AriZona Real Estate insider!

Location: Phoenix, AZ 85020 (Murphy Bridle Walking Trail)

In the heart of Phoenix’s vibrant 85020, where the Murphy Bridle Walking Trail meanders through a neighborhood steeped in history, a mid-century modern masterpiece has resurfaced on the market, capturing the imagination of design enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and indeed, the black-and-white photographs of this home from 1958 speak volumes. These images don’t just tell a story—they invite you into one. They offer a glimpse into the past, where architecture was not just about building homes but about crafting spaces that resonate with the soul. To truly appreciate this property, one must first understand its storied past.

The Scoop:

This architectural gem was born from the creative minds of celebrated artist Ruth Frerichs and Dr. Frerichs, who collaborated with renowned architects George Allen and Hugo Olsson. Constructed in 1958 by contractor Paul Senetra, the home quickly distinguished itself on the national stage. In the early 1960s, it was honored with the AIA Western Home Award, selected from a competitive field of 300 homes, praised for being “distinctive and harmonious.”

Sunset Magazine, in its 1961 issue, highlighted the home’s unique design: “A shaded patio matches every room, including the kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling expanses of glass and sliding glass doors are used in lieu of windows.” The accolades didn’t stop there. In 1972, the home was expanded to include a loft art studio and a family room, further enhancing its storied legacy. It also secured the Design Award from the Ninth Annual Honors Program conducted by the Western Mountain States region of the A.I.A., lauded for its “unusual variety of interior space,” “feelings of spaciousness and airiness,” and its harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape.

There’s another saying, “If these walls could talk,” and one can only imagine the tales this home could tell. Now, this piece of architectural history is ready to begin its next chapter with a new owner.

Will you be the one to continue its story?