When Dr. Luis Lu and his wife, Laura, decided to move to Arizona from the East Coast in the early 2010s to be closer to their adult children, they wanted a place that provided the same small-town serenity that they had found in their hometown in Pennsylvania.
“We searched carefully for a place that felt right,” the Lus recall.
Their house hunt brought them to Chandler and the growing community of Fulton Ranch.
“It felt peaceful, safe, and full of promise,” the couple note.
Built as a “community of communities” beginning in the early 2000s, Fulton Ranch is a luxury master-planned development in Chandler situated between Alma School Road and Arizona Avenue at Ocotillo and Chandler Heights roads. Despite being located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, the community’s defining characteristic is water. A 28-acre system of lakes, streams, and waterfalls winds through 520 acres of neighborhoods and gated subdivisions with names such as Shoreline, Aegean Cove, and Ocotillo Lakes.
In the center of it all, almost completely encircled by sparkling water, is a verdant oasis called The Island. This gated enclave features 64 of the most desirable homes in the region. Showcasing lush green lawns and classic Mission Revival-influenced architecture, the exclusive estates offer resort-style living coveted by house hunters across the Valley.
“Every time we came to the area, my husband would say, ‘Oh, I love the lakes. I want to purchase a home here,’” Mrs. Lu says. “At the time, there were maybe eight of the 64 lots built. They told us it would take one year to build, but that was impossible for us to do while being in Pennsylvania.”
In 2012, the couple were driving around The Island when they spied a Realtor coming out of a front door with a “for sale” sign. It was fate. The Lus later learned that Ira Fulton himself, founder of Fulton Homes and Fulton Ranch, designed and personally oversaw the development of the house for his best friend’s daughter. Fulton lived just a few doors down.
“We often saw Mr. Fulton sitting by the road, quietly looking at the home,” the Lus remember. “It was clear how special this place was to him—and that made it even more meaningful to us.”
They moved in in 2014.
Heavy arched wood entry doors open to a double-height sitting room. An oversized Cantera stone fireplace commands attention. It’s complemented by a massive custom tiered chandelier that glistens in the natural light streaming through a series of clerestory windows. A second living room behind the fireplace offers plenty of space for entertaining, family activities, and relaxing.
Both lead to a large open kitchen, complete with a center island. Dark wood cabinetry and golden granite bring old-world elegance to the space. Top-of-the-line Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, including double ovens and a 36-inch gas stovetop, are fit for a professional chef.
While the common spaces are impressive, the ground-floor owner's suite is where this house really shines. More than a bedroom, it’s an apartment-size retreat. Plush wall-to-wall carpeting designates the sleeping area, which is large enough for a king bed and multiple seating arrangements. French doors open to another large room that is ideal for a private TV room, an exercise or yoga room, or even a home office.
The space connects to the expansive en suite bathroom as well as the outdoor pool patio. The home’s old-world aesthetic continues in the en suite, which features his-and-hers sinks, a separate makeup vanity, and large his-and-hers closets. Polished travertine, golden granite, and dark wood cabinetry anchor the space. A smaller version of the living room Cantera stone fireplace is fronted by a freestanding soaking tub, for the ultimate in luxurious pampering.
A second ground-floor suite and two suites upstairs complete the sleeping arrangements.
Over the years, the Lus added their own personal touches to the home, upgrading many of its design elements, such as all-new lighting, custom millwork, and pre-framing space for a future wine closet, and even adding additional square footage. These enhancements are especially prominent outdoors, where the backyard has been transformed from nice to wow.
At the core of the yard, the large rectangular pool is flanked by date and sago palms, creating a tropical resort vibe. The Lus added an outdoor kitchen to the pergola, as well as a second guest casita. The new architecture mimics the home’s original design, allowing the addition to blend seamlessly and appear as though it has been there since day one.
“The space that I like the most is the backyard,” Dr. Lu says. “It looks like a resort, and it’s very, very private.”
Mrs. Lu adds, “My husband used to go swimming every day after work.”
Now, however, it’s time for the Lus to pass along their love of The Island to a new homeowner.
“I’ve always been impressed with Fulton Ranch,” Dr. Lu says. “It’s very quiet and there are nice areas where you can stroll around and enjoy the design. And everyone is smiling and saying hello. Fulton Ranch offered us not just a house, but a sense of belonging, continuity, and home.”
Realtor: Mindy Jones, Amy Jones Group
Staging: Talia Stennett, Spice Up Your Home
"Fulton Ranch offered us not just a house, but a sense of belonging, continuity, and home."—Dr. Luis and Laura Lu