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$2,850,000
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Property Description
Set across more than six pristine protected acres in the Catalina Foothills, with uninterrupted 360-degree mountain, desert, and city vistas, the Ramada House stands as a singular offering -- iconic, private, and now permanently protected. Originally conceived by renowned architect Judith Chafee in 1975, this is widely regarded as her masterpiece and one of the most significant examples of Desert Modernism in the American Southwest. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and internationally studied, the Ramada House is more than a residence -- it is a landmark of American architectural history, reintroduced in its strongest and most compelling form. Qualified for reduced property taxes. Now fully restored and sensitively renovated by designer Casey W. Smith, the residence now stands in its most resolved architectural form -- its architectural integrity preserved, its systems and finishes thoughtfully elevated for modern living. Every refinement honors Chafee's original intent: disciplined geometry, filtered light, and architecture shaped by climate rather than trend. A monumental timber ramada -- Chafee's defining gesture -- spans the residence, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow while creating a powerful thermal canopy above. Below, the home unfolds in layered planes that step naturally with the terrain. Terraces, courtyards, and transitional spaces dissolve the boundary between interior and desert, reinforcing the seamless integration of structure and landscape. Concrete masonry construction, mortar-washed surfaces, and exposed structural timber speak to Chafee's rigorous modernism, while refined updates enhance livability without compromising architectural authenticity. The residence is also equipped with state-of-the-art twin gas-powered backup generators. Public and private spaces are thoughtfully layered, creating both intimate retreat and dramatic entertaining environments beneath the filtered desert light. The Ramada House has been featured in the MOMA traveling exhibit: "Judith Chafee: Framing the Desert" highlighting her contributions to regional, sustainable architecture, along with her international recognition. The Ramada House has been featured and studied on Smithsonian-affiliated architectural tours of the American Southwest. Located within the most coveted enclave of the Catalina Foothills -- the storied "Old Foothills" -- this offering represents a rare convergence of architectural significance, land preservation, and enduring desert beauty.
Full Property Details
Full Property Details for 2801 E Camino Norberto
General
- Sold For: $2,850,000
- Taxes: $5,301 (2025)
- Status: Closed
- Type: Single Family
- Source: MLSSAZ
- MLS ID: 22605636
Interior
- Interior Features: High Ceilings, Built-in Features
- Fireplace: Yes
- Number of Fireplaces: 2
- Fireplace(s): Other, Living Room, Wood Burning
- Appliances: Disposal, Dishwasher, Electric Oven, Induction Cooktop
- Flooring: Concrete, Wood
Rooms
Bathrooms
- Total Bathrooms: 4
- Full Bathrooms: 3
- Half Bathrooms: 1
Bedrooms
- Total Bedrooms: 4
Other Rooms
- Laundry: Dryer, Washer, Laundry Room, Gas Dryer Hookup, Dryer, Washer, Laundry Room, Gas Dryer Hookup
Additional Information
- Shared Amenities: None
- Pool Description: Conventional, Heated
- Security/Safety: Security Gate, None
Exterior
- Exterior Features: Balcony, Native Plants
- Deck/Patio: Paver, Patio
- Porch/Patio/Deck: Paver, Patio
Parking
- Garage: Yes
- Attached garage: Yes
- Garage Spaces: 2
- Parking Features: Electric Door Opener, Separate Storage Area
Location
- Area: North
- County: Pima
- Subdivision: Catalina Foothills Estates
- Driving Directions: Camino Real & River North to Camino Norberto. West to address. OR Skyline & Campbell south to Camino Juan Paisano. East to Camino Real. South to Camino Norberto. West to address.
School Information
- School District: Catalina Foothills
- High School District: Catalina Foothills
- Elementary School: Manzanita
- Middle School: Orange Grove
- High School: Catalina Fthls
Community
- Community Name: None
- Association: Yes
Heating & Cooling
- Central air: Yes
- Air Conditioning: Yes
- Cooling Type: Central Air, Zoned
- Heating Type: Natural Gas, Zoned
Utilities
- Sewer: Septic Tank
- Water: Public, Other
- Utility Description: Phone Connected
Structural Information
- Architectural Style: Contemporary, Modern
- Construction Status: Existing
- Construction: Concrete Block
- Roof: Built-Up - Reflect
- Windows: Double Pane Windows
- Square Feet: 3,797
- Sq. Ft. Source: Assessor
- Living Area: 3,797 Sq. Ft.
- Year Built: 1975
Lot Features
- Property View: Mountain(s), Sunset, Desert, City, Panoramic
- Lot Size (Acres): 8.6
- Lot Size (Sq. Ft.): 374,614
- Lot Size Range: 14
- Lot Size Source: Other
- Lot Dimensions: Irregular
- Street/Road Desc.: Dirt
- Road Maintenance: County
- Lot Features: Adjacent to Wash, Decorative Gravel, North/South Exposure
- Zoning: Pima County - CR1
Financial Considerations
- Tax Amount: $5,301
- Tax Year: 2025
- Terms: Cash, Submit
Disclosures and Reports
- Ownership: Fee (Simple)
- Special Conditions: None
- Legal Description: From Parcel:001010010 /Catalina Foothills Estates Swly Ptn Lot 56 & Swly Ptn Lot 124 & Strip Lyg Wly & Adj Lot 56 Histor
- Disclosures/Reports: Insurance Claims History Report, Seller Prop Disclosure
- APN: 108-15-057C
Listed by Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Sold by Tierra Antigua Realty
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Schools
Schools serving 2801 E Camino Norberto
School District:Catalina Foothills Unified District
| Name | Grades | Distance |
|---|---|---|
Manzanita School 3000 East Manzanita Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85718 | K-5 | 1.6 mi |
Orange Grove Middle School 1911 East Orange Grove Road, Tucson, AZ 85718 | 6-8 | 1.5 mi |
Catalina Foothills High School 4300 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718 | 9-12 | 1.7 mi |
Disclaimer:
School attendance boundaries provided by ATTOM Data Solutions and are for reference only. Contact the school directly to verify enrollment eligibility.
2801 E Camino Norberto, Tucson, AZ 85718 (MLS# 22605636) is a Single Family property that was sold at $2,850,000 on May 29, 2026. Want to learn more about 2801 E Camino Norberto? Do you have questions about finding other Single Family real estate for sale in North? You can browse all North real estate or contact a Coldwell Banker agent to request more information.

