Tag Archives: Luxury Bath

Mansion by Former Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice is on the market

This Phoenix mansion designed by former Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice is on the market for $8.75 million

May 6, 2016, 8:15am MST

A Phoenix mansion designed by Vernon Swaback, one of the last living former apprentices to famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is for sale. View pictures.

And the 13,365-square-foot home can be yours for a cool $8.75 million, one of the priciest homes for sale in the city of Phoenix, according to Realtor.com.

The property at 15 Biltmore Estates Drive sits on about 1.67 acres and includes seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. The home abuts the Adobe Golf Course in the Biltmore neighborhood and features resort-like grounds, custom-made limestone columns and surfaces as well as Brazilian hand-scraped cherry wood floors, an expansive master suite, bar, pool and whole slew of other high-end amenities and features.

The property previously was on the market with a price higher than $9 million, but it was de-listed roughly a year ago before going back up for sale earlier this year.

Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District In Central Phoenix

ENCANTO-PALMCROFT HISTORIC DISTRICT

Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District runs from Seventh to 15th Avenues, and McDowell Road to the Encanto Park and Golf Course. It was recently ranked the wealthiest neighborhood in Phoenix.

Encanto-Palmcroft Homes For Sale

Encanto-Palmcroft Today

Encanto Palmcroft Historic DIstricrt Home Phoenix

A stunning example of an Encanto-Palmcroft Historic Home In Phoenix

Encanto-Palmcroft is one of Phoenix’s priciest historic neighborhoods. Fortunately for those who like to fawn over early-20th-century Tudors and colonial call-backs, a walk through this European-style setup of abodes is not only open to the public, but also is absolutely free. Dating back to 1927, this (technically) West Phoenix pocket of 330 homes is situated along circular drives, winding roads, and the 222-acre Encanto Park. For newcomers and non-residents, this maze-like area is easy to get lost in, but you’ll hear little complaint from pedestrians who like to take in the suburban scenery. Here, well-manicured lawns and rose gardens highlight all styles of residence, from Pueblos to Ranch Revivals. Whether it’s a home tour, a film crew, or simply a nearby neighborhood dog walker, residents are sure to find their fair share of window shoppers in Palmcroft-Encanto.

Today, the Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District is still significant for its architectural diversity, picturesque homes and landscapes which are excellent representations of an early design philosophy which successfully integrated landscape and building. Architecturally, the district is one of the most important because it is an intact collection of the finest historic Phoenix homes in the city and one of the most desired historic districts in downtown Phoenix. Well appointed, designed by prominent early architects, built of high quality materials and distinguished by detailing and craftsmanship of a bygone era, the harmonious mix of diverse architectural styles in Encanto-Palmcroft create one of the most distinctive neighborhoods in Phoenix.

Architectural Styles and Square Footage: The Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District features a distinctive, wide variety of architecture like Monterey/Colonial Revival-styles, Spanish Colonials, Ranch Style, Tudor Revivals, Period Revivals, Spanish Revivals, Spanish Colonial/Ranch combos, Spanish Colonials, Mediterranean-style,  Contemporary American International-style, English Cottage Revivals, two-story Spanish Colonial Revivals, two-story Monterey Colonial Revivals, Brick Regency Revival-styles, Single-Story Regency Revivals, Two-story Brick Mediterranean-styles, New England-style homes,

These 1920’s and 1930’s homes in this vicinity have mature trees and well kept landscaping by proud neighbors. Combine this with a curving line of 80-year-old Mexican Fan Palm trees street side and you get some of the most beautiful and spacious historic homes in all of downtown Historic Central Phoenix!

Most of the estate like homes here flaunt large living spaces, swimming pools, guest houses and amenities not commonly found in many of the other historic Phoenix districts. From wine vaults, servant’s quarters and second stories, the homes are definitely unique & artsy. Many have large backyards and many do not. However, Encanto-Palmcroft offers other amenities. The neighborhood has its own security company, lingering sidewalks layered with dog walkers and stroller moms, Encanto Park which is one of the largest public parks in Phoenix, a highly desirable & admirable address, close & direct access to downtown life, walking to shops, restaurants & night life and a Hollywood type lifestyle right here in downtown, historic Phoenix!

Fun Facts: Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District – Period of Significance 1920-1939.
Encanto-Palmcroft was voted the 2009 Best Places to Live – Phoenix Magazine (May 2009) and BEST NEIGHBORHOOD TO WALK THROUGH (2015).

The Neighborhood Association is tight and offers many perks such as Its own security company.

Getting Around In Encanto Palmcroft, Getting Lost and Getting Home

To get a real feel for downtown Historic Phoenix, take a jaunt to the Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District but know that this jaunt comes at a price. Smaller houses and fixer-uppers in Encanto-Palmcroft (if you can find one) fetch about $275,000 on up, while more finished out homes attract urban professionals who have no problem spending $500,000 and up. This is one of the priciest historic districts in downtown Phoenix but there are SO many wonderful reasons why.

Let’s Get a Little Lost for Fun

I live 2 blocks away from Encanto-Palmcroft. Not long ago, I took my dog for a walk in the neighborhood as I adore strolling in the winding streets of this exclusive district. Well, to no joke, we DID get lost even though I’ve been through there a thousand times! From one Coronado Street to one Palmcroft Street to another…round & round we went. It was embarrassingly hysterical. Let’s just say both my dog & I got an excellent workout in that evening. Neighbors know their way around and they have no trouble spotting visitors (like me that evening) who look a little tired at the intersection of streets named Palmcroft Way, Palmcroft Drive, Palmcroft SE, Palmcroft SW, Palmcroft NE, Palmcroft NW.  Even though we were pretty tired, we never stopped admiring the gorgeous Bungalows, Spanish Colonials and Cape Cods as they just don’t stop reeling you in. The layout, not the norm for a downtown Phoenix neighborhood, keeps traffic away and creates much privacy in Encanto-Palmcroft.

Encanto-Palmcroft is an elegant, beautiful historic neighborhood near downtown Phoenix and is surrounded by other classy, historical Phoenix neighborhoods.

If you ever want to get lost for fun, mosey on over to Encanto-Palmcroft with your dog. Just be sure to bring lots of water.

If you like Encanto-Palmcroft, you’ll like Willo Historic District and Roosevelt Historic District as well.

Read the History of Encanto-Palmcroft Historic District

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Arcadia Historic Neighborhood In Midtown Phoenix Arizona

The Arcadia neighborhood is one of the most desirable addresses in Phoenix.

Camelback Mountain Arcadia Historic Neighborhood

Camelback Mountain is prominently seen from many homes in the Historic Arcadia Neighborhoods

I personally lived in Arcadia starting in 1989 as the first house I purchased was in this eclectic neighborhood. I had a stunning view of Camelback Mountain in my back yard like so many homes in Arcadia do. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a home that doesn’t have a view of Camelback Mountain, at least to some degree. I can attest to all the wonderful attributes Arcadia has to offer but don’t take my word for it; get in your car and go cruise the area. You’ll fall in love with it.

Arcadia is bounded by 44th Street to 68th Streets and from Indian School Road to Camelback Mountain. Immediate surrounding areas have more recently been referenced as Lower Arcadia or the Arcadia area but the true Arcadia corridor begins at the corner of 44th Street and Indian School Road going north and east from there. Contrary to many people trying to ride on the “Arcadia” name, there is indeed a true, defined Arcadia Corridor.

Arcadia neighborhood is not officially a historic district and its eastern edge is in the City of Scottsdale but Arcadia has more than earned its huge place in Phoenix history.

Arcadia Homes For Sale

Arcadia is one of the most desirable and priciest addresses in Phoenix. The homes range from small ranch houses under 1,000 Square feet to stunning luxury estates that sit on five acres with a lot of in-between. You’ll find a wide variety of architectural styles from sprawling 4 to 5-bedroom ranches built in the postwar era to Revivals and Pueblo-style homes dating to the late 1920’s and early 1930’s

The neighborhood is surrounded by original luxury guest resorts along Camelback Road like the Royal Palms and is walking distance to many trending restaurants are bars such as The Vig, LaGrande Orange Grocery and Pizzeria, Postino’s Wine Cafe, Zipps, The Arcadia Tavern, the famous Pete’s Fish and Chips and so much more! Eating and drinking your way around Arcadia is fun and can take some time.

Many people now refer to Arcadia as Midtown as it’s in the middle of everything superb and its overall location is in the center of it all. Sky Harbor Airport is just a hop and a skip away as is Biltmore Fashion Park, Fashion Square in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley along with a plethora of fantastic golf courses! Downtown and Central Phoenix is just a very short jaunt as is I-10, the Loop 202, the 51 and the 143.

Arcadia Park, G.R. Herberger Park, Camelback Mountain (and its hiking trails) along with easy access to the canal gives many options for hiking, jogging, biking and walking.

Arcadia is also known for its top tier public schools (some of the best in the state) such as Hopi Elementary School, Ingleside Middle School and Arcadia High School in the Scottsdale Unified School District making it an extremely family friendly community. There are also private schools in the area.

This is the type of neighborhood where the neighbors know each other, walk their dogs and are out with their children enjoying the tranquility this wonderful neighbor offers!

Arcadia homes have character, are well-kept and have high property values as the neighborhood is adjacent to the upscale suburbs of Paradise Valley, the Biltmore area, Scottsdale and North Central Phoenix. Most lawn have lush, green lawns, custom landscaping, palm trees and citrus trees galore!

Built on former citrus groves, Arcadia is known for well-irrigated, mature landscaping. Several yards prominently feature orange, lemon and grapefruit trees as reminders of the area’s past. The area used to be occupied by citrus farmers from 1919 to the mid-1950’s. In the mid-1950’s, the rest of Phoenix caught up with the farms and the area suburbanized with characteristic ranch homes on large lots. Arcadia High School serves and derives its name from the neighborhood.

The film, Everything Must Go, takes place in Arcadia.

In 2002, CNNMoney voted Arcadia as one of the “Best Places To Live” stating:

In stark contrast to Ahwatukee’s desert foliage are the lush green lawns of Arcadia, a neighborhood that sits on the Phoenix and Scottsdale city line. Arcadia is a former orange grove with its own irrigation system, and rows of citrus trees line its blocks of quaint homes built in the 1950’s and 1960’s on large lots.

Because Arcadia is so highly regarded for its greenery and high-performance schools, which are in the Scottsdale system, prices are on the high end: Starter homes begin at $300,000. Homeowners tend to do a lot of remodeling, adding much diversity to the once similar-looking homes; it’s not uncommon to see a country cottage adjacent to a Spanish hacienda. Residents brag about being close to Scottsdale’s high-end shopping, a world-class resort, arts centers and good restaurants, as well as downtown Phoenix.

I couldn’t agree more. After all, living in Arcadia for so many years, I’m hooked.

Read the History of Arcadia Historic Neighborhood

Downtown and Central Phoenix Life Becoming a Nationwide Hotspot

DOWNTOWN LIFE

The Downtown Phoenix Condo and Loft Scene

Metro Light Rail, Phoenix, AZ

Metro Light Rail In Downtown Phoenix

The number of high-rises, mid-rises and low-rises being built, restored and renovated have been absolutely BOOMING in Central Phoenix! These buildings are old mixed in with new and provide amenities galore. Downtown Phoenix is the new home of loft traditions where space and creativity have been merging into stylistic, personalized urban expression. Many industrial buildings have been converted into desirable, luxurious, lofts or condominiums for your taking. If a single-family home is not for you but simple living is, (no yard responsibilities, etc.), then you’ve come to the right place. Or maybe you’re an artist looking to live where you work. I have ideas for you.

Here, you will find real-time, live listings of all Downtown, Central and North Phoenix condos for sale, Urban Lofts for sale, Condos in High-Rises for sale, and pretty much any dwelling type that is not a single-family home. Whether you wish to buy, sell, renovate or design a loft or condominium in Phoenix, HistoricPhoenixDistricts.com and Downtown Life has the property and solution for you.

Downtown and Central Phoenix is fun urban living. It is a series of distinct urban and historical phoenix neighborhoods where neighbors know each other and are constantly welcoming new neighbors as the downtown area continues its growth.

Downtown Phoenix and the Central Avenue Corridor has enjoyed tremendous growth since the completion of light rail and ASU opening its Downtown Phoenix Campus.

You can walk for coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and entertainment including the First Friday Art Walk, museums, sporting events, shopping, parks and more. It is a place populated by people seeking a way of life that doesn’t require hours of commuting each day. Many people enjoy driving any one of the many Historic Phoenix Districts just to view the architectural designs of the beautiful homes that encompass Phoenix Historic neighborhoods.

While downtown Phoenix grows, you can and experience urban living at its best. No matter what your taste there are homes that will make you happy. Live in an area full of cultural venues and experience the convenience a downtown residence can provide whether in a modern or historic condominium, historic loft, or a townhome. Come be part of downtown life.

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