Arizona Biltmore Estates
Phoenix, AZ
11,000 s.f.

Tucked into the craggy slopes of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the 11,000 square-foot home may set a new standard for "over the top." A covered auto court, with room to park two-dozen cars is accessed by a sweeping portal drive-through. An art gallery greets arriving guests and provides a pleasurable interlude before an intimate New York-style elevator whisks them to the main living quarters. What's most impressive about the residence, however, is not the auto court, guesthouse or art gallery. Nor the vanishing-edge swimming pool, mini spa, library, exercise room, wine cellar, four bedrooms and seven baths.

What's most amazing is that is was built at all. The primary challenge was building on a 3-acre site with a 30 percent slope without greatly altering the site. The end result was a hillside home that grew out of the side of the mountain.