Any food aficionado dreams of a chef’s kitchen to prepare exquisite dishes and entertain friends and family. Plenty of preparation space, top-notch appliances, and even butler’s kitchens appear in luxury homes’ top residential kitchens. Create restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your home in a gorgeous culinary kitchen.
Whether cooking for one, two, or thirty, Arizona’s top estates, listed by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s team of expert agents, will have just what you need. Thoughtful design creates spaces that allow for expert navigation throughout the cooking process, and some feature outdoor kitchens that complement the interior spaces for cooking year-round.
Whether you’re searching for a modern, open kitchen, a grandiose traditional kitchen, or a cozy Southwestern style, these ICONIC Estates will impress any chef de cuisine.
Experience the many flavors of culinary kitchens in this month’s ICONIC Estates!
What’s in a name? Fratantoni Design, Fratantoni Interior Designers, Fratantoni Luxury Estates, and The Fratantoni Group all share the same name. Still, each well-respected firm wouldn’t be the same without the man at the center: Sam Fratantoni, principal of Fratantoni Design.
The family patriarch doesn’t like the word “client.” It feels too impersonal and cold. Instead, he prefers the term “family,” and through all of his success, he and his teams have been able to work with families across the United States.
America’s greatest polo party—The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Talking Stick Resort—returns on Saturday, November 5th, to WestWorld of Scottsdale for another blockbuster day of polo matches, varied events, and new experiences. A public thirsty for social gatherings are expected to top last year’s attendance of 13,000. Those braving the festive crowd will be rewarded with epic polo play by this year’s competing teams—the United Kingdoms’ Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Wales Polo Team, Aspen Valley Polo Club, USA Women’s Team, Switzerland, and the Arizona Polo Club.
Read more about what’s coming to Scottsdale this fall on ICONIC LIFE.
A recent Candelaria Design wine tour to the Willamette Valley is packed with fine food, fabulous Oregon wine and some new friends.
For 20 years, beloved architect Mark Candelaria of Candelaria Design has led wine tours to Italy, Spain, and now Oregon to bring his “Live Beautifully” approach to life to his friends, family, and clients, and for the first time, I made the trip!
Mark and Isabel are a joy to spend time with over dinner but invest five days with them—together with a group of 16 travelers—and you are in for a good time! No detail was overlooked, and the itinerary represented the best, must-see places in the area. I’ve followed so many of the tours, I knew, this time, I had to make the time to go, and it was worth it!
Summer is in full swing, and there’s nothing better than diving into a refreshing, cool pool! In fact, in Arizona, a pool is not just a beautiful luxury, but a necessity. Not surprisingly, 6 of the Top 10 Cities in the US for Swimming Pools are in Arizona. In the desert, nothing is more beautiful than a sparkling swimming pool in the backyard.
Arizona’s top estates feature resort-style swimming pools with all the best amenities. From lazy rivers to infinity edges, luxury spas, and water-park-style slides, you can find beautiful piscines throughout Arizona.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has a talented team of luxury lifestyle professionals across the state who can help track down the perfect home with a Pristine Pool, perfect for entertaining, hosting parties, and relaxing with family! Plus, pools complement the architectural features of the home and provide a focal point for the landscape.
Dive into these Pristine Pools featured in this month’s ICONIC Estates!
Stay and play in local luxury this summer with a staycation. When the temperatures go up, the rates go down, and that’s one great reason to live in The Valley of the Sun. We are fortunate to live in a place that so many travelers seek out for vacations. We have an exceptional array of high-end, luxury resorts with world-class dining, sophisticated spas and extensive amenities to enjoy—just minutes from home.
So, if you’re short on time, appreciate a good value or a vacation that takes all the work out of it, look no further than the end of your nose for the next city you’ll visit. And let them know the folks at ICONIC LIFE sent you.
“Can fashion even be sustainable? I’ve been covering sustainable fashion for seven years now, and still, I am asked this question. I know most people would assume no, fashion can not be sustainable since the very act of producing clothing requires resources—lots of them.
Fortunately, we have a growing number of passionate fashionistas who actually do care about the environment, including myself, and we’ve learned a thing or two about how you can make fashion more sustainable without abstaining from buying (or wearing) clothes. And don’t worry, we do not believe in sacrificing your personal style to any extent to participate in sustainable fashion either.”
Without a doubt, the King of Jazz would consider Ellington Heights—a sleek and stylish gem—a superb work of art. Nestled in the sun-kissed upper canyon of Silverleaf, the design for this magnificent estate collected inspiration from the social, artistic, and cultural dynamism of the Roaring Twenties era.
An absolute dream team has come together like an orchestra, including award-winning architect CP Drewett, master builder Gary Fries and interior design firm leader Claire Ownby, each playing their individual parts to create beautiful music together in construction and home design. This one-of-a-kind property is listed by Allan MacDonald.
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, Berenis Reyes, 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.
Berenis was raised in Goodyear before attending Arizona State University. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Supply Chain Management, with a minor in Sustainability. While real estate and interior design were always of considerable interest to her, she headed into the corporate world for a few years, working in digital advertising and operations. When the workforce went remote, Berenis finally had the chance to dive back into her passions. She took a chance and bought and fixed up her first property. What was supposed to be a quick paint job turned into a complete remodel, transforming the house into a dream home! At that point, it was a no-brainer to become a licensed real estate agent to help others do the same: turn houses into homes by realizing a property’s full potential.
Berenis is now a full-time agent helping buyers, sellers, and investors achieve their real estate goals in Arizona. She loves working with people and will be there for her clients day and night. In her free time, you can find her walking her dog in nearby parks, hiking Camelback, in a yoga class, or exploring the many restaurants and shops the Phoenix Valley offers (let her know if you need any suggestions!). She is proud to call Arizona her lifelong home and excited to see it proliferate. Berenis would love to help you realize the beauty of living in the desert!
Meeting Berenis was like a breath of fresh air. Her desire to learn and to do well is admirable. We look forward to partnering with her and helping her achieve her career goals!
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, 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.
The sale includes the last home built by Jones who was critical to the foundation of Carefree, Arizona.
Architect Gerry Jones has been an incredibly important part of the history of the town of Carefree. While his work graces landscapes around the Valley, he is intrinsically tied to the town he helped found with his work. Therefore, it is appropriate that this masterpiece is in the place where his spectacular career began.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to announce that it has closed on a one-of-a-kind property that highlights this legend’s career. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agents Frank Aazami and Bill Ramseyer sold the 5,270-square-foot home at 37251 N. Nighthawk Way in Carefree for $3,400,000.
Gerry Jones’ illustrious career spanned over 65 years and designed approximately 328 homes. With speculation that this could be one of his last custom creations, this sale is considered incredibly special therefore there is an added treat. This home is a spec home and represents one of only three spec homes he has made in that 65+ year career. Jones’ goal with the Nighthawk home was to include a combination of custom features, quality of construction materials, design characteristics, and orientation of the home on a hillside lot. These characteristics became the hallmarks of the other 325 custom homes he created for his clients.
Agent Frank Aazami said this about the landmark sale, “Nighthawk was in fact the highest-priced home sold per square foot within Carefree. We attribute this milestone accomplishment to Gerry Jones and Tim Larson with La Casa Builders for imagining and building this signature home. In this case, they have proven it with a timeless design coupled with quality construction that can yield the highest sale and reason for a toast. This home will outlast many generations to come.”
Gerry Jones was born in Indiana in 1924 and served in Okinawa in the Pacific theater in WWII as a Marine. He also served in the Korean War, and first became interested in architecture while in China, where he witnessed monasteries built into the mountainsides. That love of extreme architecture never left him, as he taught extreme mountainous terrain architecture at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West for 17 years.
Carefree Founders K.T. Palmer and Tom Darlington asked Jones to lay out the roads and lots of the original town between 1957 and 1959. His first home was built in the Town of Carefree in 1959 on a 2.5-acre improved lot at a cost of $1,700 (today’s value of the lot would be about $850,000), a home that Carefree Councilmember Vince D’Aliesio now lives in with his family. He documented guidelines and created rules for development that eventually would become part of the Maricopa County Hillside Ordinance. Jones believed in designing homes that exceeded code requirements and therefore last for generations. His design and construction process blends with the natural flow of the terrain, a design characteristic he likes to call “Southwestern Textural”.
Jones’ 328 homes are spread throughout Arizona, Carmel, Maui, Nevada, Portland, and Palm Springs. Some of the homes he has designed and built in the Valley area can be found in Camelback, Mummy Mountains, Pinnacle Peak, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Clearwater Hills, and Cave Creek.
The smallest home he designed and built was a 1,500-square-foot Honeymoon Cottage on 17 acres in Carefree. The largest home was 26,000 square-foot masterpiece that he built at a cost of $52 million. Among his clientele are celebrities, athletes, corporate executives, and international clients. 140 of his career 328 homes are built in Carefree and 17 of them are built on Black Mountain.
We invite you to watch this video where he tells the story about his process. Take this virtual tour and see for yourself just how special this property is now and will always be.
