Residential Site Planning Landscape
Set on five acres near Pinnacle Peak, Saguaro Grove is a terraced family retreat organized around active outdoor living, expansive valley views and Arizona sunsets. The resort-style landscape was recognized as Modern Luxury Interiors Scottsdale’s Design 9 Modern Family Residence winner.
Saguaro Grove occupies a large, sloping property at the foothills of Pinnacle Peak. Despite its five-acre size, significant drainage corridors, NAOS requirements and nearly 30 protected saguaros limited where the entry court, residence and expansive outdoor program could be placed.
Designed for an active family with three boys, the property needed to accommodate a large swimming pool and spa, ramada, sport court, gathering spaces and generous turf areas for play. Every major outdoor space also needed to maintain a deliberate relationship with the long valley views, city lights and western sunset.
Because the house sits high on the property, the yard had to step naturally down the slope while remaining within retaining-wall limitations. The challenge was to make those grade changes feel purposeful and connected—not simply like a series of terraces. At the same time, the primary outdoor living level needed enough elevation, texture and visual interest to keep it from reading as one broad, flat plane.
The site was organized as a progression down the natural slope. The pool, spa, ramada and primary gathering spaces were kept close to the house, while larger recreational elements, including the sport court, were positioned lower on the property where they remain functional without dominating the view.
The negative-edge pool establishes a strong visual connection to the city and sunset. Beside it, a raised firepit creates elevation and drama, balanced by a raised planter and fountain featuring a hand-selected specimen ironwood tree. Uplit at night, the tree becomes a sculptural focal point within the larger composition.
Strategic turf areas soften the main pool terrace and introduce warmth and texture into what could otherwise have become an expanse of hardscape. Farther down the slope, a second firepit overlooks the sport court, creating a comfortable place to watch the children play or experience the sunset.
The connected ramada completes the family compound with a full outdoor kitchen, dining and gathering space. Furnishings selected by THELIFESTYLEDCO reinforce the relaxed, family-oriented character while giving each outdoor room its own identity.
