Carefree Days

Designed as a warm-weather escape from Midwestern winters, this custom home in Carefree, Arizona, offers its owners a quiet place to unwind, recharge, and take in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The retired couple wanted a home that felt modern yet rooted in place—open and inviting for visiting friends and family, but still comfortable and intimate for everyday living.

Set on a large property bordered by a natural desert wash, the site is rich with mountain views and local wildlife. We shaped the design around these natural elements, orienting the home to preserve privacy while maximizing connection to the surrounding landscape. The wash behind the home, used as a daily path by desert wildlife, became a central visual anchor for the project—one we framed carefully through windows, patios, and moments of quiet discovery.

Blending natural stone and smooth stucco, the architecture reflects a Southwest Contemporary aesthetic—clean lines softened by earthy textures. One of the most unique features is the master bath’s indoor-outdoor shower: a seamless transition from the interior shower to a private courtyard where a second shower awaits under the open sky. With carefully placed walls and strategic openings, the space preserves both privacy and a sense of openness to the views beyond.

Deep overhangs and shaded patios provide welcome relief from the desert sun, creating comfortable outdoor living spaces that extend the interior and ground the home in its environment.

This home is about ease, beauty, and connection—to nature, to family, and to the rhythm of desert life.