Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

House hunting?  Well, have we got a find for you!

Take my word: there’s now proof there’s no place like home. 

If you’re looking for a re-vamped humble abode, look no further than the 16,000 square foot mansion up for grabs in Scottsdale.  The modest 8 bedroom, 12 bath Scottsdale house is being auctioned early February.   Participants must present $100,000 to register, and the winning bidder needs to fork over 10% of the winning price on auction day, following a close 30 days later.

But all that quick cold-hard-cash will go to quite a custom-built crib, currently owned by Bill and Leslee Gibbs. 

Bill, the former president of the University of Phoenix, paid $12 million to build the hot house—it was completed in 2002.  The Gibbs family called the Pima Road place home-sweet-home for 9 years, and now they’re ready to give another Valley fam a chance to enjoy its unbelievably fabulous amenities.  In addition to the many rooms and bathrooms, there are two gourmet kitchens; 5 fireplaces (and an outdoor fire-pit); a resort-style infinity pool; an outdoor entertaining pavilion (with a grilling area and bar); a 4,700 square foot gymnasium; a 2,000 square foot wood shop; a 300-foot zip-line(OMG!); a riding train for the kids; a telescope observatory for lovebirds; a safe-room; and 2 home offices. 

I know, the ultimate playground.

It’s the perfect place to chill…or party.  The Gibbs’ crib has seen a number of successful fundraising events; for example, they hosted a soiree for the Major League Baseball Association Wives Charity.  (Of course, the pro baseball players had their fun on the private zip-line.)  And if you prefer privacy, you’ll feel secluded in this ravishing sanctuary, while still being close to Scottsdale’s best amenities like golf, horseback riding, dining, and shopping.

The Gibbs couples decided to auction because it’s a proactive approach to selling a world-class home in a soft market.  Plus, they’re getting international exposure.  So far, they’ve received interest from 23 states, plus Canada and Mexico.

So if money grows on trees in your neck of the woods, contact call 214-649-7346 for further auction information.

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