far from the maddening crowd

Saguaro Ranch is about 20 miles northwest of the foothills, – so it is way beyond my usual real estate beat. But it’s also a very special place, and a stunning foreclosure that turned up in there caught my eye. So I thought it’s worth mentioning.

It’s at 13781 N Old Ranch House Road Marana, AZ 85658, and is listed for $1,950,000 ($272/sf). That’s practically a freebie in Saguaro Ranch $$$. (listed by Russ Lyon Sotheby's Int Realty 472203)

It sits on 4.2 acres/2008 built/masonry construction/7,182 sf/4 Beds/
6 Baths + 2 half baths/4 car/pool – spa, in Saguaro Ranch. The pima county appraiser rates the quality & condition of the house as Excellent. A rarely seen rating. 
psst – in 04 they paid $1,325,000, for the lot.

The four other homes for sale in Saguaro Ranch are, after some 7 figure price reductions, now asking $2,745,000 ($530/sf), $3,400,000 ($523/sf) and $3,950,000 ($543/sf).The fourth  listing is for a 2,184 sf house asking $379,500. Which, at that size & price doesn’t fit with the SR image, such as it was. So I don’t know the deal with that one.

And the MLS shows just one home sold in SR – everything sold in there were lots - a 2007 sale for $4,950,00($1,123/sf)  off a $5,950,000 list price. With SR’s PR machine spinning out of control, you can imagine the brouhaha when that sold.

But that was then, when all was on the upswing for Saguaro Ranch. And while the house on Old Ranch House Road looks like a great deal, and may well be, you’d have to investigate and consider the circumstances of Saguaro Ranch itself. Like so many others, it fell victim to the real estate bust and didn’t get off the ground as planned. Plus, as I understand it, the developer is bankrupt and being sued by numerous contractors and suppliers. And with just a fraction of the lots purchased and developed, the sense of community, along with the numerous planned amenities, that was the vision for Saguaro Ranch has yet to be realized. And with four homes for sale, and correct me if I’m wrong, but I count just 8 homes total in Saguaro Ranch, it does not inspire confidence.   

here, excerpts from the Saguaro Ranch web site –SaguaroRanch.net
that speak of the vision.

The American Southwest has been casting its spell on visitors for generations. It was during vacations to Tucson that Saguaro Ranch developer Stephen Phinny was drawn to the Saguaro Ranch site and subsequently spearheaded the purchase of the property commencing in June 2000. Today, the project, with its focus on environmental stewardship and artistic expression, has become Phinny’s passion.

The idyllic retreat is a timeless canvas colored by nature, a special place where residents can make their own magic and memories and where new traditions will take root. Residents, for example, will be asked to make a piece of pottery at the Ranch’s Art Barn to display on-property.

No longer a figment of Phinny’s imagination, Saguaro Ranch is breathing new life into the Tortolita Mountains northwest of Tucson. Of the site’s 1,035 acres, 80 percent will remain undisturbed, natural open space, ensuring that the environment is the carefully-preserved focus. In addition to luxury homesteads, the residential community will claim a wealth of world-class amenities and services. These include a guest ranch with casitas, a full-service spa, an indoor theater and an outdoor amphitheater and adjacent recording studio, fine dining and recreation such as a full-service horse ranch, art barn, swimming in three pools, tennis, cycling, bocce ball and much more.

Now you might read that and be a tad skeptical, or even think, what a crock. But in this case it’s true.

Despite it’s troubles, Saguaro Ranch is/was the most thoughtfully, carefully and beautifully developed super-luxe community that I’ve ever seen. And I hope it soon finds it’s way back and picks up where it left off.

here’s everything for sale in Saguaro Ranch, including the foreclosure, > Saguaro Ranch

thefoothillsToday.com
to find your Tucson Foothills, or Saguaro Ranch, home

Comments

[Stuart]

what's a pedantist?

I used to go to a peridontist...so they must be related!

[James Lawton]

Now at 1.475M

[john schneider]

yes, Bathsheeba, I think, and all that rot

[Thomas Hardy]

The pedantist is referring to the title of the Thomas Hardy book.

[john schneider]

no, I meant maddening - as in, driving to madness

[Kate]

I love this setting, and the plans for the community,I took the tour back in 2005 ($$$$). A beautiful setting, impressive sites, but I don't know if it can be pulled off.

[kschulz]

John: I fear I am being pedantic, but, do you mean 'far from the madding crowd'?