Arcadia Home & Design
March 1, 2025
March 1, 2025, page 6

Spring 2025 number to schedule a viewing. Charmed by the antique O’Keefe and Merritt stove and original hardwood floors, she didn’t even walk through the entire house before writing a check in the kitchen. “All I can say is it’s a feeling you get. The age of the home, the things that I brought with me from my family – I could visualize them being in here,” she said. When Susan first stepped into the home, she was greeted by wild magenta walls, aging pipes under the kitchen sink, and a faux mantel that had seen a fire or two. Despite its flaws, the home felt like it was meant to be hers. Significant updates included installing central air and heat, upgrading the electrical panel, replacing the sewer line, and putting on a new roof. She discovered her home had four old roofs stacked on each other, causing structural strain. Now, with only one, the house is considerably lighter! Susan’s favorite spots include her pink art deco-era tiled bathroom and lush backyard, a haven for hummingbirds. “My house is known as ’the hummingbird home’ because inside and 6 All I can say is it's a feeling you get. The age of the home, the things that I brought with me from my family – I could visualize them being here. Kimberly Richichi’s kitchen, backyard and bathroom renovations.

7 outside, they’re everywhere. Even my front gates have hummingbirds worked into the iron,” Susan said. Native American Southwest lore holds deep meaning for hummingbirds, symbolizing good luck and renewal – perfectly aligning with Susan’s serendipitous journey. Roberta has extensively renovated and lovingly restored her home, which she and her husband have owned for 38 years. When they first moved in, they faced resistance. “The neighbors weren’t happy with us because we wanted to remove the sod and introduce desert landscaping,” Roberta said. Despite the pushback, their vision was clear – preserving water in an era of extended drought. “We’ve been living in drought conditions for over 35 years, and conserving water has always been our priority,” she said. The transformation began by replacing traditional greenery with native mesquites and a Palo Verde tree. The backyard followed a more gradual evolution. “We kept sod while our kids were young because falling on decomposed granite isn’t fun,” she said. Eventually, they transitioned to concrete pads for seating and elevated planters. The backyard’s standout feature, however, is a stock tank Roberta affectionately calls her “cowboy cocktail pool.” “It’s so adorable, and I’m so grateful for it on hot summer evenings,” she said. This blend of charm and practicality extends to the rest of the property, including a detached garage that’s become her studio. Every change reflects a balance of sustainability, function, and the thoughtful reimagination of a home rooted in history. The homeowners agree that it wasn’t just the charm of the neighborhood that enticed them but a strong sense of community and a convivial way of life. “Home isn’t just where you live – it’s the community around you. And I’ve been lucky to have great neighbors who feel like family,” Susan said. fqstory.org Roberta’s cowboy cocktail pool. Susan's 1925 bungalow included the original hardwood floors. 602.399.8540 debbiefrazelle.com dfrazelle@cox.net PAST ARCADIA PTO VP PAST HOPI PTA PRESIDENT ARCADIA RESIDENT FOR OVER 30 YEARS Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents Debbie Frazelle | CLHMS | ABR Experience luxury resort living at the exclusive 24/7 guard-gated community of Biltmore Greens! This 3 BR/3.5 BA, 2 car garage, 2,745 sq ft split-level home is adorned with soaring ceilings & wood beam accents providing an appealing flow from the formal living & dining area to the kitchen & family room, dual primary suites with walk-in closets, remodeled kitchen with granite & stainless-steel appliances, and remodeled baths. Most rooms wrap around a meticulously manicured patio with a fountain & spa. Take the spiral staircase to the observation deck and find breathtaking 360-degree views of the city & mountains. Ideal for entertaining, this lock & leave house is in a prime location just minutes from the historic Biltmore Hotel, golf courses, shopping & 5-star restaurants. Tucked away on one of the largest lots, 10,800 sq ft in El Coronado Estates, lies this charming quintessential 3000+sq ft Arcadia Ranch home built by modern builders and remodeled by well-known local contractor Don Matteson. The Gourmet Kitchen has a commercial grade gas stove top, luxurious custom cabinets and oversized island which opens to a cozy family room & dining room resembling her previous Calle Del Norte house. Featuring 4 spacious BR, 3.5 BA, laundry room & storage, and many patios surrounded by enchantingly lush landscaped grounds with arbors & English gardens. Top rated Arcadia Schools, amazing neighborhood with cul de sac lots, and a community pool! Biltmore Greens Community El Coronado Estates 3181 E BERRIDGE LANE 3116 N 47TH STREET