Tucson is one of the greatest places in the world to be. It’s even greater if you’re fortunate enough to call our city home. But where in the city should you make your home? To help with this decision, we present Tucson’s most delectable dwellings.
From the Mountaintop
Dove Mountain custom homesites– $400,000 to $1 million
The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain—residences from $1.5 million to $3.5 million; custom homesites from $750,000 to $1.8 million
If you crave “greens living,” look no further than Dove Mountain in Marana. With two world-class golf courses within clubs’ reach, and three more Jack Nicklaus courses scheduled to open at the Ritz-Carlton by January 2009, Dove Mountain is the end-all, be-all for house hunters longing for the life of leisure.
Homes in The Private Collection at the Terrace or Gallery Canyon afford residents breathtaking views of Dove Mountain’s greens, and Gallery Canyon’s custom homesites are within walking distance of The Gallery Clubhouse. The Private Collection offers three 3,000 to 4,000-sq.ft. floor plans, all of which include private courtyards and views of the North Course’s 16th, 17th and 18th holes. Two of these, The Campo and The Estancia, also include detached guest quarters.
This master-planned community wouldn’t be complete without the Ritz-Carlton and its residences, the first phase of which will include 91 single-family homes and 16 custom estate lots, all adjacent either to the Nicklaus signature courses or open spaces with views of the Tortolitas. But that’s not all. Home management, concierge and valet, housekeeping and even room service are also available.
520.572.8000, http://www.dovemountain.com/; 520.572.2700, www.theresidencesdovemountain.com.
Lifestyle Enhancement
Custom lots—$1.3 million to $2.2 million
Health seekers, make your home here here. Abutting the beautiful Santa Catalina Mountain range (and, of course, the world-renowned health resort Canyon Ranch) is Canyon Ranch Living. Residential opportunities within this world-class community consist of casitas, casas and custom homes, with five move-in ready casitas and casas available as of press time. Those who’d like to helm their own design projects should opt for one of three remaining custom lots. Best of all, residents of Canyon Ranch Living can enjoy access to a full array of amenities like spa treatments, a dining option and a life-enhancement program.
800.742.9000, www.canyonranch.com.
Exclusive Elegance
Custom villas--$1 million to $1.3 million
Nestled on the northwest outskirts of Tucson, Stone Canyon is home to one of the city’s most exclusive golf communities. It offers all the amenities and comforts a modern homeowner expects, and atmosphere too. The community’s Stonegate subdivision is a collection of Mediterranean-style, custom-built homes offering three different floor plans that range from 2,439 to 3,180 square feet. Backed into the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains, homes in the Tuscan Estates subdivision are situated on one- to two-acre lots; these ultraluxurious homes range in size from 3,075 to 3,900 square feet and come with fully equipped Viking kitchens. A small 715-sq.-ft. casita can also be added to most homes in Tuscan Estates.
520.219.9000, www.stonecanyon.com.
Splendid Living
$184,500 to $783,900
The Splendido at Rancho Vistoso lifestyle exhibits serious dedication to health and happiness. This resort-style retirement community in Oro Valley offers its residents (adults 55 and older) high-end living, a plethora of wellness programs, and attractive amenities like a 10,000-ft. day spa, 24-hour concierge service, four dining venues, a newly opened health center and an 18-hole putting course.
Both apartment-style and freestanding housing options are available and range from 846 to 2,931 square feet. Many feature bountiful windows that frame breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina or Tortolita Mountains.
520.878.2612, www.matherlifeways.com/splendido.
Old West Charm
Homesites starting at $1.5 million
If you long for a home set in the middle of Tucson’s majestic deserts, Saguaro Ranch may be for you. The 1,035-acre development on the far northwest side of Tucson epitomizes the Old West with massive boulders, rocky canyons and beautiful homes in between.
Residents can saddle up at the on-site professionally managed horse ranch or explore the 16 miles of hiking trails on the property. Saguaro Ranch also includes a 10,000-sq.-ft. spa, a state-of-the-art gym and two fine-dining restaurants. Serenita at Saguaro Ranch, adjacent to the development, offers custom homes that also allow residents to take advantage of all of Saguaro Ranch’s amenities.
520.498.2300, www.saguaroranch.net.
Lofty Living
$350,000 to $1.3 million
Tucson’s former federal courthouse annex on Broadway Boulevard will ultimately be home to 34 luxurious loft spaces (30 lofts and four penthouses) in the heart of downtown. Former courtrooms will boast stainless-steel appliances, Travertine or hardwood flooring, and granite countertops. Just as priceless, though, will be the towering views of T-Town.
The 44 East Broadway development offers 12 floor plans (10 for lofts and two for penthouses), that range in size from 1,058 to 1,671 square feet, and 2,222 to 2,372 square feet, respectively.
A Moroccan-style pool and a workout room add on-site recreational opportunities. Shopping, dining, and the Fox and Rialto Theatres are all within walking distance.
877.442.7623, www.44broadway.com.
Historic Habitat
The Barrio Viejo, or “old neighborhood,” is a cluster of historic homes and offices boasting barrio-style finishes that blend with the surrounding fabric of the neighborhood.
Several of Tucson’s original inhabitants settled here, and remnants of the original character are visible throughout the community, where well-preserved sections of adobe homes mingle with modern abodes. Barrio Viejo is bordered by Stone Avenue, Interstate 10 and Cushing Street.
Resort Perks
$400,000 to $2-million-plus
At La Paloma Estates, residents live aside a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course in simply magnificent homes. In addition to golf course views, the community includes a private country club and a four-star resort hotel. Whether you have your mind set on a town house or a single-family dwelling, the perks at La Paloma are endless. If an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, five pools, a water slide, seven dining options and a fitness facility on the premises don’t tempt you, we don’t know what will.
520.742.6000, www.westin.com/lapoloma.
Sky’s the Limit
$600,000 to $1 million-plus
The Adobes at Sky Ranch are surrounded by 400 acres of wide-open space and breathtaking views of Tucson Mountain, Sombrero Peak, the Catalina Mountains and the Tortolitas. This intimate enclave of 26 abodes is being developed to aesthetically adhere to its surrounding environment while also incorporating green building practices. Only three properties remain in phases one and two, which are now nearing completion. Not to worry. Phase three, The Bungalows at Sky Ranch, will feature 27 adobe- and bungalow-style homes and is slated for completion in 2010.
520.797.4183, www.stellargray.co0m.
Eco-Friendly Living
$396,000 to $879,000
Discover an amalgam of cultures and styles in the historic neighborhood of Armory Park del Sol, located in the middle of Downtown Tucson. The Victorian, Mission Revival, territorial and bungalow-style homes in this environmentally conscious community are built with efficiency in mind. Solar energy is a standard here, and the green theme extends from the solar-paneled rooftops down to high-efficiency heat pumps, solar water heaters and programmable thermostats.
The homes themselves are characterized by large hallways and expansive patios, and they are wired with all the technology expected nowadays (digital satellite service and cable modems, to name a few). And let's not forget the proximity to everything happening in Downtown Tucson.
520.798.7607, www.armoryparkdelsol.com
