Nestled in the heart of Paradise Valley, the residence at 5101 N Casa Blanca Drive #217 offers a unique blend of modern traditional aesthetics with bohemian influences, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. This home is perfect for those who appreciate the charm of classic elements with a twist of eclectic and artistic flair.
Step into a space where traditional architecture meets contemporary design. The home features clean lines and an open floor plan that enhances the natural flow between spaces. The use of natural materials such as wood and stone accents pays homage to traditional design, while large windows bring a modern openness, bathing each room in natural light
The living area is a cozy retreat with plush seating and artisanal decorations that invite relaxation and conversation. The color palette is neutral with splashes of color through decorative throw pillows and unique art pieces, creating a space that feels both sophisticated and accessible.
The kitchen is a blend of functionality and style with state-of-the-art appliances and custom cabinetry. It opens to a dining area that features a rustic wooden table, ideal for gathering with family or entertaining guests. The overhead antique chandelier is a nod to the traditional, while potted plants add a touch of greenery and freshness.
The master bedroom is a sanctuary of peace and style, featuring soft, flowing draperies and a luxurious bed that invites you to unwind. The attached master bath includes modern fixtures and a freestanding tub, perfect for a relaxing soak after a long day.
Embrace Arizona’s beautiful weather in the home’s outdoor living spaces. The patio is decorated with comfortable seating, vibrant textiles, and an array of plants that create a private oasis. It’s the perfect spot for morning coffee or evening cocktails.
5101 N Casa Blanca Drive #217 is more than just a home; it’s a lifestyle choice for those who seek a blend of traditional and bohemian styles in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Paradise Valley. Experience the charm and uniqueness of this exquisite property and imagine your life here, surrounded by beauty and comfort.
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to embrace all things green, and what better way to celebrate than by incorporating this fresh and lively color into your home decor? Whether you’re looking for subtle touches or bold statements, green accents can add charm, warmth, and a festive spirit to your space. Here are some stunning homes that showcase green elements beautifully, proving that this timeless color works year-round.
442 E Camelback Rd #161 – A Green Kitchen Oasis
A green kitchen is a bold and refreshing design choice, and this home on Camelback Road fully embraces it. Green cabinetry adds depth and sophistication, creating a space that feels both modern and inviting. Whether you’re cooking up a St. Patrick’s Day feast or simply enjoying your morning coffee, the verdant hues in this kitchen make for an inspiring atmosphere. Pairing green cabinets with gold hardware or natural wood accents enhances the holiday spirit while keeping the design elegant and timeless.
Not only does this home boast a stunning green kitchen, but it also features a stylish green bathroom. A green bathroom brings a spa-like atmosphere, evoking a sense of calm and relaxation. Whether through green tiles, accent walls, or cabinetry, this space makes a striking design statement while maintaining a refreshing, nature-inspired feel.
10029 E Calle De Las Brisas – Nature-Inspired Green Elegance
Another home that masterfully integrates green into its kitchen is this beauty on Calle De Las Brisas. Here, green tones bring a sense of tranquility and connection to nature, perfect for those who love earthy aesthetics. The color effortlessly pairs with neutral countertops and backsplash choices, allowing the green to stand out without overwhelming the space. Add some fresh greenery, such as potted herbs or a vase of fresh clovers, to enhance the festive vibe.
14360 E Desert Cove – A Game Room with St. Patrick’s Day Flair
For those who love to entertain, this home on Desert Cove offers a unique way to incorporate green into your interior. With a pool table and bar accented in green, this space is ready for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Imagine gathering friends for a game of pool while sipping on Irish-inspired cocktails in a setting that already embraces the holiday’s signature color. And for a cozy yet stylish touch, the green couch in the living room ties everything together, making the home feel both chic and welcoming.
8541 N Farview Drive – Subtle Elegance for St. Patrick’s Day Green
For a subtle touch of St. Patrick’s Day, 8541 N Farview Dr in Desert Cove introduces a hint of green that transforms any gathering into an elegant celebration. Each room subtly incorporates green accents, from the lush, verdant throws and pillows to the custom green-tinted glass in cabinetry, bringing a refreshing burst of color that complements the neutral palette. The home’s modern aesthetic blends sophistication with the vibrancy of spring, creating a space that is as stylish as it is welcoming. With its thoughtful design and pristine condition, this residence offers a move-in-ready experience where luxury meets convenience and every day feels like a celebration.
Bringing Green into Your Home
Even if your home doesn’t already feature green accents, there are plenty of ways to bring in the color for the holiday. Consider adding emerald throw pillows, lush plants, or green-hued dinnerware for a subtle nod to St. Patrick’s Day. For those looking to make a more permanent change, painting an accent wall, updating your cabinetry, or investing in a statement furniture piece in a deep green shade can breathe new life into any room.
This St. Patrick’s Day, let your home celebrate in style with chic green accents that go beyond just one day. Whether through bold design choices or simple decorative touches, embracing this lucky color can add vibrancy and charm to your living space.
In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury real estate, Arizona’s market is leading a renaissance in refined living spaces. Discerning buyers, whose tastes are shaped by the desire for elegance and functionality, are moving away from the open-floor concepts that dominated the previous decade. Instead, they are gravitating towards properties that feature distinct, purpose-built areas for living and entertaining. This shift marks a return to a classic form of hosting and living, where formal dining and sitting rooms reemerge as central elements of home design.
Michael Rankin, a principal at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, notes a significant change in buyer preferences. “Our clientele are increasingly seeking homes that offer formal spaces designed for grand entertaining as well as intimate family gatherings,” says Rankin. This trend is particularly pronounced in homes valued above $5 million, where buyers expect their residences to accommodate not just their lifestyle but also their aspirations for hosting and privacy.
The influence of the pandemic on living spaces has been profound and enduring. As families spent more time at home, the need for adaptable, multi-functional spaces became clear. Homes now are expected to serve as sanctuaries for relaxation and as efficient venues for remote work and privacy. Martin Hagen, a luxury real estate specialist with Engel & Völkers Brentwood, elaborates on this transformation. “The shift towards homes with more rooms and defined spaces was accelerated by the pandemic, highlighting the need for environments that support both productivity and personal well-being,” he explains.
Architects and designers are responding to this shift by revisiting what might be termed ‘European-style’ elegance in home design. New constructions and renovations now often feature distinct formal spaces that offer a balance of function and luxury, tailored to the nuanced needs of modern families. These spaces are not only functional but are imbued with a timeless charm that enhances their appeal.
As Arizona’s premier luxury real estate firm, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is at the forefront of this shift, offering properties that embody sophistication and utility. Each home curated by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s is more than just a residence; it is a haven that stands the test of time, designed to meet the exacting standards of the most discerning clientele. This dedication to providing homes that perfectly balance the traditional with the modern ensures that each property is not just seen but felt, as a profound expression of refined living.
Arizona’s unique climate presents both challenges and opportunities when it comes to landscaping. With high temperatures, limited rainfall, and a growing emphasis on water conservation, desert landscaping—also known as xeriscaping—has become a popular and practical choice for homeowners. Not only does it enhance curb appeal, but it also saves water, reduces maintenance, and supports the local ecosystem.
Why Desert Landscaping Matters
1. Water Conservation
Arizona homeowners must be mindful of water usage due to ongoing drought conditions and conservation efforts. Traditional grass lawns can consume thousands of gallons of water per year, whereas desert-friendly plants require minimal irrigation. Choosing drought-resistant plants and efficient watering systems helps conserve one of the state’s most precious resources.
2. Low Maintenance and Cost-Effective
Grass lawns require regular mowing, fertilizing, and watering—costing time and money. Desert landscaping eliminates the need for frequent upkeep, as cacti, succulents, and native shrubs thrive with minimal care. Using gravel, rocks, and pavers instead of grass also reduces long-term landscaping expenses.
Succulent garden with drought-resistant plants –v 6.1 Job ID: 6bbd8d50-226c-4f67-9511-582ceed7805c
3. Enhances Curb Appeal and Property Value
Well-designed desert landscapes can increase property value by making a home stand out in the neighborhood. Stylish hardscaping elements, such as stone pathways, decorative rock formations, and artistic plant arrangements, create a visually appealing and functional outdoor space.
4. Supports the Native Ecosystem
By incorporating native Arizona plants, you create a habitat for local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and pollinators. Plants such as agave, ocotillo, and palo verde trees not only thrive in the desert climate but also provide shelter and food for native species.
5. Sustainable and Heat-Resistant
Arizona’s intense sun can make outdoor spaces unbearably hot. Strategic plant placement and shading elements, such as pergolas, trees, and shrubs, can help reduce temperatures around your home and lower energy costs by providing natural cooling.
Best Plants for Desert Landscaping in Arizona
If you’re considering desert landscaping, here are some top plant choices:
Cacti and Succulents: Saguaro, Barrel Cactus, Agave, Aloe Vera
Drought-Resistant Shrubs: Texas Sage, Creosote Bush, Red Yucca
Use gravel, decomposed granite, or river rocks for ground cover instead of grass
Incorporate large boulders and natural stone for structure and visual interest
Install a drip irrigation system to provide efficient watering while minimizing waste
Choose a mix of plant heights and colors to create a dynamic and balanced design
Add solar-powered landscape lighting to enhance nighttime aesthetics
Final Thoughts
Desert landscaping is more than just a practical solution for Arizona homeowners—it’s a way to embrace and celebrate the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. By designing a water-efficient, low-maintenance yard, you can create an inviting, sustainable space that benefits both your home and the environment.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or considering a landscape renovation, desert landscaping is a smart investment that blends functionality with aesthetics.
In celebration of Sotheby’s International Realty®’s record-breaking accomplishment in 2021, the President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty®, Philip White, has personally invited the Top 100 Sotheby’s International Realty® agents and teams worldwide to celebrate an evening in New York City. This evening will take place on Thursday, November 3, to congratulate and recognize these global real estate advisors’ success and contributions.
The Lyon family was at the forefront of transforming the Valley into what it is today through development and real estate, dating back to World War II when Russ Lyon moved here, got his real estate license, and started Russ Lyon Realty in 1947.
Russ’ son Dennis took over the real estate practice in 1968 as the company’s president, continuing to dominate the luxury market, primarily in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, and growing the company to about 350 agents.
Dennis’ son Jim bought the company from his father in 2008 and merged it with Sotheby’s International Realty in 2014.
As of 2022, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty now has 13 offices, 900+ agents, and services locations like Tubac, Flagstaff & everywhere in between.
Read more about how Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has been serving Arizona since 1947 below.
2022 is a banner year for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. 75 years ago, in 1947, Russ Lyon founded the Russ Lyon Realty Company.
During these 75 years, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has grown into a 7 billion dollar, full-service luxury real estate brokerage with more than 900 full-time real estate advisors and 13 offices across Arizona from Tubac and Tucson to Scottsdale, Carefree, Gilbert, Peoria, and Fountain Hills to Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff.
If you’ve been around Phoenix long enough, you remember when a huge, well-landscaped billboard at 24th and Camelback had a lion on it advertising Russ Lyon Realty, which was the premier home sales agency in the Valley. The Lyon family is really royalty in the Arizona real estate world.
Grady Gammage Jr., a long-time Valley land-use attorney and partner at Gammage & Burnham in Phoenix.
The brokerage continues strategic growth by investing in its people through innovation, exceptional service, and leadership, providing maximum returns to all its agents and clients.
I am very proud of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty for reaching our diamond milestone, as we continue to represent buyers and sellers locally and internationally always giving our clients the white-glove services they deserve and have come to expect. Our real estate advisors across Arizona are our core business, they work tirelessly to provide the best service possible while upholding the standards and ethics that make Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Arizona’s real estate leader.
Jim Lyon, chairman
The story of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty began in 1947 when Russ Lyon Sr. founded Russ Lyon Realty with just three employees.
Lyon had been an accomplished saxophone player in New York City and, in the 1930s, formed Russ Lyon and his orchestra during the significant band era. He decided to relocate his family, wife Janis, and sons Rusty and Dennis to Hollywood, CA, to further his music career in the mid-1940s. While crossing Arizona, Rusty came down with Valley Fever. So, they wintered in the small farm town of Mesa so Rusty could recover.
One winter was enough to convince Russ that he’d found Heaven in The Valley of the Sun, Arizona. He changed the family’s plans, deciding to remain in Arizona permanently.
There being no music industry to speak of in The Valley, Russ decided in 1947 to start a real estate company and named it Russ Lyon Realty.
The family moved to an adobe home on Cattletrack Drive in Scottsdale, where actual cattle drives were a common occurrence. This home still stands and is known as the Stable Galleria.
Russ built the company into a luxury powerhouse in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and Phoenix by always treating clients fairly, with dignity, respect, and professionalism. To this day, a business ethic is a cornerstone of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.
Russ’s son, Dennis, entered the family real estate business as a young man and eventually took the reins in the 1970s. Dennis built upon the solid foundation his father had created, and Russ Lyon Realty Company grew and prospered for several decades. Russ’s other son, Rusty, went into commercial real estate and founded Westcor, a company that revolutionized the American shopping mall concept and built some of the most successful malls in the United States, including Scottsdale Fashion Square.
In the 1990s, Dennis’ son, Jim Lyon, joined the company and quickly climbed the ranks from agent to management. In 2004, Jim partnered with long-time friend and successful Russ Lyon Realty agent Todd Gillenwater and opened franchise offices in Sedona, Prescott, and Flagstaff. In 2008, Jim and Todd purchased Russ Lyon Realty from Dennis, which they merged with another local brokerage to create Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s dominant luxury real estate firm.
In 2012, Jim and Todd invited top-producing agent and friend Tom Locati to join the company as partners.
In 2014, the Russ Lyon Foundation was formed and was recently recognized in the Top 3 mid-sized companies for corporate philanthropy and volunteerism. Together, Jim Lyon, Todd Gillenwater, and Tom Locati have continued the traditions and ethics that Russ Lyon Sr. started 75 years ago, and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty continues to lead the industry by example.
In 2021, the company closed over 7,000 successful transactions, totaling more than 7 billion dollars in Arizona real estate.
Weekly Win: Sotheby’s International Realty Brokerages Awarded for Service Excellence
Seven Sotheby’s International Realty brokerages were awarded for their service excellence based on customer satisfaction at the ninth annual Aires Broker Network Summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The annual summit recognizes real estate brokerages throughout the United States who provide the highest level of relocation customer service.
We have a thriving Arizona youth sport during this Winter Olympic year that might be a surprise – Alpine Ski and Snowboard racing.
Alpine skiing has been one of the Winter Olympics’ signature competitions since 1936. This timeless sport consists of five events – downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and combined events.
The Flagstaff Alpine Ski & Snowboard Team was founded in 1967 and trains over 180 athletes from ages eight to eighteen at the Arizona Snowbowl. The team competes in the Rocky Mountain Division of US Ski and Snowboard. The Rocky Mountain Division consists of the following states: Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.
Families commute from all over the state and from cities as far as Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson to have their juniors on this team. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s CEO and co-owner, Todd Gillenwater and, his wife, Nancy Gillenwater, have twin 17-year-old daughters that have been on the team since the age of eight and are finishing their high school racing careers this winter.
This season they’ve raced downhill, super g, giant slalom, and slalom – all Olympic events. The races have been held in Loveland, Aspen, Purgatory, Colorado, and Flagstaff, Arizona. Their final season wraps up this March with Championship races in Taos, New Mexico.
When asked for takeaways from being an athlete on the Flagstaff Alpine Ski & Snowboard Team for almost all of their childhood, the Gillenwater twins said self-confidence, discipline, respect for the mountains, and how fortunate they feel to have been a part of the team and sport. These are the qualities that will define them forever.
When the Summer Olympics head to France in 2024, one of the sports continuing to gain attention and momentum is mountain biking, especially here in the Grand Canyon state. After beginning in California in the 1970s, the sport’s popularity has grown among adults and especially teens looking to tackle Arizona’s dramatic landscape and rugged terrain.
One of those young mountain biking enthusiasts’ is 14-year-old Zane Thomas of Anthem.
“I love to jump and go fast downhill,” said Zane Thomas. “I would watch videos on social media of people going to bike parks and I knew it was something I wanted to try.”
Two years ago, while still in junior high school Zane came across a post about a Mountain Biking team allowing him to join the nearby Boulder Creek High School team and compete against older students. Zane, who always had a spark for adventure and lives a little on the side of danger, didn’t waste any time. As soon as he arrived at the first practice with a bike a helmet and he was ready to go.
“He was practicing three days a week during summer vacation waking before the sun is up to try and beat the heat. His new coaches were welcoming and so encouraging,” said Mom, Jennifer Thomas.
Unfortunately, that year the Arizona Cycling Association’s season was canceled due to COVID, but the coaches continued to hold practices all season for the teams and the following January the young mountain biker joined an additional MBAA series. This was Zane’s first taste with cross country enduro racing and he fell in love.
“I am so proud of him and so happy that he finally found his passion. I am always nervous when he is on the start line knowing he will give it his all out there. He has had several crashes, and has a few battle scars to show for it, but to see the excitement in his face when he breaks another goal is the best feeling,” said Thomas.
When his school year resumed Zane was back racing with the Boulder Creek team and he was so excited to race as a Freshman for his high school. In his first year, he had a great high school season breaking all of his personal goals and ending with the State Championship in Sierra Vista, Arizona. His teammate Gabe Harrelson won the State Championship that year. Zane has now started his second MBAA racing series in January and this time as a Junior Racer for Exhale Bikes Inc.
Even though he’s just 14-years-old he’s currently racing with 15-and-16-year-olds. With northern and southern divisions, his mom says she is still shocked how popular mountain biking has become in Arizona and how many high schools across the state have teams and races on the weekends.
“Race weekends are full of energy and so much fun. The families of the teammates gather in large pit areas as races commence all day,” said Jennifer Thomas. “The teammates support each other at the start and finish line. It is a great group of kids and the families have been so warm and welcoming.”
Zane Thomas loves watching his fellow team members and Red Bull’s professional riders. He hopes to ride like them all one day and his mom hopes he continues doing what he loves.
“It is not always about getting to the podium, but doing what makes you happy. If he is happy then we are happy. I know there are scholarships available and opportunities to travel with this sport. If this is something he decides to do, we are 100% behind him,” she said.
I am so proud of him and so happy that he finally found his passion. I am always nervous when he is on the start line knowing he will give it his all out there. He has had several crashes, and has a few battle scars to show for it, but to see the excitement in his face when he breaks another goal is the best feeling. It is not always about getting to the podium, but doing what makes you happy. If he is happy then we are happy.
Jennifer Thomas, MOM
Looking to get your young mountain biker into competing?
Check out the Arizona Cycling Association’s website for more information on the races and resources for Arizona Mountain Bikers arizonacycling.org or nationalmtb.org.
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.
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.
