Historic elegance abounds at 40 E Plaza del Encanto, set on nearly an acre within Tucson's prestigious El Encanto Estates and offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of the city's architectural history. This exquisite estate blends timeless craftsmanship with serene desert living and urban sophistication. Built in 1934, this Spanish Colonial Revival home was one of the original El Encanto homes, with design overseen by renowned architect Lewis ''Starky'' Starkweather. Behind the gated north semi-circle driveway, handcrafted wrought-iron fencing, mud adobe walls, mature trees, and a grand fountain set a tone of privacy and sophisticated charm. The stunning handcrafted mahogany door opens into an inviting foyer with double-arched entries that showcase dramatic scale and (continued) architectural character, including a grand living room and an elegant formal dining room designed for distinctive gatherings, whether entertaining or family. Soaring ceilings, crown moldings, fireplace with wood mantle and marble threshold, distinctive chandeliers, and gorgeous, original oak floors (which extend throughout the residence), are prominent features. The sun room, with gorgeous terracotta cement tile, extends along the south side of the home, featuring expansive picture windows and a full-length covered brick patio to reinforce indoor/outdoor living. This room seamlessly connects the east kitchen and the west-side library room, both of which feature mahogany floors. The updated kitchen, with an adjacent butler's room, is both elegant and functional, featuring a chef-grade Viking range, two sinks, wood-and-glass-front cabinetry, a generous peninsula with pendant lighting, vintage-style fixtures, and a large, bright picture window framing the lush desert landscaping beyond. To the south of the kitchen, a large ensuite area features a private bedroom, guest bathroom, and a sitting room with double French doors opening onto a covered patio overlooking a grass lawn and a sparkling pool area. Directly across the lawn, the home's west wing includes three large bedrooms, each with a private bath and oak flooring throughout. The primary suite features a sitting area with a gorgeous fireplace, a separate dressing area with double closets, and a tiled bathroom. Double French doors open onto an east-facing covered patio, with the south patio, lawn, covered ramada, fire pit, and pool area beyond. Within the walled backyard area, an independent heated/cooled space with a wood ceiling and exposed brick walls offers an opportunity for an office, music room, or art studio. Recent upgrades include replacement of all gas lines, newer heating and cooling units for the main house, complete built-up roof recoatings (garage, studio, house), pool replaster, tiling, and equipment upgrades, fountain replaster/upgrades, and the addition of an automatic solar-powered wrought iron driveway gate on the east side of the property. Lovingly restored, this home exudes historic authenticity, beauty, and peace in Tucson's most exclusive central neighborhood, a true desert sanctuary within urban vibrance. After more than 22 years off the market, this storied residence awaits its next steward to experience Tucson's heritage at its most refined.
