Photos by Michael Woodall The pool, spa and patios at this Wickenburg, Arizona, home, were sited to take advantage of expansive views. The sunny-yellow hue used on window and door frames appears on outdoor tilework as well. Shade sails were utilized to make various outdoor spaces usable year-round.

A New Residence Reflects Its Heritage With a Modern Twist

Not many homeowners can tell as colorful a tale about their property as Cindy and Keith Schuck. The couple lives in a Modern Hacienda-style residence in Wickenburg, Arizona, that is built on land that has been in Keith’s family for decades and is documented in local lore.

Earliest-known records show that the parcel—which sits on a plateau overlooking the Hassayampa riverbed—was first settled in 1889. It soon became the site for a stage station visited by pioneers heading West. By the turn of the last century, the outpost had been sold and converted to a cattle ranch, before trading hands again in the 1920s. It was then transformed into a working dude ranch called Monte Vista Ranch and remained as such until 1965.

In 1976, Jackye and Kent Schuck—Keith’s parents—bought a portion of the ranch. The purchase included the stately main house, where Keith grew up and where he and Cindy later raised their own family. Fast-forward to present times: Cindy and Keith were empty nesters living in the large family home and looking for a change of pace.

A few years ago, the couple began developing the land as a gated community. Cindy says they had their eye on one homesite in particular that offers expansive views of the surrounding area, and consequently decided to downsize. They customized a spec home there, and engaged Phoenix Home & Garden Masters of the Southwest interior designers Eric and Dorothy Bron, and architectural designer Bob Bacon to achieve the Contemporary Southwest style they desired.

Several interior rooms open to a central shade-sail-covered courtyard featuring a stacked-flagstone fireplace, red metal furnishings and a playful faux grass rug.

The team’s approach was to capture the Mexican and Western influences that are characteristic of the area. “We studied as much information as we could to help re-create the look,” Dorothy says. These influences are seen in such details as Talavera-style decos inset in fired terra-cotta flooring, a central courtyard, and architectural features that include hand-finished window niches and beamed ceilings. Modern Western art and sleek leather furnishings lend contrast, and the pairing of Traditional elements with Contemporary pieces creates an “edgy” feel, notes Eric. “It’s a fun and different Hacienda look.”

The Brons say they took a “Why not?” attitude with the project. “Eric and I always bring this approach to a home, as if we’ve never done it before,” explains Dorothy. “There is no formula,” adds Eric. An example of this adventurous mindset is evident in the unexpected use of color. Window and door frames are painted a sunny yellow both inside and out, while baseboards are formed of cobalt-blue glazed ceramic tile. 

Cindy says that putting a modern-day twist on a historic design style fits both the property and its owners. “The fact that Keith was raised on this land, and then having the opportunity to do the same with our own children, brings all kinds of wonderful thoughts to mind,” she comments. “Having that connection of past memories to future visions is significant. Add to that the history of Monte Vista Ranch, and it becomes a special treasure to our family.”

A carved-cantera fireplace surround embellished with arrows and horseshoes lends regional appeal to this patio.

The home’s deep overhangs are ideal for suspending rain chains, which channel rainwater.

This vignette off the family room is composed of artwork depicting a horse and urns filled with horsetail reed.