luxury properties designed by the esteemed talent on this year’s AD100 list. Read more
Arizona may be home to some of the best sunsets in the world but even the most experienced star gazer would be impressed by the awe-inspiring starry night skies. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just love to observe the celestial objects in the sky, the Grand Canyon State has a star studded line up of stargazing spots. Read more
The Cactus League has collaborated with state, county and municipal health officials to provide a safe and secure environment for the 2021 Spring Training season. Every ballpark is operating at reduced attendance capacity and is implementing strict protocols to ensure the health and safety of all involved. Read more
This March, Sotheby’s presents a global series of sales featuring an exciting array of contemporary art. With a variety of auctions in New York, London and Paris all accessible online, we invite new and established collectors to discover works of art at a range of price points and styles. Read more
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty (Russ Lyon SIR) is proud to announce that Anne Morrissey, Bee Francis, Karen Baldwin, and Kathleen Benoit of the Russ Lyon SIR Desert Mountain office have represented the seller of a $4,000,000 desert contemporary estate in Scottsdale.
A creation by 3 Masters of the Southwest, architect Terry Kilbane, builder Jim Manship, and Design Directives Interiors, the 7,176 SF home offers 4 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and showcases the natural beauty of indigenous stone, wood, and copper. This masterpiece is strategically sited on a ridgeline in a linear fashion to take full advantage of the southern exposure providing breathtaking mountain, valley, and city light views. Perfect for music and art lovers, the entertaining spaces flow seamlessly throughout the main level and exterior living spaces that include a large pool in the shape of a grand piano. Unparalleled attention to detail is found throughout from the stunning entry door to the beamed ceilings, copper hearths, and mahogany cabinetry.
Beautiful Luxury Estate in Silverleaf Hits Another Record for Second Highest Residential Sale in Arizona at $21 Million Arizona Progress and Gazzette, AZ Central, KTAR, Luxury Home News, luxuryrealestate.com, Mansion Global, Phoenix Business Journal, Rose Law Group Reporter, Scottsdale Independent
Arizona Cardinals Star DeAndre Hopkins Snags Sleek Desert Estate for $5.1M Alton Telegraph
Prime 5 luxurious residence gross sales over $5 million Luxury Home News
Top 5 luxury home sales over $5 million AZ Big Media, Rose Law Group Reporter
Does this Paradise Valley house for sale have the biggest garage you have ever seen? AZ Family
Self-proclaimed ‘Equestrian Disneyland’ on market for $14.95 million in Scottsdale AZ Family
‘Top of the Town’ duplex on market in Jerome for $549,000 AZ Family
Paradise Valley home that sits on $3.5M worth of land on market for $6.5M AZ Family
Go Bold or Go Home: These 6 Valley homes aren’t afraid of bold color statements (and they are all on the market right now) City Sun Times
4 homes in Scottsdale that are priced under $2 million (and 1 just over) offering amazing poolside views City Sun Times
Short-Term Rental Properties Remain in Demand Flagstaff Business News
A 40-acre, off-the-grid property in Maricopa County can be yours Fox 10 Phoenix
Kelly Jones of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Represents Buyer of $4.8 Million Paradise Valley Estate luxuryrealestate.com
The Luxury Property Group Represents Seller and Buyer for a $4.2 Million Scottsdale Estate luxuryrealestate.com, News Break
Mesa, Arizona’s Las Sendas Community Epitomizes Laid-Back Desert Living Mansion Global
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Letter to the Editor: Soroptimist group sends thanks for community support Arizona Daily Sun
Arizona may be home to some of the best sunsets in the world but even the most experienced star gazer would be impressed by the awe-inspiring starry night skies. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just love to observe the celestial objects in the sky, the Grand Canyon State has a star studded line up of stargazing spots.
From Northern Arizona to the Valley of the Sun to Southern Arizona and the great towns in between, there are 29 stargazing locations one should be sure to check out when looking for the best views of the stars.
The first stop starts in the Northern part of the state. If you are willing to make the trip to the Northern Arizona area, you will certainly discover some breathtaking views.
The Grand Canyon:A classic certified Dark Sky Park that is known around the country to provoke wonder. The combination of high elevation and desert air makes for some picturesque night sky views. For the best views, head to Moran Point or Lipan Point on the South Rim.
Arizona Sky Village – Portal, AZ: 24/7 magnificent dark skies protected by the Portal, AZ community is some of what you can experience in this quaint community. Every house in the 450-acre community even has a domed observatory.
Lowell Observatory – Flagstaff AZ: Lowell Observatory is historically known for many things, such as the finding of the dwarf planet Pluto. Here at this observatory, not only will you find a big piece of Flagstaff’s history, but you can also stargaze, interact with exhibits and observe the solar system.
Monument Valley – Navajo Tribal Park: After acquiring a guide and tribal permission to this Navajo Nation Valley, you will experience some of the most iconic and stunning landscapes and skies. Monument Valley is additionally one of the few remaining locations with naturally dark skies in the United States and Europe.
Verde River Greenway State Natural Area – Cottonwood: Verde River is in the top 20% of the world for locations with the best visibility of the Milky Way. This spot is perfect for stargazing as it is far away from any light pollution, so be sure to check this astonishing location out.
Mount Elden – Flagstaff: Those interested in stargazing at Mount Elden may also find the gravesite for John Elden Jr., shot on Mount Elden at just six-years-old. When it gets dark, keep an eye out for some fantastic night sky views but try not to be too spooked!
Wupatki National Monument – Flagstaff: Surprisingly enough, the parking lot of Wupatki National Monument is one of the best places to see the stars, with almost nothing blocking the view. With the visitor center and trails closing by sunset, nothing is stopping you from enjoying the views from the comfort of your car in the parking lot!
Buffalo Park – Flagstaff: Not only do you get an amazing view of the night sky, but also the privilege of being accompanied by buffalo and mule deer during your visit. This is an especially convenient location if you are in the Flagstaff area.
Arizona Snow Bowl – Flagstaff: Make sure to visit this spot during the summer, as they have events during the other seasons. Snow Bowl also hosts events that celebrate stargazing as well as many other fun events to check out.
Sunset Crater Volcano Park – Flagstaff: Ponderosa pines frame this magnificent view at 1,000 feet high, including great options for camping. This park also happens to be one of the youngest volcanic craters among the 400+ in northeast Flagstaff.
Coconino National Forest – Sedona: One of the most diverse forests in the country, Coconino offers breathtaking night sky views amidst pines, red rock, cacti and alpine tundra.
Verde River Area – Cottonwood: This spot is well worth the drive for a glorious view of the stars, far removed from city light pollution. Verde River, one of the only free-flowing rivers left in the desert, features excursions and a trail loop that takes you through the area’s natural beauty and wildlife.
If you desire a stargazing spot closer to the Phoenix Metropolitan area, here are some equally inspiring spots to see it all right in the Valley of the Sun.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park – Maricopa County: 21,099 acres of desert make for a truly astounding view of the night skies. Programs are offered here with telescopes included as well as some great trails for hiking.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park – Waddell: For just $6 per vehicle, you can experience the wonders of this stargazing hotspot near Phoenix. This national park also offers numerous events and classes related to the stars.
Cave Creek Regional Park – Cave Creek: A favorite tourist destination, this regional park offers some fantastic night sky views as well as hiking. The most popular trail you should be sure to check out is the Go John Trail.
Tempe Town Lake – Tempe: Tempe Town Lake is a popular hangout location that offers various activities such as a beginner class on stargazing and kayaking at night. Park close by and walk along the lake for a night filled with stars, cool weather and restaurants nearby.
Estrella Mountain Park: Estrella, which translates to star in Spanish, boasts 20,000 acres of desert, wetland and mountains with awe-inspiring night sky views. Legend says Mexican gold is buried somewhere around the mountain.
Phoenix Mountains Preserve: This preserve of parks is only 20 minutes from downtown. Piestewa Peak and Camelback are the highest points in the preserve and offer some magnificent panoramic views. The hike is challenging to get up there but well worth it.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park: Not only are there scenic trails but some great night sky views as well. This revered park surrounded by mountain ranges is also a sacred marker to the Yavapai people.
San Tan Mountain Regional Park – San Tan: This piece of Sonoran Desert holds a suburban park ranging in elevation from 1400 to 2500 feet. There are many activities offered here, such as horseback riding, hiking and stargazing tours.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch – Gilbert: Here you will find the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory, which is open to the public every Friday and Saturday.
Hilltop at SunRidge Canyon – Fountain Hills: For those less interested in hikes and more in a luxury setting, here you will find some breathtaking night sky views with many high-end resorts to accommodate.
If you want to be even closer to the equator and looking for stargazing in Southern Arizona here are some great locations to check out near Tucson:
Mount Lemmon SkyCenter – Mount Lemmon: Located high above the City of Tucson, this SkyCenter possesses two of the largest telescopes in the Southwest, available to the public. Mount Lemmon SkyCenter also holds stargazing events almost every night of the year.
Kitt Peak National Observatory – Tucson: Established in 1964, just 50 miles from Tucson, this observatory holds the single most diverse collection of astronomical instruments in the northern hemisphere. For $50, sign up for the Nightly Observing Program, one of their best stargazing experiences.
Saguaro National Park – Pima County: Home to cacti almost two centuries old, tourists can see the park and the crystal-clear dark skies in the comfort of their car. These desert skies provide for some spectacular stargazing.
The Sonoran Desert: Relax under a blanket of stars and enjoy the serenity of the Sonoran Desert. Loop trails, excursions, jeep tours and more will offer great views of this landscape.
Oracle State Park – Tucson: Wildlife refuge with great picnic areas, this park is one of the least visited in Arizona making it perfect for those looking for solitude in their sky viewing.
Tumacácori National Historical Park – Santa Cruz: Stars of the constellations Cassiopeia and Andromeda can be seen from the ruins of these three Spanish mission communities, two of which are U.S. National Historic Landmark sites.
Catalina State Park – Pima County: This park offers great campsites, horse riding, magnificent hikes and sometimes a concert series. This certified dark sky is removed from Tucson’s light pollution and is sure to give some amazing night views.
Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce that its affiliated brokers and independent sales professionals achieved a record US$150 billion in 2020 global sales volume, a nearly 32% increase in sales growth year over year, as the definition of home changed for consumers around the world. Due to a longstanding commitment to innovation, Sotheby’s International Realty® agents were able to seamlessly help clients navigate the changing market dynamics brought on by the global pandemic with existing technology offerings which propelled business momentum.
“Agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty quickly pivoted to address the impact of the global pandemic,” said Philip White, president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty. “Thanks to innovations we pioneered nearly a decade ago, our affiliated companies and agents made the impossible possible. Their adaptability to serve clients safely further extended our position as a leader in luxury real estate.”
Long-Standing Commitment to Virtual Technology Paved Way for Success
Sotheby’s International Realty continued to lead the industry and was well-positioned to meet the needs of consumers as the buying and selling process became increasingly virtual. Sotheby’s International Realty agents accelerated the use of the brand’s existing video, virtual reality, and live-streaming technology to produce new forms of content that engaged buyers and set a new standard for marketing luxury properties. Currently, buyers can safely tour more than 6,000 properties via virtual reality or video on sothebysrealty.com. Property videos also proved engaging on social media where the brand’s YouTube channel delivered 43 million views, or the equivalent of more than one million hours watched.
“As a leader in the luxury real estate industry, Sotheby’s International Realty is able to anticipate trends,” said Chief Marketing Officer, Bradley Nelson. “Our priority remains to present listings in the best possible manner and to provide a superb end-user experience however buyers prefer to search for their new home. Virtual technology has been at the forefront of our marketing strategy for several years and comes as naturally to us as our commitment to high quality service.”
The brand also unveiled a new website, sothebysrealty.com, available in 14 languages and nearly 60 currency conversions, to continue serving its growing international clientele and fuel referrals worldwide. The website achieved a notable amount of traffic for the brand with 37 million visits in 2020. Property videos on the site produced by Sotheby’s International Realty agents were especially popular and played nearly 13 million times in 2020, totaling more than 90,000 hours watched.
A Year of Strategic Growth and Record Achievements
Despite travel restrictions, Sotheby’s International Realty remained committed to expanding its global footprint and achieving strategic growth. In 2020, the brand opened more than 50 new offices across the world, bringing the brand’s total presence to nearly 1,000 offices in 75 countries and territories with approximately 24,000 independent sales associates worldwide.
The brand’s existing affiliated companies around the world continued to grow in 2020. Sotheby’s International Realty increased its total domestic presence to 45 states around the country. Sotheby’s International Realty facilitated affiliate expansions through 12 domestic M&A transactions, including California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, and Washington.
The brand also continued to expand internationally in key markets and opened offices in seven new territories. In Europe, the brand expanded to Ukraine, Romania, Montenegro, and in Germany. In the Asia-Pacific region, the brand opened its first office in South Korea and expanded in the Caribbean and Latin American region with two new offices in Paraguay and Antigua & Barbuda.
“Our international footprint is one of our greatest competitive advantages,” said Tammy Fahmi, vice president, global operations and international servicing. “Our brand’s locations are in the most desirable places around the globe, so our clients know they can rely on our local market expertise wherever they are looking to buy or sell.”
As affluent individuals looked to acquire secondary homes in markets around the world, Sotheby’s International Realty agents acted as true global real estate advisors and referral volume surged by 42% to US$2.9 billion in closed sales volume.
“Our 2020 results prove what is possible when you focus on quality above all else. We remain proud to be the real estate brand of choice for so many luxury real estate experts and affluent clients. We will continue to work tirelessly to prove their trust has been well placed,” concluded White.
From a ‘top of the world’ Desert Mountain homesite to a Sedona home with unparalleled red rock views, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to present its 2020 December Significant Sales.
View more December 2020 Significant Sales