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Walt Danley Realty Presents
PORTFOLIO
Welcome to the 31st issue of Portfolio Magazine. It’s summertime here in the Valley: the sun is out, the
temperature is high, and you are almost certainly indoors. The siren song of air-conditioning beckons us all. But
the suboptimal weather conditions of these ultra-sunny months provide a perfect opportunity to appreciate the
ingenuity, artistry, and design savvy found in the best of Arizona’s homes. This issue is packed with the classic
beauty of Spanish Hacienda architecture, the natural chemistry between desert living and modern design, and
the distinct, timeless beauty of the Southwestern style. Join the Walt Danley team on this stroll through the
Valley’s most beautiful properties… you won’t even have to leave your air-conditioning.
Enjoy the stunning vibrancy of true indoor-outdoor living with Effortless Elegance (p. 8). With desert friendly
landscapes and cool canopies of indigenous shade trees, every room of this Spanish Hacienda estate opens to
shaded patios and beautiful courtyards. Designed by the renowned architect Clay Scrivner and built by Dan
Madison, the inviting home is true to its Hacienda style, with hand-forged ironwork, tiled fountains, and wide
plank hardwood floors. Created from inception to provide indoor/outdoor living all year long, this is the ideal
property for Sonoran Summer Living.
Explore a modern sanctuary in Just Above It All (p. 18). Nestled beneath the Phoenix Mountain Preserve,
this tasteful estate was meticulously updated in 2016 with sophisticated clean lines and an open floorplan.
Not into modernism? Check out our Biltmore Garden (p.34), a beautiful example of timeless Spanish Colonial
architecture. Designed by the renowned Lash McDaniel, this property will have you living outside for
eight months of the year: the covered patios, built-in barbeques, and heated pool and spa promise year-round
luxury living.
To boast that we have one of the most valuable offerings in the state of Arizona underestimates the magnificence
– and scope – of Mort and Donna Fleischer’s bifurcated haven, found on page 42. 100 acres amid the desert in
Scottsdale, 7,000 contiguous acres of timber and grasslands in Montana… come to think of it, maybe a ranch
up north is the perfect cure for this summer heat?
With this issue’s focus on design, we have the pleasure of including an architect Q&A with Stéphane Rasselet
(p.46), founder of Canada’s _naturehumaine and builder of bold residences radiating with his trademark
“spirited minimalism.” But how does a designer or architect know when they’ve done a good job? Delve deep
into the fascinating world of design with Designs for Life (p. 38), in which designers discuss honing project
management skills, developing bonds with clients, and establishing their visual vocabularies.
Turn your eye to the artistic beauty of our community with Ib Andersen: Phoenix Rising (p. 24). A celebration
of Andersen’s twenty-year tenure as Ballet Arizona’s Creative Director, this collection of interviews investigates
the importance of art in the cultural growth and long-term development of the Valley. When finished, pair
with a hearty glass of Life is Sweet (p. 14), a look at the increasing popularity of port and Madeira in the new
generation of collectors and drinkers.
As usual you’ll find our quarterly report, where we take a closer look at the status of the luxury home market
and what it means for you (p. 30). The issue closes with a collection of Arizona’s finest properties; listings that
are active in the MLS, as well as private listings that can only be seen on these pages, on WaltDanley.com and
through our carefully curated affiliate sites.
Thank you for reading.
Until next time,
WALT DANLEY