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 appear in luxury homes’ top residential kitchens. Create restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of your 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!
What’s in a name? Fratantoni Design, Fratantoni Interior Designers, Fratantoni Luxury Estates, and The Fratantoni Group all share the same name. Still, each well-respected firm wouldn’t be the same without the man at the center: Sam Fratantoni, principal of Fratantoni Design.
The family patriarch doesn’t like the word “client.” It feels too impersonal and cold. Instead, he prefers the term “family,” and through all of his success, he and his teams have been able to work with families across the United States.
America’s greatest polo party—The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Talking Stick Resort—returns on Saturday, November 5th, to WestWorld of Scottsdale for another blockbuster day of polo matches, varied events, and new experiences. A public thirsty for social gatherings are expected to top last year’s attendance of 13,000. Those braving the festive crowd will be rewarded with epic polo play by this year’s competing teams—the United Kingdoms’ Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Wales Polo Team, Aspen Valley Polo Club, USA Women’s Team, Switzerland, and the Arizona Polo Club.
Read more about what’s coming to Scottsdale this fall on ICONIC LIFE.
A recent Candelaria Design wine tour to the Willamette Valley is packed with fine food, fabulous Oregon wine and some new friends.
For 20 years, beloved architect Mark Candelaria of Candelaria Design has led wine tours to Italy, Spain, and now Oregon to bring his “Live Beautifully” approach to life to his friends, family, and clients, and for the first time, I made the trip!
Mark and Isabel are a joy to spend time with over dinner but invest five days with them—together with a group of 16 travelers—and you are in for a good time! No detail was overlooked, and the itinerary represented the best, must-see places in the area. I’ve followed so many of the tours, I knew, this time, I had to make the time to go, and it was worth it!
The Most Expensive Home to Ever Hit the Market in Sedona – Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is Proud to Introduce the $19.445 million Tuscan Masterpiece With 57-Acres, Vineyard, and HOA Control.
Offering 1,700 square feet of Oak Creek frontage and surrounded by National Forest Service land, the once-in-a-lifetime property boasts historic guest homes, a rustic barn, and its own private vineyard with over 60 Zinfandel grape vines yielding approximately 500 gallons per year.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has a 75-year history representing buyers and sellers for many of Arizona’s finest and most extortionary properties. That long-standing tradition continues with a truly remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime property, now Sedona’s most expensive residential listing to date.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to announce that 330 Eagle Mountain Ranch Road in Sedona, Arizona,is available for sale at $19.445 million by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Devin Johnston.
As the price tag would indicate, this luxury Tuscan-style Villa was built sparing no expense, and the home is also Sedona’s best-kept secret. Long-time local residents and few realtors are aware of this private gated subdivision with only five luxury homes.
Located in world-famous Sedona, the 57+ acre dream property includes 1,700 square feet of Oak Creek frontage and is surrounded by National Forest Service land. Be one with nature in this pristine environment that abounds with local wildlife and all the modern-day comforts. Feel the ancient serenity and see the footprints still visible in the petroglyphs that can be found just a short distance from the property’s edge.
“Eagle Mountain Estate is a unique Sedona property that combines over-the-top luxury living with acreage and gated security. The property offers soaring cliffs, ownership of both sides of Oak Creek, fruit orchards, an open meadow, and even a pond. This combination has never been available in any property listed in Sedona,” said Johnston.
Requesting anonymity, the seller said the time has come to let someone else enjoy this pristine property that has been a part of Sedona’s rich history for many decades. “We have been so blessed to live here in this amazing house and in this sacred Valley for more than a decade, but we are now ready to give someone else this incredible opportunity so that they too can enjoy the experience and be the guardians of this beautiful property.”
The main house offers 3,700 square feet of luxurious mountain living with the finest finishes and timeless architecture. Built-in 2006 and then extensively remodeled in 2015, the Villa utilizes top-quality Venetian Plaster, American Clay finishes, hand distressed mesquite cabinetry and slab granite. Appliances are Subzero, Wolfe, and Viking. The kitchen has two dishwashers, a warming drawer, two convection ovens, and an island prep sink. The fully outfitted bar includes a double kegerator, subzero refrigerator, and Scotsman ice maker.
In the Master Suite, there is a coffee bar with a full-size dishwasher and subzero bar refrigerator, all tastefully hidden behind the custom mesquite cabinetry. The Master Bath offers separate sinks and vanities with an above-ground soaking tub and majestic chandelier. Just off the Master wing is a 777-gallon in-ground Jacuzzi tub with gas-lit braziers overlooking Oak Creek. This smart home has a SONOS-supported sound system and Crestron lighting and speaker volume control throughout the house.
Twin refrigerated wine racks grace the majestic dining room and can accommodate up to 500 bottles. The estate also boasts a private vineyard with over 60 Zinfandel grape vines yielding approximately 500 gallons per year. A reflecting pool, two historic guest homes, a rustic barn, and two historic, small, red-rock-constructed storage buildings are also on the property. The gated motor court and an oversized four-car garage with mini split climate control keep your vehicles comfortable.
For those that prefer self-sufficiency or just lower energy bills, this home offers an owned 23KW solar power system. As well, two 1,000-gallon buried propane tanks feed a 48KW backup home generator, so you never lose power. Recirculating, instant hot water is also available throughout the entire house.
The grounds include more than 1,600 apples, nectarine, and peach trees, all watered with fully automated irrigation systems. A charming pond with a fountain water feature and dock graces the large meadow and is viewable from Eagle Mountain Ranch Road. If you want to practice your golf swing, then the six-acre field is the perfect place! Alongside Oak Creek is a beach party area with an outbuilding, a large fire pit, and a volleyball area.
Maybe most impressively, the estate also includes a 62.5% controlling interest in the professionally managed HOA, so the owner has majority voting power in their possession. The subdivision is fed by three private wells with a new 34,000-gallon water tank with a dedicated backup generator. The pond is provided by a creek pump that irrigates the meadow and orchards.
Most 57 acres are zoned agricultural, saving over $40,000 in property taxes annually. Paperwork regarding water rights to Oak Creek will be included in the sale. If you have been searching for the perfect Sedona property that offers privacy, security, and Oak Creek frontage, then the Eagle Mountain Estate is it!
Between a vineyard, HOA control, majestic vistas, and agricultural zoning, this property is a different type of special. Incredible experiences and future memories await the next owner of this hallmark property, courtesy of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.
Throughout the state of Arizona, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has been proud to represent and participate in the following sales for August.
We refer to these as ‘Significant Sales.’ While all of our transactions are genuinely significant, we hope you enjoy discovering these unique homes based not only on price but their architectural, cultural, and geographical significance, as well as those involved in the journey.
Arizona’s beautiful and diverse terrain makes it possible to enjoy luxurious mountain living across virtually every region in the state. From Flagstaff’s wooded forests to Sedona’s red-rock formations, the Valley’s pointed peaks and Tucson’s rambling ridges capture the imaginations of homeowners across the state.
A significant advantage of mountain living is enjoying the natural beauty of Arizona’s landscape. Often you can find a variety of flora and fauna near peaks and foothills. Another benefit of living near a mountain range is the beautiful paths. Hiking is a favorite pastime for many Arizonans, as the view from the top of any of our beautiful mountains makes the climb much more rewarding.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has an exciting range of listings that cover every aspect of mountain living. Whether you want to live in a mountain region, have a mountainside home, or simply enjoy beautiful mountain views, the lifestyle experts at the leading luxe real estate firm can help you find your oasis across Arizona.
Savor luxe mountain living in this month’s edition of ICONIC Estates!
Chartering, yachting and megayachts are on the rise in popularity and only growing this summertime. With once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the flexibility of a custom itinerary, privacy, and luxury, it’s no wonder that chartering has become such a sought-after method of traveling.
See our top 5 luxury destinations to travel to by yacht this summer on ICONIC LIFE.
To enjoy the same sought-after thrill felt behind the wheel of a luxury car in the comfort of your own home, look no further than Bentley’s furniture collection. Bentley Home is the luxury motor company’s signature furniture brand, defined as “a space where luxury and customization take shape, amidst the finest materials.”
Collaboration between Bentley Home designers and the design team at Bentley Motors ensures cohesiveness between their cars and luxury home furniture collections. As a result, similar materials, motifs, and shapes inherent to Bentley cars are ingrained in their unique furniture pieces.
It’s summer, so rosé is the perfect wine to enjoy at any time of day. Rosé conjures up memories of summers in the South of France, the epicenter of the world of rosé, or tres’ chic lawn parties in the Hamptons, where those in the know are drinking the wine of the moment.
A good rosé will vary in its depth of pink depending on how long the grape skins are involved in the winemaking process. Bold or light, crisp, and refreshing, these wines are best enjoyed dry as is the required style in Provence.
Throughout the state of Arizona, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has been proud to represent and participate in the following sales for July.
We refer to these as ‘Significant Sales.’ While all of our transactions are genuinely significant, we hope you enjoy discovering these unique homes based not only on price but their architectural, cultural, and geographical significance, as well as those involved in the journey.
In the midst of a newly challenging real estate market, Frank Aazami and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty continue their streak of breaking local records.
It should be no surprise that economic forces have created some recent obstacles in the housing market, but Frank Aazami and Arizona’s Luxury Leader Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty have managed to cut through those obstacles by transacting properties and making robust sales regardless of what is happening in our economy. This is demonstrated perfectly by Aazami’s sale of 5405 E McDonald Dr. 1, Paradise Valley, which closed Wednesday, July 20th, for the record selling price of $3,500,000. The property encompasses just over an acre at 46,910 square feet, and the selling price represents a record high transaction price for undeveloped lots in the town and all of Arizona, ranging up to even 60,000-square-feet. Aazami represented the seller. For some added context, local transaction data for Paradise Valley, between 40,000 and 60,000 square- feet, was researched. 10 such lots were sold in 2022, with the most expensive price being $3.4 million in January. 24 such lots were sold with a high-water mark of $2.9 million, and 33 such lots were sold in 2020, with the priciest closing for $2.525 million.
Aazami, who is no stranger to record sales, says this is further proof the luxury sector is still strong and when adequately marketed, new records can still be achieved. “Even though the number of units was in decline, just as all luxury goods around the Globe, the values for these premium goods increased. So you must be wondering what’s Pending or Under Contact still in this category?” asked Aazami. “The correct answer is – None Under Contract or Pending to Close. The sale at 5405 E McDonald Drive broke the record high at $3.5million, and it’s all by design, never by luck. In fact, we searched this category’s all-time recorded sale on ARMLS; this was it. We welcome your call to find out how we successfully accomplish these transactions.”
Aazami added this shovel-ready Candelaria Designed property site and its brilliant views of Camelback, Mummy, and the Phoenix Mountain preserve make this an incredibly compelling location for a one-of-a-kind estate. The location is ideal for both entertainment and exercise as Sanctuary Resort, Paradise Valley Country Club, and the Mountain Shadows event center are within a short walk, as are the Echo Canyon and Phoenix Preserve hikes. Also, the property sits within a 15–20-minute drive from the Sky Harbor and Scottsdale Airports, making it a convenient and ideal location.
While economic headwinds may make for a rocky ride in real estate for some, Aazami and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty show why it still continues to transact at such an incredible pace; there is simply no substitute for the incredible, bespoke properties that buyers and sellers routinely trust it with.
The Russ Lyon Foundation partnered with Arizona Helping Hands to host a backpack drive for foster care kids who need extra TLC just before the start of this upcoming school year. In all, the event gave away 2,000 backpacks, and each one was full of different supplies children need to have a successful school year. It’s the 10th year in a row the group has held this event.
“The Russ Lyon Foundation would like to thank all the agents and staff that donated backpacks, school supplies, money and their time. The Arizona Helping Hands Back to School Drive was a huge success!! Through their incredible generosity, we were able to help hundreds of foster kids start school prepared for a successful year.“
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor, Karen Stroble to the Camelback Tower Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate.
Customizing her process to fit her clients’ individual needs, Karen Stroble ensures every buyer and seller receives a white-glove experience. Karen holds broker’s licenses in both Illinois and Arizona accommodating clients from all price points and demographics, including investors, luxury buyers, and first-time buyers. Her previous career in digital marketing and working for brands like Conde Nast and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has made for a seamless transition into real estate.
Karen’s knowledge and pride of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand is evident and expands beyond just Arizona. With her success in the Chicago market, she was a shoe in for the Scottsdale brokerage. We look forward to watching her Arizona business develop!