Tucson Kent's World: Arizona: Bisbee

A week ago, I spent part of a Sunday afternoon in Bisbee, Arizona.  While waiting to meet a client before we went to view the Loma Linda Mansion, I had a chance to wander down a side street, away from the tourist area for a few minutes - you never know what's around the corner in an old mining town!

First thing that caught my eye was an old Indian Motorcycle ad painted on the side of a building - someone has spruced it up and done a little restoration to it.  Made me think of my days in Durango, Colorado tending bar in a place dedicated & decorated with restored Indians & memorabilia (the bar stools were actually replicas of the saddle on the old Indian Chieftain model).  Cool!

As I wandered down to get a better angle to take a photo, I noticed this taxi.  One thing I love about the west, old mining towns in particular...is the wry sense of humor that underscores a hardscrabble life.  Think I'll let the taxi speak for itself:

PRICE REDUCED DRASTICALLY!  $1.75 million   NOW JUST $1,100,000 !

Exacting craftsmanship, appointments in tasteful elegance from byegone days - in tune with the natural surroundings while making a statement.  Historical significance in one of the stately mansions of the Old West.

Designed & built by reknowned architect Henry C. Trost, this 1907 masterpiece has been placed in the National Historic Register (which benefits the owner with a property tax savings of 50%).

The Loma Linda Mansion was built for Walter Douglas, who was known as "The Copper King" during a period when mining companies were competing not only for copper, but who could build the most elegant, lavish homes to showcase their stature in the communities they were located in.

Craftsmen of the highest caliber were commissioned for custom work appointing the 11-bedroom estate.  Gustav Stickley is one example:  he was hired to create the library and all of the furniture in it, which has been appraised for over $300,000 alone.

Stickley turned to one of his contemporaries in the American Craftsman Movement, William H. Grueby, to produce the tile surrounding the fireplaces throughout the home.

Beginning with the Copper King, this property has continuously been one to evoke memories of history, status and grandeur.  Through different incarnations as the Loma Linda Lodge Health Retreat, the 1970's party spot and getaway for rock stars and most recently, a private home, it is destined to be shared with the world again.  Whether a corporate retreat or a magnificent luxury inn, The Loma's 11 bedrooms, 3 apartments with full kitchens, hotel-sized saltwater pool, the magnificence that only history can provide, all are part of a unique property with innumerable possibilities.  Weddings, retreats, and special events will truly be memorable in this setting.

To facilitate an easier purchase for prospective buyers, the owner is willing to carry $600k of the price for 5 years.

For more information on this unique investment property please call Kent Simpson or Paula Sindelar at 520.977.0003 or visit our websites featuring this opportunity 1   2

*MLS #20737241 Listed by The Pepper Group Diversified Real Estate, Tucson Arizona
Paula Sindelar - Broker/Owner & Listing Agent
All photos by Kent Simpson

Welcome to the Walter Douglas House.

The Walter Douglas House was built in 1907 by renowned architect Henry C. Trost. The home was designed to be the private residence of Mr. Douglas, a civil engineer who was to head the worlds largest copper mine in Bisbee, Arizona.

 It is said that Walter Douglas himself never lived in the home, although other members of his family did occupy the mansion for brief periods of time.

The home consists of some 42 rooms including a five room master suite, twelve bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a third floor billiards room, and a two bedroom one bathroom guest apartment with full kitchen and living room off the main floor with its own private entrance.

 The house is constructed of reinforced concrete exterior walls which likely accounts for its sustained structural integrity and commanding presence. Some of the outstanding features of this home include the beautiful Gustav Stickley commissioned library complete with the original nine piece furniture set.

Also worth noting is the Grueby ceramic tile fireplace facing and hearths on the six fireplaces throughout the home.

 The home, which is situated on almost two acres, also features some of the most beautiful unobstructed views of the Sierra Madre mountains to the south in Mexico.

There is a large swimming pool and private entertainment patio at the back of the house, which is protected by the house and the hill behind the house. The hill was constructed by Phelps Dodge during the excavation of the Lavender Pit and is comprised of copper ore. It has been estimated that there are several hundred thousand tons of ore in the hill.

 Over the past 98 years the Walter Douglas House has lived many lives; the "Copper King's" mansion, the Loma Linda Lodge, a health clinic retreat, an apartment complex, and then once again, a private family home.

It has ... 48 total rooms ... 2 acres.
Historical and one of the most famous homes in all of Southern Arizona.
It is listed for a simple sale at $2 million.

Listed For Sale By The Pepper Group Diversified
Currently off of the market.
Please Contact Kent Simpson For More Information
520.302.5368