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Hayden Estates: Unique Architecture in Scottsdale Series

By
Real Estate Agent with Homesmart

 

In the land of stucco and tile, there are a few scattered pockets of homes that break the architectural norms of Scottsdale, Arizona.  While many would never consider living in the Southwest in anything other than a Southwestern style home, there are those who tire of street after street of Spanish/Territorial style housing.  New residents from other parts of the country may love the Arizona lifestyle, but pine for the architecture they left behind.  With the buyers who yearn for something a bit different in mind, I am launching a series of posts devoted to those subdivisions which feature unique design.  From mid-century modern to quaint Victorian, there are alternatives out there for those who know where to look.  In this first installment, the spotlight shines on a hidden treasure known as Hayden Estates.


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Hayden Estates is one of those subdivisions that people pass by every day without ever knowing it was there.  Just south of McCormick Ranch and the Silverado Golf Course, this community of 128 homes is just Northeast of the Hayden/Lincoln Road intersection.  The homes on the perimeter of the subdivision are noteworthy in only the fact that they resemble construction of surrounding neighborhoods.  Built in the late 1970s by NuWest (a spinoff of the more famous Hallcraft brand), these homes are single-level slump block construction.  What these homes hide, though, is an interior development built by Coventry Homes in the early 1980s.

 

Unique Architecture in Scottsdale Arizona

 

 

 

 

A great departure from the standards of the time, these Coventry Homes remain virtually the only pocket of Victorian style architecture in central Scottsdale.  For those without the means to afford the Victorian beauties that have appeared in the Arcadia area (multi-million dollar range), Hayden Estates provides a terrific alternative at a fraction of the price.  Phoenix Magazine once named the subdivision amongst its “Top 10 Neighborhoods".

 

 

 

Victorian Homes in Scottsdale Victorian Houses in Scottsdale Hayden Estates Victorian

 

The neighborhood specifics include 97 single-level and 31 2-story homes.  The average size is 1947 livable square feet, and 86 (67.2%) of the homes have pools.  The homes were all built with 2 to 3 car garages, though some have been subsequently converted to additional living area.  The lots are generally of good size with a zoning of R-7 (7000 square foot lot minimum).  The high sale in the neighborhood to date is $740,000 for infill construction, while the average price point for the Coventry Homes is currently ranging from approximately $325,000 - $500,000 depending on size, condition, lot size and location.

 

Hayden Estates in Scottsdale Arizona Front Porch in Scottsdale Scottsdale Victorian Family Room

 

If you miss the charm of the east coast, this just might be the neighborhood for you.  With the dramatic rooflines and beautiful tree-lined streets, you might just forget you are in the desert. 

 Homes for Sale in Hayden Estates

Of course, if Victorian is not really your bag, perhaps you are more of a Frank Lloyd Wright guy/gal.  For the sleek lines which are famous for bringing the outdoors in, the next installment will focus on a subdivision a mile or so north in McCormick Ranch called Mountain View East.

 

Whether your preference is traditional Southwestern architecture, or something a little different, Paul Slaybaugh with Realty Executives is your guide to finding the home that is "you."  Call me at (480) 220-2337 or drop me an email at paul@rayandpaul.com to start your search for the home that is as unique as you are.

Comments (13)

Katerina Gasset
The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services - Provo, UT
Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!

Paul, very interesting architecture although I would pick the spanish pueblo style just because its Arizona:)

Aug 08, 2008 02:00 PM
Paul Slaybaugh
Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate

Katerina:  You are not alone.  If that style architecture wasn't so popular, they wouldn't build so much of it.  I find that certain people either want something that reminds them of home or just a break from the norm, however.  I'm one who loves Spanish architecture, but I currently live in such a Victorian home because I need a break from what I see all day long.

Aug 08, 2008 02:09 PM
Virginia Hepp - Mesquite NV REALTOR
Desert Gold Realty - Mesquite NV Homes For Sale - Mesquite, NV
Mesquite NV Homes and Neighborhoods - Search MLS

Paul - looking forward to the series.  When my mother-in-law decided to move to Mesquite from Bay Area, CA, she looking forward to buying a home in the Spanish Pueblo style.  To her surprise - I couldn't find her one.  We have some lower priced condos - then it jumped to higher level @ over 650K.  She settled for her contemporary southwestern with furniture from Mexico.  Looks very pueblo-ish after you walk in the door.

Aug 08, 2008 04:01 PM
Lisa Heindel
Crescent City Living LLC - New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Real Estate Broker

It's interesting that they were building Victorian models in the 80s when it seems like everyone was doing cookie cutter ranches with 10 foot ceilings.  Are there any historic neighborhoods in Scottsdale?  I'd love to see photos of those neighborhoods...

Aug 08, 2008 04:01 PM
Paul Slaybaugh
Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate

Virginia - Sounds like you found the perfect compromise.  Frankly, I'm looking forward to this series as well.  I don't know how many times I've had a client ask to see something "a little different" recently.  I have one client who moves bout every two years or so, and I always look forward to it as we look at the coolest, most off the beaten path types of homes.  I look forward to letting potential buyers know that these options do exist.

 

Lisa - It was certainly a departure.  All you have to do is stroll this particular neighborhood on any given afternoon and watch the drive through traffic of lookey-loos to guage its appeal.  Those who know it is here will drive it often, hoping to see a new "For Sale" sign.  As to historic neighborhoods, the city actually just started designating neighborhoods historic several years ago.  Most are from the 1950-1960 era, and are typified by red brick construction.  Very Americana.  For true lovers of historic homes, however, downtown Phoenix is the only destination.  There are numerous districts with the historic designation that range in price from the 100s to well over the million dollar threshhold.  I absolutely love showing these properties as you can just feel the history.  Even though I will primarily focus on Scottsdale, I can't possibly complete this series without spotlighting some of my favorite historic districts downtown.  Hey what do you know?  I'm blogging about neighborhoods!

Aug 08, 2008 04:15 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Paul:  I look forward to the rest of this series!  We don't really have a 'standard' home style here and have a wide variety, including Southwestern!  Great photos and I love the entrance of the one on the bottom with the little covered porch.

Debe in Charlotte 

Aug 08, 2008 04:35 PM
James Wexler
wexzilla.com - Scottsdale, AZ

Paul, thanks for the comment earlier on my blog. by the way, I am either getting older or the weather is hotter, but I am really looking forward to the end of summer her in the Valley of the Sun

Thanks for sharing this unique achitecture amidst the southwest landscape. I know scottsdale fairly well and had no idea it was here. I will be sure to share it with my clients as a nice change from the traditionl desert landscape.

Hope business is well and look forward to reading more of your posts.

best,

James Wexler

Aug 08, 2008 05:14 PM
Doreen McPherson
Homesmart ~ Scottsdale ~ Tempe - Tempe, AZ
Phoenix Arizona Real Estate ~

I had no idea this area existed.  Very cool.  I wonder what made them think to build those during that time...

Aug 08, 2008 05:39 PM
Doreen McPherson
Homesmart ~ Scottsdale ~ Tempe - Tempe, AZ
Phoenix Arizona Real Estate ~

Now I want to go check out some similar homes here in Tempe.  Wonder if they are from the same 'era'.  :)

Aug 08, 2008 05:41 PM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

Great post Paul.  If I was a buyer, I wouldn't do business with anyone but you!  Have a great weekend.

Aug 09, 2008 06:35 AM
Paddy (Patricia) Pizappi
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty - Pine Bush, NY
Real Estate Associate Broker Hudson Valley NY

This is cool Paul.  I think that some of your snow birds will like this touch of the east in the desert.  Have a good one.

Aug 10, 2008 11:30 PM
Don Rogers
Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO
Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

Paul,

Nothing like reading backwards in a series, i guess that is just me!  I would have never guessed that there would hav ebeen this style out there in AZ.   Probably due to me thinking that homes are all built out of stucco out there.  These are some very nice looking homes and well priced too. 

Aug 11, 2008 12:10 AM
Paul Slaybaugh
Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate

Debe - Thank you.  All of the two stories in the neighborhood have those cute porches.  It invites front porch living like few other neighborhoods in the Valley.

James - It's a great little hidden pocket.  I was born and raised here, but never knew this neighborhood existed until I got my Real Estate license in 1999.  I find that the people that do know it's here are the residents who live in the neighboring Hallcraft (Park Scottsdale / Scottsdale Estates) subdivisions.  They drive Hayden Estates frequently, picking out their favorite and updating their wish list.  I happen to know of one that may be coming on the market soon, so let me know if you have a buyer that likes this kind of thing!

Doreen - There is actually a pocket in Mesa where Coventry built similar homes.  It's a bit close to the flight path for Sky Harbor for my liking, but it's a cute little neighborhood as well.

Susan - Now that's a comment!  Thank you for the endorsement, and you know the sentiment is mutual.  Have a great week.

Paddy - It's interesting.  Some snow birds want a touch of home while others want a complete departure.  Stucco, desert landscaping, the whole bit.  It's a great option for those who want a slice of Cape Cod in the desert. 

Don - It is rare indeed.  That's why these tend to sell quickly, even in a market like today's.  The outlying block homes, and smaller single level homes in the neighborhood hit the market with a fair degree of regularity, but the larger (2300-2500 sq ft) two-story homes are available sparingly.  The central location and moderate price range has helped insulate the homes here from much of the value degradation occuring elsewhere.  Thanks for reading.

Aug 11, 2008 05:50 AM