A nearly century-old home on seven acres of unspoiled desert in one of Phoenix, Arizona’s most desirable neighborhoods—the base of Camelback Mountain—has hit the market.
Called the Thomas Clements House for its original owner, the 1928 residence was designed by architect H.H. Green. In the 1940s, it was sold to William Benton, an ad executive, university administrator, diplomat and senator from Connecticut. In addition to his diplomatic duties, Benton also served as the United States publisher for the Encyclopedia Britannica from 1943 until his death in 1973.
The Pueblo Revival-style home sits on seven acres at the base of Phoenix's Camelback Mountain.
Benton entertained frequently at the house, located in the Arcadia neighborhood, with guests that included architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright designed a fountain that remains on the property. The famed architect started building his own winter home, Taliesin West, now a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark, in 1937 in Scottsdale.
“Homes built in the 1920s are considered old in the Phoenix area,” says listing agent Libby Cohen of RETSY. “But this area, the base of Camelback Mountain, was not an area where a lot of homes were being built. There’s just a handful of homes built at the time, and a majority of them are gone.”
The 1928 home was designed by architect H.H. Green and once owned by William Benton, a former U.S. ... [+]
The original Arcadia neighborhood was designed with an underground irrigation system that allowed early residents to plant orange groves and lawns, providing a lush backdrop to the rambling ranch homes on quiet streets. The leafy effect, in sharp contrast to the surrounding desert, quickly became popular.
Restored and modernized by its current owners, the home at 4556 North 56th Street, located right on the boundary of the old Arcadia, bridges past and present.
Over the last 80 years, the 6,403-square-foot residence has had one owner.
The low-slung house on a large lot was built in the Pueblo Revival architectural style, which borrows elements from Native American pueblos and Spanish Colonial designs. It has changed hands just once in the past 80 years.
The property carries a price tag of $15.65 million. “This was a grand home when it was built and actually still is,” Cohen says.
The current owners enlisted Scottsdale-based architect John Douglas, builder Greg Hunt of GM Hunt ... [+]
The six-bedroom house with 6,403 square feet remains true to its stylistic roots. It has high ceilings, arched entryways outlined with dark wood panels, plaster walls, a wraparound, screened patio and concrete floors.
The current owners bought the home in the 1990s after it had fallen into disrepair. They embarked on a major restoration and renovation with Scottsdale-based architect John Douglas, who specializes in cultural architecture and refurbishment; builder and remodeler Greg Hunt of GM Hunt; and Ten Eyck Landscape Architects based in Austin, Texas.
High ceilings, thick beams and plaster walls are among features of note.
Inside, a kitchen with granite countertops and custom cabinetry, upgraded en-suite bathrooms, hardwood and stone flooring and a family room that opens to the kitchen were added.
The outdoor area was also revamped. The natural desert acreage is punctuated with palo verde, saguaros, prickly pear and creosote. There’s also groomed cactus gardens, vegetable gardens, a grassy yard, fruit trees, a rose garden and a swimming pool.
A wall of built-ins surround large picture windows in the home's office/den.
The property also has a tennis court and a rooftop deck with 360-degree views of Camelback and the surrounding desert. Elsewhere on the property is a separate one-bedroom guesthouse.
The location feels remote, but it has the added advantage of being close to the airport, as well as restaurants and shops in Phoenix and Scottsdale. It also stands between two historic hotels, The Phoenician and Royal Palms Resort and Spa.
French doors open the interior to a large screened patio lined with Saltillo tile.
Prospective buyers could keep the property as is or sell off parcels to be developed (it’s zoned residential). Also, a developer could come in and raze the existing home and divide the land into parcels. “Our hope is someone is going to see the value of hanging on to the acreage and enjoy the beautiful home and the grounds,” Cohen says.
Cohen shares the listing with Polly Wintergalen, also with RETSY.
Swaths of lawn, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, a rose garden and a swimming pool make up the ... [+]
Elsewhere on the grounds are groomed cactus gardens, creosote bushes, palo verde trees and massive ... [+]
The property also has a tennis court and a detached guest house.
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