carefree-skyranch

Skyranch (18AZ) Carefree, AZ. “Caution: Aviation may be hazardous to your wealth…” As promised, I wanted to showcase some of Arizona’s many airparks. Where better to start than the very first Arizona airport to offer residents fly-in access? Carefree’s Skyranch. At an elevation of 2568 feet, the 27 acre airpark is in a magnificent location northeast of Phoenix, near Black Mountain, where the nearby granite rock formations of the Boulders Resort only enhance the already spectacular Sonoran desert. Built in 1961 as part of a master-planned community by visionary developers K.T. Palmer and Tom Darlington, the airpark predates the 1984 incorporation of the Town of Carefree by nearly 25 years.

The airpark boasts a 4037x50 asphalt strip, a well maintained gravel strip, REIL strobe lighting, and both Jet-A and 100LL fuel. There is airport management on-hand at the pilot’s center seven days a week. The airpark is home to a huge variety of aircraft, from ultralights, experimentals, like the Lancair or RV, Cubs, Huskies, Moonies to turbo props like the Platus, TBMs, a beautiful Cessna Mustang... I could go on and on. Even with so many, the pilots at Skyranch keep the desert peaceful with self-imposed operating hours of 6am to 11pm.

That peace and the natural beauty of the area has attracted many film celebrities like Lucille Ball and Bob Hope. Hugh Downs landed his antique bi-plane at the airstrip when it first opened. He loved it and so built the first fly-in home, designed by Gerry Jones in 1969. Carefree’s Southwestern Studios was built in 1968 just to host the Dick Van Dyke Show. (After being here he refused to return to Hollywood to film.) That peace and the natural beauty of the area has attracted many film celebrities like Lucille Ball and Bob Hope. Hugh Downs landed his antique bi-plane at the airstrip when it first opened. He loved it and so built the first fly-in home, designed by Gerry Jones in 1969. Carefree’s Southwestern Studios was built in 1968 just to host the Dick Van Dyke Show. (After being here he refused to return to Hollywood to film.)

There are three types of homes surrounding Skyranch Carefree (18AZ):

Carefree Resort and Villas on the northwest side of the runway can easily provide walking access to your hangar or short term tie-down. These homes can be purchased, leased, or rented for business trips or vacations. Full hotel type maintenance services are available, along with a pool and practice putting greens for your enjoyment.

Sixty-three patio homes on the southeast of the runway are located in the private, gated Carefree Airpark Estates overlooking the airpark. From anywhere in the development, you are also just a brief walk away from any of the 119 hangars. There are currently several hangars for sale or lease. Please call (480) 488-3571 if you are interested.

Saving the best for last, the premier hangar homes on Autoplane Drive are breathtaking. These luxury homes are situated on a taxiway/vehicle access road with the Desert Forest Private Golf Club (DFPGC) in their backyard. The DFPGC was recognized by Golf Magazine in the top 100 golf courses in the US. WHOA! Can life get better? Probably not, but it does come at a price. There are currently 3 of these fantastic hangar homes for sale in the airpark ranging from $950,000 to $2,650,000… They are listed on many sites on the internet.

For more information visit www.skyranchcarefree.com

Skyranch at Carefree Carefree, AZ

Mgr: Tommy Thomason (602) 708-2040
   

 

 Kevin Baker, Realtor® Realty ONE Group 

www.azaviationproperties.com

 

 

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