Page 12 Farrell negotiated to buy 13 rocky acres in the side of a mountain, just naive enough to think he could plant a home on the land for $150,000. “Turned out $150,000 barely got me the road,” Farrell said with a chuckle. Farrell bought a trailer and for the better part of three years he and his friends would camp out on weekends and “massage” the site. They observed which way the sun rose and set, gauged the wind, got a feel for how the property related to the seasons and devised how the property would eventually be laid out. Once plans were in place Farrell hired a local builder crazy enough to take on the job and construction of the 1,200 square-foot home began. Rancho del Cielo, or “Ranch of the Sky,” sits four miles outside of Patagonia and is literally straight up a hill so a traditional construction process was next to impossible. “It was a slow process,” Farrell said. “I was doing it as I made money and contractors had to be changed a few times. Plus, as an absentee owner I overpaid on some things and was a little too trusting. Building time was three or four years start to finish.” Rancho del Cielo’s “opening party” was held December 31, 1999. The architectural design is “Old Mining meets Mexico” and the home Continued from page 9 5335 E. Exeter Blvd. ~ 5 Bed / 4 Bath 5000 sq. ft. ~ $1,350,000 Jennifer Sheedy, REALTOR ® HomeSmart Biltmore 3131 E. Camelback Road, Suite 125, Phoenix, AZ 85016 602.502.6600 jensheedyaz@gmail.com 4021 E. Hazelwood ~ 3 bed / 2 Bath 2400 sq. ft. ~ $699,000 Beautiful Family home in the heart of Arcadia Quintesential Arcadia cottage with enchanting outdoor space! NEW TO THE MARKET NEW TO THE MARKET
Page 13 is constructed from Colorado timbers and 5,500 45-pound adobes. The insulating adobes add to the self-sufficiency of the home, holding in the heat during the winter months and keeping it cool in the summer. There is no central heat or cooling. Potbelly stoves provide additional warmth and small AC units are available for the stickier June nights. The interior is comprised of double-pane windows, reclaimed wood, cement and wood plank floors and lots of Mexican tile. The floor plan is built around a central circular kitchen and living area, which is where Farrell says the vast majority of time spent at Rancho del Cielo is spent cooking, drinking wine, playing games and enjoying good company. There’s a master bedroom, secondary bedroom, loft area, living room, shower room and one toilet (see sidebar on page 14). A thousand square feet of deck capture mesmerizing valley views that stretch for miles and there’s an outdoor barbecue area and hot tub. The doors and furnishings found in the home were purchased over “five years of acquiring stuff ” during countless trips to Mexico. Much of the artwork found throughout the home was painted by Farrell himself. Framed photographs serve as a history lesson telling the property’s amazing story. Beyond the sticks and bricks, however, there’s another story to Rancho del Cielo that demands to be told. Somehow every person who visits this remote property comes back profoundly changed. Continued on page 14 Debbie Frazelle, ABR 602.954.6888 Of ¿ ce • 602.399.8540 Cell 3113 East Lincoln Drive www.debbiefrazelle.com • dfrazelle@cox.net Traditional “Arcadia Proper” Remodeled Ranch Style home nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain. A great place to entertain or raise a family!!! This amazing 4892 sq. ft. house sits on a .61 acre lot on the north side of prestigious Exeter Blvd! 5 Bedroom / 4 Bath, 3 car garage, pool. Offered at $1,299,000 RECENT ARCADIA SALES... Sold House or Brought Buyer There are currently more buyers than listings in Arcadia. Now is a great time to sell your home. Past Hopi PTA President Arcadia resident for over 25 years Each Office Independently Owned and Operated Deb 602.9 3113 www Past Hopi PTA Pres Arcadia resident f 25 years Each Office Independently Owned an 4659 East Rockridge Road 6020 East Mariposa Street 4456 East Calle Del Norte 6040 East Calle Del Sud g y y 5980 North Echo Canyon Drive 3626 North 52nd Street 4657 East Cypress Street ...just to name a few! Turn your quality furniture, art and home decor into CASH! Why shop consignment? The price, of course! iConsign is a smart way for you to add QUALITY furniture, art & home decor to your home without stressing your pocketbook. If it is used to decorate your home, bring it in and turn it into cash. We pay the best commission rate in town. CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE, ART & HOME DÉCOR 4633 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-237-5003 www.iconsignstores.com iConsign Stores We do Custom Framing - 50% off your order! We pay top dollar when you consign with us! $10 OFF Any purchase of $50 or more