Situated on 4.16 acres, the Nordon Manor is an architectural gem located on the corner of Exeter Blvd and Rubicon Ave. It was built in 1971 by the Lo Piccolo family from York, Pennsylvania. The Piccolos wanted to bring some of their East Coast roots to the Valley of the Sun. This home would allow them to have the convenience of Phoenix city life while still being able to relax on their lush “18th century” grounds at home.
The project was so labor intensive that it took the Lo Piccolos 26 months to plan, design, and build the home. They wanted the home to be as authentic to their roots as possible. Almost every piece of building material that was used was shipped straight from Pennsylvania including wood beams, windows, antique door hinges, and a railcar full of bricks. Today, it resembles 18th century homes you would find on the back roads of Virginia 0r Pennsylvania.
The home has been on the market for a combined 2,981 days which is just over 8 years. The original list price was $10,990,000, but it is currently listed by Mackey Martin of Realty Executives for $7,995,000. That is a big discount from its original price, but it is still currently the most expensive home in Arcadia Proper.
The problem with architectural homes such as the Nordon Manor is that the buyer pool is microscopic. The home is so unique and customized to one person’s style that there just isn’t a market for the home. How many people in today’s age really want to live like it’s the 18th century in Arcadia? Let alone pay $7,995,000 to live like that.
I hope that someone comes along and saves this house. I personally don’t like the style, but it is architecturally significant and these owners have put their heart into this home. It is located across the street from the David and Gladys Wright House so it could also possibly become a historical site in Phoenix. A lot of Arcadia residents are just waiting for it to be torn down to make way for a few big spec homes.
To learn more about the intricacies of this home straight from owner Don Lo Piccolo, click here.
If you are interested in the Nordon Manor or any other homes in Arcadia, please give me a call at (602)-561-0445.