A contemporary home designed to blend in with the surrounding environment in Sedona’s Back O’ Beyond neighborhood.
A CONTEMPORARY GLASS HOUSE ON THE SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN
Bill Benson and his wife Loris Benson had resided in Park City, Utah, since the early 1990s. After decades of dealing with snow, they were searching for a warmer place to call home. And the retired couple had been looking at Sedona since mid-2016. “We wanted to move to a resort community because of the amenities. They tend to have nice restaurants, people are active, nightlife,” says Bill.
They finally found a vacant lot in the Back O’ Beyond neighborhood. They selected builder Phil Morris and choose Freddie Valdez to be their architect. In an act of serendipity, Bill showed his architect Freddie a picture of a home in the Breckenridge, Colorado, area in a design magazine that they liked. It turns out that Freddie actually worked on that exact home. Bill tell us he and his wife were looking to build a home that was different from their last dwelling.
This modern home was designed by architect Freddie Valdez and built by Phil Morris.
“We had in the past had what you would call somewhat traditional houses,” says Bill. “We wanted something out of the ordinary.” His wife had a good idea of what she wanted: a tiered house on the side of a mountain. Freddie came up with the blueprints. The entire designing process took about six months. About two years after the construction crew broke ground on the home, the couple moved in early summer of 2019. The so-called “stacked” home was easier on the environment. Bill says that he loves how his home “blends” into its surroundings.
Their home sits underneath Cathedral Rock and sits on nearly four acres. They wanted to capture stunning views of the iconic red rock formation with expansive windows. “Our house is 65 percent glass. We have views everywhere. We wanted to bring the outside to the inside,” says Bill. The outside was literally used to construct the home. Many of the materials used to build the home are natural or “Earthy.” These include the wood ceilings, cedar and porcelain tile from Italy on the outside. The color palette used on the home is complementary to the environment and includes vibrant, deep oranges and reds found throughout Sedona.
Owner Bill Benson estimates that the home is about 65 percent glass.
He says he appreciates the simplicity of his dwelling and how connected he and his wife feel with nature all around them. “The simplicity with the lines and all the windows. We can open up all the windows in the house. We have one big giant triple or quadruple sliders that slide back in, and you’re basically outside. My wife and I enjoy that the best. We have decks on all the levels in the house. So people in the bedrooms can walk outside and enjoy all that.” With Cathedral Rock as a backdrop and expansive views showcasing Sedona’s beauty, Bill says he sees his home as being in harmony with the surrounding area.
“We just wanted to build something that kind of fit into the environment. And not only for ourselves in the environment, but also for our neighbors as well,” says Bill. “Both my wife and myself are very outdoors people, and it’s just something important for us. Especially in Sedona with the landscape, the scenery is so beautiful. You don’t want to detract from that, and you don’t want to put out something that conflicted with just the beauty of this area.”
Located on Chavez Ranch Road, this three bedroom home by Oak Creek features views of iconic Cathedral Rock.
A CREEK-SIDE HOME WITH RED ROCK VIEWS
Homes on the water are a true rarity in Sedona. But what’s even harder to find is a creek-side home with a stunning view of Sedona’s red rocks. But this house on Chavez Ranch Road, from Upper Red Rock Loop Road in West Sedona checks off both of those boxes. “In my 19 years here, I’ve never seen a creek property with such a magnificent view,” says Ed Pennington, a listing agent with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s. He explained that most of the creek homes are too low-lying to capture red rock vistas. But not this one. “This one has a dead-on view of Cathedral Rock, which is the most significant rock formation in Sedona.”
A greenhouse the home owner converted into a sitting room.
Back in the day, the property grew apples, peaches, pears and strawberries and was part of the historic Chavez Ranch. The home that currently sits on three acres was built in 2012 by West Fork Construction. Oak Creek is literally in the backyard. The single-level home includes three bedrooms and two full bathrooms for a total of 2,259 square feet of living space. And the vast majority of the property celebrates the outdoors. Jeanette Sauer, a listing agent with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s, says the land could be a vineyard, have animals or grow produce. Highlights include a greenhouse that the home’s owner converted into a sitting room with a fireplace so a potential resident could enjoy the views. Just off the kitchen is an outdoor entreating area complete with a fireplace. There’s a lanai off the den and a patio off the master bedroom. Jeanette says there’s one “sunset patio” that provides a stunning view as the sun dips below the horizon.
A close-up view of Cathedral Rock
“It has beautiful lush green mature trees that give you a little bit of shade. So you can have a great little sunset cocktail hour out there, and listen to the creek and watch the sun setting with all the beautiful colors. The rich red rock colors coming alive on Cathedral,” she says.
A sitting room featuring Cathedral Rock views
With the exception of the guest bedroom, each room features a fireplace for a literally warm feel. “In every room she’s created these beautiful, intimate, cozy, warm places,” says Jeanette. The property also features a horse barn and has the acreage for a few smaller horses or ponies. The vintage barn has about 1,008 square feet and previously served as a fruit cellar. Jeanette says it could be used as a wine cellar. Well water is used for irrigation and in landscaping.
Almost every room in this home features a fireplace.
“It is a complete sanctuary,” says Jeanette. “It is just a calming, serene energy that is so powerful. And then you have these gorgeous inspirational views of Cathedral Rock.”
Located across from Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, the House of Seven Arches is one of Sedona’s most striking homes that has a fascinating backstory.
THE HOUSE OF SEVEN ARCHES
f you’ve enjoyed a latte at the bar at Creekside Coffee, you’ve spotted the House of Seven Arches. It’s one of the Sedona’s most recognizable homes. And its backstory is near legendary. Herb Winebarger built the steel-and-wood home in 1978. The house is 4,000 square feet with 2,000 square feet of wraparound deck space and features two fireplaces, five bedrooms and four bathrooms. He then sold the home to someone in actress Lucille Ball’s family – you can often see a mannequin of the “I Love Lucy” actress on the balcony of the home – who then sold it to James Sipos.
The home is currently owned by Terrie Frankel, who is James’ widow. She’s lived there since 1994. Before moving to Sedona, she worked in the Hollywood for decades. Photos of Terrie with stars like Garth Brooks and Clint Eastwood are hanging on the walls. Perhaps her most famed role is that as one half of the Doublemint Twins. She lived in the home with her sister Jennie until her sister passed away in 2008 of cancer. When we asked her if she chews gum, she said, “Not much.” And no, she doesn’t receive a lifetime supply of the stuff from the company. But she does have a bowl of the green-colored gum in her home for her guests.
Although many believe otherwise, she’s actually never allowed tours of her home, located across from Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. But the home is a staple of the community. Santa often makes an appearance on the balcony over the holidays. The balcony is often lit up for different holidays in festive colors like orange for Halloween, green for St. Patrick’s Day and red for Valentine’s Day. “I just think it’s a nice statement for the town,” she says of the colors. “Before I owned it, I enjoyed looking at it. I’m thrilled to make it fun for people to see.” She’s hosted many different community events including benefits for the Sedona International Film Festival, Verde Valley Caregivers and, famously, Lucille Ball’s birthday party. Terrie has allowed the community in her home because she wants to share it. “Because I know the thrill that I felt when I came to this home,” says Terrie. “I was awestruck. It’s one of the most beautiful views in Sedona.”
And much like her life story, the story of how she came to own the home is an interesting one too. Her sister Jennie owned a home in the Village of Oak Creek. Terrie came to Sedona to help her sister move furniture and fell in love with the area. She remembers looking up at the House of Seven Arches and wondering if she could meet the owner. And she eventually did. Her and her sister were shooting a pilot at the “Sedona Dome” home, and she met the owner of Seven Arches, the aforementioned James Sipos, who agreed to allow them in. James showed them around and told Terrie he was going back to Scottsdale, unless Terrie would have dinner with him. They started dating then and later married. And even after all these years, she’s still excited to share her home with others. “I have extended this home so that many people can see it. And I pay it forward, paying the thrill forward,” says Terrie.
The home also has its own website (sedonasevenarcheslive.com) where visitors can watch a live cam of views of Sedona and learn more about the property. Besides the stellar views and striking exterior, inside the home is a screening room where she watches movies for awards. She once served as a board member for the Producers Guild of America and is still a member today. She says she loves sitting out on the covered deck and enjoying meals and taking in the scenery. Terrie purchased a piano owned by Lucille Ball that’s currently in the home. Although the home is sometimes called “Lucy’s home,” the actress actually never lived there. She did own the hillside where the house located, though.
Terrie says living in the home – a storied part of Sedona history – is a dream come true. “Oh my God. I’ve run out of places to pinch myself. I feel like I’m the luckiest person in the universe to be here for this long, 26 years, in a place that I only dreamed of visiting. At one time, I would just be happy to visit, and here I am living here. I wake up to the most exquisite view in the world. I mean, it’s really amazing,” she says. “I have no desire to really travel because I’m in the most wonderful place in the world. I love the visitors. I love the people here. I love the view. There’s so much to love about being here. I’m just very, very lucky, very blessed.”
The Village of Oak Creek home features a 6,151 square foot main residence. Shown here is the living room.
AN EQUESTRIAN’S DREAM HOUSE COMES TO LIFE
Tucked away in The Village of Oak Creek is an equestrian’s dream home that’s on the market. “The horses are spoiled,” says Wendy Jacobsen, a listing agent with RE/MAX Sedona and a representative of the home. Wendy also rode horses for decades. “The arena is perfect with a very special layout on the ground so it’s easy on their hoofs.” And the list of amenities for horses goes on. They include five stalls, two feed rooms, a spacious tack room, auto-waters, heated wash stalls, ceiling fans, sprinklers, extra large runs and feed storage. Wendy tells us that the home could house up to five horses. The five-acre property backs up to the Forest Service – giving horseback riders easy access to trails.
The home also features a library that comes complete with a fireplace.
“It could be a training stable, boarding stable, breeding. It covers everything you’ve ever wanted to with horses,” says Wendy. But don’t think that the horses are the only ones who could enjoy this home. “It’s unusual to have horse property where the owners spent as much as time and energy on the house,” says Wendy. “The whole property is top-end.”
This home features views of Sedona’s red rocks including Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
Built in 2003, the main single-level main residence is 6,151 square feet. The property also features a guest casita and a separate guest or bunk house. The main house includes a gourmet kitchen and wine service area, a large office/den/library space, an exercise room and a game room that opens to the pool and spa patio. Smaller, finer details include wood doors, stone floors, metal work and cabinetry crafted by local artisans and large windows featuring marvelous views. “The views are spectacular from that property,” says Wendy.
The property sits on five acres and backs up to Forest Service land.
The home is elevated and features vistas of Bell Rock, Castle Rock and Courthouse Butte. “It’s a cozy feeling home. Nothing’s pretensions. It’s quietly classy,” says Wendy. “You definitely feel immersed in nature. The night’s skies are amazing. It’s a beautiful spot for star gazing. It’s like living in your own resort.”
The home could house up to five horses.
For more information about this property, contact Wendy via email at sedonawendy@gmail.com or by phone at 928-300-2722.
HISTORY MEETS LUXURY AT JEROME’S THE LITTLE DAISY
You’d be hard pressed to find a property that’s more unique than The Little Daisy. For starters, the stunning hilltop Jerome home is built on the grounds where The Little Daisy hotel once stood.
The hotel opened in 1919. At first, the 40-room hotel welcomed guests and later became a home for miners. The property takes its name from The Little Daisy Mine. The mine was owned by “Rawhide” Jimmy Douglas, who also built the hotel.
By the time current owner Lisa Acker and her husband stumbled upon this property, the building had been abandoned for decades. After years living in Montana outside of Bozeman, the couple decided they were done with the snow. So they started looking at homes in the West. After house hunting in Prescott, the pair were visiting the Jerome State Historic Park when they saw a for sale sign. The hotel had been gutted. The building was window and roof-less. But even in the rubble, the Ackers saw potential. “It was just a gorgeous building with beautiful bones. We both fell in
love with it,” says Lisa. “Before we met, both of us had done projects where we built things from the ground up or renovated or remodeled. In Montana, we built everything that we had there … we were really looking for something that wasn’t totally finished.”
The home features 9,000 square feet of rooftop gardens and more than 12,000 square feet of heated and cooled living space.
So the couple got to work to transforming the shell of the historic property into a palatial estate. The property sits on 3.45 acres and offers more than 12,000 square feet of living space. The expansive home features eight bedrooms and seven full bathrooms. And the house has come a long way. The couple purchased the home in August of 1995. In the early days of renovating, they lived in an Airstream trailer on the grounds. Lisa says the couple finished up all the renovations in 2004 or 2005, spending over a decade bringing their dream home to life.
One special consideration: staying true to the building’s rich history. The couple poured over blueprints from the Jerome State Historic Park to get the details just right. “We wanted to honor that place as it was,” says Lisa. Some historical details include kitchen cabinetry modeled after what was originally there. The exterior windows and doors are crafted out of oak, just like their historical counterparts. The registration desk sits where the original one did. They stuck with the pedestal sinks and marble in the showers and bathtubs. “We didn’t want it to be ultra-modern where you have electric everything,” says Lisa. “But it’s certainly got the luxury of today.” One luxurious aspect of the property is its rooftop. The outdoor space features a garden, a hot tub and an outdoor kitchen. And let’s not forget about the unparalleled views that offer up stunning vistas of the entire Verde Valley from the unique location. “You’re at the end of the road. There’s nothing around. The luxury is visual. That would be the beautiful landscape that you look out onto. It’s the whole entire Verde Valley. You’ll look out onto the red rocks in Sedona. The sunsets are just totally amazing. The stars at night are just gorgeous,” says Lisa.
Jerome’s The Little Daisy occupies the space of a historic hotel of the same name built in 1919. The palatial estate sits on 3.45 acres.
The home is currently on the market. She says it’s time to move on after her husband passed away in September of 2017. “There’s nothing like it in the whole word. Nothing. I mean, it’s one
of a kind. It’s elegant living. It’s lovely to be in,” says Lisa. “It’s the longest I’ve ever lived anywhere. I feel grateful that I could because it’s very special.”
