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Iconic Estates | Pristine Pools

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 Pristine Pools throughout the Valley, Northern Arizona and in the Tucson region.

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!

James Beard award-winning Chef Christopher Gross is leading a new chapter at the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix. He’s reimagined this classic venue as the new home for fine French dining in the Valley with his newest version of Christopher’s restaurant—an ICONIC culinary experience in the making. Christopher’s is the restaurant Chef Gross has dreamed about opening for years. Check out his stunning venue and menu.

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Ascent at The Phoenician, developed by Replay Destinations, is introducing 40 luxury living condominium residences—set to break ground in fall 2021—following the early sales success of its golf villas, introduced earlier this year.

Ascent came to be when The Phoenician recently deaccessioned a nine-hole golf course. “We are the master developers of this gated, 25-acre community,” explains Todd Patrick, Replay Destinations’ vice president of sales and marketing. “Part of it will include single-family homes built by Cullum Homes and the rest will be the luxury living golf villas and condominiums.”

The condominium residences will range from one-bedroom-plus-den to three-bedroom-plus-den floor plans, with current prices set from $1.5 million to $5 million. Joe Bushong and Leslie Jenkins of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty are the listing agents.

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Summer is the best time of year for grilling, and with all of the delicious marinade recipes and grilling tips out there, it is the perfect time to show off your proverbial chops using some incredible grilling accessories.

Grilling can seem like equal parts art and science, and grill masters know to trust their intuition when it comes to making delicious meals on the barbecue. However, technology has enabled us to take some of the guesswork out of grilling—making our fave dishes come out great every time.

Whether you are new to grilling or are a seasoned pro, some tips, tricks and gadgets can help you get the best results.

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July 14, 2021 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Entertainment, Inspiration, Real Estate

Michelle Renteria Lists The New Darlings Home

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, the Valley’s leader in luxury real estate,  is proud to announce the New Darlings’ home is now on the market. Christina and Robert Martinez are the husband and wife behind the New Darlings. 

The New Darlings have 460k+ followers on Instagram and a wholesome family and lifestyle blog. Christina, Robert, and Oliver Martinez’s memories are recorded and featured on the blog, including the remodeling journey of their Phoenix home. 

The enchanting home is a 1930 Tudor in the historic Brentwood neighborhood of Central Phoenix. The property received a complete overhaul from its current owners, no surface untouched, no idea left undone. 

We spent so much time and energy to find a harmony between beauty and functionality for our home. We are sad to be leaving this house but we are excited to find new owners that will appreciate it as much as we do.

Christina Martinez

The 1,846 square foot main house is home to 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and is listed at $700,000 by Michelle Renteria of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. 

Upon entering the light-filled, opulent home, guests are greeted by smooth plaster walls, gorgeous hardwood floors, double archways leading into the stunning kitchen, and a dining space overlooking the lush backyard and guest house. The home’s garden-chic interior compliments the desert surroundings. 

The expansive owner’s suite boasts vaulted ceilings, skylights, and a massive walk-in closet complete with laundry, French doors to the patio, and a lovely en-suite bathroom with a soaking tub, dual sinks, and stall shower.

The secondary bedroom and hall bath embrace historic details and charm while providing owners with modernized windows, closet system, and updated lighting and hardware.

The 200 square foot guest house provides the perfect space for out-of-town guests and is complete with a private bathroom, kitchenette, storage, and a private patio.

The remodel was completed in 2018 by Loyal Construction Co. and Ron Elliot Studios. It expanded the footprint of the home and included a full owner’s suite remodel as well as a kitchen, dining, and back patio re-imagination.

This is truly one of the most wonderful and thoughtful homes I have had the pleasure of listing. Robert and Christina have poured their talents into this home and have made it very special. A home this enchanting and modern in the beautiful Brentwood Historic District will not be on the market for long.

Michelle Renteria, Global Real Estate Advisor

Photos Courtesy of LaRue Photography

July 9, 2021 by
Architecture, Business, Inspiration, Real Estate

Luxury headlines | June 2021

Scottsdale Arizona Association of Realtors 40 under 40 SAAR

The Durkin Group Represents Seller of the Diamond Estate Arizona Daily Star, Phoenix Business Journal, Arizona Daily Star, Arizona’s Family, Newsbreak, luxuryrealestate.com, Inside Tucson Business

The Pennington Luxury Group Represents Seller of El Rojo Grande and Breaks Sedona Record Barron’s Penta, Mansion Global, Newstral, Sedona Red Rock News, Phoenix Business Journal, Arizona’s Family, AZ Big Media, KTAR, Opera News, RISMedia’s Housecall, ABC 15

Thalia Kyriakis Lists Eleven Arches in Tucson KTAR, Mansion Global, Rose Law Group Reporter, tucson.com, Arizona’s Family, Arizona Daily Star, Saddlebag Notes, Phoenix Business Journal

Gary Brasher and Cathy Marrero List Kenyon Ranch in Tubac Arizona’s Family

The Thousand List Financial Editorial, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, RealTrends

Tubac Small Arts Town Arizona Foothills, luxuryrealestate.com

July 5, 2021 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Community, Entertainment, Inspiration, Real Estate

Iconic Estates | Opulent Outdoor Living

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 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 and can be found in Arizona’s top estates.

Explore these ICONIC Estates with opulent outdoors.

Photo by Stokkete / Shutterstock

Temperatures are heating up and here comes a whole lotta fun! We turned to acclaimed chef and wine expert Mark Tarbell, founder of Tarbell’s, for his picks for the best wine bottles to drink this season for any activity from a bike ride to a clam bake.

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Photo by Tom Tietz / Shutterstock

For some of Sedona’s 3 million visitors each year, the opportunity for renewal comes in many forms—outdoor adventure, spiritual journeys and the appreciation of the natural beauty that is Sedona. With its Red Rock cliffs and mesas, and the vast trail system that surrounds this city, visitors hope to find a reprieve from their daily lives in search of a powerful connection with nature.

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Photo Courtesy of Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort

Since 1929, the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Arizona Biltmore has dazzled celebrities, politicians and luxury travelers with the master architect’s unique style and playful sense of glamour. In 2020, the hotel closed for more than a year to undergo the largest renovation in its history.

Reimagining an icon can be challenging, but the Arizona Biltmore emerged from her facelift by PHX Architecture and others this May with a look that is sexy, bold and modern, but still pays homage to its history.

June 11, 2021 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Entertainment, Inspiration, Real Estate

Significant Sales | May 2021

Will Foote, Debbie Negrin, Jay Pennypacker | Dual Representation | $6,500,000 | Scottsdale
Anne Morrissey, Karen Baldwin, Bee Francis, Kathleen Benoit, Joanie Barreiro | Dual Representation | Scottsdale | $5,650,000
Anne Morrissey, Karen Baldwin, Bee Francis, Kathleen Benoit | Buyer Representation | $5,600,000 | Fountain Hills
Grant Almquist, Joe Bushong, Chad Christian | Buyer Representation | Phoenix | $5,250,000
Jennifer Wilson | Seller Representation | Paradise Valley | $5,195,000
Debbie Negrin, Jay Pennypacker, Will Foote | Seller Representation | Scottsdale | $5,000,000
June 4, 2021 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Entertainment, Inspiration, Real Estate

Iconic Estates | May 2021

Welcome to our first issue of ICONIC Estates presented by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, featuring stunning estates represented by the firm’s dynamic force of lifestyle advisors. 

This month, we’re celebrating the resurgence of gardens. Over the last year, our outdoor spaces have provided peace, calm and tranquility during challenging times. More than ever, landscape architects report their clients are creating and enhancing private outdoor spaces designed for entertaining, recreation and outdoor living. 

Trends include neutral colors, wildflowers, plants that sustain bird and bee populations, traditional hardscaping patterns and curvilinear design. The view of water, if even from a pool, rounds out the highly desirable natural environment. 

What are some of the top properties across Arizona showcasing in their gardens?

Enjoy the Mediterranean cuisine of the sun by acclaimed restaurateur Laurent Halasz of the highly successful FIG & OLIVE at FRANCINE, one of our fave new restaurants inspired by the South of France located in Scottsdale Fashion Square.

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When you think about your home in the future, you think about smart home technology and innovation to do things in new and better ways, making things easier or more efficient. 

From teleconferencing to shading to cooling to pouring…a perfectly chilled glass of wine at the end of the day…here are some must haves for your home you can have now.

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Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, is proud to announce its top two sales in April.

If you’re familiar with luxury brands like Baccarat and Lalique or simply love crystal, dive into the future of designing with luxury fine crystal. Fine crystal may date to the 1500s, but its quality, craftsmanship and evolution have kept it relevant in 21st Century design. Find out how designers are bringing this luxe classic home.

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May 26, 2021 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Community, Entertainment, Fitness, Golf, Inspiration, Real Estate

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Kicks off Earth Day with Breathtaking Eco-Friendly Homes in Southern Arizona

Arizona’s Leader in Luxury Real Estate Presents 3 Environmentally Friendly Homes in Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa to Celebrate Earth Day and Sustainable Living

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, presents breathtaking homes in Southern Arizona that celebrate Earth Day and sustainable living every day of the year.  The three Villas, at Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, are listed by luxury agent Christina Tierney of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. 

Working with Miraval over the past decade has been an incredible experience.  This lifestyle and these homes are vastly different.  The villas are architecturally stunning and thoughtfully designed, though it’s not about the house, it’s about living. Clients purchase at Miraval because it is their place to unplug and recharge, to focus on wellbeing.  Whether that is time for quiet, time for movement, time for physical or spiritual healing, people choose their own path. And with this unique platform, clients go back to their lives better. It is meaningful to hear about those experiences. Miraval is an extraordinary place! 

Christina Tierney

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa is located in Tucson, AZ, and spans an impressive 400 acres throughout the pristine Sonoran Desert. The resort is located at the foot of the legendary Santa Catalina Mountains and was designed to provide guests with an elegant, meditative, and restorative experience all whilst being fully engulfed by the surrounding nature. The massive property is covered with lush Acacia and Mesquite trees, ancient cacti, and blooming Ocotillo, Saguaro, and Prickly Pear. Guests come to this esteemed all-inclusive resort to experience its wellness offerings including yoga classes, spiritual journeys, culinary workshops, and luxurious spas. The Miraval also offers many contemplative spaces for healing activities such as labyrinths, an outdoor kiva, and designated quiet rooms with ultimate mountain views. The Villas of Miraval resort offer guests the opportunity to reside at this world-renowned spa destination. Residents have access to a rare living experience that is like none other and provides the ultimate wellness living space.

The $4,000,000 property is located at The Villas of Miraval and inspired by the surrounding lush desert and scenic mountain views. At 5000 E. Via Estancia Miraval 15, residents can connect intimately with nature while staying at a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified estate.  The home was designed by architectural team Mithun and the award-winning design group Clodagh. As light moves throughout the day, the east-facing home thoughtfully unveils the many layers of the Sonoran Desert. This 3,095 square foot home contains 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and is composed of beautiful natural elements such as rammed earth, reclaimed wood, stacked stone, and quartzite layered texture. Some environmentally friendly features unique to this property include Energy Star Qualified windows, dishwasher, refrigerator, and stove. An infinity-edge pool, spa, and four fireplaces are also found at the estate.

At 5000 E. Via Estancia Miraval 7, The Miraval Villa offers a contemporary style home that was created to blend seamlessly with nature. Listed at $2,250,000, this home also showcases the esteemed Silver LEED architecture of Mithun and the unique interiors of Clodagh. Unobstructed views of the Santa Catalina Mountains surround this property and provide guests with a living space that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. Accommodating 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this impressive 2,729 square foot home is formulated with wood ceilings and floors, rock structures, and stone detailing. A low flow showerhead, Energy Star Qualified windows, green seal coating, and non-formaldehyde cabinets make this property a premier sustainable living retreat. An elegant pool, spa, and modern fireplace are included with this luxurious home as well.

5000 E. Via Estancia Miraval 1 is a 2,729 square foot Silver LEED-certified home listed for $2,050,000. This fully furnished eco-friendly property is constructed of durable and sustainable materials that require low maintenance. The naturalistic architecture was created by Mithun and the elegant interior was designed by Forchielli Glynn. The 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home includes Energy Star Qualified windows, natural stone, and wood flooring as well as a spa and 3 fireplaces.

April 22, 2021 by
Architecture, Art, Business, Inspiration, Real Estate

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Represents Both Buyer and Seller in the Sale of Famous Interior Designer David Michael Miller’s Paradise Valley Home

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
March 30, 2021 by
Architecture, Business, Entertainment, Inspiration, Real Estate

February 2021 Significant Sales

From a $21,000,000 Scottsdale Estate to a

Ryan Hass | Buyer Representation | $21,000,000 | Scottsdale
Frank Aazami, Bill Bulaga, Thomas Scott, Jean-Michel Edery | Dual Representation | $9,500,000 |
Paradise Valley
Joana Wilkins, Louie Wilkins | Seller Representation | $9,250,000 | Scottsdale
Pat Carleton | Buyer Representation | $5,200,000 | Paradise Valley
Kathy Reed, Stacey Vandivert | Buyer Representation | $4,900,000 | Scottsdale

View additional sales of note below:

March 15, 2021 by
Business, Education, Entertainment, Inspiration, Life, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Sponsors “Calling All Warriors” With Flagstaff Unified School District

The Flagstaff Unified School District Foundation will be hosting a virtual program entitled Calling All Warriors with D.J. Vanas, the author of The Tiny Warrior: A Path to Personal Discovery & Achievement on Thursday, March 4th at 5:30 p.m.  The free program will be available to the public digitally here and is aimed at inspiring students to bring out their best. 

The FUSD Foundation is excited to share this opportunity with the community. Our board truly believes in empowering students and we are grateful for the opportunity to share Mr. Vanas’s important message with generous financial support of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Paul Kulpinkski, FUSD Foundation President

Based on concepts from D.J.’s celebrated book, The Tiny Warrior: A Path to Personal Discovery & Achievement, this program will inspire your students to bring out their best.  Using wisdom from traditional Native American ceremonies, they’ll learn the true purpose of a warrior – to be of service – and the “superpowers” they have to make that a reality.  In this dynamic and entertaining program, D.J. will inspire students with a new sense of purpose and passion in who we are and what we can do.  

Mr. Vanas’s message is timely and right on target in these turbulent times, especially so for the youth of your community. Very powerful.”

Todd, Gillenwater

Born into poverty to teenage parents, D.J. has used the power of his culture, education and determined drive to become a highly successful business owner, speaker and best-selling author.  He’ll show your students how the simple choices we make each day can create a massive impact and create a life of excitement, adventure – and success. They’ll feel supercharged towards their future when they learn the truth about themselves – there’s a warrior within!

Participants can visit D.J. Vanas’s website, http://www.nativediscovery.com, and download a free digital copy of The Warrior’s Guide before the program.

March 2, 2021 by