Classic Sonoran Retreat in the Heart of Scottsdale, AZ
Meet Jacqueline (and Charlie)
Situated in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, this stylish home is as laid back and sophisticated as its owner, Jacqueline (Jack), a Vancouver, B.C. native turned desert lover, whose goal was to create a home that is at once timeless and unique. Over the course of two years, Jack transformed her 1966 Ralph Haver designed mid-century home into a retreat in the city; a place where she can entertain and where all guests feel at peace.
Jack took a very hands-on approach to remodeling and designing her property, making well-informed decisions at every turn, which is evidenced in the acute attention to detail. Home remodels and interior design are one of Jack’s passions—she wanted the home to feel like an escape, a space for friends and family to gather over wine and a delicious meal. And let’s not forget her most discerning guest and eager greeter, Charlie, a four-year-old Doodle.
Architecture
Ralph Haver was a formally trained architect who settled in the Phoenix area after WWII. He is known for his experimentation with modern, contemporary ranch-style homes, and is the architect of more than 20,000 homes throughout Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Haver Home characteristics include low-sloped or flat rooflines, clerestory windows, massive mantle-less chimney volumes, floor-to-ceiling walls of glass, and brick or block construction—attributes which you’ll absolutely find in Jack’s home.
This particular property was built as part of Dell Trailor’s Gold Key Home Communities and is one of 30 units, all of which are similar but each has unique, defining characteristics. One of the best things about the community is that they share a saltwater pool surrounded by white rose bushes and mature trees--think Mid-Century Palm Springs.
Of the remodel Jack says, “I essentially stripped the original structure of its basic core and spatially reorganized; all building systems and finishes were replaced. We removed the roof and raised it from 8 feet to 10 and 12 feet with clear story windows to allow maximum light.” A standout design feature is in the living room—Jack found reclaimed brick walls and brought them in from Chicago; they surround a 48” open gas fireplace, creating a cozy warmth that’s perfect for late night chats.
Interior Design
To achieve her dual goals of “city retreat” and being able to entertain in a relaxed atmosphere, Jack combined an eclectic mix of old and new furnishings to create a comfortable and inviting living space. Most of the furnishings were custom-made to fit the space and style of the home.
The first thing you’ll notice upon entering is how much light fills the space. Tall ceilings combined with white walls, skylights, and well-placed windows and glass doors maximize the daylight. Other highlights include crocodile-print quartz countertops in the kitchen, a neutral, earth-tone palette and a wonderful balance of materials including high-end textiles, wood, brick and tile accents. To personalize the space, the entryway showcases a drawing of Jack and her horse as well as a photo of her mother’s great uncle, Chief Dan George of the Salish Coastal tribe in Vancouver B.C., tastefully displayed above a beautiful wood entry table.
Exterior Design
Here, you get the best of both worlds. Quiet serenity greets you from the front of home, while the back opens to the active and lively streets of Scottsdale. The ranch-style home features whitewashed stucco with stylish wrought iron gate detailing and matching light fixtures. Lounge chairs off the front bedroom invite you to relax and enjoy the views of Camelback Mountain, while the back yard is essentially an extension of the dining area and living room, with glass doors leading out to a covered patio that extends into a grassy area with mature desert landscaping.
Guest Will Love…
Where to begin? Jack has spared no detail. Her well-appointed kitchen even includes full docking stations on the island, as well as a hidden coffee and blender station so the counters stay clutter free. For the ultimate retreat, the bedrooms have blackout curtains so you may sleep all day if that’s what’s called for. The decor is at once contemporary and desert-inspired without distracting from the architectural elements of the home. Guests will enjoy smart TVs and Sonos music players in addition to ultimate comfort control with a Nest Thermostat. If you prefer to travel with your furry companion, there’s a large dog door that opens to the fully-fenced back yard.
Nearby
There is no shortage of activities within a stone’s throw of this home. Whether you like to dine and shop while on vacation or prefer to get sweaty in the outdoors, this location suits all tastes and desires. For the recreational traveler, plan to hike Camelback Mountain, bike around Old Town Scottsdale, or take a run along the canal. For the dining-motivated tourist, here are Jack’s recommendations for best of local eating and drinking experiences:
For travelers who prefer to go carless, this home is fantastically situated. It’s walking distance to downtown Scottsdale, Camelback Mountain and Fashion Square Mall. If you need wheels, Jack recommends the Scottsdale Trolley or Uber and Lyft, and there are also bicycles at the property that you can borrow.
If you’ve been dreaming of telling your home’s story like above, please contact us for an interview at info@boutiquehost.com