42 Biltmore Estate in the iconic Biltmore Circle is currently the highest priced listing in Phoenix at $8.9 million. Listed by DeVon Connors of Coldwell Banker Realty, this timelessly elegant residence exudes modern Asian flair and embodies the incomparable essence of being on an island vacation all year long.
In the late ’90s, the soon-to-be owner of this Bali contemporary masterpiece was looking to create his own slice of paradise in the desert. After living in the seaside town of La Jolla, Calif. for many years and vacationing at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Kona, he was introduced to the incredible work of the luxurious Hawaiian resort’s architect and developer, Bing Hu.
Bing, a nationally and internationally renowned architect, completed his graduate degree at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s prestigious School of Architecture in North Scottsdale. Trained under the principles of Mr. Wright, Bing developed a deep understanding of organic architecture and how to achieve harmony between built spaces and the natural world.
Applying Wright’s philosophies at 42 Biltmore Estates, Bing designed a house that brought his client’s dreams to life.
Showcasing clean lines, a soft sandstone palette, louvered doors, and recessed wood-paneled ceilings, this desert oasis resembles the opulent accommodations at Hualalai Resort. The master suite, situated on the second floor with a spacious fitness studio, is very similar to what you’ll find at the resort’s Presidential Villa, complete with separate his/hers bathrooms and closets, a dry sauna, sitting area with beverage refrigerator, and a spacious viewing balcony that overlooks the backyard and golf course.
Upon entry, visitors are greeted by soaring ceilings and sky-high windows that look out onto the lush backyard and Camelback Mountain. A floor-to-ceiling, double-sided stone fireplace adds depth and separates the formal living from formal dining rooms.
On the Northside of the home lies a guest wing with three en-suite bedrooms and a lounge/entertainment area. On the Southside of the property, there is a second wing that features a study with an en-suite bathroom, a second office space, a laundry room, and two guest rooms with a Jack and Jill bathroom.
The gourmet kitchen is fit for a professional chef and equipped with a Dacor gas range, Wolf griddle, Thermador wok station, Dacor wall oven and entree warmer, Gaggenau steam oven, and Subzero refrigerator and freezer.
The tropical backyard retreat beckons all who enter to relax and unwind with its array of palm trees and greenery, the lagoon style pool, and stunning views. Adjacent to the pool’s peaceful spa and water feature is the guest casita, boasting a full kitchen, private garage, and loft-style bedroom with mountain views in all directions.
During the Covid pandemic, everyone realized that they want a bigger home and a place that they don’t feel like they ever have to leave. People don’t want to have to leave their house to go to the gym, to see a movie, or go out to eat. 42 Biltmore offers the space and amenities that everyone is currently looking for.
—Architect Bing Hu
Bing also notes that the roof is made with a glazed terracotta imported from Japan, similar to what he uses on the properties he designs on the Big Island. He was intentional in choosing the same shade of green that you see on the Biltmore Hotel’s copper roof, an ode to the work he studied at Frank Lloyd Wright’s School of Architecture.
View the full listing here.
