$1.6 Million Midcentury Modern Marvel Boasts 2 ADUs—and a Secret Trapdoor Hiding an Antique Safe

by Kellie Speed

skyline-of-jacksonville

A Phoenix residence designed by renowned architect Ralph Haver and reimagined for the modern world by Joel Contreras has hit the market for $1.57 million—offering an array of intriguing amenities that blend traditional midcentury modern elegance with new-world luxury.

Located in the neighborhood of Windemere, the property, which has shot to the top of the week's most popular homes list, was originally built in 1954 at the height of the midcentury modern era.

However, it has since undergone numerous restorations and updates that have seen it outfitted with two accessory dwelling units (ADUs), bringing its total bedroom count to five.

Yet Haver's distinctive midcentury style can still be found in vaulted windows, clean lines, and exposed beams. Now "pushing the iconic architecture forward without losing its soul," the 2,232-square-foot interior features a modern kitchen with walnut cabinets, cork floors, marble countertops, and stainless steel appliances.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing elements of the property lies secreted under a trapdoor that leads down to the basement, where a historic antique safe is located.

Outside, a detached guesthouse has two casitas with their own private entries that could be used for additional income. The resort-inspired yard has a pool, hot tub, and firepit.

Also grabbing attention this week are a recently built contemporary in Rhode Island's Farmcoast region, an affordable log cabin in Alaska, and an off-grid treehouse in Hawaii.

10. 308 Main St, Catskill, NY

Price: $1,325,000

Why it’s here: The Catskill Parsonage was built in 1868 and has been thoughtfully updated over the years with luxurious amenities.

A reconstructed wraparound porch in front of the five-bedroom Italianate brick residence leads to a carved front door that opens up to the 3,502-square-foot interior. Historic highlights remaining intact include custom millwork, oversized windows, exposed brick walls, a grand staircase, built-ins, and a fireplace. Modernizations feature an industrial-style kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a dining room designed for entertaining.

A covered patio ideal for dining al fresco overlooks the backyard.

Matthew Carey of Rouse + Co Real Estate LLC is the listing agent.

Catskill, NY (Realtor.com)

9. 82 Nonquit Ln, Tiverton, RI 

Price: $6,995,000

Why it’s here: The recently built Saltmoore House offering stunning views of the Sakonnet River is located on 2.89 acres in Rhode Island's picturesque Farmcoast region.

Offered fully furnished, this four-bedroom coastal retreat boasts 8,008 square feet of luxury living surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows to soak in the serene views. The gourmet chef's kitchen has a butler's pantry and bespoke cabinetry. An elevator and floating staircase lead up to a primary suite with fireplace, custom dressing room, two bathrooms, and a private terrace.

A walk-out lower level with fitness center opens up to a covered patio overlooking the saltwater pool with hot tub.

Renee M. Welchman of COMPASS is the listing agent.

Tiverton, RI (Realtor.com)

8. 21515 W Loc Lohmand Dr, Big Lake, AK

Price: $199,900

Why it’s here: It's the very affordable chance to own a rustic log cabin and transform it into your dream abode.

Built in 1978, the two-bedroom residence has a wood-burning stove for heat, well water, and "electric to the meter." Offering just 938 square feet of cozy living, the interior also has a galley kitchen and small dining area.

The nearly 1-acre property is located just 25 minutes from downtown Wasilla.

Keith Brown of Elite Real Estate Group Palmer is the listing agent.

Big Lake, AK (Realtor.com)

7. 1098 W Sandgate Rd, Sandgate, VT

Price: $625,000

Why it’s here: This quintessential, post-and-beam retreat sits on 10.05 acres overlooking a spring-fed pond.

Found throughout the three-bedroom residence are wide-plank floors, exposed beams, a floating wood staircase, skylights, a circular staircase, and a 2.5-story center stone fireplace. A primary suite with slate floor can be found on the lower level with walk-out that opens up to a covered patio.

The spacious lot also has a two-car attached garage with bonus room that could be used as a studio, home office, fitness center, or guest accommodations.

Elizabeth Romano of Josiah Allen Real Estate Inc. is the listing agent.

Sandgate, VT (Realtor.com)

6. 1433 St Mary St, New Orleans, LA

Price: $995,000

Why it’s here: Built in 1857, this center-hall antique being offered as is "needs work," but still boasts many original period details.

Found throughout the 3,734-square-foot "passion project" are a mahogany-clad library with built-ins, a dining room with fireplace for entertaining, and 14-foot ceilings on the main living area. Columns, original plaster ceiling medallions, and seven fireplaces can also be found throughout the space. A "dormer vestibule" would be a cozy spot for a home office.

A covered front porch offers a front row view of the Lower Garden District.

Karon Reese of Reese & Company Real Estate LLC is the listing agent.

New Orleans, LA (Realtor.com)

5. 92-2120 Palm Pkwy, Ocean View, HI

Price: $333,000

Why it’s here: It's a recently built, off-grid, treehouse retreat being offered fully furnished, but buyers should note "improvements were made without permits," according to the listing.

The turnkey, one-bedroom residence with wood-clad interior offers just 575 square feet of sustainable living. Eco-friendly elements include a solar system, generator for backup power, a 1,150-gallon water collection system, and a UV filtration system for drinking water. Other amenities include a "star lounge loft" accessed by a ship's ladder, and an outdoor "disco den" with swinging bed and disco ball.

A wraparound lanai offers peaceful views of the 1-acre wooded lot and ocean vistas.

Tanya Sunshine of Hawaii Life is the listing agent.

Ocean View, HI (Realtor.com)

4. 74 Tower Hill Loop E, Tuxedo Park, NY

Price: $2,400,000

Why it’s here: The former Herbert C. Pell residence was built in 1895 and designed by architect William A. Bates.

Overlooking Tuxedo Lake, this stately brick "architectural tour-de-force" boasts preserved hardwood floors, custom millwork, an original staircase, an oak-paneled dining room, a library with built-in bookcases, and a columned octagonal living room.

Five bedrooms can be found throughout the 5,378-square-foot interior that also has pocket doors, coffered ceilings, and six wood-burning fireplaces with ornate mantels. A partially renovated top floor could be transformed into a fitness center or guest suite.

The walk-out lower level has an office, summer kitchen, a climate-controlled wine room, and a three-season porch.

The 1.5-acre lot is surrounded by lush landscaping and stone garden pathways.

Jacob Matthews of Ellis Sotheby's International Realty is the listing agent.

Tuxedo Park, NY (Realtor.com)

3. 13170 SE Flamingo Dr, Hobe Sound, FL

Price: $800,000

Why it’s here: From the exterior, this two-bedroom residence looks like two connected yurts elevated to capture the scenic views of nearby Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

Surrounded by 10,500 acres of protected land, the 2,091-square-foot curved interior boasts cathedral ceilings, glass block details, oversized windows, and French doors that open up to a wraparound balcony. A spiral staircase leads to the lower level with extra storage space.

The property also has a three-car carport with electric charging station.

Melinda Heilman of Compass Florida - Palm Beach Gardens is the listing agent.

Hobe Sound, FL (Realtor.com)

2. 21A Interlaken Rd, Stockbridge, MA

Price: $3,850,000

Why it’s here: Long House is a newly constructed luxury residence with dramatic double-height entry and wide-open floor plan.

The four-bedroom residence boasts 4,000 square feet of modern finishes with skylights. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass windows to provide a seamless transition with the 5.04-acre outdoor space, the first floor features an open-concept kitchen, a two-bedroom guest wing, a primary suite on the opposite side of the house, and a spacious living room. A loft area upstairs has a full bathroom and custom sauna.

There is also an oversized attached two-car garage.

Jen Harvey of Compass is the listing agent.

Stockbridge, MA (Realtor.com)

1. 3943 N 45th Pl, Phoenix, AZ

Price: $1,575,000

Why it’s here: Built in 1954, this Ralph Haver remodel has been reimagined by designer Joel Contreras into a compound with detached guesthouse offering income potential.

Two "fully independent ADUs" feature a combined five bedrooms, a great room with clean lines, and a kitchen with cork floors, custom walnut cabinets, and marble countertops. A guesthouse has two casitas with private entries.

An antique safe can be found in the basement, which is accessed via a secretive trapdoor, described in the listing as "a rare architectural relic that anchors the home's history." However, the basement also boasts a more modern amenity in the form of a charging station.

The spa-inspired pool area is surrounded by lush landscaping.

Ariana Parry of The Brokery is the listing agent.

Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ (Realtor.com)
Keith Francis

"My job is to find and attract mastery-based agents to the office, protect the culture, and make sure everyone is happy! "

+1(904) 874-2066

keith@roundtablerealty.com

1637 Racetrack Rd # 100, Johns, FL, 32259, United States

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