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Architecture, Art, Business, Community, Entertainment, Inspiration, Life, Multi Purpose, Real Estate

Iconic Estates – Crave Worthy Culinary Kitchens

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 show up in the top residential kitchens in luxury homes. Create restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your own 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!

Prominent racecar driver Kevin Buckler crosses the finish line to victory creating award-winning wines at his Adobe Road Winery. Buckler and his wife, Debra, launched Adobe Road in 2002, and today the winery produces a large variety of wines, many awarded 90 points or more. The winery purchases grapes from several vineyards throughout Sonoma County and was named Adobe Road in honor of the road in. Petaluma on which he first purchased fruit. Whether behind the wheel of a car or behind the scenes creating a Cabernet blend, Buckler continues to push boundaries and win with Adobe Road Winery.

As part of our exclusive relationship with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, ICONIC LIFE takes you along on a tour of an incredible Italian villa inspired by the ICONIC Getty Villa outside of Rome. This beautiful home, designed by Juan Sandoval,is nearly 52,000 square feet under roof. The designer had every element custom-made and carved on site. See incredible marble floors, a 2,000-bottle wine cellar, a secret passageway, grand ballroom and more! This home is represented by Cheryl Anderson.

In recent years the dining scene in the Valley of the Sun has elevated to the point that the culinary delights in the desert regularly draw the epicurious traveler. But many are surprised that the top table in town is the hotel restaurant at the Sheraton Grand Resort at Wild Horse Pass.

Not only is Kai Restaurant one of the city’s best fine dining establishments, but it’s also the only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond restaurant in the state. Even more interesting, it’s the only fine dining Native American restaurant in the world. We so encourage you to check it out.

Architecture, Business, Entertainment, Golf, Inspiration, Multi Purpose, Real Estate

ASCENT AT THE PHOENICIAN® UNVEILS DESIGN FOR THE SUMMIT ROOFTOP TERRACE AT MOUNTAINSIDE CONDOMINIUM BUILDING

 Ascent at The Phoenician® is unveiling the design for The Summit Rooftop Terrace at its new luxury condominium building, which will offer 360-degree views of the Valley and Camelback Mountain.

Designed uniquely for the Ascent mountainside condominium owners, residents will enjoy their own private rooftop community terrace featuring soft seating, fire tables, multiple gathering spaces, and an activity lawn in addition to the dramatic views.

Ascent at The Phoenician® is situated at the base of Camelback Mountain, overlooking The Phoenician® Golf Course and located adjacent to The Phoenician®, a Luxury Collection Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ascent at The Phoenician® recently released an intimate residential building of 40 luxury condominiums on Camelback Mountain consisting of one-bedroom plus den, two-bedroom, two-bedroom plus den, and three-bedroom plus den plans. Prices are estimated to range from $1.5 million up to $5 million. 

With the dramatic views of the Valley during the day and city lights at night all set right on Camelback Mountain, the mountainside residences are generating strong interest for their spectacular panorama. Ascent at The Phoenician offers an extraordinary way of life at Scottsdale’s most coveted location on Camelback Mountain.

Todd Patrick, Vice President of Sales and marketing

The mountainside condominium residences follow the early sales success of the Ascent Golf Villas, which Ascent began selling in mid-February. The Golf Villas include homes ranging from two-bedroom to three-bedroom plus den/office plans, extensive indoor-outdoor living, private two-car garages, and views of both the golf course and Camelback Mountain. Current prices range from $2.16 million up to $3.195 million. Construction of the Golf Villas is now underway.

The mountainside condominium residences will enjoy a prime location adjacent to the Mountain Club, a private club for owners at Ascent. Programs, amenities and private events at the Club will celebrate the iconic Camelback Mountain and will include a private pool, fitness and movement rooms, social spaces and demonstration kitchen for cooking classes and private chef experiences. Architecturally designed as a modern interpretation of the historic Jokake Inn on The Phoenician® grounds, the Mountain Club will be an intimate gathering place for connection, wellness, celebration and relaxation.  

Ascent at The Phoenician® residents will have a connection through the cactus garden to all of The Phoenician® hotel’s restaurants. Also, residents will have the opportunity to join the Phoenician® Amenity Access Program that provides Ascent real estate owners with access to resort amenities, including the pools and fitness facility and preferred pricing for golf, spa, food and beverage, and other services.

With more than $2 billion of real estate projects in planning and development, Replay has properties in some of the world’s most sought-after settings. The team for Replay’s condominium residences and Golf Villas includes design partners from the Valley’s best internationally recognized talent: Nelsen Partners, an architecture and planning firm founded in 1990; Vallone Design, a leading, full-service interior design firm specializing in exquisite residential and commercial interior design; Floor Associates, a landscape architecture and planning firm; and bulthaup Scottsdale, a globally recognized company producing premium kitchens custom-made in Germany.

Joe Bushong and Leslie Jenkins of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty are the listing agents for Ascent at The Phoenician®. For more information on the remaining Golf Villa homes or to register for updates including Priority Registration for the first release of mountainside condominium residences visit ascentatthephoenician.com or call 480-534-4086.

Art, Business, Community, COVID-19, Entertainment, Inspiration, Life, Multi Purpose, Real Estate

Russ Lyon Foundation Brings Back ‘Love Your Neighbors’ campaign to Raise Funds to Benefit Arizona Housing Fund

The Russ Lyon Foundation is bringing back their Love Your Neighbors campaign to raise money for the Arizona Housing Fund. In 2020 $5,290 was raised. The sale is happening now and only runs through Sunday, August 22, 2021.

The Love Your Neighbors apparel is being produced by local company SideBar and just $20. New to the 2021 lineup is the apparel coming in a stonewashed blue-gray color option, women’s v-neck, unisex tank and bandana. They are available online, click here.

Every item ordered benefits the Arizona Housing Fund (AZHF). 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.

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 Russ Lyon FOundation

The Russ Lyon Foundation seeks to provide valuable and meaningful service work within communities as well as charitable investments. Since the foundation began in 2014, more than $500,000 has been contributed towards various 501c3 Arizona-based organizations through direct donations, matching funds, sponsorships, and fundraisers.

Art, Entertainment, Inspiration, Life, Music, Real Estate

Noble Vision – A World Premier

Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, is proud to sponsor The Noble Vision World Premiere Concert by the Flagstaff Community Band. 

The Noble Vision World Premiere Concert will be held on Saturday, August 7th, 2021 at 5:30 pm and at Coconino Community College which is located 2800 S Lone Tree Rd in Flagstaff. 

70 members of the Flagstaff Community Band are currently rehearsing for the performance. 

Among those is a musically gifted saxophone player named Paula Mack.  

The Flagstaff resident has been playing the  saxophone for 20 years and shares her time between playing for the Flagstaff Community Band and working as a REALTOR for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.  Mack, who works out of the brokerage’s Flagstaff Office is excited to perform with the Flagstaff Community Band in the upcoming Noble Vision World Premiere Concert. 

“I am extremely proud to be a part of such a talented group of musicians,” explains Paula Mack of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, and member of the Flagstaff Community Band, “The Flagstaff Community Band has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort to put together a beautiful ensemble, and this composition will be especially special to the Dark Skies Flagstaff area.” 

Noble Vision is a commission composed by Patrick J. Burns and celebrates the life and contributions of Percival Lowell, the astronomer who founded the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. Lowell Observatory is an astronomical observatory and was established in 1894, placing it among the oldest observatories in the United States. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. This observatory is also known for discovering the dwarf planet Pluto.

The Flagstaff Community Band has chosen to honor Lowell with this commission to highlight this special part of the state. The observatory provided inspiration for the theme of the music and offered room for the composer’s creativity when writing the piece. The composer, Patrick Burns, in learning much more about Lowell Observatory, liked the grandness of very simply drawing attention to the work of Percival Lowell and the boundaries that he pushed through his thoughts, studies, and eventually discoveries.

Architecture, Art, Business, Community, Entertainment, Inspiration, Multi Purpose, Real Estate

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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
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.

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.

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.