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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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April 5, 2013

Touring a Mediterranean Style Home

Desert Oasis Home Tour at the picket fence

I’ll never forget the first time my mom described the location of our parents new home in Arizona.

“Oh, honey, it’s off of a dirt road!”

And I will also never forget the moment when I realized she kinda lied. You see, it’s not just off of one dirt road.

It’s off of a dirt road off of another dirt road off of another dirt road off of another dirt road! And it’s in the desert.

Literally.

18 acres of desert.

As you are bumping along those dirt roads, wondering if your teeth will still all be in place by the time you arrive, suddenly you see it.

Sitting on a hill, rising up like an oasis.

Mediterranean Desert Home Tour from At The Picket Fence

We just returned from spending a fun-filled week here and I thought you might enjoy a peek inside Michael and Carol’s (yes like the Brady Bunch) home. Otherwise known as Heather and Vanessa’s parents!

Come on in!

Once inside the foyer, the “oasis” feeling continues as you take in the crisp white walls, beautifully curved arches and wide expanse of tiled floors.

Arizona home tour-entry www.atthepicketfence.com

Off of the entry is the den which is a wonderful place to hang out, play games or sit and work my way through the stacks of decorating magazines my mom saves for me (and Heather!) when we come to visit.

Mediterranean Desert Home Tour-Den www.atthepicketfence.com

A television on the wall and a wet bar make it the perfect spot for relaxing.

Arizona home tour-wet bar www.atthepicketfence.com

The dining room is really the first room you see when you enter the home and while it opens onto the foyer a column detail keeps it still feeling like it’s own separate space.

Arizona home tour dining room at the picket fence

My mom just put the finishing touches on this room with the addition of these gorgeous silk drapes which she made herself.

Mediterranean Desert Home Tour from At The Picket Fence

large iron sconces www.atthepicketfence.com

Heading down the hall you find yourself in a wonderfully serene master suite.

Mediterranean Desert Home Tour-Master Bedroom from At The Picket Fence

Mediterranean Desert Home Tour-Master bedroom from At The Picket Fence

Mediterranean Desert Home Tour from At The Picket Fence master bathroom www.atthepicketfence.com

Let’s head now back down the hallway to see some more of the house, shall we? This always reminds me of an art gallery. Of course, in our family, we only purchase our art at the finest establishments.

You know, like those which carry works by T.J. Maxx and Home Goods! 😉

Arizona home tour foyer www.atthepicketfence.com

 While the kitchen is open to the family room it once again gets a feeling of separation courtesy of beautiful arches. The over-sized island is perfect for entertaining and is, frankly, NEVER this clear of clutter when my family is visiting. Actually, I think for the sake of these photos I had to move all of the kids’ stuff into another room!

Arizona home tour kitchen www.atthepicketfence.com

One of the things I love most about the family room is that while the walls and flooring are light, darker pieces of furniture help to ground the space.

Arizona home tour Family Room from www.atthepicketfence.com

My mom has carried this decorating philosophy throughout the entire home and it keeps it feeling warm and cozy despite the white walls.

Arizona home tour family room www.atthepicketfence.com

It’s easy to see why we truly feel like we are on vacation when we visit them here. We ride ATV’s, shoot pool, play air hockey, lounge by the pool, roast marshmallows and make s’mores around the fire pit and shoot BB guns.

My mom listens for the kids in the morning so that my husband and I can sleep in a little. I readily admit to enjoying being “mothered” a bit since in my season of life I am in full “mothering” mode day in and day out.

pool and patio Arizona home tour from www.atthepicketfence.com

But, and I know I speak for Heather too when I say this, all of those things aren’t really the best part about visiting our parents at their desert oasis.

Mediterranean Desert Home Tour from At The Picket Fence

Getting to spend time in their beautiful home is wonderful. But sitting in the den with my mom after getting our PJ”s on and the kids are in bed and just talking…and talking…and talking? That’s pretty wonderful too. Seeing my husband and my dad laughing together over a joke that was probably only funny to them? I love that.

And watching my parents with my kids? I almost don’t have words. Not only do they play and interact with them from morning to night, they marvel at them, talk about them and just are generally adoring.

Nonna and Poppa summer 2012

 

So, while we love that going to visit Nonna and Poppa feels a little bit like visiting an amusement park.

The best part about visiting them is actually…well…THEM!

Thanks so much for coming along on the tour of their home and for joining us today At the Picket Fence.

Have a fantastic weekend!

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P.S. We apologize if you received this post twice from us today in your email inbox! Our desire is to always be sure that our email subscribers are getting the best service possible and as such we have made a change to our feed provider. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we work out all of the kinks!

 

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38 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Dining Room, Outdoors Tagged With: Arizona home tour, Arizona homes, home tour, Mediterranean home tour

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Comments

  1. Sally says

    April 5, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Ann says

    April 5, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    Oh my gosh what a lovely home. You are truly blessed to have wonderful parents…and I agree. One of the best things is seeing your parents with your children. Priceless.

    Reply
  3. Anja says

    April 5, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    What an amazing house, and there are so many great details! To be honest, though, I would be a bit scared alone in the desert like that… what if I run out of ice-cream while sitting at the beautiful pool? 😉

    Reply
  4. Shelia says

    April 5, 2013 at 8:03 AM

    Oh, my goodness! Your parents’ home is just gorgeous. Now gals, I can see two little apples didn’t fall far from the mommy decorating tree! 🙂 I can see why you all would have such a great time.
    Be a couple of sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  5. Mary Marraccini says

    April 5, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    Tucson?

    Reply
  6. Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says

    April 5, 2013 at 8:52 AM

    What a beautiful home! I can see why you’d love to visit. 🙂 I read and marveled in amazement because it is just so different (the area) than anything I’m used to! I live on the east coast of VA (literally on the coast, marshlands and all) with lots of trees and green…and very flat, flood prone land. 😉
    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Nancy

    Reply
  7. Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline says

    April 5, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    What a lovely house your parents have and the decor is beautiful. It made me want to visit!

    Thanks so much for giving us a look into their home.

    Mary Beth

    Reply
  8. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    April 5, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    I can see where you and Heather get your love of design — absolutely NOTHING grandma about grandma’s house! Just stunning and warm and welcoming and modern! And I agree about getting “mothered” — and “fathered” too — by our parents. Which is why our annual vacation to Florida is the highlight of our year!

    Have a lovely weekend …

    🙂 Linda

    Reply
  9. Ceekay says

    April 5, 2013 at 9:35 AM

    Your parents home is lovely….and how wonderful that you all have such a great relationship…that is the best of all!

    Reply
  10. jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says

    April 5, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    Ummm hello gorgeous views ! Wow what a fabulous place to visit 🙂 You kids must always want to go and visit 🙂

    Reply
  11. Traci says

    April 5, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    What a fun way to spend the week! Their home is gorgeous too.

    Reply
  12. Becca says

    April 5, 2013 at 10:26 AM

    What a beautiful home your parents have! I love how open, bright and “happy” it is! And, the backyard is fabulous … I’d spend lots of time by the pool, for sure! Thanks for sharing with us, Vanessa … hope you had a wonderful time. xoxo

    Reply
  13. Beth@Unskinny Boppy says

    April 5, 2013 at 10:52 AM

    That is just gorgeous! Thank for taking us on a tour. Hey there to the parents! You’ve raised some spectacular women. 🙂

    Reply
  14. Angelina says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:07 AM

    This has got to be one of the SWEETEST most Special home tours ever!!! And we are actually not to far from Arizona… So I think a Visit just might be in order.. Just to make sure it’s all legitimate.. You, know VERIFY that that this is Really your parents house and you didn’t just go on a Real Estate tour.. LOL!!! Oh and I must make sure that’s a REAL pool and not just a Desert Mirage!!! 😉
    LOVE it!!
    Thanks so much for sharing it!
    xo

    Reply
  15. kim says

    April 5, 2013 at 11:07 AM

    Wow, that is beautiful with stunning views and a pool! It has to be hard to leave.

    Reply
  16. Marty Walden says

    April 5, 2013 at 12:00 PM

    Well, it’s obvious that you inherited all your creativity quite honesty! What a beautiful home in an amazing location. Your parents are so young looking, too. You got some great genes there, ladies! The best part of all? You know that time with your family is a priceless gift.

    Reply
  17. Kimberly ~Serendipity Refined says

    April 5, 2013 at 1:03 PM

    Beautiful home and, more importantly…a wonderful story about the love and sharing of close family ties…THAT, as you well know…is PRICELESS! P.S. I’d never leave the pool..except maybe for s’mores! xo

    Reply
  18. Michele/ Finch Rest says

    April 5, 2013 at 3:07 PM

    Oh my word what an amazing home.

    And I love each room and description – and the love you have for your folks.

    They are an attractive couple and I can imagine they wish you were visiting much more often.

    Bet your kids LOVE that pool, too!

    Wonderful post and beautiful home, indeed.

    Reply
  19. Judy says

    April 5, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    Their home is absolutely beautiful and your post about spending time with them is just so wonderful. I didn’t realize that they lived in Arizona. It’s easy to see where you both got your beautiful decorating taste and creativity from. I’m so impressed with your mom’s silk drapes. It’s not easy working with silk! Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Reply
  20. Anne says

    April 5, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    What a beautiful home your parents have!!! They sound wonderful too! LOVE that they truly enjoy spending time with there Grandchildren!You are all so blessed!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  21. Lee says

    April 5, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    What a lovely home and family you have. The desert house is amazing and clearly your parents have good taste in decor, “like mother like daughters” 🙂 I am wondering if it gets really cold in the winter or is it very mild in Arizona. How far do they have to travel to the nearest shopping areas for groceries and such?

    Its wonderful seeing inside the homes of other people. Thank you for sharing.

    Lee

    Reply
    • Michael Reddin says

      April 5, 2013 at 9:08 PM

      Thank you for your comments. Actually, it can get quite cold in the northern Arizona desert. We’re nearly at 4,000 feet in altitude. Last winter it got to a low of 12 degrees which we’re told was quite unusual. It snows 1-2 times but it melts quickly. We have to travel about 30 minutes for groceries, etc. Phoenix is about 3 hours from us and Las Vegas about 2 hours. Thank you!

      Vanessa and Heather’s Mom

      Reply
  22. lucy says

    April 5, 2013 at 8:29 PM

    The decor is sooooo relaxing but are there snakes and creepy crawlies outdoors that would put me into cardiac arrest?

    Reply
  23. Heather says

    April 6, 2013 at 11:41 AM

    Such a beautiful home and beautiful family you have! I love the desert! Your parents home is stunning – it must be so hard to leave!! Thanks for sharing the gorgeous home tour!

    Reply
  24. debbiedoos says

    April 6, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    Oh my goodness, you girls are so blessed and of course your Parents are as well. Stunning. I can just imagine the talk talk talk after the kiddos are sleeping by that gorgeous poolside. WOW!~ This home should surely be in a magazine.

    Reply
  25. Judy Clark says

    April 6, 2013 at 4:34 PM

    What lovely parents! I can surely see where you girls got your decorating talents!

    Judy

    Reply
  26. Julie says

    April 6, 2013 at 6:02 PM

    Crying over here! I bet your Mom & Dad miss you already. What a beautiful home! Now we all know where your taste comes from!! That pool is devine, and the view! WOW! Thanks so much for sharing with us. Loved seeing your parents!

    Reply
  27. Sherry says

    April 6, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    Your parents home is beautiful and what a pretty view of the mountains. No wonder you love visiting.
    xx,
    Sherry

    Reply
  28. classic•casual•home says

    April 6, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    Such a great vacation spot and beautiful home… the white walls and floors will feel cool in the summer.
    Your mom is brilliant.

    Reply
  29. Jake's a Girl says

    April 7, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    Your parents have a beautiful home. To Die For in other words. 😉
    I love the Fine Galleries of T.J. Maxx and Home Goods.

    Reply
  30. Helen says

    April 7, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    Thanks for sharing your parents unique and beautiful home. As a long distant grandmother, I fully understand their joy at each and every minute with their grandchildren.

    Reply
  31. Marianne says

    April 8, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    What a lovely home! I grew up in that desert and my heart is still there! It’s hard to describe the stark beauty to someone from greener, more lush areas, but it is indeed beautiful and serene. Thanks for a glimpse of home today!

    Reply
  32. Andrea Schuneman says

    April 8, 2013 at 6:39 PM

    What an amazing home! If your parents ever need some more grand kids to visit we’ll volunteer our girls to go 🙂 I love the openness and high ceilings. Thanks for sharing their home. Please tell them how lovely it is!

    Reply
  33. Ann K says

    April 9, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    Great tour of a wonderful home. But what I really enjoyed about your post was how you described the relationship with your parents and your children, It touched my heart! How nice of you all to be able to spend quality time together!!

    Reply
  34. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    April 9, 2013 at 7:35 PM

    I can see where you and Heather get your design sense and talents…what a gorgeous home…but most of all, it is filled with so much love…what a fantastic place to spend time in…and the views are spectacular…thanks for showing us your parent’s fabulous home.

    Reply
  35. Carol says

    April 10, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    Oh my, how wonderful that your parents are the custodial owners of their own piece of the beautiful AZ desert! I can’t tell if that view is of the Superstitions or McDowell Mountains — maybe neither! How long have they lived in AZ? While I absolutely love the vista, rattlesnakes and other varmints keep me in the “planned and well-manicured areas of our great state…..lol!

    Carol

    Reply
  36. The Style Sisters says

    April 10, 2013 at 12:10 PM

    What a beautiful oasis in the desert! Love all the white! The interiors are gorgeous. Please come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday https://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/04/centerpiece-wednesday-and-wrap-up.html and share this post with us! Karin

    Reply
  37. KC says

    April 11, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    This home is lovely! Thank you for sharing the pics.
    I just have a little tip: It’s (it is) your parents’ home (not parent’s, because you have two parents). “It’s” only means “it is” whereas “its” refers to stuff about or for “it” whatever “it” is. It’s a screwy, screwy rule. I’m a word nerd, and a home decorating lover. I think spelling and punctuation contribute to beauty, too.
    I *will* be bookmarking and reading your blog, and I won’t peep again about words or punctuation, honest. I know I have issues. Now, back to more of your loveliness!

    Reply

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