Home Or Resort? Inside The $20 Million Arizona Estate That Has It All

All the best resorts have one thing in common: they allow us to gravitate to whatever suits our on-vacation mood at any given moment. They present a menu of things to do—or not do. To burn energy or top it up.

Much like those havens of hospitality that seem to read our ever-changing minds with both playful andpeaceful opportunities, Ocotillo Sunset Ranch checks all the boxes. Only it’s not a resort, it’s a one-of-a-kind private residential estate that reads like a resort.

For about half the price of a similar sprawling property in Arizona—say in Scottsdale or Paradise Valley—this remarkable home in nearby Gilbert redefines the word ‘sanctuary’, recognizing that Zen-time and fun-time are not mutually exclusive.

“This property offers unparalleled value,” says Mike Steck, co-listing agent with Heather Steck at Steck Residential, an exclusive agent team of RETSY | Forbes Global Properties. “It’s not just about the size or the price tag, it’s about what you get for your investment. Gilbert provides a unique blend of exclusivity, privacy and proximity to everything the Valley has to offer, but without the zip-code premium that comes with other luxury neighborhoods. Just the lot alone at 4.35 acres would cost a buyer $10,000,000+ in Scottsdale or Paradise Valley.”

Gilbert, a southeast suburb of Phoenix, is rapidly approaching a population of 300,000. The town has farmland roots, known as the ‘hay-shipping capital of the world’ back in the 1920s. Now it’s a suburban community with a strong economy, good schools, major commuter routes, pleasant neighborhoods and low property taxes.

This East Valley estate was built in 2008 by former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier, then sold in 2018 and renovated by the present owners. Meander throughout the extensive grounds surrounding the 9,400-square-foot home and you’ll find an astonishing variety of amenities, much like a resort that offers you what you need before you knew you needed it. “The tranquility of the area ensures a lifestyle that’s as much about peace and seclusion as it is about prestige,” adds Heather Steck.

Arizona’s Red Rock Design is responsible for the modern Southwest style throughout the property. Don’t expect caricature-cowboy vibes like some of Old Town Scottsdale though—this home is ranch-style-sophisticated. Patinaed metals and reclaimed woods from a 100-year-old barn are used in flooring and wall treatments. Touches of saddle leather and Navajo prints warm up furniture, and a tree-branch chandelier makes a serious statement at the entrance. Indigenous art appears as paintings and artifacts under glass, while natural light gently drifts throughout the home during its 300+ days of sunshine a year. Red Rock were involved with Ethier’s remodel, but the current owner’s budget “really gave us free reign to flex our muscles and show what we as builders are capable of.”

The primary suite’s platform bed peers down at a fireplace with wingback chairs for two. A two-story walk-in closet seems worthy of a fashion designer’s atelier. Dressed and ready to start your day? Choose to restore and relax orenergize and rediscover your sense of play with some fun activities—here the options are all literally on your doorstep.

Find your Zen in your own 4,000-square-foot spa zone, quietly padding from steam room to Vichy shower, from hot tub to cold plunge. Practice Shavasana in your own yoga room or take a virtual ballet class in the dance studio complete with mirrors that house embedded screens. The spa’s tandem massage tables lend a new meaning to ‘couples therapy.’ Outside, you can relax in the pool area surrounded by lush vegetation and relaxing views. Red Rock Design’s Rick Chafey and Brett Blauvelt tell us that the spa’s “serene and modern feel transcends the rustic property without feeling out of place.” Essentially you can take your favorite local spa off speed dial, permanently.

Floating around the grounds, a stop to feed the koi in their pond, or a visit to the aviary or sunken garden green house may become mindful, restorative daily habits.

Need to power up instead? ‘The Hideaway’ is a 6,000-square-foot leisure space that’s like your very own roadhouse, perfect for entertaining. With its Tequila Sunrise color palette, the décor is welcoming, the leather sectionals oversized, and the chandeliers of the wagon-wheel variety. Wild West chic never looked better.

A golf simulator and putting green polishes up your club skills before you hit the actual fairway, and a covered basketball court with stadium seating bring game night up a level. Cooking for a crowd is fun, never a chore, thanks to the Thermador kitchen, a stand-up bar with a saloon vibe and an outdoor grill and spit to serve up Arizona’s famous barbecue. Shaded picnic tables twinkle with Edison string lights overhead, and a huge wood-burning fireplace adds kick-back ambience.

Still need to shake off some stress? The batting cage should do the job. But perhaps the ultimate in-home playground fun here is the go-kart track. When you first invite pals over, save this surprise as a big reveal, and have your camera ready to capture their awe-struck faces.

Gathering a group of friends and family to stay at your home instead of a hotel makes for a memorable experience during Arizona’s annual Spring Training. Or take in The Waste Management Golf Tournament or the Superbowl.

Opportunities to expand this property even further are possible—there’s an undeveloped plot of land right next door. As well, a buyer who may not live in Gilbert year-round might consider hiring a property manager to lease out portions of this resort-like home for events as a revenue generator. For those who use their own means of aviation, both Mesa Gateway and Chandler airports have private jet access.

As Mike sums up, “when you combine the exceptional value of this property with the rapidly growing appeal of Gilbert as a desirable, high-end destination, it becomes clear that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

21423 S 147th Street, Gilbert, AZ is listed at $19,995,000.

RETSY is a member ofForbes Global Properties, an invitation-only network of top-tier brokerages worldwide and the exclusive real estate partner of Forbes.

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