House of Poetry | A European-Inspired Estate in Arizona

This 8,300-square-foot masterpiece is the perfect blend of Renaissance elegance paired with modern convenience. Aptly named Maison de la Poésie—which translates to “House of Poetry”—the home offers a unique blend of artistry, heritage and livability that makes it feel like you wake up in Europe every morning.
The architecture, led by Scott Carson, AIA, LEED AP, principal at Cosan Studio, reflects the owners’ dreams of recreating the ambiance of mountain terraces and palazzos found in Italy. “They tasked our design team with re-creating the European estates they had fallen in love with over the years,” Carson explains. The team’s dedication to authenticity is evident in every detail, from the symmetrical wings and groin vaults to the color palette and furnishings.
The biggest hurdle of the project was the site’s location. “Building on steep hillsides in Arizona always has its challenges, from the rigorous design standards of the municipalities to the difficulty of the terrain and getting building materials to the site,” says Carson, who collaborated with GM Hunt Builders on the project. The home’s positioning offers rare dual views of the north and south, capturing Arizona’s fiery sunsets and sunrises in all their glory.

At the heart of the home is the great room, imagined as a grand ballroom that you might find in a European estate. With its soaring ceilings, expansive windows and breathtaking views, it serves as the central hub of the house. The private areas, including the primary suite and office can be accessed by light-filled hallways. The suite, with its soft blue walls accented by intricate moldings and metallic details, opens up to framed views of the surrounding mountainside.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: MODERN MEDITERRANEAN HOUSE | ELEGANCE REDEFINED

The interiors, curated by Isabel Dellinger Candelaria, founding principal at Earth and Images, embody a design philosophy that combines historical references with modern functionality. Candelaria worked closely with the homeowners to create formal yet livable spaces. “Our clients wanted a formal elegance that was livable day-to-day,” she shares.
This vision is particularly evident in the kitchen, where classic elements like a brick barrel-vaulted ceiling and fresco-style backsplash are paired with thoughtfully arranged appliances and storage.
“They love to cook, so we spent a lot of time on the design of the kitchen, arranging the appliances and storage, deciding how they wanted to move and work, and then adding very classic elements to the design,” Candelaria highlights. “This thinking made its way throughout the house, focusing on how areas would be the most livable and beautiful.”
The design process was highly collaborative, with the homeowners deeply involved in shaping their dream home from start to finish. “The owners had a clear vision of what they wanted and trusted the design team to execute it,” Carson says.
Candelaria’s partnership with the owners ended up being a match made in heaven. “They love to travel to Italy and France and wanted the home to feel like they were on vacation every day,” Candelaria says. “I also love to travel, am well-traveled, and have a vast collection of detailed photos I’ve taken on our trips. My client would start describing something, and I would pull out a photo and say, ‘Do you mean like this?’ And it would be exactly what she was wanting and describing. This exchange was exceptionally rewarding.”
One of the most delightful moments of affirmation came when the homeowners saw a photo of Candelaria by their pool on social media. “She thought I was in Italy somewhere but then realized it was their property!” she recalls. “When they realized it was their property, I knew we had accomplished what we set out to do.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: THE MOST TALENTED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS IN ARIZONA

Maison de la Poésie’s interiors are a treasure trove of European craftsmanship and artistry. Handpainted doors from Umbria grace the primary suite and pantry, while a pair of Venetian credenzas and French paintings on linen add layers of history and texture. The color palette—a nod to the Renaissance—features cheerful blues, golden yellows and ruby reds, with antique fabrics woven in Italy. The palette is true to the Renaissance period, celebrating the grandeur of the spaces while maintaining a cohesive elegance.
Every room in the home was treated with its intended feel and purpose. “Because we stayed true to historical references, we were able to accomplish a sense of surprise in each space while maintaining overall cohesiveness to the entire property,” Candelaria remarks. For instance, the laundry room—often overlooked in luxury design—is one of her favorite spaces. “It’s cheerful and elegant at the same time,” she says.
One of the clearest demonstrations of the team’s talent is their ability to balance flamboyance with intimacy throughout the home. High ceilings and grand decorative elements like fireplaces and moldings create a sense of drama, while comfortable seating and thoughtful layouts ensure it feels like home. “There’s a comfort that runs through the beauty of my work,” Candelaria says. “Our homes are our refuge. We need to be inspired by our surroundings but also relax and recharge.”
Maison de la Poésie is a work of art that tells a story. Every element—from the acanthus leaf carvings and sinuous florals to the handpainted doors and heirloom chandeliers—speaks to the homeowners’ love of European culture and history. Those who worked on the home also had the opportunity to experience the joy of bringing such a visionary project to life, gaining personal fulfillment from their involvement. “I loved everything about this project,” Candelaria exclaims. “It is the marquis diamond of my career so far.”