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Architecture, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Real Estate, Travel

Iconic Estates: Toast to the Best Bars and Wine Cellars 

Nothing is more luxurious than a home wine cellar, in-home bar, or both! Whether an oenophile, collector, or casual sipper, having a wine cellar or bar in your home becomes an instant feature that draws the eye and becomes a focal point and gathering spot for entertaining. The traditional underground cellars for wine storage are given glam updates with tasting areas and uplighting; while more modern wine storage comes in the form of glass-encased walls featuring the most prized bottles.

Our home’s amenities are more important now than ever, with the trend going toward outfitting the home with a variety of activities, collections, and entertainment so we can all live luxuriously from the comfort of our own abode. Why not live in a beautiful home that feels like your own, personal resort?

If you’re on the hunt for a home with a wine cellar or bar, don’t miss the luxury estates offered by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Russ Lyon’s lifestyle specialists are ready to help you find the perfect fit in a home fit for entertaining and more.

Raise a glass and cheers to this installment of ICONIC Estates!

It’s not as if we need a reason to open a bottle of bubbly. But if there is one ICONIC occasion that begs for the pop of a cork, it’s Valentine’s Day. Whether your February 14 plans entail time spent with a special someone or a relaxing evening home alone, the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on all of the love in your life. Fill your flute with the iridescent effervescence of one of these wonderful sparkling wines and Champagnes and toast to friends, family, and even faithful, furry companions—those who are always there for you, time and again. Enjoyed with another, or relished solo, these bubbles can’t help but beguile.

If you’re in Palm Springs in February, you might be able to see where noted architect Albert Frey pursued both healthful living and design. The circa-1964 Frey house is one of dozens of Mid-Century homes open for tours during Modernism Week, Palm Springs’ eleven-day lovefest of post-World War II design that runs February 17-27. It features more than 300 ticketed events that include not only home tours—including celeb dwellings—but a smorgasbord of activities, such as presentations and discussions, films, a golf tournament, and plenty of parties. Modernism Week was launched in 2006 as part of two established programs—the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Council Symposium and the Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale.

There is no shortage of fabulous hotels in the Maldives, which can make deciding where to stay during travel tricky. With over 100 hotels, you are truly spoiled for choice. The biggest decision you need to make is choosing between a smaller, intimate resort or a larger resort with more amenities. Both have their benefits. At a boutique resort, you feel as if you’re on your own private island, the service is ultra-personal and the ambiance can be magical. On the other hand, larger resorts have many more amenities and restaurants that serve multiple types of cuisine. So, what’s the solution? We recommend beginning your trip at an intimate private island then switching to a larger resort halfway through.

Architecture, Art, Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Real Estate, Travel

Iconic Estates: Healthy Home

Many of us have goals of being more healthy in our everyday lives, and as we enter the New Year, we place bigger importance on exercise, self-care, and our general wellness. Skip the drive to the gym and instead designate a room in your home for wellness to feel more motivated and at ease.

As we’ve all been spending more time at home, the importance of having a happy and healthy home is more crucial than ever. Whether you roll out the yoga mat, lift weights in your home fitness center or take a swim in a heated pool, it’s now more simple than ever to get your workout done from the comfort of your home.

If you’re looking for a home with a room designed for wellness, look no further than the gorgeous estates offered by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. The company’s lifestyle specialists are looking forward to assisting you in finding the perfect home for at-home exercises and wellness.

Find your zen with the healthy homes featured in this edition of ICONIC Estates to find some inspiration for your own wellness!

Ski buffs, get ready to have the run of your life. After a year of being relegated to skiing close to home, the great European slopes are open once again to Americans. And since you’re making up for lost time, why stay at just one resort when you can ski seven? Eleven Experience is known for ultra-luxurious, ultra-adventurous bespoke holidays in undiscovered destinations. In the tiny town of Le Miroir in the Savoie region of France, the company offers a unique ski safari affording skiers the chance to ski seven world-class ski resorts, including Val d’Isère and Tignes, all without leaving your mountain home of either Chalet Pelerin or Chalet Hibou.

Luxury lifestyle group Tonino Lamborghini — yes, that Lamborghini — recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Since its founding in 1981, the brand has brought its bold, avant-garde Italian DNA to multiple industries, reflecting the boundless curiosity and eclectic spirit at the heart of every member of the family. Ferruccio Lamborghini, the founder’s first son and current vice president and CEO, tells us that his family has always been involved in somewhat disconnected industries: tractors, cooling systems, cars, wine, and now with Tonino Lamborghini, fashion, lifestyle, watches, food, beverage, furnishings, residential buildings, and hotels

In this monthly series, our goal is to inspire you when it comes to those most-asked questions: “What’s for dinner and what are we drinking?” We find culinary experts each month to share their inspiration, best recipes, and how-tos for a great dinner and a cocktail. You may have seen celebrity Chef Scott Conant on the Food Network as a judge on “Chopped”, the host of “Chopped Sweets” or co-hosting “Beat Bobby Flay,” but did you know he’s also the proud owner of three restaurants? See how to make some of his signature dishes on ICONIC LIFE.

Architecture, Art, Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Real Estate, Travel

ICONIC ESTATES: Holiday Hearths

Nothing is better than gathering around a cozy fireplace during the holidays. And, as winter continues, a hearth is the natural feature in your home to spend your time by, especially in the evenings. Whether you love sipping hot cocoa by the fireside or using it as a centerpiece when hosting a festive party, the fireplace is the heart of the home and perfect for gathering.

Since the fireplace is often the focal point of a room, adorning your hearth with decadent holiday decor creates a beautiful atmosphere for making those lasting winter memories. Be the host with the most by layering green garlands, twinkling lights, or votive candles around the fireplace to create the ideal holiday hearth.

If you’re looking for a beautiful home with an eye-catching hearth, look no further than the gorgeous estates offered by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. The company’s lifestyle specialists are there to assist you in finding the perfect home for entertaining or hosting your holiday soirees.

Take a peek at the beautiful holiday hearths featured in this edition of ICONIC Estates to find some inspiration for the season!

Cooler temps and warm family gatherings—it’s time for winter travel with an adventurous twist. From scenic, snowy hikes, skiing and snowboarding, there’s a myriad of choices for the perfect winter wonderland destination. Here is a fresh approach to celebrating wonderful winter travel in three ways.

We discovered three of the best winter vacations in the U.S. you should try this year! Take a closer look at Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Big Sky, Montana; and Ouray, Colorado with our top recommendations for each locale.

Recently, Mark CandelariaICONIC LIFE and Monogram hosted a VIP dinner at the Candelaria Design studio where once again, “archichef” Mark Candelaria was cooking in all his glory in his Monogram test kitchen. This time, dinner was a savory Halibut Puttanesca served with Lobster Risotto. Paired with wines from Adobe Road, a salad by Publisher Renee Dee, and a butternut squash bisque starter, this dinner was a highlight of the season. We’re sharing Candelaria’s recipe to try for yourself. Renee can’t stop talking about it.

The holiday season is upon us, and whether you’re shopping for gifts, trimming the tree, lighting the Menorah, or decorating cookies, the season is abuzz with activity. Find peace and joy around the table connecting with family. There is no better time than now to dress your table for an elevated event with designer holiday décor.

We consulted Andrea Anttonen of Main Dish, a Scottsdale showroom that specializes in luxe, designer tabletop design, and home décor, for an expert opinion on how to create a beautiful and simple holiday tablescape to wow even the most discerning hostesses. An elegant holiday table leaves a lasting impression on guests but doesn’t need to be overly complicated or difficult. Investing in some classic pieces can serve as the foundation of your design, with smaller details changing to fit the theme.

Architecture, Art, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Real Estate

Significant Sales | October

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s premier luxury real estate brokerage, is pleased to present its top eight sales in the Valley for the month of October. The list highlights Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s prominent sales for some of the most luxurious real estate properties the Valley has to offer. 

Barry Van Patten, Ginger Van Patten and Barry Van Patten II represented the buyer of the breathtaking Scottsdale estate for $21,500,000. Also known as “The Castle on the Hill”, this flawless French inspired Italian estate in the Upper Canyon of Silverleaf holds the record for the second highest sale in Arizona history. This estate offers more than 12,000-square-feet and sits on more than three acres. Outside, sophistically detailed stone carvings surround the exterior of the home with varying window shapes and designs to give the estate a grand look. Inside the main house of the estate, the home features 5 luxurious designed bedrooms and 6 ½ bathrooms.

Barry Van Patten, Ginger Van Patten, Barry Van Patten II and Laura Briggs represented the seller and buyer of this stunning modern estate for $9,625,000. This home is in the upper canyon of the prestigious Silverleaf guard gated golf community and is ideally positioned for privacy, capturing views of Camelback Mountain and city lights from the spacious outdoor living spaces. The extravagant entry into the grand foyer poises its elegant chandelier opens via numerous sets of French doors to a large pool with sparkling deck jets and an oversized spa. This beautifully appointed home included all furnishings which were specifically designed for each room to incorporate breathtaking impact.

Gilbert Houseaux and Virginia Gee represented the seller of this $6,500,000 estate with the most stunning full view of Camelback Mountain and the south valley. This exquisitely built European estate was designed by the highly acclaimed Nash McDaniel. You see quality and thought throughout with much potential to enhance the European lifestyle or modernize it. With two driveways and parking areas beyond the private gate, this home overlooks the most coveted view in the valley with a pool, waterfall and barbeque grill. This four plus acre hillside lot has so much to offer for all people and all lifestyles.

Luxury Real Estate Agents Frank Aazami and Bill Bulaga of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty represented the seller of this home located in Villaresi, a prestigious gated community access from Paradise Valley’s most prestigious street for $6,400,000. This home offers intimacy, privacy and security and touts quality construction, leaving no details untouched. The interior features include an open floor plan, a decadent primary wing with an intimate sitting room, coffee bar, dual closets, and a dedicated gym, sauna and steam shower. A generous chef’s kitchen with a top-of-the-line appliance package, abundant storage, butler’s pantry, a total of five guest suites, and two offices makes this a destination estate for today’s work from home lifestyle

Will Foote, Jay Pennypacker and Debbie Negrin represented the buyer and seller of this authentic Santa Barbara-style home on an elevated view lot in Estancia for $5,650,000. It was recently remodeled to create a timeless, warm feel with spaces reminiscent of a luxury Montecito inn. The home has the perfect floor plan with the master bedroom, guest rooms and all living areas on bottom with a junior master as the upstairs retreat. Amenities include a dedicated office, large theater room, massive great room with wet bar and motorized pocket door to the outdoor living room, 1,000+ bottle wine cellar, detached guest house with kitchenette and a four-car garage.

James Kolander and Cynthia Kolander represented the seller and the buyer and seller of this fabulous contemporary view home like no other for $5,350,000. An endless city light, mountain and sunset views experience captures the best that the Valley has to offer. This home is seamless inside and out with large high overhangs for daily shaded living and hosting. A beautiful sun drench pool and spa overlooks the Valley and mountains perfect for lounging. The home comes with oversized solar to supply energy for all of your needs. This is truly a one-of-a-kind Salero home.

James Kolander, Cynthia Kolander and Odette Evans represented the seller and the buyer for $5,300,000. This car collector’s dream boasts a 10-car showroom. This single level custom home backs to 15 acres of natural area open space. The underground garage includes a showroom office and elevator. This home also features an art gallery, two home offices and a pool along with a wet bar and fire place. ”Cool” Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) walls and steel provide superior strength and insulation for a virtually dust free home. With six bedrooms and 4.5 baths, anyone can fall in love with this desert paradise.

Dan Wolski represented the seller and the buyer overlooking the eighth fairway of the Geronimo golf course for $5,000,000. This Phil Smith hilltop masterpiece combines pure elegance with relaxed comfort as it meanders along an elevated 1.72-acre site, offering panoramic views of green fairways, dramatic mountains and stunning sunsets. Bright and inviting views are at every turn, combined with the extensive use of stone, marble and onyx that set the canvas for this magnificent home. The primary home boasts a palatial master retreat wing with private patios on either side, featuring romantic fireplace, water feature, spa bath with heated floors and an expansive master closet with dressing room.

Architecture, Art, Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Real Estate

Iconic Estates: Decadent Dining Room

This season, we are all preparing to gather ‘round the table, host family and friends, or join our loved ones at the dining table for the holidays. No matter the season, we tend to have important meals in this space, and Arizona’s luxury estates have decadent dining rooms perfect for any celebration. The dining room is where we host and entertain, where we break bread and form lasting memories.
Since the dining room is often the setting for momentous occasions, filling these spaces with decadent decor is a popular way to set the scene. Dazzling chandeliers, intricate ceiling details, and beautiful table settings are just a few examples of what makes for a decadent dining room experience. Finding the perfect home with a luxurious dining room is easy with the guidance of a Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty lifestyle expert.


Be the hostess with the mostest this season with a decadent dining room from this month’s edition of ICONIC Estates!

Christopher Peacock has an impressive portfolio of work designing and manufacturing luxury fitted kitchens and other cabinetry for high-profile clients around the world, including presidents, celebrities, and other notable designers.


“We built our business on repeat business and recommendations, and still to this day working with clients that we have known for 20 years, and I think that’s because what we bring to the table is collaborative,” says Peacock.

ICONIC LIFE Publisher Renee Dee recently toured an architectural masterpiece, a contemporary desert home designed by Brent Kendle. This incredible Paradise Valley home is hallmarked by an ICONIC dramatically cantilevered roofline, custom walnut millwork, and floor-to-ceiling glass paneling that opens up completely for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The home was built by Desert Star Construction, with interiors by David Michael Miller, landscape design by GBTwo, along with other notable suppliers like Linear Fine.

Arizona’s historical resort golf courses underwent modern transformations that make them among the best in the west, and we know because we played them all recently. Tourism, particularly golf tourism, has come a long way since. But the Valley of the Sun is still ripe with its share of classic, older Arizona golf resorts that wear the years well and shine with the patina of history. And there are ones to enjoy in the cooler climes, including those plus Mountain Shadows Resort’s executive course and Camelback Inn’s two recently renovated courses.