The Catalina Foothills

Just Reduced

Our listing at 5330 N Via Alcalde, a carefully restored and meticulously updated Spanish Colonial that exudes the grace and charm of classic old foothills living, was just reduced to $999,000 ($229/sf).

Built 1969, Masonry Stucco Construction, 4,361 sf, 4 Bedrooms/3.5 Baths, rich in historic architectural elements, details and artifacts from Guanajuato, Mexico and historic Tucson sites. Living Room, Dining Room, Library, unique “rec room” and glorious patio spanning the south side. Two additional and adjacent lots are also available.

 

 

 

It is perfectly sited on a hilltop lot in the old foothills to offer lush desert surroundings, privacy and enchanting city & sunset views.

More photos and information;
5330 N Via Alcalde, Tucson, AZ 85718 (MLS# 21604767) 

Click HERE for an engaging and informative history of this home from its conception in the 1960’s to its more recent restoration.

Listed by John Schneider & Caroline Freedman
Contact us for showings.

John Schneider – Realtor
Tierra Antigua Realty
520 271 – 4164
[email protected]

Caroline Freedman – Realtor
Tierra Antigua Realty
520 405 – 1794
[email protected]

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

a sneak peak

at our newest listing in Pima Canyon, though it is not yet in the MLS

A sophisticated contemporary home on a stunning view lot behind the 2nd gate in the Sunset Gardens area of Pima Canyon Estates.

Exquisite architectural details include curved iron beamed entry, stack stone exterior walls, Brazilian granite, travertine floors, tall solid wood doors, tongue & groove ceilings and views from every room. 

Living room with wet bar, fireplace and wine room, opens to a covered patio with fireplace and sunset views.

 

Expansive kitchen with top of the line cabinetry, appliances, Brazilian granite,

wide open to the spacious family room overlooking the yard, pool and mountain views.

 

Stunning pool/spa with 2 waterfalls, large covered patio and sensational mountain views.

Sublime master bedroom wing with large sitting area, fireplace, gorgeous bathroom with jetted tub and walk-in shower, grand custom closet, 2nd laundry room and exercise room/office.

 

 

Built 2009, 7756sf, 1.1 acre lot, 5 Bedrooms/5.5 Baths, one level – no steps, 1000 bottle Wine Room, 3 Car Garage, Spacious and flat backyard with covered patios, Pool/Spa and 2 Waterfalls, and those views.

And at $1,975,000 ($255/sf) it’s not only drop dead gorgeous, it’s also the best value for a top of the line luxury home in Pima Canyon. And for what it’s worth, Zillow has it at $2,334,847.

UPDATE; February 9th, it is now in the MLS
See it here -  7828 N Ancient Indian Dr Tucson, AZ 85718

Listed by John Schneider & Caroline Freedman
Contact us for showings

John Schneider – Realtor
Tierra Antigua Realty
520 271 – 4164
[email protected]

Caroline Freedman – Realtor
Tierra Antigua Realty
520 405 – 1794
[email protected]

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

speaking of upper-end listings

We’re holding one of ours open this Sunday (1/17) from 1 to 4.

If this looks like your cup of tea, or you’re just curious, please stop by, say Hi, and see it in person.

An architecturally significant, thoroughly restored and carefully updated Spanish Colonial that exudes the grace and charm of classic old foothills living. Its design was inspired by a home in Guanajuato, Mexico, and it is rich in historic architectural elements, details and artifacts from Guanajuato and historic Tucson sites.

5330 N. Via Alcalde
Tucson, AZ 85718

Built 1969, 1.37 acres, masonry stucco construction, 4361 sf, 4 Bedrooms/3.5 Baths, Living Room, Dining Room, Library, unique “rec room”, glorious patio spanning the south side, 2 car garage. $1,225,000. 2 additional and adjacent lots are also available.

 

There’s nothing else like it.

5330 N. Via Alcalde
Tucson, AZ 85718

Listed by John Schneider & Caroline Freedman

John Schneider – Realtor
Tierra Antigua Realty
520 271 – 4164
[email protected]

Caroline Freedman – Realtor
Tierra Antigua Realty
520 405 – 1794
[email protected]

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

Open this Sunday

Please Stop by to see our new listing.
Sunday 11/22 from 1 – 4 PM

An architecturally significant, thoroughly restored and carefully updated Spanish Colonial that exudes the grace and charm of classic old foothills living. Its design was inspired by a home in Guanajuato, Mexico, and it is rich in historic architectural elements, details and artifacts from Guanajuato and historic Tucson sites.

5330 N. Via Alcalde
Tucson, AZ 85718

Built 1969, 1.37 acres, masonry stucco construction, 4361 sf, 4 Bedrooms/3.5 Baths, Living Room, Dining Room, Library, unique “rec room”, glorious patio spanning the south side, 2 car garage. $1,225,000. 2 additional and adjacent lots are also available.

There’s nothing else like it.

Listed by John Schneider & Caroline Freedman

John Schneider – Realtor
Tierra Antigua Realty
520 271 – 4164
[email protected]

Caroline Freedman – Realtor
Tierra Antigua Realty
520 405 – 1794
[email protected]

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

See it before it hits the MLS

An architecturally significant, thoroughly restored and carefully updated Spanish Colonial that exudes the grace and charm of classic old foothills living. Its design was inspired by a home in Guanajuato, Mexico, and it is rich in historic architectural elements, details and artifacts from Guanajuato and historic Tucson sites.

Here’s glimpse of the house and grounds,

Living Room

Living Room

 

 

 

 

 It’s perfectly sited on a hilltop lot in the old foothills to offer lush desert surroundings, privacy and enchanting city & sunset views.

5330 N. Via Alcalde
Tucson, AZ 85718

Built 1969, 1.37 acres, masonry stucco construction, 4361 sf, 4 Bedrooms/3.5 Baths, Living Room, Dining Room, Library, unique “rec room”, glorious patio spanning the south side, 2 car garage. $1,225,000. 2 additional and adjacent lots are also available.

Click HERE for an engaging and informative history of this home from its conception in the 1960’s to its more recent restoration.

Listed by John Schneider & Caroline Freedman
Contact us for showings before it hits the MLS

John Schneider – Realtor
Tierra Antigua Realty
520 271 – 4164
[email protected]

Caroline Freedman – Realtor
Tierra Antigua Realty
520 405 – 1794
[email protected]

 

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

they don’t come along very often

Looking for something different, something authentic and beyond the hum-drum of yet another southwest contemporary or Sante Fe, or another all too typical territorial.

There are a few out there, here and there, now and then, but often they’re sold before they ever hit the MLS.

6150 N Piedra Seca is a good example. It went to contract twice before it ever hit the MLS - for some reason the first deal fell thru – but before it was back in the MLS it was back in contract with a new buyer and it sold in 0 days for $1,075,000 ($267/sf), cash.

It’s a Jim Gray adobe with 16” thick adobe walls, built in 2003, 4022 sf, 4 Beds/4 Baths. Almost no one is building with adobe these days and the style and features found in these homes are distinct and special, so they’re not for everyone. And apparently not for Zillow – they guesstimated it at $817,392.  6150 N Piedra Seca Tucson, AZ 85718 

             ………………………………………………………………………………….

Another special home sold today, a Tuscan, but not the garden variety faux Tuscans that we often see. This is the closest I’ve seen in the foothills to an authentic Tuscan, something that wouldn’t be out of place in Tuscany.

It was built in 2007 and had the unfortunate timing of coming on the market in 2008 listed for $1,150,000 then $995,000. As the market was tanking in 2008, buyers, real estate agents and appraisers were having a hard enough time figuring out market values for average run of the mill homes. For something as different as this Tuscan there just wasn’t anything to compare it to. So, terrible market, unique home, it's not surprising it went nowhere. But today, out of nowhere, it showed up in the MLS as a new listing one minute and as a sold listing the next. And I’m not sure why but it sold for just $650,000 ($182/sf), which seems cheap-cheap to me. But there may be more to it than meets the eye. The big Z guessed it at  $731,411

2761 E Camino Pablo, Tucson, AZ 85718 – 3569 sf, 2 Beds/2.5 Baths, 2 story,

No pictures from the recent listing, these are from the 2008 listing - it's much better looking in person.

 

 

There’s not another one like them on the market today and there hasn’t been in a long, long time.

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

simple, modern, one story luxury homes

Just the other day I mentioned two modern foothills homes, one old, one brand new, both single story and both of a style seldom found in the Catalina Foothills.

And according to this WSJ article modern, simple design is gaining in popularity along with a strong desire to live on one level.

From WSJ.com

The Ranch House, Reinvented
By KATY MCLAUGHLIN

the following are excerpts from the article; JS

Homeowners and architects are reinventing the low-slung ranch house with high ceilings, wide-open spaces and luxury amenities, all on a single floor

When Amy and Matt Ross decided to build their dream home in Scottsdale, Ariz., they wanted modern style, high ceilings, indoor-outdoor integration, energy efficiency and vast family gathering spaces—all on one floor.

The result was a 5,900-square-foot rambler with walls of windows.

“We like a sprawling floor plan and not just a box on top of a box,” said Ms. Ross, a 45-year-old small-business owner.

The Rosses are among a new breed of home buyers who want a single-story house for reasons unrelated to creaky knees. To capture these buyers, architects and builders are reinterpreting one-story living and putting a modern twist on the classic midcentury ranch house.

Luxury single-family homes—the top 5% most expensive houses—are a hot commodity today, according to data examined by realtor.com, a San Jose-based listings site. The median sale price for a luxury single-story last year was $510 a square foot, 18% more expensive than during the peak of the housing bubble in 2006. Multistory luxury homes are selling for a median price of $350 a square foot, realtor.com data show. Transactions of single-story homes are 20% higher than in 2009, while multistory homes are selling 3% more frequently than in 2009.

Not every single-story home buyer wants full-blown modernism. Rick Bell, president of Landmark Custom Homes in Southwest Ranches, Fla., is currently building an 8,600-square-foot, one-story spec home he plans to list for about $3.8 million. The home will have a “rear wall of glass, 20-foot ceilings, and the outside and inside will feel like they are together,” Mr. Bell said, though the look won’t be completely modern or “cubist,” he said. His bet on a contemporary look and single-story construction adds proof to the popular theory in the building community that the Mediterrean-style mansion, once so popular, has jumped the shark.

“They say ‘Med is dead,’ but I think Med is just resting a bit,” said Mr. Bell. Meanwhile, he’s focusing on modern finishes and long, clean lines.

Read all about it - The Ranch House, Reinvented

PS- WSJ is a subscription site, if you can’t get in just Google the article’s title and click that link,
                          ……………………………………………………….

98.6% of spec homes in the foothills  come in three flavors (I made up the 98.6%, but I’ll bet it’s very close); the ubiquitous Southwest contemporary, the over the top Tuscan and, now and then, a Mediterranean.But a simple, modern contemporary, almost never.

A little variety couldn’t hurt, I hope the trend to modern style homes makes its way here. And single story, well, on that, we’re way ahead of the trend.

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

Gorgeous Minimalist Contemporary

On Sabino Mountain, 4076 N Sabino Mountain Drive, a spec home, sold for $1,450,000 ($317/sf) from a $1,490,000 list in 44 days. Hurrah!!

 

 

 

Perhaps this sale will encourage other builders to think outside the box. And rather than more of the same old thing - yet another Southwest contemporary, an over the top Tuscan or Mediterranean – to consider a simple, true contemporary. What a breath of fresh air.

Meanwhile, valuing it at $823,963, Zillow’s algorithm missed it by a country mile.

4076 N Sabino Mountain Drive, Tucson, AZ 85750
(listed by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

A mid century gem by Tom Gist

Located at 4161 N Camino Arco this home will be featured in the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation's upcoming book on the work of Tom Gist, and has been recognized as one of Tucson's Top 50 Modernist Residences. It is also eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Serene desert setting

 

 
Designed and built by Tom Gist - Burnt adobe, built 1959, 1775 sf, 3 Bedrooms/2 Baths, Pool, 2 car garage on an elevated1+ acre lot with nearly 360° city, sunset and mountain views. Restored and renovated,  $439,000 ($247/sf) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I previewed it the other day and was so taken by the house, the setting and the views that I just hung out there, chilling, for nearly an hour. 

 

4161 N Camino Arco Tucson, AZ 85718
(Listed by Michelle Hotchkiss – Re/Max Results)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

Joesler Estate to contract

$2,750,000

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

higher, better, newer, nicer

5345 E Mission Hill Drive, in Skyline CC. A beautifully crafted top to bottom 2014 renovation and remodel of a 1980 home on one of the highest lots, with the most stunning views, in the Catalina Foothills.

 

 

 

Covered patio with views and no-mow, no-water emerald green turf,

 

the Greatest of Great Rooms with kitchen, dining and living areas surrounded by walls of glass and forever views.

 

 

 

More views from the Master Bedroom

 

and from the opulent Master Bath

 

And all of it tucked behind this smartly classic exterior

6670 sq. ft, 5 Bedrooms/6 Baths, massive great room, pool, 3 car garage - all on the entry level, with the game room and wine room down below. Day and night, this home is remarkable.

$1,950,000

5345 E Mission Hill Drive Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Troy Goodwin at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

sold in Skyline CC

5322 E Gleneagles Drive just sold for $1,302,000 ($339/sf) - the highest $$/sf sold price anywhere in the Catalina Foothills this year. For a stem to stern thoughtfully re-imagined, beautifully renovated and remodeled 1977 home on a jaw dropping mountain and city view lot.

Since the early 2000’s Skyline CC has been the epicenter for knockdowns, remodels and renovation of older homes – because there are a lot of older homes in Skyline and many are sitting on pretty fantastic lots. Lots, the likes of which are virtually extinct in the foothills today. But when the market tanked in 2008 – 2012 the remodel craze came to a halt. But it’s coming back in Skyline and that’s a  good thing, because there are plenty of older homes on great lots waiting for someone to breathe new life into them.

I mentioned Gleneagles last month and took issue with Zillow’s zestimate ($954,190, absurd) and their nearly same priced zestimate for another home in Skyline that, while very nice, is just not in the same league as Gleneagles -  here’s where Zillow’s zestimates fall short
PS- if you read that piece, the other home is still for sale (asking $1,000,000) while Gleneagles is sold for $1.3.

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

getting out of the box

On Sabino Mountain a gorgeous minimalist contemporary listed just over one month ago at $1,490,000 ($325/sf) is in contract. It’s a spec home, and a very special spec.

Because approximately 98.6% of spec homes in the foothills come in three flavors; the ubiquitous Southwest contemporary, the over the top Tuscan, and, now and then, a Mediterranean.

But a minimalist contemporary, almost never. You could count them all on one hand and still have fingers left over.

To my eye our lush desert environment is so fitting for a minimalist contemporary.

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Catalina Foothills Home

if you haven’t already

Get your tickets for the Historic Home Tour of Joelser's Architectural Masterpieces!

Home Tour 2015: Josias Joesler
25 April 2015

Join the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation for an exceptional 2015 Historic Home Tour Featuring the Romantic and extraordinary design of Tucson’s most famous and celebrated architect of the 20th century: Josias Joesler. This tour is a rare opportunity to venture inside some of Joesler’s best homes and experience the design that has defined Tucson style for generations. Explore the legacy of Tucson’s architecture.

Click here for more information and to purchase your tickets

VIP Joesler Reception at 11 Arches
24 April 2015

The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation Invites You to An Evening of Music, Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres at the Historic Eleven Arches Mansion. Join us in celebration of our 30th Anniversary and the 2015 Home Tour Featuring the Architectural Work of Josias Joesler.

Friday April 24, 2015
6:00 Till the Music Ends

Eleven Arches Mansion was designed by famed twentieth century Tucson architect Josias Joesler in 1937 for Louise N. Grace of Grace Shipping Lines, the mansion was Joesler’s largest residential commission. This is a rare opportunity to experience this remarkable 16,000 square foot home and celebrate the places that make Tucson unique.

Tickets for this special event are highly limited.

Tickets are $100 per person and includes a
Home Tour ticket for Saturday April 25

Tickets can be purchased online by Clicking Here

PO Box 40008
Tucson , Arizona 85717
Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation
[email protected]
To unsubscribe from future emails: Click Here

© 2015 TUCSON HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Joesler Home

Joesler Home Tour

Historic Home Tour 2015: Homes of Josias Joesler

Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation

Saturday 25 April 2015  |  9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Join the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation for an exceptional 2015 Historic Home Tour Featuring the Romantic and extraordinary design of Tucson’s most famous and celebrated architect of the 20th century: Josias Joesler.  This tour is a rare opportunity to venture inside some of Joesler’s best homes and experience the design that has defined Tucson style for generations.    Explore the legacy of Tucson’s architecture.

Tickets are $40.00 each.

Location:

Joesler’s homes are scattered throughout Tucson with concentration in the Old Catalina Foothills.  The tour starting point is St. Phillip’s In the Hills Church located at 4440 North Campbell (North east corner of River Road and Campbell Avenue)

The tour is self-directed with docents at each home.  You can go at your own pace anytime during the six hours between 9AM and 3PM. The tour ends at 3PM sharp.   Busses will depart from the St. Phillip;s parking lot every 15 min to the homes located in the Catalina Foothills – Maps and Driving Directions will be provided for the other homes.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

Tickets: If you purchased your tickets online your tickets/map will under your name at WILL CALL and are available anytime starting at 8:30AM until 2:00PM.  WILL CALL is located at the intersection in the parking lot St. Phillip’s In the Hills Church located at 4440 North Campbell. (Follow the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation Home Tour Signs)  If you purchased your ticket in person simply bring your ticket to the check in table at St. Phillip’s to pick up your map.  

Parking:   Free parking will be available at the St. Phillip’s In the Hills Church and at the various homes follow the signs.

Accessibility: There are steps, irregular surfaces, and narrow doorways resulting in limited handicap accessibility.

If you have additional questions please email the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation at [email protected]

TICKETS ARE LIMITED

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your very own Joesler Home

a classic Joesler, transformed

Built in 1950 by Josias Joesler, this classic mud adobe recently had a big facelift. It was opened up, renovated and remodeled to better suit today’s lifestyles.

Thick mud adobe walls, mortar chinked clay tile roof, 2,717 sf, now with 2 Beds/2 Baths, big new kitchen adjacent to a magnificent family room, new baths, new floors, doors, windows and much more. And the views, how about N, E, S and West.  $595,000 ($219/sf)

I think Joesler would have approved. He was an eclectic, combining the best of what had come before and reinterpreting it to suit the southwestern desert and to best serve his Tucson clients.

And the icing on the cake, a terrific video to help put it all together,

5261 N Placita Cresta Loma Place Tucson, AZ 85704 (link expires 3/21/15) 
(listed by Mike Rapp, Tierra Antigua Realty)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills Home

Catalina Foothills Estates

Are you looking for an established area, an area of character and charm, with homes in a variety of styles, sizes and prices - an area that’s about as far from cookie-cutter as you can possibly get. Then you may want to start your search in Catalina Foothills Estates. This is where the first homes in the foothills were built in the 1930’s by the developer John Murphey and Josias Joesler, a Swiss architect. Since then, and to this day, homes continue to be built, re-built and remodeled in Catalina Foothills Estates.

The Catalina Foothills Estates is comprised of nine areas or subdivisions. Catalina Foothills Estates is the first and original of the nine, and from there they’re numbered, Catalina Foothills Estates 2, Catalina Foothills Estates 3, and so on up to Catalina Foothills Estates 9.

Looking at the current roster of homes for sale they start at $379,000, and covering just about every price range in between, go up to $3,250,000. They range from 1700 up to 7300 sq. ft., and were built from 1936 (3 for sale built in 36) right up to 2014. And they run the gamut of styles from a variety of Joeslers to Sante Fe, Territorial, Mediterranean, Southwestern, South West Contemporary,  Contemporary, Spanish Colonial, Ranch and others that are an eclectic mix.

However, all Catalina Foothills Estates homes do have a few things in common – a lush Sonoran desert environment in a fantastic foothills location.  And, as I’ve often observed,
home owners in Catalina Foothills Estates are especially pleased with and proud of where they live, and are eager to preserve the area and the quality of life that it affords them.

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills Home

looking for a Tyson

David Tyson, who,sadly, passed away a few years ago, built some of the most distinctive SW contemporary homes in the Catalina Foothills.

And a new listing of a 1992 Tyson just popped on the market.
3615 E Via Alcalde, on just under an acre, 3731 sf, 4 Beds/3 Baths, kitchen & baths all remodeled, one story, pool/spa, 3 car, views. $950,000 ($255/sf).

3615 E Via Alcalde Tucson, AZ 85718 
(listed by Tierra Antigua Realty)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills Home

taking another swing at it

In Pima Canyon 7398 N Mystic Canyon Drive sold in 2008 for $1,227,000 and was listed in 2013 for $1,295,000, but didn’t sell, and left the market in April 2013. It’s now back and again trying for $1,295,000. (listed by Tierra Antigua Realty)

Also in Pima Canyon, and also on Mystic Canyon Drive, 7561 N Mystic Canyon Drive tried for $1,425,000 earlier this year, and also didn’t sell, and it’s also back and popularly priced  at $1,295,000. (listed by Long Realty)

And not in PC, but rather on 6+ acres in the old foothills, 5110 N Calle Colmado - “Lewis D.W. Hall's (protégé of Joesler) masterpiece, high on a hill in the Catalina foothills…” has been relisted for $1,795,000 after leaving the market in October at $1,795,000. 
(listed by Long Realty)  (links will expire on 12/15/14)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills Home

you only live once

A unique mountain retreat with character and charm, secluded on 36 acres high above the Catalina Foothills, (star marks the spot)

 

Built of stone in 1956, 1871 sf main house, 739 sf guest house + separate 2 car garage, amazing views, peace and quiet, no neighbors and not another one like it, $1,830,000.

6550 N Rattlesnake Canyon Road Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Keller Williams Southern Arizona)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills Home

a stunning contemporary

4920 N Hidden Valley Road, $1,795,000 ($344/sf), hit the market yesterday.
Built 2007, 5,212 sf including 576sf guest house, 4 Beds/4 Baths, single story, 2 acres, pool/spa, 3 car garage, stunning!

UPDATE: Someone got a very good deal,
4920 Hidden Valley Rd. sold for $1,300,000 ($249/sf) on April 23, 2015.

4920 N Hidden Valley Road Tucson, AZ 85750 (link expires 10/23/14)
(listed by Russ Lyon Sotheby's Int Realty)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills Home

what’s it going to take

901 E Magee Road, on 6+ acres in Cobo Catalina Hills, sold in 2009 for $3,200,000. 
And in 2013 it was listed for $3,150,000,  and after numerous price cuts since then today it dropped from $2,400,000 to $2,195,000 ($301/sf).

 

I mentioned it in May when it dropped to $2.4, - an authentic all masonry stucco hacienda on 6+ acres. A privately gated masterpiece - but that didn’t do any good. And this may not either, but it’s still a very special home and property. Unique, authentic and a fantastic setting.

901 E Magee  Road  Tucson, AZ 85718 (link expires on 10/22/14)
(listed by Long Realty)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills Home

at long last

a lucky buyer has finally come along and put 2376 E Placita De La Victoria in contract.
Lucky, because this is a wonderful home at a very good price. Yet, for no reason that I can see, it took a very long time for that right buyer to come along. Previously mentioned here >
an exceptional contemporary Sante Fe

2376 E Placita De La Victoria Tucson, AZ 85718  (link expires 8/30/14)
(Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty)

search all the homes for sale in the Catalina Foothills
at TheFoothillsToday.com

a rare find for the Catalina Foothills

A sleek contemporary, but, sorry, it’s already gone. It sold today for $625,000 ($176/sf) from a $650,000 list in 5 days.

I went to see it within an hour of its hitting the MLS and tried to find a buyer for it, but no such luck.

It was built in 1978 and was showing some wear, and could use some freshening and fixing up here and there, but nothing huge. 

4341 E Coronado Drive Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Long Realty) – link will expire on 5/11/14

Click Coronado Foothills Estates to see all the homes for sale in Coronado
this link will update continuously and never expire

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

mountain retreat

get away from it all, and still just 12 minutes to your favorite Walgreen’s
1754 sf stone house, built 1981, 2 beds/1 bath, on just under 7 acres – $1,595,000

Very special, for someone who wants peace, quiet, spectacular views, without being out in the middle of nowhere, and without the headaches of a mega-mansion to care for. I can see it.

6701 N Thimble Pass Tucson, AZ 85750
(listed by Long Realty)

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

great value in Cat 10

4681 N Camino Sumo sold today for $975,000 ($214/sf). This house has it all, great location, fantastic hilltop lot, solid masonry construction, in impeccable eat-off-the-floor condition, flowing easy living floor plan, with views up the wazoo. The buyers didn’t exactly make a killing, but they got solid lasting value.

It sold in 2001 for $1,015,000 and again in 2010 for $988,500.

4681 N Camino Sumo Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Long Realty)

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

the buyers did well

And in this feeble upper-end market the sellers did the best they could.
3545 E Calle Puerta De Acero, a Mike Wachs Spanish Colonial, was listed for $1,995,000 in March 2012 and after dropping to $1,650,000 last September went to contract in December and closed today for $1,550,000 ($251/sf) – after having paid $2,100,000 in July 2004.

This is 6166sf of masonry construction + 4 car garage, pool, views, on 2.88 hilltop acres in La Puerta, a gated, boutique subdivision off Hacienda del Sol Rd, by one of the best builders in town.  Including the price of the lot I don’t think you could build half of that house for $1.5.

But they wanted to sell, and there’s a lot of supply and not a lot of demand at $1.5 and up.

 

3545 E Calle Puerta De Acero Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Long Realty)

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

big discount

on this magnificent Spanish hacienda on 6 acres, built 1998, 7294 sf, 7 beds/7 baths in Cobo Catalina Hills. It was listed one year ago for $3,150,000 and is now down to $2,550,000 ($350/sf) - it sold for $3,200,000 in 2009,

We all have our fantasies, this is one of mine, ha!

 

 

 

 

More pictures, more info, more fantasies
901 E Magee Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Long Realty)

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

one of a kind in Skyline CC

4825 E Placita Tres Vidas, a very special 1982 custom built contemporary, and a one owner home, went to contract today after just 19 days. 3300 sf, 3 beds/4 baths, 1 story $749,000 ($225/sf). I imagine there were other interested buyers who hesitated, and are now hoping for a do over.

With homes built from the 1960’s through the 2000’s, Skyline CC, more than any other community in the foothills, is full of surprises. Some, like this one, very pleasant, and others not so much.

4825 E Placita Tres Vidas Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty) link expires on 2/24/14

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

Miraval Quinto closed today

3 days on the market and listed for $500,000,  2077 E Miraval Quinto Tucson, AZ 85718, closed for $515,000 ($186/sf). A classic territorial in the old foothills and previously mentioned here >  a bidding war on Miraval Quinto?  (listed by Long Realty)

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Tucson Foothills home

take me higher

At roughly 3550 feet elevation 7330 N Stone Canyon may be the highest home in the foothills, and it’s now available for $4,500,000, on 93 acres (ninety-three) – which also may be the largest lot in the foothills. We mere mortals are at what, 2600 elevation on, give or take, 0.93 acres.

The location, way high above Ventana

and the lot,

6912 sf, including an 892sf guest house, on 93 acres.

Spectacular!

And the interior is not too shabby either,

7300 E Stone Canyon Drive Tucson, AZ 85750
(listed by Long Realty)

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

for big pocketed Joesler fans

A new listing at 4775 N Camino Antonio, 5219sf on 6.39 acres, built 1941 – when Josias Joesler was in his prime, asking $2,950,000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4775 N Camino Antonio Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Long Realty) link will expire on 2/3/14

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Joesler, and though I lack the big pockets I do enjoy seeing that his homes are still making a mark after 75 years. I’ve written often about Joesler homes in the Foothills and if you’re interested this one’s a good place to start -  Joesler and Murphey, they started it all, in the Tucson Foothills . Or take your pick by clicking Josias Joesler under the CATEGORIES tab in the right hand column, and they’ll all come spilling out.

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Tucson Foothills home

a time capsule

A mid-century modern in Skyline Bel Air, and (as far as I can tell) it looks like a one owner home to boot.

Built 1968, 2356 sf, 4 beds/2 baths, 2 car, 0.7 acres – $320,000 ($136/sf)

Beauteous! and seldom seen in the foothills,

6151 N Camino Almonte Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Long Realty)

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to find your Tucson Foothills home

raising the bar in the Canyons

7248 N Cloud Canyon Place joined the fray today debuting at $2,950,000 ($414/sf).
Built 1997, 7132 sf, 5 beds/5.5 baths, 1 story, gorgeous!

See for yourself,

And though buyers have not exactly been knocking down the doors in the Canyons lately, if nothing else, this may get their attention.

7248 N Cloud Canyon Place Tucson, AZ 85718
(Russ Lyon Sotheby's Int Realty) – link will expire on 1/8/14

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Tucson Foothills home

a Joesler, on 13 acres

Listed today, 5353 N Camino Escuela, a 1936 mud adobe Joesler, 5645 sf, including a two bedroom, two bath guest house, on 13 acres. 7 bedrooms/8 baths in all. $2,850,000!

Joesler’s are rare enough, but a Joesler on 13 acres is almost unheard of. Almost.

Two years ago I represented the sellers and the buyers on another Joesler, also on Camino Escuela. Built in 1941 it was 2584 sf on just under 15 acres. And the 15 acres was in a conservation easement, so it could not be broken up or developed in any way. Just enjoyed as mother nature intended.

And I actually had the buyers before I had the listing. I was working with a couple that wanted a Joesler, but there were just two or three for sale and none of them were quite right. So I did a blog post - looking for a Joesler – what the heck, you never know, and, Voila, my prayers were answered. The owner of the 1941 Joesler called me and we met at the house and I thought it was just what my buyers were looking for. And when they saw it they agreed.
So along with taking the listing I wrote an offer and we put a deal together that worked for everyone. And it went into the MLS the next day as under contract, 0 DOM. You can’t beat that.

And while this Joesler is not my listing, I’d love to represent the buyer for it.
Lots more pictures,
5353 N Camino Escuela  Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Long Realty)

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

a rare find in the old foothills

2216 E Cerrada Bala, built 1981 and remodeled and expanded in 06 - 07, sold in late 2012 for $730,000 in 9 days, and it was listed again 10 days ago for $759,000 and is reported in contract.

It has it all. It’s on a terrific private lot in Cat 8, north/south orientation, masonry construction,
1 story, 3936sf, 4/beds/3.5 baths, 4 car garage, like new, totally remodeled, for $193/sf.

I showed it last Saturday and figured it would be gone before sundown. But if you’re new to the foothills market you may look at this house and think, Oh, another one will come along. And, yes, eventually one will. But it could be a very long wait.

2216 E Cerrada Bala Tucson, AZ 85718  (link will expire 7/22/14)
(listed by Long Realty)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

gee, I wonder if they left anything on the table

3039 E Placita Los Siete Adobes – a rare and very desirable newer adobe home built by Jim Gray - showed up today as new listing for $600,000 ($250/sf) and 3 minutes later it was reported in contract, obviously, a behind the scenes deal. And that’s perfectly OK, except that the house next door – same builder, same unique adobe construction, same sq. footage, same size lot, same everything and built 1 year earlier – sold in 3 days for $725,000 ($301/sf) this past July.

And 3039 is also listed as a short sale. Now it’s entirely possible that there’s more here than meets the eye. But, ignoring that possibility for a moment, why sell such a highly desirable home for $600,000, without exposing it to the market, when it’s very likely you could get much more, and without much fuss. Especially if it’s a short sale. hmmm!

3039 E Placita Los Siete Adobes Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Home Works Real Estate 3391)
The pictures are nothing to write home about, but why fuss when you already have a buyer.

and the $725 sale next door,  3035 E Placita Los Siete Adobes
these pictures do a better job showing the unique charms of a Jim Gray adobe

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

sold for $2.2mil 2006, now $1,590,000

In Pima Canyon, 2335 E Long Shadow Place, listed in May for $1,695,000, dropped to $1,590,000 today. Built 2006, 4737sf, 1.2 acres, pool, spa and observation deck

There’s no mention of it in the listing, because maybe it isn’t, but it sure looks like a David Tyson design, to me.

2335 E Long Shadow Place Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Long Realty)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

a Joesler

Listed today, 4320 N Alvernon Way, a 1950 built Joesler, 4,223sf on 3.36 acres,

with 4 stalls for the horses,

and a nice spot to wash off the trail dust

If you’re looking for charm and character, the listing aptly notes, “More character than words can describe”

4320 N Alvernon Way Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Long Realty)

And if it looks familiar, it is, because it was first listed in 2008 for $1,495,000 and was on and off the market until they called it quits in March 2012 at $1,000,000. 
And I’ve mentioned here several times.

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Tucson Foothills home

looking for something really BIG

This is it - 3900 N Camino Blanco, if you’ve cruised past Cmo Blanco along River Rd you’ve seen it, you can’t help but see it. It is, according to the current listing, 13,344sf, 2 story with 5 garage bays on 2.6 acres, built in 2007, and an indoor pool too. One of the bigger and more daring spec homes built during the spec home boom. I showed it once or twice back then, and it’s really big.

It was first listed in 2007 for $3,400,000 (as10,529sf) and over the years drifted down to $749,800, whereupon these sellers picked it up as a foreclosure for $710,000 in 2010, yep, $710,000 ($72.63/sf) – though by that time it had shrunk to 9,776sf.

So it’s big, but a buyer may want to satisfy themselves as to just how big it really is.

3900 N Camino Blanco  Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Long Realty)

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

another quick contract on a specially constructed house

Listed on 9/19 at $999,000, 4427 E Saranac Drive is reported in contract today, just 21 days later. (it was listed earlier this year and the listing was cancelled in June, and also listed last year and the year before, all for more $$$, but the DOM stop accruing after a home has been off the market for 30 days)

But what’s special about this house is its construction – steel frame and Rastra construction. Which would seem to indicate exterior walls of Rastra with interior steel framing. Seem to, but I’m not certain. You just don’t come across many steel frame or Rastra constructed homes in the foothills. also see Rastra.com

The other interesting tidbit is that it’s located in the Manitou Ridge subdivision, where, since Jan 1 2010, there’s been just one sale, for $635,000. But if you want Rastra, the pickins are slim.

4427 E Saranac Drive  Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Long Realty)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Tucson Foothills home

a 1935 Joesler

4910 N Calle Angosta, listed today, which the listing describes as; Murphey-Joesler dream home for someone who appreciates historic homes and the rare opportunity to purchase such a property in essentially it's original state and ready for it's first renovation and restoration…. this home is a time capsule embodying the distinctive design and construction qualities found in Murphey-Joesler Catalina Foothills homes. Located on a hilltop with spectacular city lights and panoramic mountain views. 1720sf, 3 beds/3 baths, no pool or garage – $425,000.

just 3 pictures in the listing, the 3rd is of the Catalina's, and we all know what they look like.

For a Joesler aficionado or someone looking for something small and special in the Old Foothills this should be worth a look. It just came on this morning so I haven’t seen it yet, but  I will later today.

It was, for almost 80 years, on 3.4 acres but, of course, two additional lots have been split from that acreage – one to the north, one to the south. And as with any nearby or adjacent vacant lot, it’s the unknown that causes buyers to wonder. However, should you wish to enjoy this little gem in it’s original configuration, the two lots were also just listed for $279,000 each.

4910 N Calle Angosta Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Genesis Real Estate & Management 4902)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Tucson Foothills home

two more at $1mil+, listings that is

First up is 3780 E Sumo Quinto, listed at $1,395,000 ($250/sf), for a 1997, 5571sf including guest house, 1 story (everything is in Cat 10) masonry constructed La Quinta. And 1st time on the market for Sumo Quinto, it was custom built for the current owners. La Quinta has been building superior quality homes in the Foothills and elsewhere in the Tucson area since 1968.  La Quinta, they’re the real deal. 3780 E Sumo Quinto  Tucson, AZ 85718 (listed by Russ Lyon Sotheby's Int Realty)

And maybe this La Quinta is just the thing to break Cat 10’s rather limp track record this year.

8 for sale from $875,000 to $1,895,000    avg/median list - $1,336,250/$1,312,500
0 in contract
4 sold since Jan 1, and all at the lower to mid end for Cat 10, from $386,000, to $870,000    avg/median sold -  $646,500/$665,000

And in Skyline Country Club, 6610 N St. Andrews Drive, newer construction that replaced a 1964 built house, either thru extreme renovation or a tear-down, listed at $1,495,000 ($213/sf), for a 2004 built, 7029sf, also with guest house, 1 story, frame stucco. Builder not specified.
6610 N St. Andrews Drive Tucson, AZ 85718 (listed by Russ Lyon Sotheby's Int Realty)

What’s curious is that the original 1964 house sold in 1998 for $330,000. Then in August 2002, a house at this same address showing a 2001 build date, was listed for $2,200,000, and did not sell. And to add to the confusion the Pima County tax assessor shows it as built in 1993(which I’m betting is way off). Who’s to say.

In any case, while Skyline CC is doing better than Cat 10 in the number of sales, they’re experiencing a similar gap between the price of homes listed for sale vs. homes sold. 

11 for sale from $560,000 to $3,495,000   avg/med list - $1,804,364/$1,300,000
1 in contract at $695,000
11 sold from $310,000 to $950,000   avg/med sold - $578,091/$575,000

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Tucson Foothills home

Campbell Cliffs is back

It expired in early July at $9,990,000 with 6.6 acres and is back today at $13,900,000 with the full 20 acres – which includes an additional 4 parcels of approximately 3.3 acres each.

That’s 25,000sf of house on 20 acres, with the Coronado National Forest in your backyard, yet a hop, skip and a jump to dining, shopping and whatnot.

see the web site > CampbellCliffs.com

and the listing > 7474 N Catalina Ridge Drive Tucson, AZ 85718 (listed by Long Realty)

And please call me to see the house if you’re a qualified buyer.

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home

they just keep coming

Now that Labor Day has come and gone and we enter our pre-season for fall sales we’re seeing more upper-end listings making their debut.

Three more today,

4615 N Via De La Granja in Cat 10, $1,275,000 - 6100sf, 1994 built. (listed by Long Realty) And first time for sale and a one owner home. 

As I mentioned in the post below, sales haven’t been especially good this year in Cat 10, so you’d think ‘who needs more inventory’, but a new home on the market might be just the thing and has a better chance of finding an interested buyer than those that have been sitting around for months.

Next
6428 N Desert Wind Circle in Ventana CC, $1,295,000 - 5023sf, 1996 built (listed by Long Realty) It also appears to be a one owner home, but not its first time on the market. Nope, it’s been around before (not since 2009 though) but did not sell.

And the 9,270sf French Normandy in Skyline CC that sold in July 2011 for $1,650,000,
this one,

 

is once again available, now for $2,950,000, and all spiffed up and promising; Stunningly remodeled French Normandy Estate on 4.3 acres bordering the Coronado National Forest …

If you’re looking for a French Normandy I can say with absolute confidence that this is the only French Normandy I’ve ever seen in the Foothills,
7049 N Mission Hill Lane (listed by Long Realty) 

the listings -  Three more today,

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to find your Tucson Foothills home

Colonial Mexico in the heart of the Old Foothills

A very special 2002 built Mud adobe, 5147sf, including 1000sf guest house, on 2.8 acres, $1,699,000.

 

Were he alive today, I think even Joesler would admire this home.
See more here > 4511 N Camino Del Rey Tucson, AZ 85718 (listed by Long Realty)

see TheFoothillsToday.com
to find your Tucson Foothills home

something for everyone

more elegant, luxurious and formal than your usual foothills digs, 6580 N Regal Manor Drive was listed for $998,000 and sold for $998,000 in 33 days.

and the breakfast area,

And not a spec of saltillo, no hand carved wood beams or corbels and, God forbid, not a talavera tile to be found.

6580 N Regal Manor Drive , Tucson, AZ 85750
(listed by Long Realty)

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Tucson Foothills home

a tough sale

Update – forget about what I wrote down below, 7200 E Desert Moon Loop was in contract for all of 3 hours and 35 minutes and is now back on the market. Oy!

The other day I mentioned that 7200 E Desert Moon Loop was back on the market for $799,000, after having been on and off since it debuted in 08 at $1,695,000. And just like that, today it’s in contract.

The buyers made out. But having paid $1,280,000 for it in 03 the current owners are going to take a real beating. And I’m not sure why it’s been so tough to sell. It’s very well built, a Mike Wachs masonry stucco Sante Fe with oodles of handcrafted wood beams and cabinets.
It looked good on the internet and in the MLS, nice pictures, etc. And current prices in the foothills are well beyond where they were in 03, and the last time I saw it the house appeared to be in reasonably good shape, so it’s a mystery to me.

Are Sante Fe’s, or 2 story homes, less desirable now than they were then? It was on for a year from May 2012 to April 2013 at $899,000 and $875,000, and nothing. I give.

7200 E Desert Moon Loop , Tucson, AZ 85750
(listed by Long Realty)

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Tucson Foothills home

was $1,695,000, is now $799,000

7200 E Desert Moon Loop, a Mike Wachs Sante Fe, sold in 2003 for $1,280,000 and was listed in 2008 for $1,695,000. Needless to say, that didn’t fly and it’s been on and off the market ever since.

And it’s back on today, now asking $799,000 ($169/sf), definitely on the cheap side for Ventana Canyon Estates. And if you like that Sante Fe style this one has it in spades.

7200 E Desert Moon Loop Tucson, AZ 85750
(listed by Long Realty)

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Tucson Foothills home

you could sell houses like this all day long

A foothills charmer, 3659 E Via Alcalde, a 1974 burnt adobe closed today for $555,000 after just 5 days. And it also sold this past January for $525,000 in 10 days. And I’m surprised it took that long.

Have a look,
3659 E Via Alcalde Tucson, AZ 85718
(listed by Russ Lyon Sotheby's Int Realty)

see thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Catalina Foothills home