A little bit of Tuscany in the desert

This Scottsdale home was designed as a love letter to family, hospitality, and the timeless charm of the Italian countryside. For the retired couple who live here, life revolves around their children, grandchildren, and friends—so the design needed to gracefully balance two very different scales of living: cozy and quiet for everyday life, and expansive and welcoming for the gatherings that fill the house with warmth and laughter.

Inspired by the rustic farmhouses of Tuscany, the home blends traditional stone, stucco, and brick with modern touches like high ceilings, large windows, and flowing indoor-outdoor spaces. It's a place where old-world charm meets present-day comfort—where arched doorways and earthy textures live in harmony with open, light-filled rooms.

The site brought its own set of challenges: located in a flood zone within Scottsdale’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands district, the home needed to be elevated without appearing tall. The solution came through careful massing—breaking the house into wings and distinct volumes that maintain a human scale while achieving the required elevation. The result is a design that feels grounded, elegant, and deeply connected to its desert surroundings.

Unique features are tucked into every corner: a concealed door leads to the “Speakeasy,” a private retreat where the owners distill whiskey and store their wine. Outdoor spaces are woven throughout the property—from a quiet master bath patio to a recessed pool cabana with a swim-up bar, a central dining courtyard, and a serene east-facing view deck where the sunrise greets the day. On the opposite end, a detached guest casita includes a shaded “Sunset Patio,” perfect for quiet evenings or casual conversation.

Every part of this home reflects a deep sense of care—for tradition, for beauty, and above all, for the people who gather within its walls.