Posts Tagged ‘real estate in Paradise Valley’

Experience Paradise Valley From a Jeep Tour

Friday, September 3rd, 2010
If you want the inside scoop on what makes Arizona- and specifically Paradise Valley- so wonderful, then the Arizona Desert Jeep Tours are for you.  There are a few different companies that offer this service in and around the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley real estate, but regardless of which you choose, the experience will be unlike anything else you have ever encountered.  Capture some unbelievable snap-shots, or simply enjoy the breeze through your hair as the open air jeeps cruise the desert paths, giving you the ride of a lifetime. 

photo from www.azdesertmountainjeep.com

One company that provides a number of exciting options to tourists is Arizona Desert Mountain Jeep Tour.  You have the luxury of choosing from a number of themed tours, which provide the benefits of taking in the landscapes and learning along the way.

The sunset dinner tour highlights the unbelievable night skies including the famous sunsets that make Paradise Valley such a desirable location.  Cover the unclaimed real estate of the west before settling in at a real Country Western Steakhouse for a good meal, some good old fashion country music, and even an Old West stage show.

If that isn’t quite what you are looking for, then you might consider the Old Prospector Gold Panning Tour, which takes you through a living cactus forest to a natural running stream and teaches you the art of gold panning.  This trip is guaranteed gold and you may even take some of it home with you.

It is not just jeep tours that this company specializes in, however.  These men and women live in and understand the real west.  The Paradise Valley residents are willing to show you the real ways of the west.  Join them for a horseback ride through the desert, a photo shoot of some of the best landscapes this area has to offer, or even shack up for the night.  Pitching a tent in the Paradise Valley desert is truly being one with nature.  The guides will even take you out on a nocturnal tour to witness the marvelous wildlife that ventures out in the late hours.

Arizona Desert Mountain Jeep Tours wants to provide you a real western experience and they make sure to offer a myriad of ways to take it all in.  You might even join them for a true Western cookout.  Enjoy the tastes of the west grill side, and take a seat to taste, drink, and take in all that the desert has to offer.  Whether jumping in a open-topped jeep or sitting at a picnic table, this is one way that the west can leave a lasting impact on you.

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The Sanctuary Real Estate in Paradise Valley Has Storied History

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

One area of Paradise Valley luxury real estate that exudes not just sophistication and style, but also a wealth of history, is the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa. And what many people do not realize is that this exclusive resort’s legacy is filled with Hollywood celebrities, international tennis stars and even highly placed politicos.

According to The Sanctuary’s website, www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com, the story begins back in the early 1950s when the unique mountainside property was purchased by a group of investors including Hollywood stars Joanne Dru, John Ireland and Sydney Chaplin, Charlie Chaplin’s son. Joanne Dru was a famous actress who worked with big names including Jimmy Stewart, Al Jolson and John Ford; she and Ireland, who worked with Stanley Kubrick, Michael Landon and Broderick Crawford among others, were married at the time. Well-known architect Hiram Hudson Benedict, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, was tapped to design a clubhouse, and Benedict and Ireland developed the clubhouse, five tennis courts and a prototype casita that become John Ireland’s Arizona home.

Throughout the 1950s, the facility was known as the Paradise Valley Racquet Club. Thanks to its Hollywood cachet, the tennis club attracted la crème de la crème of motion picture stars along with world-ranked tennis figures such as Ken Rosewall and Pancho Gonzales. As the 1950s turned into the 1960s, local real estate entrepreneurs Vik Jackson and Les Heitel brought together an investment group that purchased the Racquet Club’s 53 mountainside acres, including the tennis courts, casitas and clubhouse. Meanwhile, tennis-training impresarios John and Barbara Gardiner were in the process of expanding their California-based tennis business. They became part of the operation and decided to construct additional casitas as well as expansive homes on the property, which then became known as John Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch.

At about the same time, Paradise Valley resident and political heavyweight Senator Barry Goldwater was spearheading a group that was formed to preserve Camelback Mountain. The Tennis Ranch provided strong support for the preservation movement which eliminated development of land above the 1,700-foot level of Camelback Mountain. To help ensure that the mountain was preserved, the owners of the tennis facility transferred acreage from their privately-owned real estate into the Preserve.

In addition to helping save Camelback Mountain, the resort also supported community causes by holding numerous celebrity tennis tournaments to benefit a variety of charities. These tournaments drew many Hollywood stars, both as players and as spectators, including Dean Martin, Jimmy Durante, Liza Minelli, Johnny Carson, Bill Cosby and others. The Senator’s Cup Tennis Tournament was also hosted at the Ranch, featuring members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and other politicians who battled for bragging rights in front of an often-packed gallery.

A few ownership transitions later, along with massive renovations, and the resort took on new life when it reopened in March 2001 as Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa. The Sanctuary is now home to not just a storied history, but also magnificent spa-like amenities, sensational valley-wide views and award-winning fine dining.

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Train Lovers are Home at Paradise Valley Area Railroad Park

Friday, August 20th, 2010

When someone stops to consider the settling of the west, he or she cannot help but think of the railroads that were built by the tedious and hard labor of the working man. The Paradise Valley, Arizona area still pays homage to that hard work and the locomotives that brought the people that inhabited the area and essentially made it what it is today.  For a taste of the train travel that these people experienced, you do not want to miss out on the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

If you own real estate in Paradise Valley, one of the things that draw residents to this park is undoubtedly the opportunity to hop aboard the trains.  However, the trains might not be exactly what you expect.  The locomotives and engines that parade around the track are built as a replicas of the trains of those old days, but are built at just 5/12 scale.  That means anything that was one-foot-long on the trains of old, is just five inches on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad at Railroad Park.  Nevertheless, the ride will give you the thrill you seek and the best part is, your destination will not be the unsettled West.  Instead you will arrive back where you started and can begin your journey through the other great aspects of this park.

The children will, of course, not be able to walk far before turning to you with looks of excitement.  Near the center of the park sits a 1950’s carousel called the Scottsdale Charro Carousel.  With thirty horses and two wheelchair chariots, this is definitely an aspect of the park that you and the little ones will not want to miss.

Photo by: Stressedad

Finally, when your legs need a rest, but the kids are eager to keep going, make a stop at the playgrounds where you can take a seat and watch as the children play on the swings, slides, monkey bars, and other exciting features of the giant kid fun zone. 

Real estate in the Old West would have been valueless if the people were not able to get the food and supplies they needed to survive.  This was the reason for the small general stores of the time.  Therefore, a visit to Railroad Park would not be complete without visiting Hartley’s General Store.  For the best in souvenirs, snacks, and slushies, Hartley’s is the perfect place to wrap up a visit to the park.  Or, if your sweet tooth simply cannot be tamed, perhaps you would rather stop by the old Southern Pacific Railroad Caboose, which is now renovated to serve the snacks you crave.  Sweets, such as ice cream and yogurt, are served alongside hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks.  The perfect ending to a perfect day.

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Paradise Valley Houses the Luxurious Camelback Inn

Saturday, July 17th, 2010

Not everyone wants to venture into the Wild West; some simply want a peaceful get-a-way that affords them a bit of luxury and relaxation.  For those people, Paradise Valley has the perfect offering- the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa. 

A spa.  There are few things in life that have the same level of relaxation written into them as the spa does.  Whenever someone utters the word “spa,” those nearby feel a longing sense of tranquility and the desire to accompany that person to the spa.  At the Camelback Inn Spa, they will get just that.  Picturesque backdrops and the rhythmic sound of a nearby fountain provide the perfect setting for the spa options.  Massage, full body mud masks, facials and pedicures are just some of the services that are provided by the spa staff. The best part is that the relaxation never ends while at the Camelback Inn.

This is a resort that could very well be considered the most picture perfect real estate in Paradise Valley or perhaps Arizona.  For those seeking the ultimate in leisure, there are cabanas available for reservation.  These poolside havens provide the cooling effects of an overhead fan, private seating, a mini-fridge complete with beverages and fresh fruit and even dining and beverage service from the resort’s restaurant.

The restaurant at the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa is as fantastic as the rest of the features.  Provided the name Sprouts, this eatery provides the best in healthy snacks, lunches and delicious beverages.  Enjoy a fresh pomegranate salad with a glass of bubbling champagne or seared salmon and a cabernet sauvignon.  There are countless pairings offered by this onsite restaurant that will have your mouth water with excitement.  There are also four other options for dining that provide equally scrumptious selections for your time in the relaxing atmosphere of Camelback Inn Resort and Spa.  These include the BLT Steakhouse, which features a number of delectable cuts of meat, seafood, and even a raw bar.  Rita’s Kitchen offers the regional tastes that might suit your fancy given the Paradise Valley locale, and Patio Jack’s will offer the poolside drinks and fare that will ensure you maintain your energy levels for fun in the sun.

Finally, for those who wish to break a sweat while getting away from the world, Camelback Inn Resort and Spa also features not one, but two gorgeous golf courses.  Each serves as a full 18-hole course and provides play suitable for champions.  If you would rather just hit a ball or two, the practice facility offers a full driving range and chipping and putting greens.  And, if your significant other would rather sit back and take in the views while you play a round, the club has an outdoor lounge and fireside seating.

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Paradise Valley Houses the Excellent Tesseract School

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

There are a number of reasons that Paradise Valley homes are so highly sought after by families. Along with excellent public schools, the community is also home to several outstanding private schools. One of these is the Tesseract School.

Founded in 1988, the Tesseract School is a non-denominational, co-educational school for children in pre-school through high school. Boasting an overall student/teacher ratio of 8:1, the school has two campuses located around the corner from each other – Upper and Lower campus.

Utilizing a multi-sensory, integrated approach to learning, Tesseract students are encouraged to develop their natural talents in areas including foreign language, numeric analysis, communication, written reflection, athletics and the arts. Grounded in the belief that learning does not begin and end in the classroom, middle school students regularly enjoy visits from guest speakers, participate in local field trips and take an annual curriculum-related class trip.

Meanwhile, Tesseract’s college-preparatory high school features an innovative, student-centered curriculum emphasizing cross-curricular connections, authentic learning and international exposure. Freshman study the foundations of civilization with hands-on experiences at historic landmarks, ancient ruins and museums. Sophomore year highlights science and math, showcased by a trip to research labs and universities in California. Juniors study foreign language and cultures, including class trips to China and South America, while senior year’s focus is on independent exploration and internal development.

If you are interested in an independent, private education and you are considering purchasing a home or residential real estate in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Phoenix or surrounding communities, you should take a look at the Tesseract School to see if it meets the needs of you and your family.

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International Baccalaureate Program at Home in Paradise Valley Schools

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

There are a number of reasons that Paradise Valley homes and estates are so highly sought after by families interested in quality public education for their children. Here’s one: excellent schools. If you’re considering purchasing a home, land or other residential real estate in Paradise Valley, chances are you’re interested in the local school district and what it has to offer your children and your entire family.

While there are many exceptional private schools nearby, the top-rated Paradise Valley public schools are also an outstanding choice for many families. One of the educational offerings that make the Paradise Valley Unified School District enticing to those interested in an excellent education is the International Baccalaureate program (www.ibo.org). More commonly known as an “IB” program, this rigorous program challenges students’ thought processes and helps them gain an international perspective.

In Paradise Valley, the inquiry-based IB program is for 11th and 12th grade students who have successfully completed the required coursework and community service during their freshman and sophomore years. Throughout the intensive two-year program, juniors and seniors take courses with a global focus and are expected to score well on assessments in six subject areas in both humanities and science.

With a total enrollment of over 33,000 students, the Paradise Valley district is the seventh largest school district in Arizona. The district’s 98-square-mile boundaries include a significant portion of northeast Phoenix as well as a portion of north Scottsdale, and extend from Seventh Avenue on the west to Pima Road on the east. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue, with the northern boundary being Jomax Road.

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Paradise Valley Arizona is Home to Goldwater Memorial

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

There are a number of reasons that Paradise Valley real estate is all so highly sought after by individuals as well as families. Fabulous year-round weather, an upscale rural ambience, close to fine amenities and dramatic views of Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain – what more could you ask for?

How about a storied history of politicians and celebrities who have called Paradise Valley home?

One of the nation’s best-known Arizonans and politicians was Senator Barry Goldwater. For many, many years, Senator Goldwater owned a sprawling ranch-style home nestled high on a hilltop in the heart of Paradise Valley; his home was named Be-Nun-I-Kin, which is Navajo for “house on a hill.” This sun-kissed estate boasts 360-degree views of the entire Valley, including Phoenix and Scottsdale, and after his death, some of his acreage was eventually sub-divided into several view-rich homesites.

To honor the legacy of Senator Goldwater, the Town of Paradise Valley commissioned the first major work of art to commemorate the life of the late, great Arizonan who died in 1998 in his beloved hilltop home. On February 14, 2004, a one-and-one-half-times life-size statue sculpted by noted Arizona artist Joe Beeler was unveiled at the northeast corner of Tatum Boulevard and Lincoln Drive in Paradise Valley. Although the bronze statue is the focal point for the Memorial, the site is professionally landscaped with desert plantings and includes a pedestrian path inscribed with noteworthy quotes denoting some of Senator Goldwater’s lifetime beliefs.

Barry Goldwater was famous as a politician, a talented photographer and as an avid and skilled pilot. But above all he was a passionate American and Arizonan who loved the many unique features of his home state. According to the Town of Paradise Valley, this beautiful sculptural portrait and its natural desert setting speak eloquently of what was important to him.

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Paradise Valley Schools Home to Many National Board Certified Teachers

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Kudos to the Paradise Valley Unified School District for having over 60 teachers who have earned National Board Certification, one of the highest achievements in the teaching profession. The Paradise Valley Unified School District is one of the top two districts in Arizona in terms of the number of National Board Certified Teachers, a fact that proves that if you purchase or already own a home, land or other residential real estate in Paradise Valley, the local public schools offer an excellent choice for your family.

Developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the elite National Board Certification strengthens and reaffirms teaching strategies, adds credibility to the teaching profession and represents the profession’s commitment to high standards. After teachers attain eligibility, they take a Pre-Candidacy class to prepare for the certification process, which takes one to three years depending on the pathway a teacher chooses.

The Paradise Valley Unified School District district consists of 45 schools: 31 elementary schools (kindergarten through grade six), eight middle schools (grades seven and eight) and six high schools (grades nine through 12). The district offers a variety of specialized education choice programs, including K-12 International Baccalaureate, Core Knowledge©, S.T.E.M.G2 (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Global Geography), Digital Learning Center and much more.

With a total enrollment of over 33,000 students, the Paradise Valley district is the seventh largest school district in Arizona. The district’s 98-square-mile boundaries include a significant portion of northeast Phoenix as well as a portion of north Scottsdale, and extend from Seventh Avenue on the west to Pima Road on the east. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue, with the northern boundary being Jomax Road.

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