Take A Peek At These Snowbirds’ Modern Arizona Vacation Home

When it comes to design, there are some that remain loyal to a certain style, be it modern or traditional, formal or laid-back. Then there are those who embrace the opportunity to try something different; something that reflects their surroundings. Such was the case for a Toronto-based couple who decided to build a vacation home in Scottsdale. The tennis-players-turned-golfers purchased a piece of land once owned by golf legend Jack Nicklaus (“We have his signed deed framed,” the wife says. “I hope it helps my game!”) with the desire to explore contemporary architecture as a counterpoint to their historic main residence. Priorities included clean lines, high contrast and natural materials, but at the very top of the list was embracing the lot’s dramatic view of Pinnacle Peak.

The pair turned to architect Erik Peterson, who knew exactly how to execute their vision. “Because this site is so close to the mountain, we had to do something special with the roof,” he explains. To capture the up-close vista, Peterson devised a roofline that sweeps dramatically upward. The clever design, realized by general contractor Ted Reisdorf, is rooted in Peterson’s training in organic architecture and the Frank Lloyd Wright vernacular he gleaned working with renowned architect Bing Hu at H&S International and at Taliesin Associated Architects. 

“This house has a particular quality, with varying volumes and planes that blur the line of what’s indoors and what’s outdoors,” the architect continues. “All of the spaces open to each other, but they’re delineated by architectural details, and each has its own scale. Great architecture allows you to feel, and we want our homes to be comfortable and done on a humanistic scale.” 

The juxtaposition of craggy mountainside with the smooth greens of the golf course elicits “wows” from everyone who enters, but because the rooms are intimately scaled, daily life is quite cozy. And by adding a second story on the street-facing side of the home, Peterson was able to include a rooftop terrace that offers city views. 

“The owners didn’t have a huge wish list; they just wanted something very livable,” designer Laura Kehoe adds. “They asked for modern interiors, but they also wanted to bring in some color, as long as it didn’t detract from the outdoors.” Working alongside firm designer Mandy Cousins, Kehoe developed a charcoal-and-camel palette that she amplified through texture and pattern. Natural wood furnishings serve to add warmth while harmonizing with the plank ceilings and floors.

Adjoining the living area are the kitchen—where Kehoe used a white-veined black granite to balance the living room’s black-granite-and-combed-limestone fireplace wall—and the dining area, where she kept the focus on comfortable chairs and unobstructed views. The public spaces flow as easily upstairs to a secondary lounge and terrace (“It’s the perfect place for cocktails at golden hour,” the wife notes) as they do out to the backyard, which features an alfresco kitchen and additional entertaining spaces. 

Peterson placed the couple’s bedroom suite on the main floor and organized the guest quarters, including a bunk room, upstairs. “Because their bedroom is really an extension of the rest of the living spaces, we wanted to keep it similarly neutral, but we added a deep-turquoise velvet chair for some color and a wallpaper that adds a little personality,” Kehoe explains. From their suite, especially the spa-like bathroom’s tub, the couple can truly soak in the views. “We wanted to be able to wake up and see the mountain and the garden,” the wife says. 

To enhance these vistas, the owners brought on landscape architect Donna Winters. “We placed trees early on to create privacy from the golf course and to add an intimacy to the garden, but it was really about maintaining a connection to the landscape—they’re in the shadow of an extraordinary landmark,” Winters says. “Erik gave us a wonderful backdrop, and the gray exterior is a perfect foil for the plants—the greens really stand out against it,” she adds, noting the dark green Mexican fence post cacti at the front door. 

“This house is such a departure from our home in Canada,” the wife continues. “It was so much fun to do modern!” And with easy access to the golf course—plus a little of that Jack Nicklaus magic—it’s truly the ultimate winter getaway.