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An Earthshipesque Home by a Frank Lloyd Wright Protégé Hits the Market for the First TimeView 16 Photos

An Earthshipesque Home by a Frank Lloyd Wright Protégé Hits the Market for the First Time

Listed for $5.9 million, the sprawling Arizona residence by Taliesin architect John Rattenbury features an organic form that echoes the shapes and colors of the desert.
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Property Details:  

Location: 10040 E Happy Valley Road #491, Scottsdale, AZ

Price: $5,995,000  

Year Built: 1991

Architect: John Rattenbury, cofounder of Taliesin Architects

Footprint: 10,000 square feet (five bedrooms, nine baths)

Lot size: 3.83 acres

From the agent: "With design by Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice and Taliesin Architects cofounder John Rattenbury—he and his team of associated architects and apprentices designed the Charles and Alta Myers Residence in the Desert Highlands community of North Scottsdale. Located at the foot of Pinnacle Peak, this Wright protégé used his acumen to design a home of continuous curves that nestle into this boulder-strewn environ. Generous spaces include a glorious owners suite, guest rooms, in-house guest suite, work out room with sauna, offices, entertaining spaces, formal dining and living rooms, plus a separate, freestanding guesthouse. The pool is stunning with select boulders placed for drama and design. This highly regarded and well-published home has never before been offered for sale. Recently refreshed with complete respect to the original design, you’ll find contemporary materials that include wood floors, custom stone, fresh paint, carpet, updated faucets, appliances, and more."

Taliesin Architects cofounder and principal John Rattenbury designed the Myers Residence in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1991. The celebrated architect, who passed away in March 2021, became a Taliesin fellow in 1950 and studied under the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright for many years.

Taliesin Architects cofounder and principal John Rattenbury designed the Myers Residence in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1991. The celebrated architect, who passed away in March 2021, became a Taliesin fellow in 1950 and studied under the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright for many years.

"The Myers Residence endures a graceful statement of lasting monument to [Rattenbury’s] talent," says the listing agent. "It remains one of the most significant homes by this firm and is deeply connected to Wright and his principles of organic architecture."

"The Myers Residence endures a graceful statement of lasting monument to [Rattenbury’s] talent," says the listing agent. "It remains one of the most significant homes by this firm and is deeply connected to Wright and his principles of organic architecture."

The 10,000-square-foot home sits at the foot of Pinnacle Peak, surrounded by boulders and desert shrub. "The design belies its size in using multiple roof forms to break up the mass and to provide a sense of individual shelters along the landscape," says the listing agent.

The 10,000-square-foot home sits at the foot of Pinnacle Peak, surrounded by boulders and desert shrub. "The design belies its size in using multiple roof forms to break up the mass and to provide a sense of individual shelters along the landscape," says the listing agent.

"Decorative details echo the shapes, forms, and colors of the desert," says the listing agent. "A custom-patented, copper-colored frieze—unique to this home—graces the roof edge, offering a special element."

"Decorative details echo the shapes, forms, and colors of the desert," says the listing agent. "A custom-patented, copper-colored frieze—unique to this home—graces the roof edge, offering a special element."

In the entryway, geometric details and stained glass hint at the abstract motifs to come.

In the entryway, geometric details and stained glass hint at the abstract motifs to come.

"The stained glass, doors, and other interior details were all custom-designed by Taliesin Architects and associated artists," says the listing agent.

"The stained glass, doors, and other interior details were all custom-designed by Taliesin Architects and associated artists," says the listing agent.

In the living room, a curved fireplace with an arched opening riffs on the home’s undulating form.

In the living room, a curved fireplace with an arched opening riffs on the home’s undulating form.

Curvilinear, built-in storage sits below an oval-shaped, recessed ceiling in the dining room. 

Curvilinear, built-in storage sits below an oval-shaped, recessed ceiling in the dining room. 

Tall windows connect the primary living spaces to the 3.83-acre desert lot. 

Tall windows connect the primary living spaces to the 3.83-acre desert lot. 

"Recently refreshed with complete respect to the original design, you’ll find contemporary materials that include wood floors, custom stone, fresh paint, carpet, updated faucets, appliances, and more," says the listing agent.

"Recently refreshed with complete respect to the original design, you’ll find contemporary materials that include wood floors, custom stone, fresh paint, carpet, updated faucets, appliances, and more," says the listing agent.

A planted area at the base of the swooping staircase further incorporates the surrounding nature into the home.

A planted area at the base of the swooping staircase further incorporates the surrounding nature into the home.

The five-bedroom, nine-bath residence is on the market for the first time since it was built in 1991.

The five-bedroom, nine-bath residence is on the market for the first time since it was built in 1991.

Rattenbury designed the home with a pool and nearby cabana that offers a full kitchen and bath. 

Rattenbury designed the home with a pool and nearby cabana that offers a full kitchen and bath. 

Back in the main residence, a sauna connects to the workout room.

Back in the main residence, a sauna connects to the workout room.

The Scottsdale home includes a separate guesthouse, as well as a five-car garage with built-in storage.

The Scottsdale home includes a separate guesthouse, as well as a five-car garage with built-in storage.

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