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Education, Entertainment, Equestrian, Lifestyle, Residential Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Welcome to Rail X Ranch

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Lists Most Expensive Property Ever in Southern Arizona – 1700-Acre Historic Ranch for $30 Million in Patagonia, Arizona 

A Rare Gem, the Rail X Ranch Boasts 2 Barns, a Casita, 3 Apartments, 3 Standalone Homes, Including the Main House, Plus its Own Private Lake.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce the rare and historical listing of a nearly $30 million ranch that promises to redefine luxury living amidst the natural splendor of Patagonia.

Listed by Associate Broker Gary Brasher, of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, the Rail X Ranch is an awe-inspiring property spanning approximately 1700 acres and featuring 2 barns, a casita, 3 apartments, 3 standalone homes, plus its own private lake.

The multilevel estate is set within the picturesque landscapes of Patagonia and will captivate buyers with its remarkable features, rich history, and extraordinary possibilities.

Located at 2671 AZ-82 in Patagonia, Rail X Ranch features 8 bedrooms, 9 full bathrooms, and 3 half bathrooms and stands as a testament to timeless elegance and sophistication.

With a listing price of $29,950,000, the ranch, according to the Multiple Listing Service, is now the highest-priced residential property in the last 30 years in Southern Arizona. The prestigious property presents an unparalleled opportunity for those seeking an unmatched lifestyle set upon 1739 acres of rolling grasslands and mesquite in Southern Arizona.

Inside, the estate is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. The main house and the casita, constructed in 1937, offer 11,398 square feet of living space and are a stunning blend of classic and contemporary elements. The main living space boasts vaulted ceilings and a grand fireplace, exuding an air of elegance while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. The meticulously hand-painted white beams and unique black-and-white staircase add a touch of opulence. While the black and white checkered floors lead into a floor-to-ceiling library adorned with intricate details serving as a focal point of the estate.

Rail X Ranch boasts an illustrious heritage, having once been owned by the esteemed Kolbe family, known for their significant contributions to the region, with over 23 years of dedicated service in the US Congress. The property’s legacy is deeply rooted in the land, with its origins dating back to the late 1800s.

Several of the rooms are an art lover’s dream, adorned with meticulous details and custom finishes. The kitchen’s built-in breakfast nook is perfect for savoring morning moments, while a custom wood bar invites camaraderie

and relaxation. All the living quarters total 17,956 square feet, including 15 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and 4 half bathrooms.

When discussing the estate, Associate Broker Brasher of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty states, “Every once in a great while, a part of Arizona’s history comes available on the market. A signature property that is unique and breathtaking in its beauty and as diverse as the Arizona landscape. The Rail X Ranch is such a property.”

Among the distinctive features that set Rail X Ranch apart are its private lake, stunning pool, multiple barns, and the rare presence of an artesian well, which flows without mechanical intervention. The property retains all its mineral rights—a rarity in Southern Arizona. Adjoined to the Coronado National Forest, the ranch offers an abundance of outdoor activities, from horseback riding to hiking and bird watching, all within the confines of this exceptional property. Area experts have identified more than 200 species of birds in nearby Patagonia.

Golf, Lifestyle, Real Estate

The Best Putting Green Properties in time for The Phoenix Open

The Waste Management Phoenix Open returns Thursday, February 9th, 2023, to TPC of Scottsdale. With the return of Scottsdale’s highly anticipated Phoenix Open, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is highlighting it’s most unique and luxurious putting green-included properties for sale in Arizona, which offer the perfect locations for exceptional active living.

First up is 11408 E Apache Vistas Dr, listed by Agent Kathleen Lane of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Desert Mountain Office. This single-family estate is located in Scottsdale, Arizona and is listed at $12,500,000.

This Polynesian-inspired residence includes eight bedrooms, ten full bathrooms,12,415 square-feet indoors, and just over three acres of outdoor space. The backyard includes a pool with a slide, a fireplace with plentiful seating. The home is now offered as a package with full golf membership available and its turnkey furnished. Apache Course tee box 13, fairways 14 and 15 unfold before you as well as a beautiful view of the Apache Course at Desert Mountain. 

Next up –a custom-built Mediterranean style home found in the iconic Judson gated neighborhood. Listed at $6,195,000 by Agent Jan Kabbani of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Camelback Tower Office this beautiful estate is located on 6674 E Judson Road in Paradise Valley, Arizona. It includes 7,671-square-feet of living space, one and a half acres of outdoor space, five bedrooms, and five and a half bathrooms. The property comes equipped with a heated pool and spa, a gym, a putting green, and a four-car garage with a separate workshop area.

Now we are off to a 9,700-square-foot resort-like estate located at 4425 N Arcadia Lane in Phoenix, Arizona.  Listed at $6,550,000 by Agent Jennifer Bellinger of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Camelback Tower Office, the main home features two bedrooms and one den/bedroom, and a full bath, while the guest house includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, laundry, and its own garage. The property itself is one and a half acres and includes a putting green as soon as you step outside, as well as a pool, jacuzzi, and tennis court.

Listed at $10,900,000 by agent Bob Hassett of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Pinnacle Peak Office. 6516 N 64th Place, which is located in Paradise Valley, Arizona includes seven bedrooms, nine full bathrooms, and a whopping 17,160 square feet of indoor living space. This property also comes equipped with two game rooms, a gym, an indoor sport court, a movie theatre, a five-hole putting green as well as a pickleball court outside and gorgeous views of both Camelback and Mummy Mountain.

Also rounding out the top putting green homes is this beautiful masterpiece listed at $5,595,000 by agent Dan Wolski of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Desert Mountain Office. 24885 N 90th Way in Scottsdale, Arizona features five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, as well as 6,440 square-feet of indoor living space. This beautiful home also provides the perfect place to host backyard gatherings thanks to a fantastic putting green situated right behind the modern pool and spa, as well as an expansive seating area. 

And finally set your eyes on 8441 E Sorrel Trail in Scottsdale, Arizona. The home, which was brand new in 2022 was listed at $4,300,000 by agent Jay PennyPacker of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Pinnacle Peak Office. This property includes a main home, as well as a guest home, and features six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and 5,754-square-feet of indoor living space between the two of them. It also comes equipped with a heated pool and spa, an outdoor kitchen, a putting green, and a roof deck with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

More listings with putting greens:

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Iconic Estates: Marvelous Media Rooms 

As we head into the entertaining season, it is a great time to think about the unique rooms and spaces where we can host guests and spend time together. One spot perfect for gathering with family and friends is a marvelous media room to watch a movie, TV show, or the big game.

Home theaters, gaming spaces, and other media rooms are a huge trend in homes throughout Arizona. Nothing is more luxurious than having the best entertainment and amenities from the comfort of home.

Top luxury properties across the state feature media rooms of all kinds, and the fantastic lifestyle experts at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty can help find the perfect space for any family to relax, enjoy and make memories together.

Binge your favorite show in the marvelous media rooms featured in this month’s edition of ICONIC Estates!

There are only high tides and good vibes with design, sustainability, innovation, and an open-bar lounge. The Monaco Yacht Show ran Wednesday, Sept. 28, through Saturday, Oct. 1, with sailing yachts, superyachts, and more in the beautiful country of Monaco for a beautiful, long weekend.

Visitors could tour the yachts, meet the designers and even get a pass to hear innovation seminars and enjoy an upper deck open bar lounge.

Here’s everything you missed at the Monaco Yacht Show!

You know what they say, “location, location, location.” But we’re here to say that location means nothing if you don’t have a spectacular view, which is why we’re in awe of the desert oasis that is the Views For Days home in Cave Creek, Arizona.

Kaitlyn Wolfe, Owner and Principal Designer of Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe, and the firm’s interior design team worked with the homeowners to transform the home into something inspirational and functional.

When it comes to pizza, forget New York and Chicago. Phoenix is a slice of heaven, and leading the charge for pizza supremacy is local chef Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco, the first pizzaiolo to be honored with a James Beard Award, one of the culinary industry’s most prestigious honors.⁠ ⁠

His 5-star pizzas have received numerous accolades, including being called one of the best in America by The New York Times, Food & Wine, and USA Today, among others, and have garnered him a loyal following of die-hard celebrity fans, including Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jimmy Kimmel. And now he can add Netflix star to his long list of distinctions.⁠

Art, Business, Community, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Multi Purpose, Real Estate, Russ Lyon

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 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. ⁠