Welcome to Desert Mountain, a premier golf and outdoor recreation-based community in north Scottsdale, AZ. This lot, one of very few left in all of DM and high (+- 3,350') in one of its highest villages (indeed, in all Maricopa County), offers: southern exposure; panoramic city light, McDowell Mountain, and winter sunset views; no extraordinary construction costs; and no noise from major internal roads, Cave Creek Road, or golfers or golf course maintenance equipment. Effectively over 107,000 square feet in size due to an adjacent HOA-owned parcel. Advantageous building envelope and lot access. No immediate access to a Desert Mountain Club Full Golf Membership, available via a wait-list, with full access in the meantime to all other activities. Read ''More'' for further insights. Lost Star 36 presents a rare opportunity for a sophisticated, forward-thinking investor to secure a premium homesite in Desert Mountain, perhaps the premier community of its type in the United States.
Ideal Buyer Profile:
A discerning individual who:
- May not be interested in golf but sees long-term value in HOA restriction protected, gated, recreational and lifestyle-oriented property.
- Might represent a family office focused on generational wealth and memory-rich investments.
- Understands there are many more non-golfers in the world than golfers, and that this market segment knows and appreciates that private, gated golf communities typically have real estate more valuable than non-golf course community real estate.
- Understands global real estate trends, especially what happens when supply completely stops, and demand keeps growing, as is the case for this caliber of lot in Desert Mountain.
- Desires to preserve and grow wealth through assets valued for lifestyle return as much as financial performance.
- Is focused on high-quality U.S. real estate, particularly in scenic Arizona, and in one of its most affluent developments.
- Appreciates an opportunity to build a home in an area not known for fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other natural disasters.
Why Desert Mountain?
Buyers will recognize Desert Mountain as superior among gated communities due to:
- High elevation, clean air, and breathtaking views.
- Robust community features: social, recreational, and year-round engagement.
- Access to elite healthcare and private air travel.
- Limited supply: no additional land to develop, meaning rising long-term value.
- Optional access to a private club ranked in the top ten in the country.
The most valuable homesites in Desert Mountain typically include:
- Privacy (either through size or topography).
- No risk of noise from road traffic, or people or equipment on golf courses
- Expansive views, and no risk of losing them due to future construction.
- South-facing exposure, for winter sun and panoramic views (city lights, mountain ranges, sunsets).
- Buildable land with gentle slope and no construction obstacles.
- One-level living potential, large building envelope.
- Central, elevated location, yet close to clubhouses and gates.
Lost Star 36 excels on all these fronts.
Site Details:
- Size: 31,260 sq. ft., north of and adjacent to a 76,110 sq. ft. undevelopable HOA parcel.
- Combined Privacy Buffer: 107,370 sq. ft. (2.46 acres).
- Elevation: ~3,350' ASL ideal for year-round enjoyment with cooler summers and mild winters.
- Building Envelope: 18,272 sq. ft., suitable for a 6,000+ sq. ft. single-level home.
- Driveway Access: Ideal NW entry point allows for functional design - visitor parking to the north, garage to NE, kitchen and family rooms to the sunny E and SE.
- Protected Views: 100% protected southern views; southeast views to the McDowell Mountains are also protected: these views are over a currently undeveloped lot, but that lot is owned by a neighbor for downhill view protection and not likely to be sold separately. If it were sold separately, the views would remain unobstructed in any event due to parapet height restrictions.
- Noise Buffer: ~395 yards from Desert Mountain Parkway; well-removed from potential road noise.
Community Benefits:
Desert Mountain Club:
- Membership-optional private club renowned for golf and outdoor recreation.
- 7 clubhouses, 9 dining venues, 6 Jack Nicklaus Signature courses, 4 practice ranges, and an eighteen-hole par-3 course, rated for handicap purposes.
- The Sonoran Clubhouse supports health, wellness, and family-friendly social life.
- 25+ miles of private trails, with elevations up to 4,890' for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
- Dynamic social opportunities, or privacy if preferred - balance your lifestyle.
Nearby Amenities:
- 10 minutes to Carefree and Cave Creek shops and restaurants.
- 16-minute radius includes 70+ dining spots.
- Less than 45 minutes to Sky Harbor or Scottsdale private airports.
- World-class shopping, sports, and culture in Phoenix/Scottsdale metro.
- 2.5 hours to Flagstaff skiing; easy access to San Diego and Las Vegas; Grand Canyon and Utah's "Mighty Five" national parks also within easy driving distance.
Weather & Environment:
- Dry, mild Mediterranean climate.
- Fewer than 12 days annually above 100degF; 15-20deg nighttime cooling even in summer.
- Very low humidity and low natural disaster risk.
- Clear skies, brilliant stars, and clean air.
Medical Care Access:
- World-class institutions like Mayo Clinic and Barrows Neurological Institute are nearby.
Investment Outlook:
- Over 2,000 homes built; 60 more under construction, fewer than 200 lots remain; of these typically only 20 to 30 are listed for sale; most of these lack locational or view advantages.
- Most high-quality remaining lots are owned for privacy/view protection - not for sale.
- Future buyers may have to buy and demolish existing homes to obtain top-tier locations and views similar to those offered by Lost Star 36.
Club Membership Notes:
Lost Star 36 is offered without immediate access to any membership in the Desert Mountain Club. If one is desired, the Buyer will need to apply and wait for availability (likely a shorter period than what would be required to design and build). However, the Club currently offers "Lifestyle" (non-golf, but everything else) memberships (upgradable to Full Golf upon availability) to homesite buyers evidencing intent to build, subject to approval and applicable fees.
Summary:
- Premier position in one of Desert Mountain's most desirable villages.
- Southerly exposure with expansive, permanent views.
- Exceptional privacy and minimal development risk around the lot.
- High-elevation, central locationcooler temps, scenic beauty.
- Build-ready site, optimized for one-level luxury living.
- Unique driveway access enhances design flexibility and function.
As of mid-April 2025, Lost Star 36 was the only lot for sale in the four "Penthouse" villages in Desert Mountain (Apache Peak, Lost Star, Seven Arrows, or Sunset Canyon), to offer a S our SW orientation, and strong, protected views of the McDowell Mountains, the valley floor (for dazzling "city light" views after dark), and winter sunsets. Furthermore, only one homesite remains in these elevated villages that is not owned by a neighbor to protect their view or privacy that offers views and site characteristics similar to Lost Start 36. That lot is Apache Peak 111. It has been owned since 1998 by a very wealthy family whose Family Office Manager has informed me that it will pass to a son after his mother passes. So, very likely, this is the last lot left in Desert Mountain with these characteristics that one could buy.
For the refined buyer who understands the uniqueness of this opportunity, Lost Star 36 is more than land - it's a long-term legacy asset that combines beauty, privacy, and lifestyle. If this sounds like an opportunity you'd like to explore further, we hope to hear from you!
