Browsing Category

Art

Architecture, Art, Business, Fitness, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Melanie Verstraete

Lisa Wadey's head shot

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, Melanie Verstraete, 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.

Whatever your Luxury Real Estate and design needs, Melanie Verstraete can provide the complete package. She is not just your usual real estate agent. Like a valuable jewel, she has many different facets for she is a REALTOR®, a designer, a stager, an interior designer, and a fix and flip expert.

Melanie loved art and design ever since she was a little girl. While in college, Melanie majored in automotive design, but quickly realized that was not her calling and pursued her degree in architecture.

Due to their entrepreneurial approach to business, Melanie and her dad started doing fix and flip projects in 2013 when the market was crazy in Arizona. As she and her father went around with different agents purchasing properties, Melanie thought to herself, “Why don’t I get my real estate license?”. This thought made sense financially and allowed them to keep the commissions for more of a profit. In that same year, Melanie got her real estate license and started controlling all the contracts while still assisting with the construction and doing all the interior design their projects needed. 

Melanie’s personality is one that people are drawn to immediately. Matched with her insane work ethic and eye for marketing, that’s exactly what makes her the perfect fit for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.”

Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker
June 25, 2020 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Commercial Architecture, Commercial Real Estate, Entertainment, Equestrian, Fitness, Inspiration, Multi Purpose, Real Estate

Historic Retreat and Two Inns in Tubac For Sale and Presented by Russ Lyon SIR

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to present the historic 75-acre Kenyon Ranch retreat as well as the Tubac Country Inn and Amado Territory Bed & Breakfast for sale in and around the historic village of Tubac south of Tucson.

The village was established in 1752 and is considered the place where history and art meet. It is home to many shops, museums, and galleries as well as many neighborhoods and the Tubac Golf Resort.

Russ Lyon Sotheby International Realty Real Estate Advisors Catherine Marrero and Gary Brasher are excited to present Kenyon Ranch. The historic property was built in 1936 as a dude ranch and has most recently operated as a retreat with 17 guest casitas and 4 stand-alone homes. The 75-acre property features a 4,399-square-foot main house with a commercial kitchen and large dining room. Kenyon Ranch is listed for $2.6 million. It is located at 80 Kenyon Ranch Road, Tubac, Arizona 85646.

Kenyon Ranch has been one of the most important historical properties in Tubac. The retreat has wonderful panoramic views and amazing sunsets. It also features a 2,000 square foot lodge which is suitable for group events. All furniture, fixtures, and equipment to run facility are included in sale. Kenyon Ranch also has massage rooms, three private wells, a pool, hot tub, and horse facilities.

Cathy Marrero, Real Estate Advisor

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Real Estate Advisors Bob Prigmore and Gary Brasher are also presenting the Amado Territory Bed & Breakfast at The Amado Territory Rancb near Tubac. The property has visibility from Interstate 19 and features an additional 3.84-acre developable lot. The B&B and ranch has 9 guest rooms each with a private bath as well as a manager’s apartment. The property is listed for $1.25 million and is located at 3001 Frontage Road, Amado, Arizona 85645.

This is a gorgeous one-of-a-kind property with a light-filled Arizona room. It is close to the artist’s village of Tubac and a great starting place to explore southern Arizona

Bob Prigmore, real estate advisor

Gary Brasher is also honored to present the Tubac Country Inn. The five-room inn is in the center of the historic village and is listed for $995,000. The property has five rooms, one of which can accommodate the owner. It was built in 1987 and is near the 27-hole Tubac Golf Resort and Spa and the Presidio State Historic Park. The property is located at 13 Burruel Street, Tubac, Arizona 85646.

“The Tubac Country Inn is in the center of the arts community and has a proven track record and can generate a stable return on investment. This is a turnkey operation and is ready for a buyer to purchase and start operating immediately

Gary Brasher, Managing Broker
June 16, 2020 by
Art, Business, Education, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Brenda M. Cady

Lisa Wadey's head shot

 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, Brenda Cady, to the Sedona 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 a former music teacher, school principal and district administrator, Brenda thrives on serving others. Brenda moved to Arizona in 2007 where she served the communities of Anthem, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Surprise. Brenda grew up in the beach town of Ventura, California where she studied music as a professional French horn player. She lived in Tenerife, Spain for three years and has enjoyed playing concerts in several European countries. Brenda earned her bachelors from University of California at Los Angeles, took master classes at University of Southern California, earned her masters from Grand Canyon University and is currently finishing her doctorate in organizational leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Brenda currently resides in Sedona, Arizona where she and her husband were married on Valentine’s Day in the beautiful red rocks. Together they enjoy visiting their families in California and Nebraska. When not serving the community or taking in the great outdoors, they enjoy watching Cornhusker football and the Arizona Cardinals. 

We are thrilled to welcome back to Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Brenda Cady! Brenda’s deep background in education is a time worn advantage in the real estate industry.  With a commitment to help others and a deep desire to dive deep into details, Brenda’s customers will get the benefit of a kind and caring as well as extremely prepared and professional.

Tod Christensen, Managing Broker
June 12, 2020 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Real Estate

The Little Daisy Goes Up for Auction

The Sedona Estate Will Be No Reserve via Concierge Auctions and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

Located just outside of Sedona, in the town of Jerome, 300 Upper Bell Road—known as The Little Daisy—will auction online this month via Concierge Auctions in cooperation with Luxury Agent Donna Chesler of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. 

Previously offered for $5.9 million, the property will sell with No Reserve to the highest bidder. Bidding will be held June 26-30 via Concierge Auctions’ online marketplace, ConciergeAuctions.com, allowing buyers to bid digitally from anywhere in the world.

Be swept away to the grandeur of a bygone era at this thoughtfully-redesigned family estate. Once a famed miner hotel, the property was lovingly restored over 12 years and reconfigured into 8  bedrooms including a grand master suite—all while paying homage to the original structure. Original hand-plastered ceilings, exterior colorful tiles, walls of french doors, 3,000 square feet of verandas, and an antique copper sink are touches of the property’s past. Entertain guests with ease between the many verandas, blooming rooftop gardens, and the 9,000-square-foot rooftop entertaining space with a cozy sitting area, bar/dining space, and a hot tub for cold desert nights—all with sweeping views of the Sedona Red Rocks and entire Verde Valley. Other features include: master-suite with sitting area, spa bath, double vanities, claw-foot tub, bidet, his-and-her walk-in closets; chef’s kitchen with marble and stainless counters, marble island, bar seating, top-of-the-line appliances, walk-in pantry; formal dining space; billiards/media lounge; home office; wine cellar; 3,000-square-foot garage/workshop; lawn fountains and firepit; and outdoor shower—all 2 minutes to downtown Jerome and 40 minutes to Sedona. 

“After pouring a lot of love into this property for over 12 years, I am excited to partner with Concierge Auctions for the sale of my home,” said seller, Lisa Acker. “Their auction platform puts a spotlight on one-of-a-kind properties like my own, reaching the most discerning buyers from around the world.”

Nestled in Jerome, Arizona—once known as the “the wickedest town in the west” during its copper mining heyday—the town is known today as a mecca for art, history, and wine lovers alike. Surrounded by historic sites and protected land, residents enjoy beautiful desert landscapes, rock formations, and Native American ruins. Nearby Sedona offers hiking trails with Red Rocks views, while Flagstaff offers skiing, mountain biking, and incredible restaurants. 

“This iconic estate sits atop the hillside in Jerome, capturing all-season views of the mountains beyond. Deep-rooted in the town’s history and renovated into the incredible personal residence it is today, this is your chance to own a piece of American history,” said listing agent, Donna Chesler.

The Little Daisy, located at 300 Upper Bell Road, is available or showings daily by appointment and additionally available for private virtual showings. For property details, photography, diligence documents, and more, please visit ConciergeAuctions.com

As part of Concierge Auctions’ Key for Key® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes, the closing will result in a new home built for a family in need.Concierge Auctions offers a commission to the buyers’ representing real estate agents. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details. For more information, visit ConciergeAuctions.com or call (212) 202-2940.

Photography by John Lloyd

June 8, 2020 by
Architecture, Art, Business, COVID-19, Entertainment, Real Estate

Luxury Real Estate Headlines | May 2020

Russ Lyon Charitable Foundation Partners with AAR to Sell T-shirts and Raise Funds to Benefit Arizona Housing Fund – LuxuryRealEstate.com

Local specialty T-shirt sale seeks to raise funds for Arizona Housing Fund – Daily Independent, Scottsdale Independent

PHOTOS: Home in heart of Arizona wine country on market for $2.5 million – AZ Family

PHOTOS: Penthouse in the middle of Scottsdale on Market for $5 million – AZ Family, News Break

PHOTOS: Scottsdale home on market for $5 million, includes Bentley in garage – AZ Family

Arizona’s Desert Mountain Demos Real Estate Sales In COVID-19 Era – Forbes, Newstral

PRICEY! Prescott Home on the Market for now $1,650,000 – ABC 15

PRICEY! Nogales Ranch on the Market for $4,950,000 – ABC 15

PRICEY! Scottsdale Home for Sale for $9,750,000 – ABC 15

Concierge Auctions Names New Industry Leaders to Esteemed Agent Advisory Board – EIN News

Sedona Area Estate to Auction Online No Reserve via Concierge Auctions and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty – EIN News

June 5, 2020 by
Architecture, Art, Business, COVID-19, Education, Equestrian, Real Estate

Luxury Real Estate Headlines April 2020

Here’s how businesses are helping others during COVID-19 crisis – AZ Big Media

A Conversation with ‘The Golden Girls of Real Estate’ – Flagstaff Business News

Giving back in Southern Arizona – Arizona Daily Star

Aazami on Luxury Homes: Virtual Real Estate Tools Assist All Parties During COVID-19 Crisis – AZ Foothills

Renowned Architect David Hovey’s First Private Residential Design and Former Home Shadow Caster Hits the Market in Desert Mountain – Yahoo! Finance

U.S. Golf Communities for the Love of the Game – Mansion Global

Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury’s home stole the show at the NFL draft. Here’s more on his Paradise Valley home – AZ Central

Here’s what you can get for $1M in Phoenix – Yahoo! Finance, Fox Business

Shifting Footprints: The New Normal in Office Design – RISmedia

PHOTOS: Past mining hotel with 40 rooms in Jerome on market for $5.9 million – AZ Family

PHOTOS: Scottsdale home with underground garage on market for $6.2 million – AZ Family

May 4, 2020 by
Art, Business, Community, COVID-19, Entertainment, Inspiration, Real Estate

Russ Lyon Charitable Foundation Partners with Arizona Association of REALTORS to Sell T-Shirts and Raise Funds to Benefit Arizona Housing Fund

The Love Your Neighbor T-Shirt Sales Start Monday, May 4th

The Russ Lyon Charitable Foundation, a subsidiary of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, is partnering with the Arizona Association of REALTORS to raise money for the Arizona Housing Fund. The sales start Monday, May 4th, and only runs through Monday, May 18th, 2020. 

The Love Your Neighbor t-shirts are being produced by local Tempe business Anton Sport and just $20.

They are available online at https://russlyon.antonsport.com/russlyon/shop/home. 

All the proceeds benefit the AZ Housing Fund. The Arizona Housing (AZHF) is a dedicated and sustainable revenue source that grants funding to the nonprofit agencies that build and operate Permanent Supportive, Low-Income and Working Poor Housing. Its equity grants will enable more housing units to be constructed, meeting the growing needs of our communities in Arizona with the goal of reducing homelessness.

For every shirt or onesie ordered the Russ Lyon Charitable Foundation will donate $10 to the Arizona Housing Fund. 

There has never been a more important time for everyone to come together and support the Arizona Housing Fund. This foundation gives families a fighting chance to stay in their homes and helps others find housing.

Betsy Dickinson, president of the russ lyon charitable foundation
May 4, 2020 by
Architecture, Art, Business, COVID-19, Education, Entertainment, Real Estate, Working From Home

Stay Home | 4 Reasons Why Home Matters

by Sotheby’s International Realty

There are many famous quotes about home – “home is where the heart is,” “there’s no place like home,” and “home is where your story begins,” to name a few. These are sentiments we can get behind now, more than ever. Let’s settle into our favorite spots and take a look at the importance of home.

A Place to Reflect

Home is a place where you feel most comfortable, which is why it feels so good to come home after time away. It’s a place where can you curl up with a good book and the place where your bed and pillow await after a long day. Now that many of us are spending more time in our homes than ever before, we may forget that special feeling of “coming home,” and how nice it is to walk through our own front door every day to a place of warmth and familiarity. Now is a perfect time to reflect on where you’ve been, where you are, and where you want to go in the future – and yes, that can include a travel bucket list.

An Expression of Lifestyle

As many of us are spending more time at home, we’ve been able to better evaluate the everyday functionality, layout, and aesthetic of our households. Our time at home right now affords us the opportunity to experiment with our space and whether it is truly working to best fit our needs. Consider reorganizing drawers, pantries, and closets as an easy weekend project. For something new, consider rearranging the layout of a room, ordering some new accessories or a new patio set, and if you have the time, trying a new paint color. Making small updates to your surroundings helps your home continue to be a place of comfort and inspiration.

Memories and History

A favorite coffee mug from a special trip, a treasured family photo, memories of funny kitchen mishaps, and the first time you walked through the door and called this space home are all things to remember during a time like this – especially if you’re beginning to feel restless. Take a moment to look around your home and take stock of all it has provided over the years – let those memories bring a smile to your face. Remember, just because you’re home doesn’t mean you can’t make new memories; virtually visit a museum or take in a live performance to help pass the time.

A Home Means Hope

Having a place to call home sets you up for success and gives you a hope for a better future. New Story has provided thousands of homes to families in need and now, during this current health crisis, is helping families in the U.S. that are facing homelessness. Learn more about New Story and how you can make a difference and see how they’ve partnered with Icon to revolutionize how they’re building homes on the Apple TV+ series, “Home.”

Home is where the heart is – share your favorite part about your home in the comments below and remember, we’re all in this together.

May 3, 2020 by
Architecture, Art, Business, COVID-19, Education, Entertainment, Real Estate

Luxury Real Estate Headlines | march 2020

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s sells Scottsdale mountainside home for $7.5M – News Break, AZ Big Media

Retired health care exec picks up Scottsdale luxury home for $7.5M – Phoenix Business Journal

Big Scottsdale Home Sale – Rose Law Group

Estancia home sells for $7.5M in north Scottsdale – Scottsdale Independent

Expert discusses COVID-19 impact on real estate market – AZ Family

Fitzgerald Named REALTOR® of the Year – Scottsdale Independent

Russ Lyon Agent Named REALTOR of the Year – AZ Big Media

PHOTOS: $2.1 million mid-century modern home for sale in Paradise Valley – AZ Family

Russ Lyon Charitable Foundation donates $10,000 in Response to Coronavirus Health Crisis – LuxuryRealEstate.com, Frontdoors Media, Rose Law Group

April 3, 2020 by
Art, Entertainment, Music, Real Estate

Russ Lyon Welcomes Wendy Herst

We are excited to welcome Wendy Herst to our Camelback Tower office!

Originally from NY and L.A. with a few stints in Nashville, Wendy Herst has a Masters in Music Composition from Claremont Graduate University and a B.S. in both Music & Economics from Vassar College. 

For the past 13 years, Wendy has called North Scottsdale home and lives in Troon with her fiancé, an anesthesiologist, and her 2 children who attend Scottsdale schools.

Wendy Herst is a successful real estate agent with a proven track record in helping both buyers and sellers in Arizona. She takes a concierge approach to helping her clients and operates from the principle of “this real estate journey is about you, and you come first!”

Wendy has handled hundreds of relocations in her career and also has experience in Family Office real estate. She enjoys complex transactions and creative solutions and leverages her background in economics and business to evaluate what makes real estate valuable – from location to municipal growth plans. She considers local trends and macroeconomic factors and stays current with real estate news to better assess market conditions. 

Wendy’s experience in real estate is enriched by her business background in which she helped grow a travel nursing staffing firm into a multi-million dollar industry leader, founded her own executive search firm, and was a franchisee of a restaurant group. She also had success in the entertainment industry where she produced a feature film (ALTERED MINDS) and worked in Television & Film Talent at ICM Partners.

Meeting Wendy was a breath of fresh air! Her approach to life mirrors her approach to business.  Kind, generous, yet tenacious – her success is already evident in her sales career thus far, and I can’t wait to watch the new levels she achieves partnered with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker
March 24, 2020 by