Traditional Southwestern architecture updated for a contemporary couple serves as the perfect foil for an unconventional art collection.

On a clear day, the nearly 270-degree panoramic view from a hillside hacienda in Paradise Valley extends all the way out to the Desert Mountain community to the north and past the graceful foothills of Camelback Mountain to the southwest. It’s a sight that the homeowners of this charming slump-block abode enjoy daily from the vantage points throughout their house and from the expansive back patio and pool area that perches on top of the property’s slope. And while the breathtaking vista frames Mother Nature as the ultimate work of art, a peek inside the home reveals a collection of man-made creations that rival the color, energy, warmth, character and scope of the view outside.

“We’ve been collecting art for about 42 years,” says the husband, who notes that he and his wife have never worked with a curator but instead simply bought what they loved while exploring galleries, antiques shops and consignment stores in such far-flung locales as Paris, London and New York City.

“We have gone through a lot of stages,” his wife adds. “Many of our previous homes were older with traditional architecture, so our style of art was more of the old masters. But for the last 20 years or so, our taste has evolved to contemporary and eclectic pieces.”

Eclectic may seem like an understatement to some, as the couple’s collection includes quirky sculpture, figurative bronzes, massively scaled technicolor paintings, uncanny reproductions of famous works and pieces that might just require a sly sense of humor to enjoy. But perhaps what makes this mixed-and-matched menagerie so cohesive and curated in feel is the gallerylike domain in which it is displayed.

“We’re house junkies,” says the wife. “We’ve worked on about 17 renovations—not all for us—but we’ve never built a home from scratch. We like to rescue special properties.”

This house was particularly intriguing, as it was the former residence of nationally beloved humorist Erma Bombeck, who moved to the Valley in the 1970s. “I’ve always been a fan of Erma’s,” the wife recalls. “Growing up in Michigan, I’d eagerly wait for the paper every week to read her columns.” When the couple discovered the property during an open house, they instantly envisioned their next project. “The wall space, the view and the height of the ceilings—those qualities really drove our love for this home. We knew it would work for our art collection,” the wife says.

After purchasing the 7,500-square-foot abode, the couple set to work renovating nearly every inch. “It had a kind of rustic, old-world vibe to it,” explains contractor Tim Cooper, who had worked with the couple on four previous homes before helping them tackle their latest. “We wanted to take a house that had a lot of traditional character and put a contemporary edge on it.” With the couple’s vision leading the way for each step of the process, Cooper and his team methodically updated the aesthetic and restructured the layout, which included the transformation of Bombeck’s former offices and gift-wrapping nook into guest bedrooms and a much-needed bathroom in the east wing. “Even with the wavy, textured walls and adobe-style construction, it still feels very clean and fresh because of the white walls, neutral tile flooring and modern touches, such as the big steel front door,” he says.

The largest and most complicated project was the backyard renovation. Originally a sunken concrete tennis court that took up the entire rear acreage, the space had great potential for livability. “It took several small front loaders about 3,000 trips through the entrance of the house to the backyard as they hauled out concrete and brought in about 200 yards of dirt to create multilevel areas,” says Cooper. Now, the foyer opens onto an expansive pool area that looks out onto the spectacular view. On its left is a sunken bocce court shaded by trees, while a lower-level putting green and a patio off the master bedroom sits to the right.

With its soaring ceilings, muted materials palette and spacious layout, the home might have given off a stark, somewhat cold feeling had it been filled with ultracontemporary furnishings and decor. But the husband and wife instead strove to elicit comfort and playfulness through their design choices. “So much of the warmth comes from their art collection,” attests Darlene Richert, a local consignment retailer and friend of the homeowners who helped them find the one-of-a-kind artworks and furniture that bring liveliness to each room. “They created an amazing retreat by being savvy and finding special pieces. If you love something and you’re fearless about it, that boldness can make a really interesting home. That’s what this couple does.”

Standing out against the cozy white sofas in the living room are vibrant square canvases featuring works by artists Jessica Rice and George Rodrigue, while a bronze figurine by Richard MacDonald sits on a coffee table parallel to a 17th-century Italian figure of Christ suspended in a wall cutout.

In the dining room, large paintings with competing color schemes act as conversation starters during meals. Sculptures make themselves at home on exterior patios, fountains and even by the pool. A collection of nude figure paintings hangs in a cluster in the master bathroom.

“Of course, when you’re designing a livable home, there should be a some kind of cohesion, but you also need to have some fun,” says Richert. The husband agrees. “We don’t take our art too seriously,” he says with a smile. π

Original Builder: Dave Hansen, Dave Hansen Enterprises. Original Architect: Domenic Berta, Berta Associates. Remodel Contractor: Tim Cooper, MAK Construction.

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