Take a look at this epic 20,000+ square foot home featuring a resort-style pool, European fountains and a giant moat in the middle of the desert in the current print and online issue of Scottsdale Lifestyle Magazine here.

This Silverleaf estate was created for a couple who were concerned about their cats escaping and local wildlife entering. During a meeting to discuss options, Candelaria proposed a moat. This moat extends the entire backyard at different levels. The negative edge pool is at house level and spills into the moat three feet down. The moat wall then descends another six feet into the desert and is six feet wide. The moat acts as an organic element amidst a formal setting, as it meanders along the desert.

"Building and designing a home is a very personal experience. Our clients become friends with the iron guy, the stucco guy -- your house is special and you want the people working on it to feel it is special as well. It's that synergistic effort -- the workers in turn will help you if something goes wrong because they are part of the family. Especially with what is going on in the world right now, we really appreciate our homes that much more."

This estate was a collaborative effort with Landscape Architect Jeff Berghoff and Builder Schultz Development Corporation.