Arizona Homes

Lord and Lady Halifax in Arizona

"It is so stupendous that no words can describe it. We just stood and let it soak in."

With this simple statement, Lord and Lady Halifax, honored guests of the State of Arizona a short time ago, expressed their feeling for the earth's mightiest spectacle, the Grand Canyon.

Lord Halifax, tall, soft-spoken British ambassador to the United States, and his completely charming wife, proved themselves true ambassadors of good will and friendliness during their five-day visit.

"Our visit to Arizona has been a wonderful experience." Lord Halifax related in a letter to Arizona Highways. "Wherever we went, at Tucson, Phoenix, Prescott, the Grand Canyon and Winslow, we met with nothing but friendliness and hospitality."

The noted guests were officially welcomed to Arizona by Govemor Osborn at the statehouse in Phoenix where Lord Halifax questioned the governor in some detail about Arizona and its agricultural possibilities. The governor explained to him Arizona's irrigation problems. told him of the scenic north, the great possibilities for industrial and agricultural development utilizing the Colorado River.

"I need hardly say how deeply impressed I was by the Grand Canyon. It must be seen to be believed, and even when seen can hardly be believed. It is indeed one of the Seven Wonders of the modern world. Before such grandeur, age and self-possession, man must needs fall into humility and silence."

Lady Halifax declared herself enchanted with the West and declared, "You know, my husband and I have a sort of an idea we're going to see you again some day. We may even buy a ranch here if you'd let us. I think Arizona would be a wonderful place in which to settle down." And her husband, after commenting that Lord Beaverbrook had spent considerable time in Phoenix, inquired if he might be regarded as an Arizonan if he came to stay.

"Lady Halifax and I have now left Arizona carrying with us the happiest memories of the loveliness of the land and the warmheartedness of its people. There was so much to see and so little time in which to see it; so that at the moment our one thought is to return as soon as possible for a second and longer visit." Lord Halifax concluded in his letter to Arizona Highways.

To these many kindly remarks about our people and our land, to our gracious friends and guests, Lord and Lady Halifax, we say thanks. Arizonans will always hold a warm spot in their hearts for you, and await your contemplated return to this colorful land of room enough and time enough.

The title Earl of Halifax has been conferred upon the British Ambassador since his visit to Arizona.

Arizona

Arizona is noted for its fine climate, its sunny southland and fascinating summer mountain resorts in the forested heights. Climate has been a deciding factor in the establishment of a great number of homes in Arizona, as Arizona is a sun country, and far and wide over the state the sun spreads its golden radiance -more pronounced in some areas to a moderate degree in others. Due to the great variation in altitudes and climate in Arizona, all types of homes are to be found here. Homes of natural stone and timbers are in favor in the northern and central sections, while in the south, due to the equable climate-where yearround living is geared to the great outdoors-homes of every type and style of architecture are to be found. although Arizona's Hispanic past and Indian culture have influenced the construction of many homes in modified Spanish Colonial and Indian Pueblo design.

Arizona, frequently referred to as a desert state, is in reality rich in trees and shrubs, and a wealth of foliage usually shades the walks, parkways and lawns in almost every Arizona town and city. June is known as the month of roses, but in Arizona with its mild winter climate in most every sector, roses are plentiful in December. It is not unusual to drive through residential sections of the largest and smallest towns in Arizona at all times of the year, and see climbers. bush and tree roses in orderly rows or wild confusion.

While the state prizes its dryness, together with the eternal sunshine, there is sufficient rainfall in all but the southern part of the state to take care of the bounteous spread of greenery; and in southern Arizona, particularly the Phoenix area in the Valley of the Sun, the magic of irrigation has made the desert bloom and has transformed a desert waste into a fruitful, producing paradise-a vibrating city of people from all walks of life. People who were born here, and hundreds from other sections of this great nation who have wintered here, have returned again and again and finally decided that "this is the place." and built their homes. Phoenix, within a few brief years, has grown from a frontier town to a metropolitan city of attractive homes and beautiful surroundings-green lawns and shrubs-colorful flowers blooming throughout the year. And, although Tucson is without benefit of the extensive irrigation system as found in the Valley of the Sun-it also is a city of lovely homes and landscaped estates.

Homes

Throughout the semi-tropical southern section of Arizona, modern domestic architecture presents a hodgepodge of numerous influences, with a definite trend to the Mission and Monterey style. This is much in evidence alongside of Cape Cod, French Provincial. English, and other styles. There is a trend toward the modern in newer homes, especially in Phoenix and Tucson, severe in design and constructed mostly of steel, concrete and glass.

The residential sections of Phoenix-including Encanto, Palmcroft, Country Club Manor, Biltmore Estates and Arcadia-have green lawns and flowers throughout the year, with stately Royal palms towering high toward the heavens, vieing with graceful poplars, cypress and eucalyptus. Olive and citrus trees provide excellent shade, and on spring nights the sweet heavy perfume from outlying orange blossoms floats over the city, and in late spring oleander hedges burst into white and pink bloom. Throughout the city the lovely red Christmas blossoms, the poinsettias. rear their beauteous forms to the roof-tops of hundreds of homes.

Tucson is basically a residential city and the most characteristic residential area surrounds the University of Arizona campus, where every type of Southwestern architecture and landscaping is represented. The newer and more impressive homes are in the Catalina Foothills Estates and El Encanto Estates.

Complete with every possible convenience, usually including swimming pools, tennis courts and stables. few homes appear large, as they are generally in the Spanish-Pueblo style which emphasizes ground-floor space rather than height. The most exclusive homes in the restricted areas all have elaborately landscaped grounds altogether spectacular all months of the year.

The beauty of landscaped homes does not end with the restricted areas in these two largest of Arizona cities, however. There are hundreds of moderately priced homes, striking in their beauty and attractiveness. The glory of the sun country works miracles in the making of a home, and the livability in a land such as Arizona leaves little to be desired, whether it be for the man who lives here and works. or those who come here to retire and live in complete comfort and happiness in the luxury of the Arizona sun.