A Spacious Paradise Valley Estate with Sports and Family Fun.
In the heart of Paradise Valley, Arizona, a newly built estate offers a glimpse into luxury family living with an array of impressive features. Listed at $15.895 million, the property spans 2.4 acres and boasts spectacular views of Mummy Mountain and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. What makes this home stand out? An NBA-size basketball court, a life-size chess set, and space for parking up to 50 vehicles—all designed to bring the family together for fun and gatherings.
The estate is owned by Maggie and Chris Covaciu, who purchased the land in June 2019 for around $1.3 million. At that time, the property featured a 1950s-era home, which they demolished to make way for their new dream estate. Maggie and Chris, longtime Arizona residents, built the home to reflect their family’s active lifestyle and their love for sports, gatherings, and sustainability.
From a 1950s House to a Modern Family Haven
The transformation of this estate from a mid-century home to a modern luxury retreat was driven by the Covacius’ vision of creating a family-friendly oasis. The 8,300-square-foot main house includes five bedrooms, complemented by two guesthouses to accommodate extended family or visitors. The layout was thoughtfully designed to provide space for everyone, including Maggie’s mother, who has her own guesthouse, and their adult children, who have their own space when they visit.
The outdoor spaces, which feature artificial turf lawns, a pool with a hot tub, and a covered outdoor kitchen, are perfect for entertaining large gatherings—a frequent activity in the Covacius household.
A Backyard Built for Family Gatherings and Sports.
For families who enjoy staying active, this property is a dream come true. The NBA-size basketball court is a key highlight, providing plenty of space for not only basketball but also tennis and pickleball. Maggie mentioned that her sons and their friends often play basketball, while others enjoy soccer games on the adjacent turf lawn. The life-size chess set, with pieces standing three feet tall, was inspired by a resort the family once visited, adding a playful and unique feature to the property.
Joan Levinson, the listing agent from Realty One Group, says the estate has one of the largest turf backyards in Paradise Valley, making it ideal for both formal events and spontaneous family activities.
Why Paradise Valley Is the Perfect Location for Arizona Families.
Though Paradise Valley is known for its wealth and luxury, it also offers a sense of community and natural beauty that appeals to Arizona families. The Covacius chose the lot not only for its large size but because they wanted to build a home that could handle their growing family and still have enough outdoor space to enjoy.
“Paradise Valley is one of the nicest areas in Arizona,” Maggie said, adding that its location between Phoenix and Scottsdale made it the perfect place for both luxury living and convenience.
Eco-Friendly Features for an Arizona Lifestyle.
The Covacius were also mindful of sustainability in designing their home. The estate is solar-powered, eliminating monthly electricity bills—an appealing feature for many Arizona homeowners who want to make the most of the state’s abundant sunshine. Additionally, the artificial turf helps to reduce water usage, a practical solution for those looking to maintain a lush, green lawn without the high water consumption.
These features not only save money in the long run but also reflect the growing interest in eco-friendly living in Arizona, especially as the state grapples with water conservation challenges.
Designed with Family in Mind: Space for Everyone.
The home’s layout is designed with family gatherings in mind. On weekends, the Covacius often host Sunday lunches for up to 50 family members. To accommodate this, they built a six-car garage attached to the main house, along with a multipurpose building that can store three RVs or 10 additional cars. On the estate grounds, there’s parking space for up to 30 more vehicles, ensuring guests always have a place to park.
The two guesthouses are not only practical but also emphasize the importance of keeping family close. Whether for Maggie’s mother or visiting adult children, the extra space allows for multi-generational living—a value that resonates with many Arizona families.
Why the Covacius Are Moving On—And What You Can Learn.
Despite having only moved into the estate last year, the Covacius are ready to sell. Their reason? They love the process of building homes and are eager to take on their next construction project. This decision reflects a common sentiment among many homeowners: the joy of creating a home that fits their family’s needs at the time, and the excitement of moving on to new adventures when the moment feels right.
For Arizona homeowners, there’s a takeaway from this: Home is where family, fun, and practicality meet. Whether you’re considering small upgrades to your current home or dreaming of a larger space, the key is to create a place that works for your family’s lifestyle—something that can evolve over time, just like the Covacius have done.
Real estate in Paradise Valley continues to thrive, with property values soaring since the pandemic. The town remains one of the most desirable places to live in Arizona. While homes like this one may be out of reach for many, they serve as inspiration for anyone looking to create a family-friendly home that prioritizes outdoor living, sports, and sustainability.
