Interior Architecture

Russ Lyon|Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to present one of its most exclusive and unique listings to date, an Arizona landmark building, The Little Daisy. The magnificent story of The Little Daisy in Jerome, Arizona presents an epic reboot from the original 1919 vintage hotel designed by architects, Royal Lescher and Leslie J. Mahoney.

The Little Daisy has an extensive history. Built as a hotel with the greater clientele being of the mining occupation, it was sold by the mining company as a residential property to scientist, William Earl Bell. Bell is known for his work leading to the creation of the world’s first atomic clock. The estate was passed down by the Bell family and was eventually placed on the market.

The concrete shell was bought in 1995 by Walter and Lisa Acker for $190,000. Now the renovated home is being sold by Lisa Acker, who is represented by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty listing agent extraordinaire, Donna Chesler, for $6.2 million.

“When Walter and Lisa Acker purchased this historic property, it was a mere shell of a building. Nothing remained. No windows, doors, fixtures, even the roof was removed on the third floor, leaving the building exposed to the elements. Today, it is a true historic masterpiece,” said Chesler.

The renovations were carried out by both Lisa Acker and her husband, Walter Acker. The husband and wife team impressively envisioned and completed this enormous project almost totally on their own. The fabulous metamorphosis of the Ackers’ estate was perfected and finalized in 2005.

The grand-scale of The Little Daisy, located in the art and history destination of mile high Jerome, is jaw-dropping with newly-designed and reconstructed interiors. Its numbers and features are beyond impressive:

• 3.45-acre property
• 12,000 square-feet of indoor space
• 2,900 square-feet of covered porches
• A 2,600-square-foot garage
• 9,000-square-foot rooftop garden
• Ample wine cellar
• Originally a 40-room hotel, now 33 rooms with much space given to a huge dining room and a very large living room on the main level
• A reception desk repurposed into a bar
• A working telephone booth and coat room with double Dutch doors, and Theater/Game room
• 8 bedrooms and 7 baths

Thanks to Walter and Lisa Acker, The Little Daisy is now a private residence with modern amenities steeped in old world charm. Walter was not only a master woodworker but excelled at every aspect of the renovation and his skills and spirit will live on in his work. The property includes reproductions of the wood cabinetry throughout the home, master closets, a hand crafted 14-foot dining table, and hand-cut custom marble counter tops.

Although The Little Daisy underwent many alterations to transition the hotel into a divine home, the Ackers made the executive decision to keep all of the authentic touches. They studied blueprints and photos to recreate the grandeur of a bygone era. The Little Daisy still retains the original walls, chimneys, fireplaces, and classic exterior tile.

The stunning views of the entire Verde Valley, Jerome, Sedona Red Rocks and Cleopatra Hill are the perfect backdrop for this Arizona landmark property which has been restored to its beautiful former glory.

The Ackers have given The Little Daisy an amazing third chapter to its storied life as this grand home celebrates its 100th year on New Year’s Eve 2019.

Additional Articles: Bloomberg, BNN Bloomberg, Private Wealth Magazine, ABC 15 Arizona