The Grand Lady of Thumb Butte, Prescott
As you enter the gate and climb the winding driveway of this French Country estate in Prescott, Arizona, architectural and scenic beauty, luxury and fantasy, magnificently coalesce.
On seven acres with hundreds of mature trees, the two-story custom is sited beneath Thumb Butte, the landmark lava-flow tower that rises 1,200 feet above the mile-high city two hours north of Phoenix. The 6,978-square-foot home includes a 12 car carriage house with RV storage, an 878-square-foot guest house and a mini-casita.
Just minutes from downtown Prescott, the first territorial capital of Arizona, the four-bedroom, seven-bathroom home, built in 2000–01, includes horse privileges, English garden grounds, water features, gazebo, putting green, rose garden and sublime 50-mile views. One of the seven acres could be sold or developed for another building, such as a barn or a stables and tack room.
“Some great homes are that: great homes. But this estate is a lifestyle campus and family compound. It’s an equestrian’s dream and a car lover’s fantasy. It’s a summer getaway and a four-season home,” says Frank Aazami, co-broker and principal of the Private Client Group with Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty from its Scottsdale Camelback Road office. “It’s simply fantastic.”
“My first experience at this magical home, I honestly felt like I was in a fairy tale that continued, room after room,” adds co-broker Nancy Read, a Prescott Realtor® also with Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty. “This home is an architectural masterpiece yet retains a quaintness that beautifully complements its grandness.”
The 6,100-square-foot main residence provides single-level living with a spacious master bed/bath retreat, including separate shower and tub, double sinks, private toilet room, jetted tub and bidet.
The grand foyer of the home leads to a library, living room, conservatory, wine cellar, mud and laundry rooms, dining room, office, three bathrooms, and, the hub of the house, the chef’s kitchen with double islands, walk-in pantry, breakfast nook and adjacent family room. A basement is included.
On the second level is a large entertainer’s loft overlooking the great room; this includes a wet bar, pool table, game table, and media room. In addition, there are two bedroom suites with two bathrooms.
Even the guest house is grand, including a foyer, main living area, full kitchen featuring island seating, dining area, large bedroom and bath with enclosed patio and another half bath off the laundry area adjoining the garage/workshop. This would be a perfect set-up for parents or a housekeeper, Read suggests.
For the car enthusiast, the massive carriage house, attached to the guest house, has eight 43-foot deep tandem garage bays, with an auto lift, workshop and full RV garage storage including hook-ups. In addition, attached to the main residence are another four garage bays with a porte-cochere. “It’s a car enthusiast’s dream!” Read says.
Three sunrise/sunset balconies and ground-level terraces offer great views of Thumb Butte (especially at sunset) and the English gardens, which are artfully interwoven with the natural flora.
The mini-casita can be a napping house, reading cottage or another guest house with a king bed and a twin loft. “Along a nature path, it’s a perfect retreat for adults and could be a storybook playhouse/bunkhouse for your children and grandchildren,” Read says.
“There is attention to detail in everything in this home,” she adds, “from the immaculate terraced grounds to the drop-down entrance chandelier to the detailed hand-carved beams and stained glass windows. Its grandeur is unassuming –– but immediately clear.”
Privacy in the Prescott Hills, and Downtown is Minutes Away
Although the house is large, the floor plan provides for warm family living areas, says one of the owners, who are retirees in the Denver area. “In addition, the indoor areas open up seamlessly to the welcoming outdoors, making it ideal for entertaining.
“The mile-high city of Arizona made us feel at home since we are from the mile-high city of Colorado,” she adds, noting that they intended making Prescott their retirement home but their family situation changed.
“The beauty of Thumb Butte out our back door sealed the deal. It towers above the home. And, because we are Coloradans, we also enjoy viewing the abundant wildlife on the property.”
At the same time, the privacy and seclusion of the wooded property is less than five minutes from the restaurants and shops and events of historic Courthouse Plaza and famed Whiskey Row, she explains.
“The town is charming, with its rich history, quaint downtown area, friendly people and yet has all the amenities of a large city. The mild climate, with sunny days, little snow and comfortable summertime temps, makes it a special Arizona location. We can open our windows and breathe in the clean fresh air.”
The owners have built several homes throughout the West. “We recognize quality,” she says. “When we saw this home, we were immediately impressed with the quality of craftsmanship, exceptional hard-to-find setting and estatelike quality.”
This great home is offered at $2,490,000. For more information or to visit, call Read, 928.830.8263, email, nancy@pcgAgents.com and nancy.read@russlyon.com, or Aazami, 480.266.0240, frank@pcgagents.com. Also see PrescottResidence.com, including a video.
