Serene Surroundings

This year, Pfeiffer is breaking ground on Serene, a sister project to Solitude, hoping to fulfill the demand for his homes. Serene is located on a parcel of land just south of the landmark Pinnacle Peak, with views of boulders, desert and Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountains. As with Solitude, Pfeiffer is partnering again with SWABACK Architects + Planners and interior designers from Est Est Interior Design to create Serene’s modern desert look.

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Pfeiffer’s launch of another exclusive enclave should come as no surprise. He points out that his company has done some $2 billion in work since its inception, building several hundred homes and luxe multi-family projects. According to Pfeiffer, the Serene design/build team understands what buyers are looking for and maintains meticulous attention to detail while aiming for a fast build cycle.

“Serene’s homes are luxurious and semi-custom but with a smaller footprint,” Pfeiffer says, whose background includes business and construction. “It’s all about cutting-edge design.” With 21 lots featuring homes ranging from 2,800 to 3,700 square feet in a gated setting, he sees Serene having appeal as a lock-and-leave property, perhaps attracting those who want a seasonal home in the Arizona desert. “Not everyone wants an acre lot with a big house on the golf course,” he remarks.

Serene offers four distinct floor plans for buyers to choose from, carefully plotted on each lot to maximize the views. “The idea is contemporary desert architecture with clean lines and masses, as well as horizontal rooflines,” says Michael Wetzel, design principal on the project and a partner at Scottsdale-based SWABACK Architects + Planners. “We will be using natural stone, tile, metals and woods, as well as stucco masses in the homes.”

The architect points out that spine walls, a central or elongated structural wall that acts as a primary support system and adds to the aesthetic, will traverse the house from the entry through the living spaces and out to a back terrace, creating an indoor-outdoor flow. The design features include open floor plans, pocketing window walls, and finished landscaped outdoor spaces. Unique options include see-through fireplaces, separate dining rooms, outdoor kitchens, and pools on certain lots.

“From the gated entry and through each house, we’re trying to draw the homeowners in and create a consistent design theme throughout,” Wetzel notes.

Est Est’s interiors, he says, will reflect the architecture and allow some customization for each buyer. Additional interior amenities include gourmet kitchens, quartz countertops, Sub-Zero Wolf appliances, custom cabinetry, and walk-in closets.

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“Serene is my fourth boutique development,” Pfeiffer says. “There will be a fifth and a sixth one, too. With our custom home building background, we give buyers more quality than a production home builder.”

Serene’s two model homes are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Mike Domer of Launch powered by Compass is a partner in the project and handling sales. Home prices start at $2.5 million.

With Solitude sold out for more than two years and leaving a long waitlist of interested buyers, Pfeiffer might repeat his “problem” with Serene—a quick sellout, with buyers clamoring for more.

Sources for fact-checking
Scott Pfeiffer via Melissa, his publicist: melissa@proofpragency.com
Mike Wetzel, Swaback Architects: mikew@swabackpartners.com