In the heart of Arizona's desert, a $16.5 million masterclass in modern design unfolds, blending the region's rugged beauty with a Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic. This isn't just a house; it's an oasis of calm, a sanctuary where the fast-paced, screen-connected lives of its residents can find respite. The developer, Jennifer Burgess, envisioned a property that would seamlessly blend architecture, interiors, and landscape, creating a harmonious whole. With over 300 days of clear skies annually, outdoor living is the essence of this Paradise Valley home, where beauty and functionality converge.
What makes this home truly remarkable is its ability to capture the essence of the desert while paying homage to the Mediterranean. Burgess explains, "I wanted to give it a slightly Mediterranean flair inspired by climates similar to Arizona—like Italy, Portugal, or Greece—while honoring the desert. We didn't want it to have an identity crisis, though, so we leaned into local species and used the architecture as the backdrop so the landscaping could really shine." The result is a property that feels like a cross between a Myconian villa and a trullo house, with a touch of Borgo Egnazia's effortless elegance.
The home at 8717 N Avenida Del Sol is a collection of alfresco features that feel more European than American. From an outside staircase to indoor-outdoor living spaces, a roof deck, and a two-way fireplace, it's like an invite-only wellness retreat. The kitchen, with its generous proportions and substantial central island, is built for easy, unhurried entertaining. The seamless cohesion as you walk through each space, the natural palette, and organic materials that emulate the untamed landscape, and the sense of calm embedded into everything are what truly sell this property.
The design team behind this masterpiece includes Stratton Architects, led by the award-winning Stratton Andrews, and The Green Room Landscape Architecture, whose deft hand at 'desertscaping' is coveted statewide. The construction was handled by Tinker Development, a family building firm that specializes in custom builds in the Phoenix area. It took the crack team three years from start to finish, creating an angular new-build that feels like it's been softened by sand and time over years.
Efficiency is a key feature of this home, with tech seamlessly integrated behind the scenes to offer a fully automated home that doesn't compromise on rustic aesthetics. Burgess says, "People want their homes to almost operate on their own. We used a system that means that everything can be controlled via your phone. With the tap of an app, you can turn on lights, program the pool, and adjust the music that plays in each room, whether you're at home or across the pond. There's a space that's specifically built to house all the wires behind closed doors."
While the home may not have an Adriatic to dive into, a stylish tiled pool makes a rather persuasive substitute. With five en suite bedrooms, plus an owner's suite, a detached guest house, a four-car garage, and a cold plunge, this Mediterranean-via-Arizona masterpiece is impressive even by the elevated standards of this upscale enclave. But it's how the structure feels and the soulful design that are the real sells. The seamless cohesion as you walk through each space, the natural palette, and organic materials that emulate the untamed landscape, and the sense of calm embedded into everything whisper 'breathe.'
This property is on the market with RETSY listing agents Jennifer Burgess and Siena Koppelman. RETSY is a member of Forbes Global Properties, the invitation-only network of top-tier brokerages worldwide and the exclusive real estate partner of Forbes. In my opinion, this home is a testament to the power of design to create a sanctuary in the heart of the desert, where beauty and functionality converge to create a truly remarkable living experience.
