Arid locations are increasingly the setting for homes where sculptural architecture and sanctuary-like interiors offer a chance to connect with nature, writes Mandi Keighran
Tucson, Arizona | Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
“What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well,” says the Little Prince in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic tale. The sense that beauty can be found in unexpected places is at the heart of luxury desert living. While deserts are often viewed as landscapes of extremes—searing days, freezing nights and uncompromising horizons—discerning dwellers are creating spectacular residences that offer sanctuary from the sometimes harsher elements and embrace the serenity and deep connection to nature the setting offers.
Molly Mandel and James Burke, the Marfa, Texas-based creative duo behind “Desert by Design”—a book that celebrates beautiful architecture and interiors in arid climes—are among those to have succumbed to desert living. “Where some see a barren landscape, we see magic all around,” says Mandel. “Putting down roots anywhere requires attention to detail, but in these arid regions, we find an extra level of intentionality and, often, true innovation.”
This creative spirit can be found in a variety of remarkable homes in some of the world’s most coveted desert destinations, from the high Sonoran Desert of Arizona to the dunes of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia.
Scottsdale, Arizona | Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
A striking contemporary estate by Justin Kilbane Architect in the private community of Desert Mountain, Scottsdale, is a home that captures the desert’s expansive calm in built form. “The setting is one of a kind,” says Kirk Marshall, global real estate advisor at Russ Lyons Sotheby’s International Realty. “It’s literally situated at the northernmost point of Scottsdale, with more than 3,000 acres of open space that parallels the home and the Tonto National Forest just to the north.”
Inside, the one-level floor plan opens to sweeping views in every direction, framed by floor-to-ceiling glass. The resort-style amenities—including a dual-sided fire feature, infinity pool and fully equipped outdoor kitchen—make the most of the year-round sunshine and encourage a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor. “Today’s buyer is looking for newer contemporary homes with terrific outdoor living, great views, privacy and ideally a single level,” says Marshall. “That’s exactly what this home delivers.”
Tucson, Arizona | Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
A similar connection to landscape defines The Desert Retreat, a Tucson estate conceived through an international collaboration between G & M Design of Monaco and Bart Reines in Miami. Here, Italian granite floors adorned with custom laser-etched artwork flow into walls of natural stone, connecting the home to the surrounding landscape through this materiality. Floor-to-ceiling glass and cascading doors that disappear into the surrounding walls invite the landscape inside, while a wellness building—complete with massage room, outdoor shower and steam room—rivals the amenities of the nearby Canyon Ranch resort.
On an even grander scale is 211 Camino del Norte, a 3.7-acre compound in the high desert climate of Santa Fe, designed as a private resort. The estate features 14 bedrooms spread across a five-bedroom main house and three guest casitas, alongside a professional kitchen, 600-bottle wine cellar, gym, spa and outdoor pavilion that can host more than 100 guests. Heated walkways, a flowing ornamental stream and secluded courtyards add to its sanctuary-like appeal, which is rooted in the Puebloan vernacular style.
Santa Fe, New Mexico | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage
According to Mandel and Burke, meaningful connection to outdoor living is essential to successful desert design. “There is nothing quite like staring out at the sunrise or looking up at the stars during cool mornings and evenings, and the best design capitalizes on those times of day,” says Burke.
Few properties do this better than the Dune Villa at Four Seasons Private Residences on Shura Island, Saudi Arabia. Designed by Foster + Partners with interiors by Goddard Littlefair, the home draws inspiration from the surrounding dunes. Soft, earthy interiors echo the desert palette, while shaded patios, a summer kitchen and direct access to the Red Sea offer the ultimate desert-to-sea retreat.
Shura Island, Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia Sotheby’s International Realty
“A home in the desert is your literal sanctuary,” says Mandel. “Maybe it’s the big skies, the connection with the cosmos or just the supposed ‘nothingness’ people imagine, but there’s a real ‘anything is possible’ mentality in these places across the world.”
Looking to entertain in nature? Here’s how to design the perfect outdoor kitchen
